Top Reasons to Go to Northern Dalmatia

Splendid churches: From the Crkva sv. Donata, Croatia's most monumental surviving early Byzantine church, to Katedrala sv. Stošije, Dalmatia's largest basilica, ecclesiastical marvels abound.

Natural wonders: The barren but beautiful Kornati Islands, Telaščica Nature Park, and the Zadar archipelago are ripe for exploration, as is Pag Island to the north.

Ocean music: Comprising 35 pipes under the quay, Zadar's incredible Sea Organ yields a never-ending concert that delights listeners with the music of the sea itself.

Rocky coasts: With its extraordinary karst features towering over the sea at the southern end of the Velebit range, Paklenica National Park is easily accessible from Zadar.

Gentle beaches: North of Zadar—around Nin and, farther afield, on Pag Island—are some of Croatia's sandiest, and shallowest, beaches.