When to Go

If you don't mind crowds, midsummer is a good time to visit Northern Dalmatia—when the Adriatic is at its optimal temperature for beachgoing, and when you can also delight in the varied music, dance, and drama of the Zadar Summer Theatre (late June to early August), the Full Moon Festival (late July or early August) in and around Zadar, the Pag Summer Carnival (late July or early August), and Sali's annual Saljske užance, which features raucous, horn-blown "donkey music" and donkey races (early August). However, if you don't mind missing out on midsummer culture and crowds, late spring to early autumn is preferable—when you can relax on relatively quiet beaches and enjoy discounts of up to 20% on accommodations relative to high season prices.