Croatia’s Best Towns for an Early Autumn City Break

Novigrad is the kind of place that surprises you — not with grand gestures, but with quiet elegance. Its old town, tucked inside medieval walls, spills into a small harbour lined with fishing boats and sea-to-table restaurants. As you wander cobbled streets and admire pastel facades, you’ll stumble upon galleries, wine bars, and spots that feel both timeless and fresh.

In early autumn, the air in Istria smells like figs and pine. The Parenzana bike trail offers scenic rides through vineyards and olive groves, while local events like Istria Wine & Walk invite you to taste your way through the region. And when it comes to dining, you’re never far from a great glass of Malvasia or a truffle pasta you won’t forget.

Weekend itinerary

• Friday: Arrive and enjoy a seaside dinner at Half 8 or Damir & Ornella.
• Saturday: Walk the old town walls, cycle the Parenzana trail, or visit a local winery.
• Sunday: Sip espresso on the main square before heading home.

Thanks to its bridge connection to the mainland, Krk is one of Croatia’s most accessible islands, but it still offers that peaceful, away-from-it-all feeling. Njivice is especially good at quiet charm, with its pine-fringed beaches, small-town feel, and easy access to walking trails and coastal viewpoints.

This time of year, it’s all about balance: swims in the still-warm sea, late lunches on shaded terraces, and perhaps a walk to nearby Malinska for an afternoon scoop of gelato. Visit the island’s small wineries, explore Vrbnik’s cliffside streets, or head inland to discover ancient olive trees and dry-stone walls that have stood for centuries.

Weekend itinerary

• Friday: Check in and stroll along the waterfront before dinner at Il Cantuccio or Pizzeria Bukaleta.
• Saturday: Morning swim, then visit Vrbnik or hike to a scenic viewpoint.
• Sunday: Grab a coffee in Njivice and enjoy one last beach walk before departure.

Crikvenica has been welcoming visitors for over a century, and there’s something nostalgic about it (in the best way). Think long seaside promenades, family-owned restaurants, and a sense of easygoing comfort. It’s a place to walk, to breathe, and to enjoy the simple pleasure of doing not too much at all.

In early autumn, the sea is still perfect for swimming, and the town hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and local food markets. Explore the nearby Vinodol Valley, visit the town aquarium, or simply find your spot on the pebbled beach with a good book. Crikvenica doesn’t need to shout, it quietly delivers exactly what many of us need

Weekend itinerary

• Friday: Sunset drink on the promenade and dinner with a sea view.
• Saturday: Visit the Vinodol Valley, explore local culture, or spend the day on the beach.
• Sunday: Breakfast by the sea, then a relaxed stroll before heading home.