Top 5 ancient destinations on the Adriatic
January 14, 2025
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January 14, 2025You’ve been planning your trip and vacation in Croatia for a long time, not imagining that bad weather might unexpectedly surprise you, and yet, on the very day you arrive, the rain decides to fall. It's understandable that a slight feeling of frustration might arise since you can't go to the beach and enjoy the sun. After all, you would never have thought rain would greet you, especially considering the Adriatic coast is known for having the highest number of sunny days per year. However, there’s no need to despair because there are plenty of activities that allow you to experience Croatia firsthand and fill the time until your next beach outing when the weather clears up.
The Adriatic coast is often described as the "land of sun and sea" due to its many sunny days, which is true and well-deserved. However, this characterization of the Adriatic as a tourist destination somewhat unfairly neglects its other attributes, such as its rich history, cultural heritage, art, and more. Of course, visiting Croatia in the summer implies relaxation on one of its many beaches, but to achieve a complete experience, it would be worthwhile to dedicate some time to additional activities that showcase another side of this beautiful country.
Don't worry—rain during the summer months is more of an exception than a common occurrence. Still, if you find yourself in such a situation, we’ve prepared a list of activities to ensure the rain doesn’t ruin your day.
Visit historically important architectural landmarks
When visiting one of the cities along the Adriatic coast, you’ll immediately notice their unique, intriguing, and colorful appearance. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering that constructions in the area date back to ancient times. Over the centuries, Croatia's coastal region has been influenced by various rulers, including Austria, France, Italy, and Turkey, leaving their mark on the architecture and layout of these cities. Nowhere else in the world can you find architectural styles from multiple periods, such as Antiquity, Renaissance, and Gothic, all with origins in different countries.
On the list of cities to explore on a rainy day is undoubtedly Dubrovnik. This city, once an independent republic, boasts an old town rich with buildings designed in Renaissance, Gothic, and predominantly Baroque styles. The first thing you’ll notice are the city walls, which historically served as the first line of defense against enemy fleets. If you can’t visit the beach that day, it’s worth stopping by the nearby cathedrals, as entry is often free. One particularly fascinating architectural site is the Dubrovnik Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
According to some historical sources, the cathedral was built between the 6th and 7th centuries and has undergone numerous changes over time, making it architecturally captivating and highly attractive to tourists. Originally constructed in the Byzantine style, the cathedral has incorporated techniques from various architectural styles during restoration processes.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Dubrovnik’s architecture this summer, and find your accommodation in Dubrovnik on Adriatic.hr.
If you enjoy exploring architectural wonders of other cultures, Split is a must-visit. Who could overlook the residence of Emperor Diocletian, which eventually evolved into the great city we know today? The Diocletian’s Palace is one of the best-preserved remnants of the Roman Empire and is hailed as having the most beautiful old town core in the world. Due to its unique construction style, characterized by narrow streets that make you wander and circle back to the same place, it’s perfect for a rainy day visit. Within the palace, you’ll find numerous museums dedicated to Roman culture, Split’s history, and art. There are even underground sections of the palace housing souvenir shops, offering both shelter from the bad weather and an opportunity for shopping.
Spend your summer in Split like an emperor, and find your imperial accommodation in Split on Adriatic.hr.
What if larger cities aren’t your ideal destinations, and you prefer smaller towns? In that case, a visit to Trogir is highly recommended. The entire old town of this small city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it’s not built on water, it serves as a great alternative to Venice due to its numerous Renaissance and Baroque buildings constructed during the Venetian Republic’s rule. While the city is smaller, you might still find it challenging to visit all the landmarks. However, make the Kamerlengo Tower, built in the 15th century, your priority. Not only is it architecturally unique, but it also hosts open-air theater performances, making it worth returning to on a sunny day. Other notable landmarks include the Cathedral of St. Lawrence from the 16th century and the Benedictine Monastery and Church of St. Nicholas, dating back to the 11th century.
If you’ve planned to explore the historical beauty of Trogir, don’t miss out on the rich selection of accommodations.
One of the smaller towns often overlooked but worth discovering during your journey along the Adriatic coast is Senj. Built in the Middle Ages on the foundations of ancient Senia, Senj is filled with buildings constructed during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, offering a glimpse of newer architectural styles. As one of the most important ports of its time, you’ll see structures that once served as imperial warehouses. One standout feature visible even before entering the city is the Fortress Nehaj, built in the 16th century.
