It’s no news to anyone that Manchester Airport is the biggest gateway to the world outside London, flying to more destinations than any other UK departure gates, and now the world’s most punctual low cost airline is preparing to add another tempting escape to the possibilities.
Monarch will begin direct Manchester to Zagreb flights from 29th April 2017, becoming the first airline to offer this route. Despite being the capital of Croatia, the city is relatively unexplored by Britons compared with big hitters like Split and Dubrovnik, making this a definite spot to consider for those looking to get away without running into their neighbours.
As you would expect, Zagreb is rich in history, with the earliest traces of settlement here dating back to the 1st Century AD, when the Romans set up shop. Plenty has changed since then, hence the towering skyline representing the most 21st Century end of things, but back on street level stunning Gothic architecture is in abundance, and ambience abounds- from the Mirogoj cemetery to Zrinjevac Square and the iconic Cathedral. You’ll also find a thriving cultural scene here, including the Strossmayer Gallery of Fine Arts (housed in the 19th Century neo-Renaissance Academy of Arts and Sciences), ultra-modern Museum of Contemporary Arts, and truly unique Museum of Broken Relationships.
On top of that there are countless bars and restaurants ready to welcome visitors after dark, many situated within heritage buildings on majestic, leafy avenues; meanwhile the mighty river Sava runs through the lot- who doesn’t like a waterfront? Sadly, if you’re not already booked on a plane for this one, the cheapest fares- a ridiculous £33 each way- have already sold out, but with two flights per week, departing Monday and Saturday, there should still be plenty of bargains to be had. Porto, Portugal, and Stockholm, Sweden, have also been added to the airline’s Manchester offering for this year, with those two beginning 28th April. Visit the Monarch website for full details.
Image (C) Mario Fajt – sobrecroacia.com
