Croatia

Croatia blew up over the last decade and for good reason. The Adriatic coast is stunning, the old towns are beautiful, and it’s still cheaper than Italy next door. Summer gets crazy busy though so timing matters if you want to actually enjoy it.

Dubrovnik is the big draw and yeah it’s touristy but it’s also gorgeous. The old town walls are a must walk even in the heat. Go early morning before cruise ships dump thousands of people. Game of Thrones fans will recognize everything. The cable car up Mount Srd gives you insane views. Lokrum Island is a quick ferry and way less crowded.

Split is more real and I liked it better. Diocletian’s Palace is the old town and people actually live in this ancient Roman structure. It’s weird and cool. The waterfront is great for coffee and people watching. Use Split as a base for island hopping. Ferries go everywhere from here.

The islands are the highlight. Hvar is the party island with beach clubs and yachts. Expensive and busy but beautiful. Korcula is quieter and has great wine. Vis is the most remote and feels untouched. Brac has Zlatni Rat beach which is famous for a reason. You could spend weeks just island hopping.

Plitvice Lakes up north is a national park with waterfalls and turquoise water. It’s stunning but gets packed. Go at opening time or stay nearby and go late afternoon. Zagreb the capital is worth a day or two. More Central European vibe than coastal.

Getting around means ferries, buses, or rental cars. Ferries between islands are affordable but book ahead in summer. Driving the coast is beautiful but slow and parking is terrible in old towns.

Money goes further than Western Europe but prices jumped. Expect to pay more in Dubrovnik and Hvar. Cards work everywhere now.