March 27, 2022 - Looking to travel around Croatia quickly, at an affordable price, and with spectacular views? Meet the Croatian internal flights they don't tell you about. 

The Croatian motorways are excellent. Expensive, but excellent. 

And with so many projects on the TCN plate at the moment, from Dubrovnik to Osijek, travelling between destinations can be not only expensive, but time-consuming. 

Earlier this month, I had a long trip starting in Zagreb, which took in Split, Dubrovnik, Tivat, Tirana, Dubrovnik, Osijek, and back to Zagreb. As my car was in the garage, and with fuel prices rising due to the Ukraine conflict, I decided to use public transport for the journey, which was fine in theory, but how was I going to get from Dubrovnik to Osijek? Even if I had my car, Google told me that I had a tortuous 8-hour drive through the poor roads and eager traffic police of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

"Why don't you fly?" a friend asked. "No, not with Croatia Airlines, but check out the amazing service of Trade Air."

Trade Air. A Croatian airline based in Osijek, but which does much of its business outside of Croatia. I was aware from blogging over the years that they had some curious routes all over Croatia, but I had never considered them before. I decided to take a look. 

The routes, part of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) tender, seemed to have been prepared especially for me. Apart from the handy connections (the Dubrovnik to Osijek flight was a little circuitous, but it was less than 3.5 hours door to door), I had never come across anyone who had actually flown these routes before, apart from one aviation geek friend who told me that the Zagreb to Osijek route is legendary among the aviation community as being fairly pointless, with little take up - an expensive subsidy. 

Wait, there is a flight from Zagreb to Osijek, which is only 2.5 hours away by car, 3 hours by bus? Not only a flight, but a flight twice a day three times a week. And with a ticket price of just 30 euro one way, rather a cheap deal indeed. As I had one overnight stay in Osijek, I booked the 06:30 flight the next day - I would be in central Zagreb for 08:00 and ready for a new business day. 

But first, I had to get to Osijek from Dubrovnik. As part of its PSO mandate, Trade Air covers different routes through the working week, connecting Dubrovnik, Split, Pula, Rijeka, Osijek and Zagreb with its 19-seater plane. As luck would have it, on my day of travel, the Dubrovnik flight to Osijek was making quick stops at Split and Rijeka Airports (on the island of Krk). When I compared the price of the ticket (450 kuna) to the cost of fuel, tolls, time, and frustration had I gone by road, it looked a bargain indeed. And that was without the views.

So how was it?

I was curious to see how many people would be on the flight. 10 passengers from Dubrovnik to Split, plus flight attendant - more than half-full in mid-March.  

In many ways, the flight took me back to the era of the Croatian seaplanes of 2014-6 - a small plane hugging the idyllic Croatian coastline, flying low, and affording the very best bird's eye views out there. Having enjoyed Mljet (see lead photo), passing over Croatia's most iconic beach at Zlatni Rat in Bol on the island of Brac, while waving to my mother-in-law in Jelsa across the water on Hvar. 

We left Dubrovnik on time at 13:20, and after 30 gorgeous sun-kissed minutes of island gazing, a gentle approach to Split Airport in the March sun. 

A stop for 30 minutes to refuel and pick up extra passengers - 14 on the short flight north to Rijeka. 

And, rather than looking at more perfect islands, I took my seat on the other side of the plane for this leg, and was rewarded with the fabulous combination of sun, sea, snow.  

As well as plenty of time to reflect on the vast emptiness of this beautiful country. So much of it completely untouched.  

And if you do have island viewing FOMO on the right side of the plane, simply look left.  

One of the joys of the flight is flying low over the islands, so that you can pick out individual idyllic spots, such as this one with one small house having the bay to itself on Vela Luka on the island of Krk.  Croatia has more than a thousand islands, each unique in its own way, and there are few better ways to get an overview than this flight. 

Some island hopping, as we landed at Rijeka Airport. Time check 15:15. 

A 30-minute stopover on Krk, enough time to check out some of the interesting planes which have taken up permanent residence close to the runway. Anyone know the story of this baby? Please contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Rijeka plane.

Airborne again, this time heading east, with 9 passengers for the final leg to Osijek. Slavonia, my Slavonia. Once the breadbasket of the region. Could it be again? SO much land, so much potential. 

Having started at the newly developed Dubrovnik Airport terminal, followed by a stop in fashionablee Split. arrival at Osijek Airport was a reminder of where eastern Croatia lies in the government's list of priorities.  So much potential out east, so much magic, but so little interest or meaningful investment from Zagreb. 

Arrival time 16:55, a few minutes early. One of the few flights of the day, and the airport was largely deserted. But as for the passenger experience and price, more than 10 out of 10, thanks to Trade Air and the Croatian taxpayer. The PSO service is an excellent initiative and vital link for communities (even more so with Jadrolinija connecting islands by ferry), with one major exception, as I was about to find out the following morning.  

The Zagreb to Osijek flight. With the Slavonian capital starved of connectivity anywhere (one international route to Munich starting in May), and with the allocated funds which could be used to support other, more useful routes (Osijek to Dubrovnik perhaps, allowing for locals to explore their own country, visit relatives, and do business), the final leg of my 10-day trip made no sense whatsoever. 

