Istria

The diamond-shaped Istrian Peninsula is often considered one of the jewels of the Croatian coast. Lesser-known than Dalmatia to the south, this craggy mass of rock that splinters its way into the Adriatic Sea from the Italian border certainly has the looks to justify its reputation. Just take the uber-romantic seaside cities of Novigrad and Rovinj, the latter a charming display of Romanesque churches and archways, and washing lines flapping above the traditional konoba (taverns) below. Or, look to historic Pula, which boasts perhaps the finest ancient amphitheater anywhere outside of Italy, and a temple-topped Forum built by Augustus to match. Close to that, the coastline twists and turns in a medley of eucalyptus- and pine-topped cliffs, opening onto rugged coves where the see-through seas crash below, all eventually culminating into the blustery islets and beaches of Kamenjak. Further inland, where the blanket of olive groves (don't forget to sample the oils) part for the farms, medieval hill towns like Motovun gaze across fjords, before Istria tour guides cross to the east side to reveal the artistic vibes at the likes of Labin and Rabaz.