With a weaving coastline nearly a thousand miles long, hundreds of islands and a fascinating cultural heritage, the Croatian Adriatic is a veritable cruising paradise. The region’s natural rural beauty provides endless days of exploration and relaxation at anchor in countless sparkling coves and bays against a backdrop of rugged mountains and deep green valleys, not forgetting the many picturesque fishing ports and medieval harbor towns. You can visit ancient towns with vestiges of Greek, Roman and Venetian rulers, alternating with beautiful beaches tucked inside secluded coves. Vineyards, forests and high bluffs are perfect for hiking. However, the coastline and its islands are not just about history; they’re also the setting of an active social scene.

Why Go: Stunning coastline, calm anchorages, and historic cities with renaissance and medieval cores as well as buzzing nightlife.

When to go: June-September

Essential Ports: Split, Trogir, Kornati, Sibenik, Vis, Brac, Hvar, Mljet, Dubrovnik and Kotor.

Essential Experiences: Walking the compact Renaissance town of Korcula, sunning yourself on Stiniva beach nestled in a cove on the tiny island of Vis, cocktails at Carpe Diem on Hvar or Arva at the Aman in Sveti Stefan, Montenegro.

Local Favorite: The best places to sample Croatia’s largely seafood cuisine are in small, family run restaurants such as Konobakod Marka on Sipan, Konoba Aido Mare on Korcula or 360 in Dubrovnik.