Just four people on the flight. How many are normally on it, I asked the Osijek ground crew? They smiled. Sometimes 2, something 3, almost never more than 5. Twice a day, 3 times a week. Yes it is a pointless route, they smiled, shrugging their shoulders. For 7 years now, apparently. And at what cost?

A little Googling got me to this paragraph, highlighting how insane the route is in an otherwise laudable PSO initiative:

The value of the new PSO contracts has not been disclosed. Under the previous deal, Croatia Airlines received 11.4 million euros in annual compensation for the domestic services. The largest amount, 4.2 million euros per year, went towards maintaining flights between Split and Zagreb, where the airline was remunerated some 22 euros per passenger carried, although the largest compensation per traveller was on the Zagreb – Pula - Zadar service, totalling 177 euros. The value of Trade Air's PSO contracts amounted to 2.5 million euros per year. The largest share of the subsidies went towards the upkeep of the Osijek - Zagreb service (1.3 million euros per year), where the airline was compensated approximately 599 euros per passenger.

I checked with some airline sources, who told me that these numbers were not accurate for the latest PSO contracts (as the website said, the amounts for the latest PSO contact were not disclosed). But the numbers were an indicator of the situation. An unnecessary waste of money on an unnecessary route, with so many more useful and deserving routes either underutlised or not existing. 

As I arrived at Osijek Aiport at 05:45 for the flight with just 4 passengers, the cafe was open, as was the souvenir shop. How many flights are there from Osijek today, I asked. Just two, inlcuding this one. The cafe went unvisited, the souvenir shop ignored. Total ticket sales mustered just 120 euro. 

I am sure somebody, somewhere knows why we have this flight for over 7 years now. And maybe one day, someone in authority will question its use and see how to better spend the money to serve Osijek.

But in the meantime, kudos to Trade Air for operating such an efficient and punctual service. It is one I shall be using again. If you want to check out the Trade Air daily timetable and ticket prices, visit the official website. 

To learn more about Osijek, check out the Total Croatia Osijek in a Page.

March 25, 2022 - Does it look like your summer will involve staying in Zagreb, whether it’s due to work or a tight budget? Well, we've got you covered with our Zagreb summer guide covering a range of fun yet affordable activities, including a number of free festivals in the town. 

An option that is both cheap and relaxing is to visit one of the town’s major parks such as Jarun or Bundek. Both have spacious grassy areas in both sun and shade, perfect for outdoor picnics, in addition to long tracks for running, rollerblading, or biking, as well as a skate park. There’s also the pebbly beach and the nearby cafes at Jarun, which give an almost seaside feel. Just bring your snacks and drinks, your bike or skates, and some company, and you're all set. And at Bundek, you can catch the Pop Up Summer Garden from mid-August to September, featuring creative art and floral installations paired with live music performances, cocktails, and gourmet food. There’s also one in the Tuškanac forest, for those closer to there. 

If you're based in the town centre and are after something more local, look no further than the upper town area. The Strossmayer promenade has its free, annual Ljeto na Strossu (Summer on Stross) festival, starting in early June. It features a diverse range of outdoor events, from concerts to al-fresco bars, to market stalls and some more unusual happenings - check out the best mongrel-dog show. 

Just nearby, there’s Ljetno kino Gradec, the open summer cinema at the Gradec plateau, showing regular screenings of both new and classic movies, complete with a stunning setup of outdoor lights. Reservations must be made beforehand, and prices range from 20kn per seat to 80kn per table for 4 people, which is overall pretty affordable depending on how often and with how many people you plan to go. 

Also at Gradec, there is the Baš Naš Gourmet & Music festival. Usually, in mid-June, this free festival brings a great summer rooftop bar atmosphere, with its outdoor concerts and DJ sets at a stage located at the highest point in Zagreb, adorned with colourful umbrellas and lamps, chill zones, and a garden oasis. You’ll spend your time admiring this colourful, summery view as you enjoy top-quality cocktails and the best local gourmet food Zagreb has to offer.

And while you’re in the upper town, check out the Art Park located just under Strossmayer, next to the bottom station of the Zagreb Funicular. All year round it is considered an outdoor street art gallery and a popular “hangout” spot, with a great atmosphere and a view overlooking the Zagreb town centre. During the summer, it is as their social page describes, a “city park turned into a magic chill spot for art lovers”. In 2019, ground-breaking art collective Pimp my Pump teamed up with street art studio Lapo Lapo and brought the Art Park project to the larger Ribnjak park (located east of the Zagreb cathedral), resulting in an open space for workshops, movie screenings, outdoor concerts, ping pong tournaments, drawing sessions, yoga classes and more. Entry is free and the park is open every day, throughout both the summer season and the whole year. Moreover, it is a child- and dog-friendly space, so bring over the whole family, as there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, 24 March 2022 - The national flag carrier Croatia Airlines (CA) and the Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ) will collaborate during the summer flight timetable and promote Zagreb's tourist attractions on 15 international flights, a press conference heard on Thursday.

