From vibrant cafes and hidden courtyards to leafy streets and cultural corners, Zagreb —the relaxed, creative and effortlessly cool capital city of Croatia —invites travellers to explore, wander and feel at home

With more than 3,500 miles of coastline to explore, it’s easy to fall under the spell of this Balkan nation’s dazzling Adriatic setting. But Croatia’s fine shingle beaches are just the beginning. Lesser known islands promise heritage sailing experiences, birdwatching and quiet nights with dark skies. Meanwhile, much of the country’s mainland interior is a rustic retreat of languid lakes, limestone mountains and vine clad hills, framed by storied villages, castles and historic towns. Here are 19 ways to see the country in a new light

Grand palace courtyards serve Dalmatian food and a palm lined promenade fills after sunset in Croatia’s second largest city, where Roman heritage underlines a relaxed pace of life by the Adriatic Sea. Words: Emese Maczko

With its combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, Mediterranean cuisine and opportunity for outdoor adventures, Omiš is one of Dalmatia’s most unique coastal towns

Hailed as the biggest public archive of past loves and the world’s most relatable exhibition, the Museum of Broken Relationships offers a unique and intriguing opportunity to explore the elations and tribulations of the human heart

There’s no shortage of great picks at this year’s TEFAF Maastricht, the Netherlands, including a Barbara Hepworth sculpture, a pastel portrait by Dora Maar and two sections of 4th-century Roman mosaics