Croatia's cities for perfect holidays: Sibenik and Zadar

<p> One of the town treasures of Sibenik is the medieval Mediterranean garden of the monastery of St Lawrence. The delightful garden is laid out on a rectangular terrace, surrounded by stone walls and features old-fashioned fragrant roses, decorative thyme, crossed paths and a quaint fountain in the middle. There is a collection of medicinal and seasonal herbs, plus capers planted in the holes of the walls - it is said that capers were brought to Sibenik by the great sculptor Juraj Dalmatinac. Relax in the cafe on the garden patio and visit on a summer's evening when traditional food and drink is served by staff in costume.</p>

<p> Overlooking the town from the north is the towering castle St Anne's, which dates back to the 12th century and is a must-visit if you want to see some of the best views in Sibenik. It might not be the most beautiful castle in the world but if you climb to the top of the fortress, you can see unrivalled views of the town, the River Krka and the sea - well worth the hike up.</p>

<p> As far as religious buildings go, the Cathedral of St James in Sibenik is pretty impressive and one of the town's most famous landmarks. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 15th and 16th centuries and is the most important Renaissance architectural monument in Croatia. The cathedral is characterised by its dome, three apses and for being built entirely of stone. The frieze is decorated with 71 sculptured faces of men, women and children illustrating a beautiful fusion of Gothic and Renaissance art. Don't miss the beautiful baptistery and the endearing statues of Adam and Eve.</p>

<p> Set under a canopy of trees with a pretty terrace for lunching, the restaurant Tinel is a great spot for tasting Adriatic specialities and the local food of Sibenik. The restaurant specialises in fish, with lamb and baked dishes also available. If you like dessert, ask for the tiramisu, which is homemade and tastes delicous! There are also a wide range of local wines available from Tinel's cellar. The perfect spot for a lazy lunch!</p>

<p> With crystal clear sea and a rocky coastline, Sibenik is a great place to take to the water. Stay at the <a href="http://www.solarishotelsresort.com/" target="_blank">Solaris Beach Resort</a>, which has its own sandy beach with sun loungers and parasols - perfect for a day of relaxing by the sea when you're tired of sightseeing. There are various hotels at the resort, plus camping and villas for you to choose from. Like water sports? Try the beach canoes, windsurfing, diving and jet skiing at Solaris.</p>

<p> Just an hour from Sibenik lies the city of Zadar - a centre for art, culture and creativity. Here you'll find a mixture of contemporary and historical sights, bustling nightlife and plenty of entertainment. Expect to see traffic-free marble streets, Roman ruins and medieval churches in the old town.</p>

<p> Once the main entrance to the city of Zadar, the Land Gate is one of the finest monuments of the Renaissance in Dalmatia and features a Venetian lion over its arch. Located in the tiny Fosa harbour, the gate was built by Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli in 1543 and has the form of a triumphal arch with a centre passage for vehicles and two small side arches for pedestrians. Motifs like Zadar&rsquo;s main patron saint St Chrysogonus on his horse and the Shield of St. Mark, the coat of arms of the Republic of Venice, were used to decorate the gate.</p>

<p> There's nothing we love more than cafe culture! Take the weight off your feet and stop for a bila kava (white coffee) in Zadar's old town where you can spend the afternoon people watching and taking in Zadar's relaxed way of life. Do it at the unique Cafe Lovre in Nadrodni Trg (People's Square), which has a former church as its interior. You'll want to have a peek at this quirky feature, but with the colourful and attractive square outside you might want to take your coffee outside. The most interesting attractions in People's Square are the City Sentinel with its late Renaissance style and large central clock tower, the City Lodge, which was once the city's courthouse, council chambers and library, and the Romanesque Ghirardini Palace with its beautiful 15th century balcony.</p>

<p> Ever heard of a sea organ? Located close to the cruiser port of Zadar is the city's Sea Organ, which consists of several stairs that descend into the sea and play music when the waves crash into holes in the stairs and push the air through. You can hear the organ playing from the old town, which was designed by architect Nikola Basic as a place of relaxation, contemplation and conversation while listening to the mystic harmonies of an 'orchestra of nature'. A few steps away is The Greeting to the Sun, made by the same architect and consists of 300 multi-layered glass plates placed in a circle with solar modules, communicating nature with light. The Greeting of the Sun creates an exceptional light display and illuminates the waterfront at night - a must-see when it gets dark.</p>

<p> One of the best things to see in Zadar is the open-air display of Roman ruins that make up the Roman Forum where all public life once took place. It is one of the best preserved Roman Forums that exist and is a popular spot for locals to stroll and sit among the ruins on a summer's day. More architectual wonders in Zadar include the Church of St Donat, built in the 9th century as a marvellous example of Byzantine design, Zadar's main cathedral the St Anastasia Cathedral with its wonderful organ and Arsenal, a converted 17th century Venetian warehouse where concerts, exhibitions and social events take place in the city.</p>

<p> Looking for a trendy spot to have dinner in Zadar? Head to Bruschetta where you can sample delicious, homemade Mediterranean dishes in a sociable setting. From Dalmatian steak to Adriatic sea trout, there's an extensive menu with the emphasis on local ingredients from the Zadar region, plus there's a variety of wines to try. With reasonably priced food, an wide range of dishes for vegetarians and its location close to the coast, Bruschetta's a top place to eat in the city. Plus, you might spot local celebrity and footballer Luka Modric dining there - we did!</p>

<p> The historic town of Sibenik is situated in central Dalmatia and known for its scenic beauty and array of cultural landmarks. It sits at the mouth of the River Krka with sloping hills from which a fortress rises and is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic coast, first mentioned in the 11th century. Tall stone houses, winding streets and ruins characterise the town with its unique landscape and architecture.</p>