I've traveled all across Europe. One Croatian city won my heart even more than Dubrovnik and Split.

Zadar, a city on the Dalmatian Coast, blew me away.

Emma Ruben

Last year, like many other Australians, I looked to escape our winter by planning a five-week trip to Europe during their summer.For months, I obsessed over researching destinations, reading articles online, and perusing TikTok for the perfect places to visit. Of course, there were some spots I knew I had to see: the Colosseum in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Alps in Switzerland.However, no place surprised me more than Zadar.A Croatian city located on the Dalmatian Coast, Zadar provided me with both adventure and a much-needed dose of relaxation. I found myself wishing I'd spent more time there.Most might prefer to head to better-known cities like Dubrovnik or Split, but after exploring Zadar, I would recommend everyone add it to their itinerary.I instantly noticed how friendly the locals were

In Zadar, I felt welcomed immediately.

Olena Malik/Getty Images