Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.

Rovinj is located in Istria, a region bordering Slovenia. This becomes apparent as you walk through its old cobblestoned town. There are many monuments of Venetian influence here. If you study the Balbi arch, you will see the winged lion, symbol of Venice. The bell-tower erected beside Saint Euphemia Cathedral was designed like the bell of Saint Mark in Venice. From the top of the tower, you can scan the entire historical district. To absorb its quaint atmosphere, take a walk in the ochre and sepia-coloured streets leading to bustling squares and terraces shaded by canvas awnings.

Located south of Sibenik, Primosten is a picturesque village on the Dalmatian Coast, whose charm is distilled, via its narrow streets, through pretty stone houses and an architectural heritage influenced by the Venetian Republic. Built on a rocky peninsula, the historic city was connected to land by a mobile bridge from which it earned its name in the 16th century: in Croatian, primostiti means “to bridge”. The high point of the village, the Church of St. George watches over the stunning bay enveloped in crystal-clear waters while, to the north of the peninsula, the charming beach of Raduca reveals itself between the skies and the pine forest. Further on, the vines of the renowned babić varietal, protected from erosion by low stone walls, complete this idyllic setting.

On the Dalmatian coast, the town of Split offers cultural visits in a seaside atmosphere. Close to the seafront shaded by palm trees, the historical centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a unique building: the Diocletian’s Palace. Here you will explore its galleries, courtyards with carved columns, as well as a former mausoleum converted into a church, namely Saint Domnius Cathedral. If you get peckish, stop off at a terrace in the Pjaca, the main square in the old town, where you can try a palacinka, a kind of pancake topped with melted cheese.

Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you by its traditions that have not changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the north-west coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks.  From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers. 

Bol is a destination in the Dalmatian archipelago, best kept secret. This picturesque village is located on the southern coast of Brac Island. Its traditional architecture has unbelievable charm: little houses with white facades and red tiled roofs provide the perfect setting for laid-back meanders. Beyond the port, the waterfront promenade leads onto the beaches which are shaded by pines and cypresses. The most famous of them is Zlatni Rat, “the golden horn”. From the belvedere on Vidova Gora mountain, you can see its unusual contours and get an eyeful of the other Adriatic islands.

Viewed from above, the Brijuni archipelago forms rounded shapes in dazzling colours against the blue hues of the Adriatic. This group of 14 Istrian islands has been inhabited by man since the Bronze Age, thanks to its mild climate and favourable geographical position. The architectural heritage of these islands is very significant, since Roman ruins from the 1st century BC can be found here. Vestiges from the Byzantine and Venetian periods round off this deep-dive into the past which continues right up to the 19th century with the arrival of the Austrian industrialist Paul Kupelwieser. By purchasing Veliki Brijun, the largest island in the group, he actively contributed to the reputation of the archipelago among the Austro-Hungarian aristocrats of the Belle Époque. Later on, great political leaders such as Marshal Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia, would mingle here with the great writers of the time, including James Joyce or Thomas Mann. The islands were granted national park status in 1983, for their natural beauty and their biodiversity. Discover this unique corner of paradise on a bike or in a kayak, via land or from the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean.

The Pearl of the Adriatic, lying at the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula is undoubtedly the most Roman of all Croatian towns. Some of the greatest pages in history were written here, as the breathtaking ancient remains testify. Take your pick exploring the amphitheatre, the Twin Gates, the Gate of Hercule and the triumphal Arch of the Sergii. Stroll through the busy lanes in the old town, enjoying the warm welcome of the locals, and perhaps you will be tempted to try the famous Kvarner scampi or Istrian ham.

On the Slovenian coast, the picturesque town of Piran stands on a tongue of land bathed by the Adriatic. Its old town, girded by fortifications, provides a medieval atmosphere embossed with Venetian nuances. From Tartini square, you can explore a whole interweave of mysterious streets located on the hillside, leading you to Saint George’s church, built on a hillock overlooking the shoreline. After admiring the view, don’t miss a good look at the nave, and its rich decorations of frescoes and panelling. You will also see that the tower built behind the church reproduces the famous bell-tower of Saint Mark’s square. During your peregrinations, make sure you try a borek, a sort of pasty which can be sweet or savory, filled with meat or fruit.

Proud and eternal, Venice has reigned on its lagoon ever since the 6th century. You may think you know this city before even setting foot here. You will inevitably fall in love with the charm of the innumerable treasures of the Serenissima: Saint Mark’s square, the basilica, Doges palace, the Grand Canal and the gondolas. Yet, secret Venice is also waiting for you to explore its little interlacing streets and canals, to ramble through its squares and to push open the doors of its churches. The city’s extraordinary heritage shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a glass of Spritz and a few tramezzini.