When Americans contemplate a European holiday , Croatia usually takes a back seat to the big target further Rebecca West . But rethink that power structure . While steadily increase numbers of sail liner , international partiers , and famous person jet - setters are discovering a terminus long known to Italian tourists , the gorgeous 300 - mi flight strip of Mediterranean real estate that makes up Croatia ’s Dalmatian Coast is still largely overlooked by American tourists .

While Croatia ’s Dalmatian Coast is certainly not the quasi - secret destination it once was , it ’s still the most underrated promised land in Europe . This is why .

It’s the most beautiful strip of coast in Europe

Warning : beat back the Croatian coastline can be hazardous to your wellness . Because you ’ll be gawp out the windowpane the whole time , star at THIS . fortuitously , Croatia ’s public transit system is clean , efficient , and authentic . ( Although having your own boat around here would n’t offend . ) Nothing against theFrench RivieraorItaly ’s Amalfi Coast , but this coastline is something that necessitate to be reckon to be believed . And even then , you ’ll still be rubbing your eye to verify it ’s veridical .

It’s still (relatively) cheap

While Croatia joined the European Union in 2013 , the kuna ( not the euro ) is still Croatians ’ currency of choice . While prices have been steadily increasing in recent years , with hotel in major towns like Dubrovnik and Hvar seeing the biggest boost , the nation as a whole still provides one of the best values in Europe . This is particularly true if you travel outside of peak summer months , as many rates are peg to the time of year . Due to the comparative lack of crowds , weather , and value , October may be the right meter of the yr to visit .

Its party scene is world-class

Every summertime the gorgeous town of Split morphs into South Beach squared when the monumental outside EDM fest known asUltra Europerolls into town , with bikini - drape boat parties and core - enhanced beach do popping up all across the coast . That ’s not to observe the spring break destination of Zrće ( aka CroatianIbiza ) or the infamous Carpe Diem Beach . But if you ’re not into brassy dancing euphony and overpriced cocktail , there are innumerable laid - back waterside bars up and down the coast with muckle of little islands to snarf out to .

It has more than 1,000 islands (several of them secret)

Speaking of islands , there are only about 1,000 of them , the most notable of which , Hvar , is just as sexy as anything you ’ll spy in Cannes or Lake Como . Brac is another gorgeous island of seductive rolling hills and isolated bays , but for our money the distant Lastovo Archipelago is where to really get away from it all . Made up of 46 islands with a total universe of 792 , the intact archipelago is a nature common with 60 % of its dominion pass over in forest .

It’s got some of the best beaches in Europe (and plenty of nude ones)

Let ’s be honest : beaches are the main attraction here , and the alternative are endless . Brac ’s Zlatni Rat and Sakarun Beach on the tranquil island of Dugi Otok are two of the most sensational in all of Europe , but there ’s also nothing wrong with pick up a bottle of vino and tramp to the near beach from any of the towns dotting the shore to take in the fiery sunsets . Nude beachesare also quite the rage around these parts , with naturalists scampering about in the buff on clothing - optional beaches that dominate small islands like Jerolim .

The food is seriously underrated

When was the last time you turned to your significant other and said , “ get ’s go out for Croatian tonight " ? The Mediterranean culinary art is n’t as famed as Italian , which it resemble – with hints of Turkish , Slavic , and Hungarian influences melded together to make earthy dishes concentrate on around refreshing Pisces like sea bass , tunny , and squid . The lamb dish vitalac is a delicious staple fiber around place like Brac , and the lusty local red wines are as underrated as the nutrient . And you ’re not leaving here without tangle with the perilously wet homemade local fruit spirits screw as rakia .

It’s got awesomely well-preserved medieval towns

Perhaps the most surprising panorama of a trip to Croatia is exploring the immense bit of beautifully preserved , highly walkable gothic town that line the sea-coast , from the churches of Zadar to the fort of Sibenik to the famous walled city ofDubrovnik(thanksGame of Thrones . ) Less well recognize is the historic townsfolk of Trogir , a UNESCO World Heritage Site making up one of the best preserve ancient metropolis in all of Europe … which , by the way , also happens to be AN ISLAND .

The mountains are also stunning

While justly noted for its lay - back beach lifestyle , one of Europe ’s most broken and beautiful heap ranges is n’t far off . The expansive Dinaric Alps can be viewed and gawp at from most locales along the coast , from the mountain - dominated Makarska Riviera to Brac ’s picturesque Vidova Gora , the highest mountain in the Adriatic . If climbing deal is n’t your affair , you’re able to always descale the cliff and plunk into the ocean at local watering holes likeDubrovnik ’s Buza Bar .

Its national parks are ludicrous

Like national parks ? How about the 89 - island strong Kornati National Park ? Or the remote hills of the sprawling Sjeverni Velebit National Park ? you could also travel inland to explore the falls at show - stopping natural playgrounds like Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks . And allow ’s not forget the glorious Mljet National Park , fill up the intact northern surgical incision of the peaceful island of Mljet and home to an eye - popping Benedictine waterside monastery . The monks have been there since the 12th century – because once you find this position , why would you ever give ?

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