By Lyndsey Matthews, Harpers Bazaar
Looking for a European destination that's a little more unexpected? Obsessed with food and wine? Love history? If you answered yes to any of these, you'll want to move Croatia to the top of your must-see list immediately. Unlike other European destinations like England, Italy and France, you won't feel the pressure of missing out on major museums and monuments if you'd rather spend your time taking in the sun and jaw-dropping views along the Adriatic coast. Here, all the best things to do and see in Croatia–from a wine country tour to the country's best beaches.
Walk Dubrovnik's Old Town Walls
Game Of Thrones fans will recognize this ancient walled city as the real-life version of Kings Landing, but even if you're not a fan of the HBO show you'll appreciate the beauty of the terracotta rooftops and sparkling blue waters of the Adriatic Sea from up above.
Drink Croatian Wine
Greece isn't the only country in the region with amazing seafood. Make reservations at Passarola in Hvar Town or Dvor in Split for some of the best examples of this coastal cuisine—think grilled squid, prawn risotto and fresh lobster pappardelle—in beautiful al fresco settings.
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Rent a Villa
You don't have to fly all the way to Eastern Europe to find a pretty sunset, but there's something magical about watching the sky change from flaming orange to the prettiest shade of purple from the pool of your hilltop villa.
Swim in a Hidden Cove
Ready to go off the grid? Spend a day island-hopping along the Pakleni Islands to discover dozens of secluded beaches that will have you feel like you're sunbathing a world away from home.
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Drink in a Historical Monument
Waiters at Lvxor Café in Split will serve you a glass of wine right on the steps of Diocletian's Palace, a 4th-century Roman palace. If you find yourself in Dubrovnik, be sure to grab a sundowner at one of the two bars built right into the walls of the old town. Sure, it's a little touristy but how often do you get to sip a drink inside a historical monument at home?
Rent a Scooter
Instead of posting up at a bar for happy hour, pop open a local craft beer and enjoy it outdoors while you walk along the historic waterfront promenade in Split (it is Europe after all).
Jump Off a Yacht Into the Adriatic
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Explore Krka National Park
If you don't have enough time to make it inland to Plitvice Lakes, the waterfalls at Krka National Park are just a one-hour drive outside of Split and are equally as stunning. Plus you'll get to take in the view of Visovac Monastery located in the middle of a lake.
Head North to Istria
Most travelers spend all of their time in Dalmatia on Croatia's southern coast, but the Istria region in the north has just as many beautiful waterfront villages, amazing wine and seafood and historic sites to take in.
See The Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is made up of 16 lakes that cascade into each other forming some of the most beautiful waterfalls you'll see in your life.
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Head Inland to Zagreb
It's tempting to spend your entire vacation on the coast of Croatia, but the growing craft beer scene, colorful farmers markets and elaborate Baroque architecture you'll find in Zagreb make it worth setting aside a few days to explore Croatia's capital city.
Sunbathe on Zlatni Rat Beach
While most of Croatia's coastline can be quite rocky, the soft sand on Zlatni Rat Beach on the island of Brač juts out into the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic making it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
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