Visit museums and learn about the history of Croatia
Are you passionate about history, nature, local customs and culture, or art? For each of these categories, you can find a suitable museum, providing a perfect way to fill your schedule on a rainy day. Every coastal town boasts at least one museum, which is unsurprising given the historical and cultural richness of the area.
To make a rainy day interesting and unique, consider visiting the Museum of Illusions, located in Zadar. With numerous installations designed to “bend your perspective,” this museum offers an interactive and different experience, unlike the usual silent walk-through of traditional exhibits.
A space where you can attend a small concert or lecture while exploring various archaeological objects is the Museum of Sacred Hearts in Pula. This museum is housed in a former church, named after the nuns who once served there. After World War II, the nuns left, and the abandoned church was transformed into an archaeological museum. The modern and unique space showcases artifacts dating back to prehistoric times.
One of the most intriguing museum experiences awaits on the island of Rab. The island’s most famous delicacy, the Rab Cake, even has its own museum. This nationally renowned treat is prepared in front of visitors, offering an interactive and delightful experience. While you’re there, you can also taste this dessert, along with savory specialties and a glass of wine. The tour includes learning about the tools traditionally used in food production. Learning while enjoying bites of local cuisine is the perfect recipe for making the most of a rainy day.
Push your limits in Escape room challenges
The grayness of a rainy day can have certain advantages, even though you might think otherwise. For instance, it can spark creativity.
How?
To start, the range of activities during rainy weather is limited, so you'll need to come up with something creative to fill the time—especially if you want to make the most of it. One increasingly popular tourist activity involves spaces where you can solve mysteries and tasks either solo or in teams, known as escape rooms. Depending on the theme (detective, mystery, or others), you'll face a challenge to solve within a set timeframe. This type of activity is ideal as it’s indoors and offers a great opportunity for fun or even team-building if you’re vacationing with a larger group.
Zagreb boasts a wide range of escape room activities, but if you’re vacationing with children on the Adriatic coast and looking for something challenging and entertaining, you shouldn't miss the detective-themed Escape Room in Split, which is perfect for family bonding.
Cinema and theater as an ideal choice for rain
Bad weather usually means just one thing—spending time on the couch watching a movie or your favorite series. But if you're already on vacation, why not enjoy the full experience with a movie and some snacks? As you might guess, going to the cinema is one option where you can combine your favorite "rainy day" activity with exploring the place you're visiting. Most cities along the Adriatic coast are equipped with modern cinema complexes showing the latest film releases, offering a perfect way to spend time with your loved ones.
For those seeking something more than just a movie, visiting the theater is highly recommended. The rich repertoire includes ballet, opera, and drama performances. A city where you could indulge in this type of art is Šibenik, which, in addition to several modern cinemas, also has a theater whose program can satisfy even the most demanding visitors.
Take advantage of the time for shopping.
No trip is complete without buying at least one souvenir, whether as a keepsake of the place you visited or as a gift for loved ones. That's why this time could be the perfect opportunity to combine "business with pleasure." With the rain giving you a reason to shop earlier, you’ll leave more time for enjoying summer delights. Locations along the Adriatic are filled with stores offering everything you can imagine, from globally recognized brands to shops selling handmade, authentic products that can make the perfect gift for your loved ones. One destination where you can literally find everything you need—luxury items, handcrafted souvenirs, and other local products—is Opatija. If you're a food lover, make sure to add the local market to your list, where you can find fresh, homegrown food and ingredients. Best of all, everything is concentrated in the city center, so you don’t have to travel far.
Going to the best restaurants and bars
If you’re not inclined to visit museums, even those that offer food, local restaurants, bars, and pubs are a reliable option to save you from bad weather. Thanks to the coffee-drinking culture and the tradition of spending hours in cafés, for which the Adriatic coast is renowned, you won't have much trouble finding a spot. Interestingly, this culture of savoring beverages and food led Starbucks to abandon plans for opening outlets here, as coffee is rarely consumed on the go.
Additionally, the narrow streets often hide tucked-away bars where you can peacefully read a book or watch a movie on your smartphone. While the Adriatic is famous as a wine region, you can also find numerous pubs that, aside from hosting trivia quizzes, screening matches, and other events, offer programs where you can learn how local craft beer is made.
Although the chances of being greeted by rain in the middle of summer and having your plans disrupted are very slim, it’s always good to have alternative options in mind to make the most of your time and ensure no precious minutes of your vacation are wasted.
