Featuring more than 1,200 islands and islets, eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, eight national parks, and towns and cities full of vestiges of Venetian times and Roman and Byzantine ruins, Croatia has something to offer every type of traveler. With so much to see, it can be a challenge to decide where to go and what to explore first. Read on to discover the best destinations for first-timers to Croatia.
Hvar
Boasting an average of 2,718 hours of sunshine a year, Hvar is the sunniest of the islands of the Dalmatian coast. It's also the swankiest and a magnet for Hollywood stars: Clint Eastwood, Michael Douglas, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jodie Foster, George Clooney, and Jack Nicholson have all vacationed here. Hvar Town has also become a party destination, attracting many international revelers thanks to its plethora of trendy bars and clubs located in the harbor area.
Split
Croatia's second-largest city, Split is one of the most interesting and picturesque destinations on the Adriatic Sea. Formerly part of the Roman Empire, Split houses some remarkably well-preserved structures from that era. It also boasts beautiful squares and markets, sunny beaches, azure waters ideal for swimming and water sports, a large port, and a number of interesting museums.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
It sounds oxymoronic to describe a place that attracts 1 million annual visitors as a perfect place to detox and revel in nature, but that is exactly the feeling this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Croatia evokes. With staggering limestone cliffs, turquoise blue lakes, and hiking trails that take you through forests, heaths, and caves, Plitvice Lakes' 73,000 acres put biodiversity and ecological conservation on epic display.
Your Packing List
If you're planning to island hop, you'll definitely want to bring a swimsuit or two. To help you feel more prepared at Croatia's idyllic beaches, see what TripSavvy editors have been packing in their beach bags all summer long here.
Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park? If you venture beyond the lakes, bring proper hiking shoes and layers of weather-resistant clothing. Be sure to pack a picnic, snacks, water, and emergency toilet paper if you go for an all-day hike.
If there's one Italian wine region you must visit, make it Chianti, Italy, famous for its namesake red wine. It lies in the very center of Tuscany, between the larger cities of Florence and Siena, making it easily accessible from either city—perfect for a detour of a day or more for taking in the scenery, visiting medieval hilltowns, and touring local wineries. We recommend leaving the driving to someone else and sampling the fruits of Italy's hills and valleys via a wine tour. Do as the Italians do, and say "cin-cin!"
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