Croatia, a country at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, is a Mediterranean nation of rare beauty. With its island-speckled coastline lapped by crystalline sapphire seas, this is a country imbued with a maritime heritage as old as antiquity. Travel inland, and you're met with a stunning landscape of forests, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. The gem in Croatia's cultural crown is Dubrovnik, but other cities sparkle, too, including Split, Hvar, and Trogir. It's a destination to explore at leisure, either by boat or on foot. Either way, this really is a place of compelling contrast.
The unquestionable jewel in the Croatian crown, Dubrovnik is one of the Mediterranean's top tourist destinations. Encircled by defensive stone walls dating back to the Middle Ages, the Old Town is a cluster of historic and beautifully preserved mid-17th-century buildings. In fact, its outstanding medieval legacy and cultural significance is why Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And what better way to begin sightseeing than by walking its ancient streets?
Make sure your Dubrovnik itinerary includes the cathedral. Completed in 1713 after being largely destroyed in the earthquake of 1667, which leveled much of the city, the cathedral is noted for its dazzling treasury.
The treasury holds over 100 reliquaries, dazzling and ornate depositories for rare and valuable relics from the 11th to 18th centuries. The display also includes a portion of the cross that Jesus is thought to have been crucified upon.
Another ecclesiastical draw is St. Blaise's Church. St. Blaise is the patron saint of Dubrovnik. A 12th-century holy relic decorated with enameled cloisonne plaque on display in the church contains his skull.
Rebuilt over several centuries due to fire and earthquakes, the Rector's Palace you see today dates back to the late 1600s. A medley of late Gothic, early Renaissance, and Baroque styles, the building now houses the Cultural History Museum.
Anyone familiar with the 'Game of Thrones' television series will recognize Minceta Tower, which featured in a pivotal scene where Daenerys goes to search for her stolen dragons. The sturdy 14th-century structure is the highest point of the walls, and offers an unforgettable view across the Old Town.
Another former Dubrovnik stronghold worth investigation is Fort Lovrijenac. Dating back to the 11th century and persistent Venetian insurgency, the fort played a vital role in protecting the town from attack.
Moored off Dubrovnik is Lokrum Island. A 10-minute ferry ride from the mainland, Lokrum is crisscrossed by several footpaths, some of which take you to Fort Royal Castle. From here the view back towards the Old Town is what Instagram was made for.
Once you've absorbed the riches the Old Town has to offer, catch a flight on the cable car that whisks visitors up Mount Hill for the bigger picture. On a clear day, the uninterrupted views stretch for 50 km (31 mi) or so.
Beyond Dubrovnik, there are a wealth of attractive and historic destinations to discover. Split, Croatia's second largest city, is worth visiting simply for the extraordinary Diocletian's Palace. Built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who retired to the region in 305 CE, the palace and its grounds also preserve the Cathedral of St. Domnius, landmarked by its elegant bell tower.
A standalone natural wonder, the Blue Grotto is hidden away on the east side of the island of Bisevo, which itself is accessed from the island of Vis, reached by ferry from the city of Split. The grotto is absolutely worth the effort to see for its ethereal blue glow radiating from the depths.
The Dalmatian islands lie scattered off the Croatian coastline and provide endless vacation options for those seeking a picturesque resort atmosphere. One of the most fashionable of these islands is Hvar. The destination enjoys celebrity status and as such features some of the finest hotels and restaurants in the country.
Plitvice Lakes National Park - Away from the coast, Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia's top inland visitor attractions. This stunning environment comprises steep forested hillsides surrounded by 16 emerald-blue lakes connected by a succession of cascading waterfalls. It's a natural wonder deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status.
You may well have arrived in Croatia via the capital, Zagreb. It's worth lingering a few days in the city for sights like Gornji Grad, the medieval Upper Town district. Places of interest include the cathedral, St. Mark's Church (pictured), and the Croatian Parliament Building.
Spend time browsing the fascinating Zagreb Archaeological Museum, which recently took possession of a tooth that once had a home in the jaws of a megalodon shark. It's regarded as one of the largest and most powerful predators in history.
Another popular draw is this gruesome exhibit from prehistory, a skull unearthed on the Iberian Peninsula replete with a spear tip protruding from the forehead. Ouch!
Surely Croatia's most unusual cultural facility, the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb is dedicated to failed relationships, and is home to sentimental keepsakes donated by lovelorn romantics. Look out for the axe used by a woman to chop up her former lover's furniture after he ran off with another woman.
