- I've been visiting Croatia annually for the last 30 years, and am still enamored with the country.
- "Game of Thrones" fans should take the ferry from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island for a day trip.
- My family and I love visiting Rastoke, which looks like the pages of a storybook came to life.
Thirty years ago, I fell in love with Croatia's rugged shoreline the moment I saw the crystal-clear waters.
I grew up with sandy lakesides instead of tropical waters, so spending hours watching sea cucumbers, small fish, and crabs felt like nothing I'd ever seen or known before.
I've visited Croatia almost every year since then, and it's continued to feel refreshingly authentic — unspoiled, relaxed, and not staged for tourists. Here are four of my favorite places in the country.
"Game of Thrones" fans should take a day trip to Lokrum Island to see a replica of the Iron Throne
If you've ever dreamt about sitting on the Iron Throne from HBO's "Game of Thrones," I highly recommend visiting Lokrum Island, which doubled as the city of Qarth in the series.
After a short 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik, you can wander the gardens of the Benedictine monastery.
There's also a small exhibition commemorating the series, with a replica of the Iron Throne.
And if you're not a fan of the show, there's still plenty to do on the island. Don't miss floating in its salt lake (Mrtvo More), relaxing at one of the secluded beaches, or snapping pictures of the many free-roaming peacocks.
Relax on a quiet beach along Rab's seaside promenade
Although many tourists flock to Lopar and its sandy beaches, I prefer to spend time along the quiet seaside promenade between the towns of Palit and Rab.
This promenade is a place for simple joys, like starting your day with a jog, enjoying delicious breakfast with a view, or taking a refreshing swim. The energy remains high throughout the day as families swim, hunt for seashells, and grab ice cream.
The pathway is dotted with little beaches tucked under the shade of pine trees. In the summer, I love relaxing while listening to the rhythmic hum of cicadas, a sound so quintessentially Croatian that I can't imagine the season without it.
Rastoke looks like a fairy tale brought to life
Located about 30 minutes away from Plitvice Lakes National Park, Rastoke is more than just a quaint little village.
With over 20 waterfalls along the Slunjčica River, original mills, a fairy garden, and an eco museum, visiting Rastoke is like taking a step back in time.
My kids loved visiting the fairy garden, which featured a variety of hidden fairy sculptures. Meanwhile, I enjoyed walking along a boardwalk to explore the waterfalls.
Imotski is one of the best hidden gems in Croatia
Perched at the top of a plateau overlooking Modro Jezero (Blue Lake) — which is located in a sinkhole — is the town of Imotski.
I recommend starting your trip with a visit to the Blue Lake Viewpoint. When water levels are high (typically after late spring-early summer rainfall), you'll find people swimming.
But the fun doesn't stop on the rare occasion that the lake dries out. In fact, it's tradition for the empty crater to become the stage for a soccer game between the teams Vilenjaci (Elves) and Vukodlaci (Werewolves).
I also enjoy visiting the Topana Fortress, which is located at the town's highest point, and the nearby Crveno Jezero (Red Lake), which is in a sinkhole, too, and boasts unreal views.
No matter where you go in Croatia, I'm sure you'll be hungry to return for more — I know I am.