The summer flight timetable starts on 27 March and lasts until the end of October and CA will be connected with Barcelona, Amsterdam, Athens, Vienna, Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, London, Munich, Paris, Rome, Sarajevo, Skopje and Zurich.

The director of CA's commercial operations, Slaven Žabo, said that the summer timetable was expected to strongly contribute to developing Zagreb as a destination.

TZGZ director Martina Bienenfeld said that CA is the tourist board's strategic partner, which is logical because more than 50% of visitors to Zagreb arrive by plane while 30% come by car and the rest by other transport means.

The president of CA's management board, Jasmin Bajić, too, was pleased with the cooperation with TZGZ. Bajić expressed his gratitude for the cooperation and hope that the pandemic would be over soon.

"We hope the situation in Ukraine will not disrupt our plans. Over the past two pandemic years, CA continued to fly. We didn't stop. In 2021 we generated 70% of the 2019 turnover. This year that could be even higher because on some days during the summer we have up to 100 flights a day. Nevertheless, going back to the turnover of 2019... is not expected before the end of 2023 and before 2024," said Bajić.

He said that CA will fly with 12 planes during the 2022 summer season, the same as last year but two fewer than in 2019. Croatia will be connected with 21 international destinations with about 16,000 flights and just over 1.76 million seats.

Travel and destinations: For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 23, 2022 - The latest on flights to Croatia as the British Airways Zagreb line is boosted for the summer, and Air France adds two daily flights to Zagreb in the peak summer season. 

With the start of the summer flight schedule, British Airways is increasing the number of rotations on the regular line between London and Zagreb, reports Croatian Aviation. 

British Airways has renewed its route to Zagreb with a relatively modest number of weekly operations. Still, with the start of the summer flight schedule, there will be a positive shift in increasing the number of weekly operations between London and Zagreb.

The number of weekly rotations will gradually increase, with five flights announced this week and 8 return flights available next week.

From April 4 to 10, British Airways will operate between the two airports 10 times a week, daily, with two daily flights available on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays.

The number of operations will continue to increase. As of mid-April, 13 rotations per week are currently announced, the number corresponding to the British Airways winter flight schedule in 2019, before the pandemic. Two flights a day are planned, every day of the week except Saturday.

There are 49 British Airways return flights in April between the two cities. A320 aircraft with 180 seats have been announced for the flights, offering more than 17,500 seats in one month.

Furthermore, Croatian Aviation reports that French national airline Air France, a member of the SkyTeam alliance, has revised its summer flight schedule and offers two daily flights to Zagreb in the peak summer season. 

Although Air France announced a second daily flight between Paris and Zagreb before the pandemic, the plan did not materialize due to a sharp drop in demand and lockdown across Europe. Thus, instead of this airline, the second daily flight was introduced by partner KLM, and now the same is announced by Air France.

Namely, from the beginning of the summer flight schedule, Air France will continue to operate daily between Paris and Zagreb, and in the peak summer season, from July 9, the second daily flight was announced.

Namely, two daily flights are currently announced in July, except on Wednesdays when Air France will have one daily flight, while in August, two daily flights are available for booking every day of the week.

In addition, Croatia Airlines continues to operate between Paris and Zagreb, so a total of three daily flights will be available between these two airports during the peak summer season, or 21 flights a week!

For more on flights to Croatia and other travel announcements, check out our dedicated travel section.

21 March 2022 - On the occasion of International Forest Day, Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević on Monday took part in a reforestation drive in the city's Maksimir Park, saying that the city administration wanted to increase the number of trees in the city's parks by 20%.

"This year we have stepped our efforts compared to last year and I believe that we will achieve that goal by the end of our term," the mayor said at the event, held to plant saplings on the first day of the spring.

The drive was organised by the public institution "Maksimir" in cooperation with the Faculty of Forestry.

Tourism Minister Nikolina Brnjac and Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Tomislav Ćorić also attended the event.

March 21, 2022 - IT company Newfire Global Partners has transferred some of its employees in Ukraine to Croatia, specifically Zagreb and Osijek.

The American company, founded in 2016, operates on four continents and in eight countries, has four offices in Ukraine, three in Lviv, and one in Ivano-Frankivsk. Newfire Global Partners also has offices in Zagreb and plans to open them in Split, reports Index.hr.

However, due to the crisis in Ukraine, Newfire Global Partners decided to offer employees in Ukraine the possibility of moving to Croatia, where another office is being opened in Osijek due to the war.

"We decided to help our employees and members of their families in Ukraine to come to Croatia, which proved to be a safe location. Therefore, we organized a private bus from Lviv to Osijek and Zagreb. As a result, we transported our employees and their children and immediate family members," explained the director of Newfire Global Partners, Stephen Hau.

"From the first day, the City of Osijek has supported our employees and plans to open an office. We look forward to working with and empowering the local business community by opening another office in this beautiful city and creating new jobs. Namely, we plan to hire about a hundred new team members by the end of the year, and we invite all those interested to contact us," he said.

Tetyana Tsyupka worked in Lviv as a business analyst but is now in Zagreb. 

