Close your eyes and let yourself be lulled by the sound of the sea, surrounded by islets overlooking crystalline bays. Breathe in the scents of the Mediterranean scrub and the charm of the fishing villages, with the characteristic taverns where you can taste fish and a thousand typical specialties.

Immerse yourself in the history of medieval villages, where you can stroll along stone-paved streets and admire suggestive architecture. Welcome to Croatia: a destination that pleases everyone, from families to fun lovers, from nature lovers to cultural holiday enthusiasts.

In addition to Istria – the largest peninsula in the Adriatic – there is much more: the Croatian coast continues for thousands of kilometers, all to be eaten with the eyes. Traveling by sea is a surprising journey: you will be surrounded by the most beautiful islands in Croatia, such as those that make up the Kvarner archipelago and the Kornati, by Venetian villages and verdant views. You will be able to admire famous Unesco sites and walk through large natural parks embroidered with fairy-tale waterfalls. Croatia’s beaches require no introduction: from Pula to Dalmatia, relaxation by the sea is guaranteed. Don’t settle for the most obvious destinations: the secret is to wander. Here are the 16 best things to see in Croatia to discover it in all its facets.The Istrian peninsula is a succession of enchanted beaches and ancient stone villages, where tradition is still alive and does not seem to fear too much the invasion of tourists: in the height of summer, Istria is crowded with vacationers, but just fade in the low season to discover its most secret face. The seaside villages and medieval towns, the Venetian-style bell towers – one above all, that of the Rovinj church – are true pearls of the Adriatic: a delight for those who sail along the Istrian coasts, between fresh dives and tastes of culture. Not to mention the gastronomy: the variety is wider than imagined and goes far beyond the classic scampi alla busara. The hinterland is also full of treasures: just go a little further, for example, to discover Motovun (Motvun), a fascinating fortified village stretching out over a boundless valley. This is just one of the surprises that this region rich in art and history reserves, whose beaches enchant vacationers as much as the cultural beauties.Located south of the Lim Channel – a bewitching fjord framed by woods that give it the appearance of a canyon -, Rovinj is the most visited city in Istria. Its famous historic center is dominated by the church of Sant’Eufemia, with the soaring bell tower that recalls that of San Marco. Rovinj was, not surprisingly, an important city of the Serenissima that surrounded it with walls to protect it from pirates.

Originally built on an island, it was connected to the mainland in the 18th century. Walking through its steep stone streets, between typical taverns and art galleries, is an exciting experience: its evocative views make it a very romantic destination. In front of Rovinj, the sea shines with small islands, such as that of Sant’Andrea, also known as the Red Island, fringed with rocky and pebble beaches.The tourist fame of Pula is linked – in addition to the surrounding beaches – to the amphitheater of the Flavian age, once the background of gladiator fights and today magnificently preserved: a majestic vision, all the more if you think that at the time of Vespasian it could contain over 20 thousand spectators. The Croatian Colosseum is surrounded by important monuments, such as the Roman gates – to see Porta Gemina and the triumphal Arch of the Sergians – and the Temple of Rome and Augustus, a place of worship dedicated to the goddess and emperor Octavian, alongside which stands the Town Hall.

In addition to the wealth of historical and archaeological heritage, Pula boasts a very lively center, full of museums, shops and clubs. Located on the tip of Istria, Pula is characterized by the jagged coastline: some of the most enchanting beaches in Croatia are located right here, a sensational setting for relaxing by the sea after admiring the beauties of the ancient city. From the Brijuni Islands to the beaches of Medulin and Premantura – don’t miss the Kamenjak peninsula – summer offers magic: but also the low season, especially for lovers of cycling.Dubrovnik – Ragusa – was the capital of an independent maritime republic, capable of rivaling the overwhelming power of Venice, thanks also to the alliance with the Republic of Ancona. Gate of the Balkans, it was a crossroads of trade with the East: metals, oil and spices passed through its port and numerous consuls guarded the routes. The fortune of Ragusa reached its peak between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries: a golden period of which precious traces are preserved. The historic center, enclosed within the ancient walls, is a Unesco jewel characterized by a fascinating historical and artistic heritage and a profusion of churches, squares and palaces: among the most emblematic is the Palazzo dei Rectors, the political heart of the Republic.

The pearl of the Adriatic is surrounded by towers and fortresses overlooking the sea: the view is sensational. Lively and cosmopolitan, Dubrovnik is a city of culture with a rich calendar of events: its Summer Festival turns streets, palaces and churches into stage every year. After immersing yourself in the history of Ragusa, you can enjoy an excursion to the island of Lokrum and a sunbath on the most beautiful beaches in the area.