Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is an ancient, walled medieval city on the Adriatic Sea, filled with world class restaurants and narrow cobblestoned lanes to explore. The city is one the most beautiful cities in the world and is one of our favorite getaway destinations.

Split. Split, the second largest city in Croatia, is a mix of modern life and ancient history. With ruins dating back to the Roman Empire, a bustling waterfront, and fresh seafood served daily at many of the restaurants in town, Split is well worth a visit on a tour through Croatia.

Rovinj. Rovinj is a city that tops the favorite list of many travelers to the Istrian Peninsula and we were no different. Why is this town so beloved? Rovinj is romantic, historic, and looks and feels more Italian than Croatian. With twisting city streets, a bustling, photogenic harbor, and some of the best seafood restaurants in Croatia, this is a town that is not to be missed.

Plitvice Lakes National Park. Plitvice Lakes National Parks contains 16 interconnecting lakes that vary in color from emerald green to turquoise to deep blue. Throw in several stunning waterfalls and you really have something special. At Plitvice Lakes, you walk through the beautiful park on hiking trails and on boardwalks that are suspended over the turquoise water.

Krka National Park. Krka National Park is another destination where you can find some of Croatia’s most beautiful waterfalls. With 17 majestic waterfalls spread throughout the park as well as wondrous gorges, wildlife, ancient monasteries, and hiking trails, there is much to explore here.

Pula and Cape Kamenjak. Located on the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula and Cape Kamenjak can be combined into a perfect day trip. Pula is a sprawling, urban city that has an impressive collection of ancient Roman monuments in its compact old town. Cape Kamenjak is an outdoor paradise, with beaches, cliff diving, and one of the most unique bars we have been to yet, the Safari Bar. If you are already planning to spend one day in Pula, consider adding on the side trip to Cape Kamenjak.

Piran and Koper. Piran and Koper are two coastal towns located on part of the Istrian Peninsula called Slovenian Istria. Piran is well-known for its colorful main square, Venetian-style bell tower, beaches, and medieval walls. Koper is smaller, with boutique shops and historical sites.

Trogir. Trogir is located just thirty minutes west of Split by car. The old town is located on an island, accessible by bridges from the mainland. This town is tiny. Really tiny. You can walk from one end to the other in five minutes, if you move fast. But this tiny town is packed with charm, scenic views, and lots of great restaurants. Trogir is a peaceful and gorgeous town that should not be missed.

Brac Island. Brac is somewhat of an off-the-beaten-path destination in Croatia. The islands of Hvar, Korcula, and Mljet are more popular choices for most people. When we learned that Brac is home to the highest peak on the Adriatic islands, Vidova Gora, we couldn’t resist visiting Brac to go hiking. In the end, Brac not only lived up to our expectations, but the 24 hours we spent on this island was one of our highlights of Croatia.

Hvar Island. Hvar, named the sunniest spot in Croatia, is a paradise of startling blue waters, glorious beaches, historic town, and lively nightlife. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy a photogenic island, Hvar is the place for you.

Korcula Island. Korcula is a spectacular destination to visit in Croatia, for it has a beautiful old town, spectacular beaches, and some of Croatia’s best wineries. Korcula is the perfect destination for those looking for a historic place to wander that is additionally a beautiful beach paradise.

Mljet Island. Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island and is a place of unspoiled nature and alluring tranquility. With the island’s dense forests, turquoise water, high cliffs, ancient ruins, and vast beaches, Mljet is a wonderous destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Zagreb. Surprisingly, for being Croatia’s capital, Zagreb is a destination most travelers skip during their time in Croatia. However, Zagreb is a beautiful city to explore. With colorful streets, gothic architecture, historic sites, delicious cafes, and great museums, there is much to do within the city walls that every traveler will enjoy.

Zadar. Zadar is a beautiful city on Croatia’s coast that is rich in history and nature. Similar to Dubrovnik, Zadar is a walled city with cobbled streets, Roman ruins, and beautiful beaches, making it a great destination if you want to avoid Dubrovnik’s crowds. In addition to the city's beauty, it is nearby many popular Croatian sites including Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Motovun, Groznjan, and Zavrsje. Motovun, Groznjan, and Zavrsje are three idyllic hill towns located in inland Istria that make for great places to visit if you are road tripping through Croatia. Motovun is home to an impressive medieval fortress and great panorama views. Groznjan is a town clustered with cobblestone streets and medieval structures. And Zavrsje is a quaint quiet town that is fun to explore.