"I come from a beautiful ancient city in western Ukraine - Lviv. The city's geographical location was why we decided to leave Ukraine and why we did it quickly. I woke up on February 24, did what has become my routine in recent months - checked the news, and what I saw was terrifying. Russia declared war on Ukraine. I was scared and didn't know what to do," she said.

"My priority is the safety of my children. I have two children, one is 12, and the other is nine. My husband and I were shocked, but we soon heard sirens, woke up the children, and went to a shelter in the basement. It was the worst day of my life because I had to tell the kids to wake up and get dressed quickly because the war started," she says.

"After that, we decided to cross the border with Poland. We didn't know how safe it was, but we succeeded after six hours of waiting at the border. My children, my husband, and I," she said, adding that she and her husband's parents live in Lviv, and the situation in that city remains tense.

She said she was very grateful to all Croats for their emotional support, both from colleagues and ordinary citizens she did not know.

"My daughter had a stomach ache, but the doctor was highly empathetic and professional. Luckily it was nothing serious. Also, my son played rugby in Ukraine; we wanted him to continue training in Zagreb. Rugby club Zagreb offered to go to free training," she said, adding in the end that we should be with Ukraine in this dramatic time.

Newfire Global Partners employees, partners, and friends have raised about $200,000 for various humanitarian associations and organizations in Ukraine, and the second round of donations is underway.

The company "doubles" each donation by paying the same amount and will continue to help in all possible ways. Thus, the Lviv-Osijek bus will continue to transport employees and members of their families. If one of the employees is called up for military service, they will financially support him and members of his family.

For more, check out our lifestyle section. 

March 21, 2022 - The latest flight news to Croatia as the Ryanair Zadar summer flight schedule is delayed, and several changes have been announced from Zagreb.

Ryanair has changed the summer flight schedule for its two bases in Croatia, reports Croatian Aviation.

The start of traffic on several lines from Zadar has been postponed to June. As for Zagreb's Ryanair base, several routes have received an additional weekly flight, and several lines will operate with a reduced number of flights.

Namely, lines from Zagreb to Brussels Charleroi, Milan Bergamo, Malta, Memmingen, Malmö, Paphos, Rome Fiumicino, and Düsseldorf Weeze have been strengthened with an additional weekly rotation. Also, the number of flights on the new route to Bratislava has been increased from the original two to three flights a week. 

On the other hand, Ryanair will reduce the frequency of flights to Dublin to three-weekly flights, and from the planned initially two-weekly flights to one weekly flight to Corfu.

The summer flight schedule was also revised from the Zadar base. Namely, the starting date for several flights has been postponed.

Below is an overview of all Ryanair flight schedules from Zadar and their start dates.

Lines starting in March:

Zadar - Berlin Brandenburg - Zadar, from March 28, 2022, twice a week (Mondays and Fridays), until the end of October

Zadar - Bremen - Zadar, from March 30, 2022, twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays) until the end of October

Zadar - Brussels Charleroi - Zadar, from March 28, 2022, three times a week (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays) until the end of October

Zadar - Budapest - Zadar, from March 27, 2022, twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays), until the end of October

Zadar - Cologne - Zadar, from March 28, 2022, twice a week (Mondays and Fridays), until the end of October

Zadar - Dublin - Zadar, from March 27, 2022, twice a week (Wednesdays and Sundays), until the end of October

Zadar - Düsseldorf Weeze - Zadar, from March 27, 2022, four times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays) until the end of October

Zadar - Frankfurt Hahn - Zadar, from March 28, 2022, twice a week (Mondays and Fridays), until the end of October

Zadar - Karlsruhe / Baden-Baden - Zadar, from March 28, 2022, three times a week (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays) until the end of October

Zadar - London Stansted - Zadar, from March 29, 2022, twice a week through April (Tuesdays and Fridays) and May (Tuesdays and Saturdays), five times a week through June, July, August, and September (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays), and again twice a week until the end of October (Tuesdays and Saturdays)

Zadar - Marseille - Zadar, from March 27, 2022, twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays), three times a week through May, June, July, August, September, and October (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays)

Zadar - Memmingen - Zadar, from March 29, 2022, twice a week through April and May (Tuesdays and Saturdays), three times a week through June, July, August, September (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), and again twice a week until the end of October (Tuesdays and Saturdays)

Zadar - Newcastle - Zadar, from March 30, 2022, twice a week (Wednesdays and Sundays), until the end of October

Zadar - Paris Beauvais - Zadar, from March 30, 2022, twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays), until the end of October

Zadar - Poznan - Zadar, from March 29, 2022, twice a week through April (Tuesdays and Saturdays), four times a week from May to the end of October (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays)

Zadar - Rome Fiumicino - Zadar, from March 28, 2022, three times a week through April (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays), four times a week from May to the end of October (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays)

Zadar - Stockholm Arlanda - Zadar, from March 27, 2022, twice a week (Wednesdays and Sundays), until the end of October

