AbraZadarbra

Croatia's oldest city is possibly its coolest. With history dating back 3,000 years, the coastal gem of Zadar is a living museum of ancient and medieval heritage. But head to the waterfront and its modern artistic installations have an otherworldly appeal.

- Cally Brooks

I began soaking up this city of colourful contrasts with a guided tour through its old town.

Packed on to a peninsula and surrounded by high city walls, its car-free, grid-like streets are full of remnants of its Roman past that are protected by UNESCO.

It boasts a collection of stunning Roman Catholic churches and if you go up to the tower of the Cathedral of St Anastasia you will be rewarded with views over the pantiles to the sea and islands in one direction and the Velebit mountains in the other.

Another highlight is the Roman Forum, which was built between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD, and would have been the centre of everyday life back then.

Mingling with tourists and locals, there's an upbeat, friendly atmosphere - natural for a stylish, sun-soaked seaside town like this. And I happened to be in the right place at the right time to see a traditional Zadar wedding.

Brides and grooms parade through streets with their entourage, bringing everyone together for an impromptu celebration with music and dancing.

With its handsome buildings, rich history, and a fabulous setting, backed by limestone cliffs and dreamy scattered islands, youd think Zadar would be a tourist hotspot, like Dubrovnik and Split, or come with a hefty price tag.

Not so. It is surprisingly affordable, making it a prime destination for an authentic, quieter Croatian experience while not breaking the bank.