▲▲▲ Dubrovnik Giant Old City of narrow lanes lined with stone houses, wrapped in some of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortifications — with a scenic wall walk, tons of crowds, great beaches, modest but engaging museums, a exciting mountaintop viewpoint, an epic past and difficult but inspiring recent history, and a well-earned reputation as Croatia's single best destination.
▲▲ Split Unofficial capital city and transit hub of the Dalmatian Coast, with a port-city urbanity, people-filled seaside promenade, and lived-in warren of twisting lanes sprouting out of a massive Roman palace. Nearby is the sweet, sleepy town of Trogir, the Plitvice-like waterfalls of Krka National Park, and the likewise Roman-ruin-studded midsize city of Zadar.
▲▲ Hvar Ritzy island and Old Town known for its fishing-town heritage, stout overhead castle, jet-set cachet, high prices, lavender-draped interior, fine beaches, and easy escapes to nearby islets.
▲▲ Korčula Low-key, charmingly rustic, relatively affordable island and walled peninsular Old Town facing craggy mountains, giving it the feel of a mini-Dubrovnik.
▲ Near Dubrovnik Boat excursions from Dubrovnik's Old Port, art-packed resort village of Cavtat, Trsteno Arboretum, walled town of Ston, vineyard-draped Pelješac Peninsula, and national park on the island of Mljet.