Zadar - Vienna - Zadar, from March 27, 2022, three times a week in April and May (Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays), four times a week in June, July, August, and September (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), and again three times a week until the end of October (Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays)

Lines starting in April:

Zadar - Krakow - Zadar, from April 2, 2022, once a week through April (Saturday), three times a week through May (Monday, Friday, and Saturday), four times a week through June, July, August, and September (Monday, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays), and again three times a week until the end of October (Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays)

Lines starting in May:

Zadar - Birmingham - Zadar, from May 4, 2022, twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays), until the end of October

Zadar - Bordeaux - Zadar, from May 2, 2022, twice a week (Mondays and Fridays), until the end of October

Zadar - Bucharest - Zadar, from May 4, 2022, twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays) until the end of October

Zadar - Gothenburg Landvetter - Zadar, from 3 May 2022, twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays), until the end of October

Zadar - Hamburg - Zadar, from May 2, 2022, twice a week (Mondays and Fridays), until the end of October

Zadar - Leeds Bradford - Zadar, from 3 May 2022, twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays), until the end of October

Zadar - Pisa - Zadar, from May 4, 2022, twice a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays) until the end of August

Zadar - Prague - Zadar, from May 3, 2022, three times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) until the end of October

Zadar - Sofia - Zadar, from May 1, 2022, twice a week (Wednesdays and Sundays) until the end of October

Zadar - Warsaw Modlin - Zadar, from May 1, 2022, twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays), until the end of October

Zadar - Wroclaw - Zadar, from May 2, 2022, three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) until the end of October

Lines starting in June:

Zadar - Aarhus - Zadar, from June 3, 2022, twice a week (Mondays and Fridays), until the end of September

Zadar - Bari - Zadar, from June 2, 2022, twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays), until the end of September

Zadar - Bologna - Zadar, from June 2, 2022, twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays), until the end of September

Zadar - Bournemouth - Zadar, from June 4, 2022, twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays), until the end of September

Zadar - Gdansk - Zadar, from June 4, 2022, twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays), until the end of September

Zadar - Helsinki - Zadar, from June 3, 2022, twice a week (Mondays and Fridays), until the end of September

Zadar - Liverpool - Zadar, from June 2, 2022, twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays), until the end of September

Zadar - Maastricht - Zadar, from June 3, 2022, twice a week (Mondays and Fridays), until the end of September

Zadar - Manchester - Zadar, from June 4, 2022, twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays), until the end of September

Zadar - Milan Bergamo - Zadar, from June 2, 2022, three times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays) until the end of August

Zadar - Naples - Zadar, from June 3, 2022, twice a week (Mondays and Fridays), until the end of September

Zadar - Nuremberg - Zadar, from June 2, 2022, four times a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays) until the end of October

Zadar - Turin - Zadar, from June 3, 2022, twice a week (Mondays and Fridays), until the end of September

Zadar - Växjö Småland - Zadar, from June 1, 2022, twice a week (Wednesdays and Sundays), until the end of September

The flight schedule is always subject to change.

For more on flights to Croatia and other travel announcements, check out our dedicated travel section.

March 20, 2022 - The gourmet scene in the Croatian capital is improving vastly - meet the top Zagreb restaurants and best newcomers, according to the new Gault & Millau dedicated guide to the best 100 restaurants in Zagreb and Zagreb County. 

"Oh, and the FOOD."

It is a sentence I have heard a lot in the last 12 months talking to tourists and digital nomads about what they like about Zagreb. There is a definite buzz about the city, with more and more foreign accents heard on an increasing number of street corners. The city is fast becoming a very international capital. And vibrant international capital cities always have a great gourmet scene. 

Zagreb these days is no exception. The choice and quality of Zagreb restaurants has improved exponentially in the last 10 years, and more visitors raving about the safety, the nature, the parks, the culture, the walkability, the lifestyle, and the friendly locals, are now adding the quality and diverse dining scene to their expanding lists of why Zagreb is IN.  

And an excellent resource, which has recently been published is helping locals and visitors alike, find the very best gastro experiences in the top Zagreb restaurants - the Gault & Millau Croatia 2022 guide to the top 100 restaurants and POP (street food, canines, wine bars, and pastry shops) for Zagreb and its surroundings. Come and meet them. 

Here are the top 12 restaurants in Zagreb, as well as the top 3 new restaurants, according to what sounds like some fun and very comprehensive research by Gault & Millau Croatia - you can find out more about the guide and how to order it (price 99 kuna) on their official website.

1. NAV 17.5/20

Tvrtko Šakota, one of the best Croatian chefs, opened NAV so he could cook what he wants and how he wants it. With his personal approach and stepping ‘on stage’ with each ordered course, this restaurant in the courtyard in 11 Masarykova Street has become maybe the most interesting gourmet experience in Zagreb (and beyond). The sign at the entrance says “modern Croatian cuisine”, and the homely atmosphere is felt in the interior that looks like a large dining room in someone’s home. With that, as well as his individual approach to each guest, chef Šakota stands out from the fine dining sphere, but stays within it with his culinary creations. NAV does not offer several tasting menus any more, but only one, consisting of 16 courses. More info in the guidebook.

