Hvar Island
The 1,185 islands that comprise the country come in various shapes , sizes and characters — many accessible for day trips via regular ferry service . Hvar Island welcomes travelers to its old town built upon a mountaintop , the perfect place to order a cold beer or white wine and observe a parade of boats buzzing in and out of the harbor below . This compact slice of perfection on the Adriatic coastline will leave you mesmerized . A medieval castle , Fortica , was built by the Byzantines in the 6th century and is now home to a collection of maritime relics . Make your post-tour snack a kroštule , a tasty relative of the New Orleans beignet , deep-fried dough with a coating of powdered sugar . Popular day trips by boat visit the aptly named blue cave and unpopulated beaches along the island where you can swim , snorkel or relax on the warm white sand .
Split
Croatia ’ s remarkable second city , the port settlement of Split , is among the most heritage-rich towns in Europe . If you only do one thing in Split , it should be to explore 1,700-year-old Diocletian ’ s Palace , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former home to the tyrannical Roman Emperor . Wander the maze of charming back alleys and cobblestoned lanes in the city ’ s old town before sitting down to a leisurely lunch . Borrowing elements from Mediterranean cuisine , the menus of Split offer grilled meats and seafood accented with plenty of garlic , lemon and olive oil . Don ’ t miss the black risotto , which gets its color from cuttlefish ink . Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine for the perfect Croatian meal .
Hvar Island , Croatia
From Split , Plitvice Lakes National Park is doable in a day trip . Here you ’ ll find a stunning array of lakes in varying shades of blue and green as well as lush waterfalls , all accessible on an elevated boardwalk that offers striking viewpoints . At 73,000 acres , the extraordinary nature preserve is best navigated on a guided tour by boat , shuttle or train . Whether it ’ s the stunning natural wonders , the rich history or the opportunity to relive the days of Westeros , Croatia gives you its best .
Diocletian ’ s Palace
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