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Zurich Airport is one of the user-friendliest airports in Europe and makes an excellent choice for connecting flights to other destinations not served by long-haul flights. Although it is always a bittersweet (chocolate) experience to leave beautiful Switzerland, at least the airport experience on departure is not the chaos experienced at larger hubs. Passengers arriving in plenty of time for their flights can enjoy shopping at the airport concourse, where there are full-scale supermarkets and an array of ‘normal’ shops in addition to the usual retailers found in airport locations.

SWISS Airlines is a member of Star Alliance and handles check-in at ZRH for many of its Star Alliance partners, including Croatia Airlines. The airport was surprisingly and unexpectedly deserted on the first day of a four-day weekend, which relaxed the entire departure process. The friendly agents at the SWISS counter smiled, as did the charming security officers. Perhaps not having one person waiting to go through Security brightened their day and mine. This being a flight within the Schengen area, there were no border formalities.

: Sunset over the Adriatic

: Cavtat lane strewn with flower petals

Boarding the A319 aircraft was quick and easy. As in the airport, the flight was sparsely populated, so there was room to spread out. The flight attendants had more time to interact with the passengers; service on board was very welcoming, reflecting Croatia’s heartfelt hospitality extended to the country’s visitors. The flight time was barely over an hour and a half, so the one food and drink service was more than sufficient.

Like its home country, Croatia Airlines is a small entity that packs a considerable punch above its weight in its appeal. With flights connecting the country’s capital, Zagreb, and other popular destinations such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Rijeka with airports across Europe, Croatia Airlines is an essential component of the tourism industry, so vital to the national economy. The convenience of flying nonstop from Zurich to Dubrovnik made the start of the trip to Croatia pleasant. However, the convenience of Zurich Airport’s railway station had already started the day well. With a Swiss Travel Pass, it is possible to reach ZRH from any city, town, or village in Switzerland with a railway station or bus service, which is virtually all of them.

: Panorama Restaurant

: A part of Dubrovnikas seen from Panorama Restaurant

Dubrovnik Airport is small and easy to navigate. Transfers are easily arranged, even for the simplest of accommodation, and once out of the airport, the beauty of southern Dalmatia is immediately apparent. DVK is closer to the town of Cavtat than to Dubrovnik itself; Cavtat makes an excellent base for those travellers seeking a quieter, beach-oriented visit compared to the busy grandeur of Dubrovnik. It is an easy and beautiful boat trip from Cavtat right to the centre of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, one of the most beautiful fortified cities in the world. The city is best observed from the top of the nearby mountain, reached by an exciting ride with the Dubrovnik Cable Car. Lunch or dinner at the summit’s Panorama Restaurant is among the most memorable highlights of a visit to this part of Croatia. However, Croatia Airlines makes a friendly choice for getting there, regardless of the destination.