Trogir, Split-Dalmatia County

destination

Trogir

Straddling the mainland and a rocky island over a small naval channel two-thirds of the way down the country’s Adriatic coast, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trogir, is steeped in the histories of ancient Greece, imperial Rome, republican Venice and trendy modern-day Croatia alike. The centre of town is cut by narrow lanes where swaying laundry lines drift in the maritime winds and overhanging timber balconies play host to Italian pizzerias and open-air wine bars. Nearby, the formidable walls of the mighty Kamerlengo fortress and the romanesque rises of the city’s cathedral stand tall, watching over the clusters of bubbling beach shacks and pebble coves that pepper the inlets of Okrug Gornji island across the bay.

Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia

destination

Hvar

Many tourists visit Croatia to explore the blissful Dalmatian islands, of which the most fashionable is Hvar. Here, trendy Hvar Town is home to some of the country's top hotels and best seafood restaurants. Dating back to the years spent under Venetian-rule (1420-1797), its car-free old town is made up of a spacious main square overlooked by a 16th-century cathedral, a pretty fishing harbor, and a hilltop fortress. Hvar Town is popular with yachters and celebrities, as well as travelers who come here to enjoy its beaches and watersports. It is served by ferry from Split.

Rovinj, Istria County

destination

Rovinj

In northwest Croatia, on the Istrian peninsula, the Venetian-era seaside town of Rovinj is made up of pastel-colored houses ringing a pretty fishing harbor, and presided over by a hilltop church with an elegant bell tower. Besides the nearby pebble beaches, the main tourist attraction is the Batana Eco-Museum on the seafront, which tells the story of the batana, a type of wooden boat used by local fishermen. There are also plenty of smart hotels, up-market seafood restaurants, and art galleries. The locals speak a dialect, which mixes both the Croatian and Italian languages. The nearest airport is in Pula.

Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia

destination

Vis

An island in the Adriatic Sea, Vis is one of over 700 islands in Croatia but is often considered one of the best in the country. Having resisted mass development, Vis has maintained its authentic charm and is a hub for seafood lovers, wine enthusiasts and beach bums. The farthest inhabited island from the mainland, Vis is easily accessed via ferry. Rent a scooter or a boat to explore.

Šibenik, Šibenik-Knin County

destination

Šibenik

The Adriatic coastal town of Sibenik is filled with gorgeous historic sites, Renaissance palaces and lovely hidden squares. The best thing to do here is to stroll through the beautiful cobblestone streets of the historical city center. Near Sibenik there is the spectacular Krka National Park, a natural area with seven waterfalls, multiple mills and more than a few old monasteries. Don’t miss it, if you have extra time.