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44 maltatoday SUNDAY 11 MARCH 2018 Travel ≠≠ CITY BREAKS Croatia is a land of beautiful coastline and paradise-like islands. Its land-locked capital, Zagreb, may lose out to some of her beach- destinations but anyone visiting Croatia will do well to travel inland to this city for a little bit of sophisticated city-life. The intersection between Central and Eastern Europe, the historic districts, numerous museums, an excellent selection of restaurants and a vibrant café life put Zagreb up on our list of top destinations. NEED TO KNOW How to get there Air Malta offer regular flights to Zagreb in Croatia. Best time to visit Late spring or early autumn are the best times to visit Croatia as it is not cold but accommodation rates are still reasonable. As it is popular with tourists, rates increase over the summer months. During the winter it is cold in Rijeka though this is good for skiing and the Christmas markets are in full bloom in December. Currency As Croatia is part of the European Union, the Euro is used here. Visas Croatia is part of the European Union therefore no visas are required when travelling on holiday. BEST LOCAL THING When travelling around Zagreb, you'll see plenty of bright red hearts, whether on brochures or shop signs. These are the traditional symbol of Zagreb and are even more delicious than meets the eye. Yes, delicious. These bright red hearts, known as licitar, are cookies that are pained with a glossy, edible, red enamel and decorated with piped patterns and messages. This craft is so much a part of the city of Zagreb that it has been recognised by UNESCO as representative of Croatian culture. BEST PLACE TO EAT You can't go though Zagreb without sampling some of their traditional štrukli. This pastry is made with soft rolled dough filled with cottage cheese and sour cream and can be served as a sweet or savoury dish. There are many places that serve this distant cousin of the Austrian apple strudel and Turkish borek, though if you're looking for the best traditional version you might head down to Esplanade Hotel. La Štruk offers a more contemporary take with some unusual combinations such as cheese and nettle and cheese and paprika. Zagreb – Croatia's answer to sophisticated city life BEST SPOT FOR SIGHTSEEING The city of Zagreb developed as two separate hillside settlements. Kaptol and Gradec did not integrate for many hundreds of years. Kaptol, the diocese of Zagreb, was clergy based, while Gradec was a secular medieval town populated by artists and tradesmen. Today it is home to the Croatian Par- liament and the Constitutional Court. The Kaptol cathedral dates back to 1094, though it was razed by Mongols in 1200 and then damaged by a 19th century earthquake. Jelačić Square is a hub of activity. Several trams meet in this square and, as it is closed to traffic, if the perfect place to stroll around, admiring the Habsburg-style architecture. There are plenty of cafés with patios where you can stop and enjoy lunch or a coffee and watch the world go by. Kaptol, the diocese of Zagreb, is home to the cathedral which dates back to 1094 Licitar is so much a part of Zagreb, that UNESCO have recognised this as part of Croatian culture. The traditional štrukli is a distant cousin of Austrian apple strudel and Turkish borek, stuffed with cottage cheese and sour cream