Zadar might lack the big-name glitz of Split down the coast, but this bustling university city's peninsular Old Town also dates back to Roman times. The central forum and original city gates set the tone. The marbled limestone of the main street, Kalelarga, echoes Dubrovnik's Stradun, but Zadar is very much its own city, as evidenced by installations like the wave-powered Sea Organ and the showy Greeting to the Sun. When in Zadar, be sure to find a vantage point along the Riva (waterfront) to admire what Hitchcock considered "the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West...applauded at every evening".

As well as exploring the historic sites of Zadar's Old Town, there's plenty to do in the region. The Plitvice, Krka, Paklenica, and Kornati Islands National Parks are all within easy reach for day trips, either with an organized group, private guide, or on your own by rental car. If you want to spend a little time on the beach, there are several sandy beaches in the area, a relative rarity in Croatia, including the Nin lagoon, which is often regarded Croatia's most beautiful beach. Zadar is one of our favorite cities in Croatia. It's the perfect place for a vacation, especially in between stops in cities like Dubrovnik, Plitvice, and Zagreb.