Lunch/Dinner Tasting menu 16 courses 890 kn

Chef Tvrtko Šakota www.nav-restaurant.com

2. Zinfandel’s Hotel Esplanade 17/20

The impressive and classy restaurant in Zagreb’s Hotel Esplanade got its name after Zinfandel grape variety, which is its trademark. This is a place for special occasions and all seasons, where everything is top quality – from food, which combines flavours from all over the world, to professional staff and a pleasant setting. The menu changes seasonally, so amuse-bouche in the summer version featured crispy rosemary focaccia, delicious homemade bread with hand-whipped butter with herbs, and award-winning olive oil. While you are waiting for your order, a greeting from the kitchen arrives – shrimps marinated in honey and citrus, sprinkled with amaranth. More info in the guidebook.

Cca 500 kn 

Chef Ana Grgić Tomić Pastry Chef Mirjana Špoljar Sommelier Silvio Dedić www.zinfandels.hr

3. Mano 16.5/20

Creative urban cuisine is the most precise definition of ManO restaurant’s gastronomic style. The interior has an equally creative and urban design

370 square meters in the south wing of Gliptoteka gallery with brick walls and typical cast-iron columns – combining the old and the new in a smart and subtle way. The terrace, hidden from the street, gives it a special charm. High quality ingredients with superb presentation and flavours have been the guiding light from day one, but with the arrival of chef Matija Bogdan, his ideas and technical skills, the new direction is fine dining. More info in the guidebook.

Cca 400 kn. Tasting menu 6 courses 650 kn, 8 courses 850 kn Chef Matija Bogdan

Pastry chef Lucija Jergović Sommelier Domagoj Zorbas www.mano.hr

4. ManO2 16.5/20

The gastronomic identity of ManO2 restaurant was shaped by chef Hrvoje Kroflin, with his modern approach to top-quality ingredients, sourced from small local producers. He finds the inspiration in traditional Croatian dishes, which he reforms and updates – in accordance with the modern interior design. Wood dominates the setting, giving warmth to the space, and the main attraction is the semi-open glass-walled kitchen, overlooking the magnificent wine rack. The restaurant is located in the centre of Zagreb’s business district, which makes it a popular place for formal lunch. More info in the guidebook.

Cca 400 kn

Tasting menu from 520 kn to 680 kn

Chef Hrvoje Kroflin Pastry chef Luka Sopta Sommelier Marko Rundek www.mano2.hr 

5. Noel 16.5/20

Noel restaurant is surely one of the gems of Zagreb’s “design district”, as well as the star of the local dining scene – largely thanks to chef Bruno Vokal and his re-interpretations of traditional Croatian dishes, like štrukli or međimurska gibanica. The introduction of a vegetarian tasting menu is a new moment – not replacing the meat menu, but presenting vegetables as a source of gastronomic splendour. Noel can take pride in one of the best teams in Zagreb, both in the kitchen and the service. More info in the guidebook.

Cca 585 kn. Tasting menu Chef’s experience 950 kn + Wine pairing 420 kn, Tasting Vegetarian menu 650 kn + Wine pairing 420 kn

Chef Bruno Vokal Sommelier Ivan Jug www.noel.hr 

6. Bistro Apetit by Marin Rendić 16/20

Surrounded by the green Cmrok Park, in a residential area of Zagreb, Bistro Apetit has always been a synonym for an upscale dining place: inside the glass interior, guests have the impression of sitting in the middle of nature, while being served fine dining dishes. On top of that, on the lovely shaded terrace or in the interior room decorated in a minimalist and elegant style, they have their peace and privacy. The menu is divided into several “chapters”: first impression, the middle, something warm, unforgettable moment, Apetit classic and the tasting menu – which is the best way to present modern and bold cooking by chef Marin Rendić. More info in the guidebook.

Tasting menu 5 courses 590 kn, 7 courses 740 kn, couvert 42 kn

Chef Marin Rendić, Pastry chef Mark Coha, Sommeliers Matija Ivančić & Ivan Jurčević www.bistroapetit.com 

7. Dubravkin put 16/20

Once a typical Zagreb eatery, which served tasty grilled sausages, blood sausages and pork knuckle, later a respectable seafood restaurant, and since some fifteen years ago, a fine-dining oasis at the entrance to Tuškanac forest. Several excellent chefs took turn in its kitchen, but Dubravkin put is still a guarantee of special gourmet treats. In the impressive interior with a view of the tranquil park, as well as on the beautiful outdoor terrace, guests can enjoy a well-thought-through selection of dishes. More info in the guidebook.

Cca 380 kn

Chef Ivan Sučević Pastry chef Robert Bašić, Sommelier Tihomir Purišić www.dubravkin-put.com

8. Tač

Close to the top of Vrhovec, a neighbourhood on one of Zagreb’s hills, you can find Tač, one of the best restaurants in the city. Tač has had its regular guests for years, but the new ones also quickly become addicted to their superb cooking. Put simply, everything is excellent here: from top-quality ingredients to fantastic preparation. Vesna and Tihomir Miletić run a well-tuned machine that will deliver gourmet satisfaction every time you visit. Tač always serves seasonal food. For instance, in spring you will be amazed by wild asparagus; in autumn by porcini mushrooms. They cook traditional dishes, but Vesna Miletić, the alpha and omega of Tač’s kitchen, wants to focus on the original flavour of each ingredient, and eliminates everything that’s not necessary. More info in the guidebook.

