British television series "Great Continental Railway Journeys", one of the most-watched travel documentaries on BBC2, brings new episodes in which a special focus is placed on Croatia. In March 2025, viewers had the opportunity to see four episodes filmed in different parts of the country, and among them, Pag and Zadar were particularly highlighted. This show, known for showcasing train journeys through historically and culturally rich European destinations, has attracted millions of viewers worldwide for years.

Michael Portillo and the exploration of Croatia by train

The charismatic host Michael Portillo, known for his love of trains and history, began his Croatian journey in Istria, after which he headed towards central and southern Dalmatia. His journeys are always imbued with rich storytelling and the connection of modern landscapes with a historical context, providing a special insight into the development of the railway and its link with the cultural and economic growth of the region. The journey through Croatia revealed an incredible diversity of landscapes, from picturesque coastal towns to rugged mountainous interiors.

Pag: The Island of Wind, Salt, and Cheese

The episode dedicated to Pag brought viewers a unique portrayal of this island, known for its specific natural beauties and rich gastronomic tradition. Pag is an island whose landscape is shaped by wind and sea, creating an almost lunar surface interwoven with dry stone walls. The island's most famous product is undoubtedly Paški cheese, whose unique flavor is the result of the specific diet of sheep grazing on aromatic herbs soaked in sea salt. This episode showcased the production process of this award-winning cheese, as well as the stories of local producers who have nurtured the tradition for generations.

In addition to Paški cheese, special attention was also given to Paška lace, a traditional handicraft passed down from generation to generation. This highly valued handwork has also been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Viewers had the opportunity to see lace makers crafting intricate patterns with incredible precision, telling stories of times gone by.

Zadar: History and Modernity in One

In the episode dedicated to Zadar, Portillo explored the rich history of the city, which is considered one of the cultural centers of Dalmatia. Walking through the streets of the historic core, he introduced viewers to the remains of a Roman forum, the imposing Church of St. Donatus, and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. Special attention was also drawn to modern architecture, such as the installations of the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun, which in a unique way combine nature, art, and technology.

The Zadar episode was not only focused on cultural heritage but also on the rich gastronomic offer. Special emphasis was placed on Maraschino – a Zadar liqueur produced from the indigenous marasca cherry. This drink was popular in European courts, and today it is considered one of the symbols of the Zadar region.

Tourist promotion and growing interest

The broadcast of these episodes on BBC2 had a huge promotional effect on Croatia, especially in the British market. The series' viewership in the United Kingdom reaches millions, and it is known that many viewers use the routes shown in the show as inspiration for their own travels. This will surely contribute to increasing the interest of British tourists in Croatia, particularly for destinations like Pag and Zadar, which have gained a special place in this season of the series.

Accommodation and lodging options

Tourists who wish to experience the charms of Pag and Zadar have various accommodation options, from luxury hotels and boutique apartments to authentic rural houses and seaside camps. Pag offers accommodation capacities suited to different budgets – from exclusive villas with a sea view to private apartments near well-known beaches such as Zrće. Zadar, on the other hand, offers a diverse range of hotels, hostels, and private lodgings located in the very historic center, as well as in the surrounding area, enabling tourists to explore and enjoy all the charms of the region.

This season of "Great Continental Railway Journeys" provided viewers around the world the opportunity to get to know Croatia in a completely different way – through a story about its railway network, history, gastronomy, and the people who, through their work and tradition, preserve the identity of the region. Undoubtedly, this promotion will have a lasting effect on the tourist image of Croatia, encouraging new visitors to explore all that Pag and Zadar have to offer.