Croatia

Croatia - pristine beaches, jewel-like lakes, ancient ruins, and more than 1,000 idyllic islands, Michelin-starred restaurants and underwater wineries, Croatia has it all. There is so much to discover, from Dubrovnik's old city to the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park and the crowning jewels of Croatia, the Dalmatian Islands, one of the country’s four historical regions known for its pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, crystal clear waters, and beautiful vineyards and olive groves. While Croatia is a fun and relaxing place, it is also the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers. Croatia is home to eight cultural and two natural UNESCO sites. Intriguing architecture that’s been preserved for hundreds of years, including a first-century Roman amphitheater in the city of Pula in Istria. If you are a fan of the HBO show "Game of Thrones," visiting Dubrovnik and Split have to be on your bucket list. Most of King’s Landing was shot in these two cities, and you can see many of the areas where iconic scenes took place.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik also known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" is Croatia's most famous city overlooking the calm blue Adriatic. It's known for its distinctive Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century. Its well-preserved buildings range from baroque St. Blaise Church to Renaissance Sponza Palace and Gothic Rector’s Palace, now a history museum. Paved with limestone, the pedestrian only zone knows as "placa" is lined with shops, cafés and esquite restaurants.

The Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmation Coast, one the crown jewels of Croatia, is the southernmost coastline of the country, where dramatic limestone cliffs rise from the deep, and islands are scattered just offshore. From historic cities and quaint mountain towns to tucked-away beaches and sprawling vineyards, there's a lot to do and see on the many islands that dot the coast. Here are the 5 main islands: Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis, and Mljet, each with a very different vibe and varied attractions. Ferries run along the coast between Split and Dubrovnik or you opt to take a boat between Split and the islands of Vis, Brač, and Hvar, or from Dubrovnik to the islands of Korčula and Mljet.

Split

Split is Croatia's second most visited city thanks to its seaside location on the edge of the Dalmatian coast and its well-preserved 4th-century Diocletian's Palace that dominates the old town. Accessed via four gates, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a walled complex and a small city in itself, with a maze of narrow streets covering an area of 400,000-square-feet. There are over 200 centuries-old buildings within this historic area, including churches and chapels, museums, and cafes and trinket shops. The imposing cathedral of St Domnius is at its heart, and a climb up its bell tower reveals panoramic views over the entire complex. Split is also the launching pad to the nearby islands of Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Vis, with regular ferry services linking them to the mainland.

The Island of Hvar

Hvar, a historical and picturesque island along Croatia's Dalmatian coastline claims to be the sunniest spot in all of Europe and the most visited island. Explore its many historic sights and soak up the lavish coastal lifestyle. One of the island’s most popular destination is Hvar Town, which has pristine beaches, modern restaurants, luxury guesthouses, and a lively nightlife scene. Its labyrinth of age-old cobbled and marble streets adds a distinctly Croatian aesthetic. Home to a very ritzy harbor where the royal and famous park their yachts, Hvar is often referred to as the "French Riviera of the East".

Istria & Rovinj

Romantic seaside Rovinj is the most visited town in Istria, Croatia's western-most region. Dating back to the time of the Romans, Rovinj's compact old town occupies a circular peninsula that juts out into the Adriatic Sea and is made up of colorful buildings and former Venetian-style palaces. Dominating the skyline is the 197-foot-high bell tower of St. Euphemia's Church. A climb up the narrow 200 steps of the tower is rewarded with breathtaking views over the rooftops and narrow lanes of the old town, and a few small neighboring islands dotting the shoreline.

The Capital - Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia's stunning capital got its start as two medieval fortress towns atop hills overlooking the Sava River, and was reborn in the Baroque period as center of business, perfectly located on routes connecting Central Europe to the Adriatic Sea. These days, Zagreb is the heart of contemporary Croatia’s culture, art, sports, and academics, but its history is not forgotten. The unique blend of medieval towers, 19th century palaces, open-air markets, and ancient cathedrals, make Zagreb the perfect city to explore.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest of Croatia's eight national parks. This impressive park covers an area of 114 square miles, with 16 freshwater lakes painted in hues of blue and green which are connected by cascades and waterfalls. with over 11 miles of hiking trails, wooden walkways that fringe the lakes and charming bridges crossing brooks and streams.

The Island of Korucla

Korucla, best known as the alleged birthplace of the famous merchant traveler, Marco Polo is a 30-mile island that is easily reached by ferries from Split or Dubrovnik. Korucla is steeped in picturesque landscapes, quaint towns, rich history and enchanting traditions. Lush green forests, vineyards, olive groves and charming villages such as Blato, known for its baroque churches and long boulevard of lime trees, shops, restaurants and hotels. The island’s main town, Korucla Town, is a historic, walled town with Venetian Renaissance architecture, colorful markets, shops and restaurants.