Shimmering waters and beautiful ruins are calling you to its shores
From ancient amphitheaters to preserved palaces, Croatia proves that Roman relics aren't only found in Italy. Step into the past as you visit expansive ruins and stroll through the walled city of Dubrovnik to the ancient ruins of Istria.
If Dubrovnik looks like a film set to you, that's because it is — you might recognize it from the popular TV series "Game of Thrones". The sheer magnificence of structures like Fort Bokar and the Pile Gate will make you feel like you're living in an epic fantasy story.
In Dubrovnik, walk up to the city walls and gain some perspective on this increasingly famous travel destination. In Split, the climb up the rickety stairs of the Cathedral of Dominus can be harrowing, but the view will make you feel immortal.
In Istria, traipse through the palace built by Diocletian, who split the Roman Empire into East and West two centuries after Caesar. Or head up to the Istrian city of Pula, whose own Roman amphitheater dates back to 27 B.C.E.
Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is one of the most picturesque corners of the Mediterranean. From relaxing beaches to coastal cities and bracing inland adventures and attractions, time spent by the water in Croatia during your vacation is time you won't forget
The only thing better than arriving on the island of Korcula and being stunned by the perfectly clear waters of its harbor is arriving hours later at Hvar or Mljet, two offshore islands that prove there's no such thing as too much time on the beach.
Some of Croatia's best beaches are conveniently located right near its urban centers. Check out Banje Beach in Dubrovnik and soak in the sun and sand with the city's medieval Old Town backdropping your dip in the ocean.
Hike through Krka and Plitvice National Parks, where you'll find countless waterfalls and abundant forests. When you're itching to reenter city life, try some hearty Croatian cuisine in the underrated city of Zagreb, which blends Eastern and Western European cooking styles, with Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil and rosemary as well as root veggies and dumplings.
Croatia sits at the intersection of the Latin and Slavic parts of Europe, and its cuisine reflects this. From Italian-inflected rice dishes, to meat-stuffed peppers that evoke lands farther east, to a local take on flan, Croatia is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Squid ink has become a global food coloring sensation, but the trend started in Croatia. The black color of crni rizot (black risotto) is only the beginning of its appeal, thanks to the tender, juicy octopus tentacles that rest atop its bed of arborio rice.
While the food in many Croatian restaurants can seem like an alternative version of Italian, especially on the coast, punjena paprika (baked peppers stuffed with savory ground meat) evokes the flavors of the former Yugoslavia — and the centuries before it.
It might seem strange to eat a dessert like flan in a country where Spanish isn't the official language, but Croatia's rozata egg custard has a wild card: Its signature aroma (and name) comes from rozalin rose liqueur.
