THIS EUROPEAN DESTINATION HAS STUNNING NATIONAL PARKS, BEACHES WITH GIN-CLEAR WATERS, AND HUNDREDS OF ISLANDS

Croatia is easier for American travelers to get to thanks to a new United flight route.

Gin-clear seas that sparkle under the Adriatic sun; Michelin-starred dining tucked away in tiny towns; frozen-in-time islands where things are still done the old-world way: There are countless reasons to love Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. But perhaps the best part is that, though it has several buzzy cities that see millions of visitors each year, it’s still remarkably easy to escape the crowds on the country’s thousands of nautical miles of coastline and hundreds of islands. Now, thanks to a new flight route from United, it’s easier than ever for Americans to explore all this region has to offer—just in time for summer. 

I took United’s inaugural flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Croatia’s Split Airport (SPU) on April 30. The new flight route—the only direct flight connecting Split, Croatia, and the U.S.—will operate seasonally, with three flights a week. Split is a worthwhile destination in its own right, with thousands of years of history and a charming old town, home to famed sights like UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace and the Riva, a tree-lined waterfront promenade. But thanks to this new flight route, Split is also a natural first stop for travelers planning a road trip or to island-hop along the coast. And with a number of new hotels and experiences, there’s never been a better time to visit this European coastline. 

Split 

The second-largest city in Croatia and the largest on its coast, Split has witnessed millennia of European history. Founded as a Greek colony over two thousand years ago, the city then became the home of Roman Emperor Diocletian, who built the 322,900-square-foot palace that now makes up the heart of the old town. Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Croatian, French, Austrian, Yugoslavian—the city has been ruled by many powers throughout its history, now visible in its diverse architecture and distinct culture. It's an ideal starting point for exploring nearby islands like Hvar and Vis by ferry, or road tripping the coast.

Of course, Dubrovnik, the famous walled city to the south, is also worth visiting. Seasonal direct flights between Dubrovnik and Newark, also on United, make a Croatian road trip between Split and Dubrovnik a great option, with plenty of national parks, coastal towns, and charming islands along the way. If you want to enjoy the drive without actually navigating the Croatian roads on your own, car services like Daytrip allow you to book rides with scenic stops along the route. 

Zadar 

About two hours from Split by car, Zadar is Croatia’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Ancient Roman ruins sit alongside medieval churches and buildings rebuilt during the Yugoslavian era after a majority of the city’s buildings were destroyed when bombed by the Allies during World War II. The city was also greatly impacted by the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s. A guided tour in Zadar is a fantastic way to fully understand the city’s long, complex history.

Beyond the historic sights, the city claims to have one of the best sunsets in the world, reportedly named so by Alfred Hitchcock when he was staying in Zadar in the 1960s. The Sea Organ, a permanent sound art installation that uses the crashing of the waves to create soothing musical tones, is one of the most popular places to watch the sunset (we even watched a couple get engaged here as the sun sank into the horizon). Just a few steps away, the Greeting to the Sun is another artistic monument that uses solar panels to generate a nightly light show.

After sunset, a taste of Dalmatian cuisine is a must at Kornat (for traditional presentations of fresh seafood and other local staples) or Labrax Fish and Wine Bar (for an innovative approach and outdoor seating that spills onto a square). 

The Hyatt Regency Zadar opened in 2025, transforming a historic Maraska cherry liquor factory into the city’s finest hotel. The property has elegant rooms offering Adriatic views, a gorgeous spa, and Fenix, a beautifully designed restaurant with a menu featuring a delicious mix of Asian and South American influences. 

Ugljan 

Just off the coast of Zadar—under 30 minutes by ferry—Ugljan is a 14-mile-long island of small seaside towns, olive groves, and a place where water temperatures reach a balmy 76.3°F in the summer. The recently opened Hotel Preko, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, sits in the island's main town and makes an overnight stay easy. Rent a bike or a car to actually see the entire island and get a taste of Croatian life.

Town promenades are dotted with ladders and stairs leading directly into the pristine waters, small villages hold thousands of years of history, and locally produced goods like dried figs and olive oil simply taste better here. Visiting the mostly ruined St. Michael's Fortress on the island’s highest point provides sweeping views of Ugljan and the surrounding Adriatic.

Šibenik

Tucked along the coast between Zadar and Split, Šibenik was perhaps the greatest surprise of my trip. While not completely under-the-radar, the medieval city is far less-visited than the likes of Split and Dubrovnik, but it offers the same historic charm and access to nearby islands. Winding, narrow, car-free streets lead to towering fortresses, cafe-filled squares, and stone cathedrals that rival the beauty of Europe’s busier tourist hotspots. Even on a day when a small Viking cruise ship was in port (larger ships cannot come into Šibenik), it felt blissfully uncrowded. The town’s food scene is also impressive for its small size. Pelegrini, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant across the square from the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James, serves a tasting menu that offers a modern, elevated take on traditional Dalmatian cuisine. Think: lots of fresh squid, fish, produce, and olive oil, served with incredible local wines by knowledgeable and warm staff who have trained at some of the world’s best restaurants.

Il Palazzo Galbiani is a stellar stop for sunset drinks and dinner on its rooftop terrace, and Bronzin for a tasty meal on the waterfront promenade. Armerun Heritage Hotel & Residences, one of the town’s best properties, is located just a short walk from Šibenik’s top sights and restaurants, right next to Bronzin.

Šibenik is also a great home base for exploring two of Croatia’s best national parks: Krka National Park, known for its scenic river and waterfalls, and Kornati National Park, made up of over 80 picturesque islands and islets. And naturally, like many other coastal Croatian towns on the mainland, Šibenik can be an ideal jumping-off point for nearby island hopping. A day trip can take you to the UNESCO-listed St. Nicholas’ Fortress; the small island of Zlarin, once known for harvesting red coral, now home to the informative Croatian Coral Center Zlarin; or Krapanj, known for its sea sponge industry, which you can learn more about in the Diving Museum. 

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2026-06-01T14:18:18Z