Cca 320 kn

Chef Vesna Miletić Sommelier Darko Lugarić www.restac.hr

9. Balon 15/20

When looking for a place for business lunch, Balon has been one of the most popular choices for years. Mostly because of the location, next to Boćarski dom, and its large parking lot, but also thanks to the pleasant interior on colder days or the shaded terrace in summer. However, Balon’s main characteristic is the constantly high quality of food and service. The wine card is very rich, with around two hundred Croatian and foreign labels, plus fifty more wines served by the glass. After a glass of Plešivica sparkling wine, we started the meal with steak tartare and grated butter, which was good as usual, perfectly seasoned. Veal Wiener Schnitzel in purified butter with potato salad and cranberry jam is another classic in this establishment. More info in the guidebook.

Cca 300 kn. Tasting menu 4 courses 340 kn, 6 courses 440 kn

Chef Stipan Iličić www.restaurantbalon.com

10. Baltazar 15/20

One of the most popular restaurants in Zagreb, it became famous in the late 80s because of its excellent barbecue. Meat, fish, asparagus, and artichokes in late spring, sauerkraut with blood sausage in winter - everything that constitutes traditional cuisine was Baltazar’s trademark for years, but with the arrival of a new chef, Matija Bregeš, an era of a more sophisticated and modern approach to cooking began. The interior has, however, remained the same: the space of a former Kaptol manor is decorated in a rustic style, embellished with antiques. In fine weather it is pleasant to sit on the terrace or in the garden. The new menu indicates that Baltazar keeps up with modern gastronomy, but doesn’t give up the national cuisine that made it famous. More info in the guidebook.

Tasting menu 3 courses 390 kn

Chef Matija Bregeš Sommelier Goran Petrić www.baltazar.hr

11. Le Bistro Hotel Esplanade 15/20

The charm of a French bistro in the middle of Zagreb, with a view of Art Nouveau architecture of the neighbouring buildings and the pleasant ambience in the Art Deco style – this has been the trademark of Le Bistro in Hotel Esplanade for years. Apart from štrukli (sort of cooked or baked cannelloni filled with fresh cheese and sour cream), the reliable classic, every season the menu includes new dishes by chef Ana Grgić Tomić, who creates them based on traditional flavours of the local cuisine. More info in the guidebook.

Cca 350 kn

Chef Ana Grgić Tomić Pastry chef Mirjana Špoljar www.lebistro.hr

12. TheAtrium by Filho 15/20

Even though it is located in the very centre of the city, the noise doesn’t reach TheAtrium restaurant: it is located in the atrium of the Zagreb Youth Theatre, so the space that separates it from Teslina and Gajeva Street serves as a sort of sound isolation. The name of the restaurant can be connected with “atrium”, where it stands, but also with the theatrically decorated interior – from intense wall colours to decorative elements and furniture, everything gives an impression of an offbeat, youthful and original aesthetics. What TheAtrium by Filho offers is a show for curious and demanding gourmets – a theatre of taste ruled by young chef Filip Horvat. More info in the guidebook.

Cca 260 kn

Tasting menu from 540 kn to 740 kn

Chef Filip Horvat www.theatrium.hr 

Best newcomers

13. Matrix 12/20

Among the newly opened restaurants on the east side of the city, Matrix stands out, located on the ground floor of the namesake business complex. What makes it stand out? Its democratic policy to offer designer food at friendly prices, executed by young chef Marko Jantolek, and Matrix manager, sommelier Manuela Maras. A glass wall separates the kitchen from the dining room, so guests have a nice insight into the gastronomic concept. The chef and his team cook modern and varied dishes, using ingredients from reliable local farms. The chicken is free-range, the duck is from an organic farm in Podravina, the black pig pork is also locally sourced, the bluefin tuna comes from the Adriatic, and the fruits and vegetables from gardens around Zagreb... More info in the guidebook.

Cca 260 kn. Tasting menu 5 courses 350 kn

Chef Marko Jantolek Sommelier Manuela Maras www.restoran-matrix.hr

14. Gostionica Ficlek 11.5/20

A charming little bistro and café, Broom 44 is the latest place on Zagreb’s Dolac Market where you can have an excellent coffee, but also enjoy delicious vegetarian and vegan food. Located in an old house on the right side of the outdoor market’s plateau, it was named after 44 stairs you have to climb to get there, and the broom belonging to the Witch of Grič, a famous character created by novelist Marija Jurić Zagorka, who lived in the same house. In warm weather, from a table on the terrace you have the view of colourful market stalls, full of fruit and vegetables. More info in the guidebook.

