Croatian delights – The Day of the Jackal

by

As I traversed the enchanting landscapes of Croatia, I found myself captivated by this hidden gem that has long been a haven for filmmakers and travelers alike. From the architecturally striking airport of Zagreb, reminiscent of an Andalusian terminal in The Day of the Jackal, to the picturesque caravan park of Opatija overlooking the turquoise Adriatic Sea, every corner of this country left me spellbound.

Last autumn, Eddie Redmayne and his co-stars traveled to some northern regions for filming the TV adaptation of The Day of the Jackal. Although the original novel primarily took place in London and Paris, it spanned Europe as it chronicled the adventures of a hired assassin. In the modern version airing on Sky Atlantic, you’ll see many scenes from Croatia towards the end. It’s easy to understand why this country is attractive for location scouts – there are financial incentives that have attracted a variety of productions like Doctor Who, James Bond, Succession, Game of Thrones, and more. However, it’s the breathtaking, unique, and diverse landscapes that keep them coming back.

I’ll kick off my journey with a few nights in Zagreb, its architecturally captivating airport evoking images of an Andalusian terminal from The Day of the Jackal. Zagreb bears a resemblance to a quieter Berlin – boasting northern European architecture steeped in history at every turn – it’s still on the long path of recovery following its independence war that concluded in 1995. I’ll establish my base at the Sheraton (marriott.com), a hotel embodying the city itself: grand design, warm hospitality, and ongoing renovations.

This location boasts an authentic blend of bars, cafes, and eateries, with the Michelin-endorsed Pod Zidom Bistro (podzidom.hr) symbolizing its direction: homegrown, seasonal, inventive, and welcoming. An unexpected cultural gem is the Museum of Broken Relationships (brokenships.com) – a tribute to love’s demise. It features personal mementos from past lovers, accompanied by brief narratives, and initially it’s amusing, then ultimately becomes more poignant. As a keepsake, I buy a souvenir rubber that says “Memory Eraser for Bad Memories”.

Heading towards the northern part of the country, you’ll find a two-hour journey leads to the Adriatic coast and Opatija. Filming for the new drama took place at a charming camping site with the captivating URL rivijera-opatija.hr. This spot offers breathtaking views of the turquoise sea, eroded rocky cliffs, and clusters of pastel-hued buildings that seem to have a whiff of Wes Anderson’s aesthetic. The town itself is steeped in history, dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where the elite spent their summers and enjoyed the crystal-clear waters.

To view all holidays to Croatia

Today, establishments like the Hotel Imperial (liburnia.hr) continue to exude an air of grandeur, and this charming town caters mainly to tourists. You might want to sample the food at Plavi Podrum, which offers stunning harbor vistas, in nearby Volosko; indulge in the seaside dining experience at Tavern Zijavica; or savor the breathtaking ocean views from Restoran Bevanda.

In my exploration of Croatia, I was fortunate enough to discover the delightful world of Croatian wine for the first time. It’s not easy to find outside the country, as they seem to savor it all before exporting any! However, a tour focused on their wine regions would undoubtedly make a trip worthwhile, and I can confirm from my personal experience there, it was exceptional. (As Redmayne shared with TopMob, “I tasted it while I was there, and it was exquisite.”)

Split, Zadar and Secrets of the North Yacht Cruise for 7 nights

This island is renowned for its delicious roast lamb, salty sheep’s cheese called Paski sir, and vibrant open-air nightlife (though it’s best not to indulge in all three simultaneously). However, Jackal chose this location for the stunning, rocky landscapes, hidden coves with turquoise waters, and expansive plains, which provided a perfect backdrop for filming. It’s also one of the sunniest spots on the Adriatic Sea, boasting around 2,500 hours of sunlight each year – a handy feature if you need to stay warm while evading MI6. If you manage to provide your genuine passport, the Hotel Pagus (hotel-pagus.hr) offers breathtaking sunset views over the Adriatic Sea and would make an ideal stay.

Discussing northern Croatia and its wines feels like revealing a cherished secret, yet with overcrowded southern cities, it’s past due for this underexplored, enchanting, hospitable, and picturesque region to take center stage. It’s almost humorous that a series focused on secrecy is the one to bring it into the limelight.

For more information, go to croatia.hr

Read More

2024-11-11 18:34