Croatia moved to the top of my travel list after seeing an image of the famous waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park. I spent two weeks touring the country, and was Croatia is one of my favorite destinations to date.
Zagreb, the country's capital, is a lively, fascinating city. Be sure to hit the Museum of Broken Relationships for a unique museum experience
Split is a very popular destination right on the coast. Stroll through Diocletian's Palace to experience some of the country's ancient Roman history.
When visiting Croatia, don't miss Dubrovnik. The city is famous for its City Walls, massive stone fortifications completed in the 16th century. You can walk the walls or take a kayak trip to see the walls from the water.
Croatia is full of islands, each with their own unique vibe. It's easy to island hop with the ferry system, so take some time to explore one of the islands off the beaten path. I spent 3 days on the beautiful island of Šolta, where there were stunning views and very few other tourists.
Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both well known because of their waterfalls. However, the parks are completely different, and you should visit both. Krka is awesome because its falls are more concentrated, and you can swim in the waterfalls.
Zadar is a cool city with a blend of ancient architecture with modern attractions. Tour Old Town, listen to the waves play the famous Sea Organ, and watch the dancing lights on The Greeting to the Sun monument (pictured above).
Plitvice is probably the most famous park in Croatia. While Krka is relatively small, you can spend all day (or multiple days) hiking in Plitvice. There are waterfalls and breathtaking views everywhere you look.
Croatia has a huge coastline on the Adriatic Sea. There are beaches everywhere. The water is deep blue, crystal clear, and teeming with fish and other sea life. You can easily snorkel right off the shore.
Ice cream is plentiful, delicious, and cheap in Croatia. This dish cost the equivalent of about $1. Ice cream lovers, add Croatia to your list.