Until recently, July and August in Croatia belonged to German and Italian tourists, who clogged border crossings in their annual "migration" to the country's endless beaches and clear blue sea. Today, the rest of the world has discovered Croatia's charms: its wealth of Roman ruins, medieval hilltop castles, and staggering cache of natural wonders. Even though the summer crowd is now larger and more diverse and tourism is one of the country's biggest sources of income, it still is possible to find a secluded cove or patch of beach where it seems you're the only person on Earth. When all the name-brand hotels are filled, there is always a room with personality waiting in a private home where the landlord welcomes you like a long-lost friend.
Every town and village has at least one restaurant where the locals hang out and where the slice of life you get with your meal is the best dessert there is. In Croatia, each building has a story that adds another facet to this gem of a country.
This guide is a "road map," meant to provide insight to the delights that await you in Croatia. All you have to do is fill in the blanks as you make discoveries of your own.
