Croatia

The glittering waters and pebbled coves of the Dalmatian coast are no longer a secret. Add in a fantasy HBO TV series to catapult some medieval cities to stardom and well, everybody now wants a piece of Croatia.

The Croatia we know today is a relatively young country, having successfully declared independence from the former Yugoslavia in June, 1991. Over the last ten years, this country in the Balkans has gained prominence as a popular European summer party destination but Croatia offers visitors more than vodka shots and dancing all night long in the clubs. (Although you certainly can live large on a sailboat or the island of Hvar if that’s your jam).

Tiptoe under the smooth columns and glossy arches of Diocletian’s palace in Split and conjure images of what daily life must have been like hundreds of years ago. Tucked down obscure alleys, you’ll now find bars and restaurants serving wine and smooth olive oil produced in Croatia and the surrounding Balkans region.

Scale the old city walls of Dubrovnik and hike to crumbling fortresses to watch tangerine sunsets sink over the Adriatic Sea. And if you start to feel seasick from the terrifically gorgeous sea, head inland to the National Parks where you can look at waterfalls instead. Admire the cascading falls and turquoise lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Parks from afar or take a splash underneath the seven waterfalls at Krka National Park.

Whether you choose to party until dawn, bask on a pebbled beach or explore the former kingdom ruins, Croatia is sure to surprise and delight you.