Cca 95 kn

Chef Christian Misirača www.facebook.com/GostionicaFiclek

15. Broom 44 POP

A charming little bistro and café, Broom44 is the latest place on Zagreb’s Dolac Market where you can have an excellent coffee, but also enjoy delicious vegetarian and vegan food. Located in an old house on the right side of the outdoor market’s plateau, it was named after 44 stairs you have to climb to get there, and the broom belonging to the Witch of Grič, a famous character created by novelist Marija Jurić Zagorka, who lived in the same house. More info in the guidebook.

Cca 95 kn 

Chef Igor Gudac www.instagram.com/br00m44/?hl=en

And having sampled the best Zagreb restaurants, how about spreading your wings and exploring the gourmet scene a little further afield using the same guidebook - meet the top 12 restaurants of Zagreb County.  

For more information about the Gault & Millau Zagreb guide and where to find it, check out the official website.

Learn more about the Croatian capital in the Total Croatia Zagreb in a Page guide.

March 18, 2022 - The Croatia Airlines 2022 summer flight schedule has been presented with several lines added from Split, Zagreb, and Dubrovnik!

Croatia Airlines presented this year's summer flight schedule from March to the end of October - and it has been significantly strengthened compared to last year, reports Croatian Aviation.

According to a statement, the Croatian national carrier has decided to expand its network of international destinations, renew some international routes that were not flown during the pandemic, and intensify flights on existing routes in international and domestic traffic.

This summer, Croatia Airlines plans to connect Croatia with 21 international destinations, 22 European airports, and fly on 41 international routes. In total, over 16,000 flights and approximately 1,766,000 seats are planned.

Split
Croatia's busiest airport in 2021 has 18 European destinations with Croatian Airlines, which means six new destinations compared to the 2021 summer flight schedule. In addition, five new seasonal lines will be introduced in the first half of June:

Split - Amsterdam (Tuesday)

Split - Bucharest (Wednesdays and Fridays)

Split - Dublin (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays)

Split - Milan (Thursdays and Sundays)

Split - Stockholm (Fridays and Sundays)

In addition to announcing new seasonal routes, Croatia Airlines has also announced a promotional campaign (lasting until March 28) for these flights, offering a 30% discount. You can read more about the promotional campaign at www.croatiaairlines.hr.

With the new five lines, you will be able to fly from Split to the following European destinations:

Athens

Vienna

Berlin

Düsseldorf

Frankfurt

Copenhagen

London (Heathrow and Gatwick)

Lyon

Munich

Paris

Prague

Rome

Zurich

Zagreb

In the 2022 summer flight schedule, regular international flights from Zagreb to 15 European destinations are planned, which is one additional European destination compared to last year. Namely, passengers will be able to fly to:

Amsterdam

Athens

Barcelona - renewed seasonal line (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays)

Vienna

Brussels

Dublin

Frankfurt

Copenhagen

London

Munich

Paris

Rome (via Split)

Sarajevo

Skopje

Zurich

Dubrovnik
Croatia Airlines plans to directly connect Croatia's southernmost airport with direct international flights from six European destinations:

Athens

Frankfurt

Munich

Paris

Rome

Zurich.

This season, the national airline is reintroducing Rijeka - Munich flights, and the novelty is the year-round international flights between Osijek - Munich from May 2 this year.

In addition to flights to European airports, Croatia Airlines also plans flights between 7 Croatian airports (Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Osijek, Zadar, Pula, and Brac). 

For more on flights to Croatia and other travel announcements, make sure to check out our dedicated travel section.

March 16, 2022 - The workshop organized by Kinoklub Zagreb will be hosted by the award-winning filmmakers Sunčica Ana Veldić and Zorko Sirotić, who by moderating and mentoring each individual project will challenge authors to 'find their own voice and expand the established boundaries of film thinking and expectations'.

Kinoklub Zagreb is organizing a workshop on author's documentary film intended for advanced participants, who will make a short documentary film in ten terms during April and May, which will then be shown publicly, reports tportal.hr.

At the workshop, participants will develop, prepare and independently realize their film, exploring through a series of creative challenges the topic with which they applied, announced Kinoklub Zagreb.

Emphasis on the author's approach

The hosts are the award-winning filmmakers Sunčica Ana Veldić and Zorko Sirotić, who, by moderating and mentoring each individual project, will challenge the authors to "find their own voice and expand the established boundaries of film thinking and expectations."

The emphasis will be on creative thinking in front of the camera and the use of film means of expression in an unusual, experimental way, it added.

The dynamics of the workshop require the participants to have prior knowledge of filming and editing, and the leaders will select a maximum of six participants.

Those interested should send a short biography, motivation, an idea for a film that they plan to realize, and a link to their previous film work to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by April 1st. The introductory lecture of the workshop will be held on April 6.

The workshop is free and will be held once a week, at a time that suits the participants and leaders. Equipment is provided by Kinoklub Zagreb.

As announced, the final product, a short documentary-experimental film of each participant will be shown at the Kinoklub Zagreb, and possibly at festivals, as was the case with the award-winning film "Pleiades" by Mateja Zidarić.

For more information, visit the official website and Facebook page of Kinoklub Zagreb.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.