Dubrovnik is stunning. Medieval walls surround the old town, and you can walk the entire perimeter with views over the red rooftops and the Adriatic Sea. It's one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It's also been completely overtaken by Game of Thrones tourism (King's Landing was filmed here). Cruise ships dump thousands of tourists into the city every day in summer. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the worst crowds. Dubrovnik is expensive (for Croatia) and touristy, but it's still worth seeing.
Split is less touristy and more functional than Dubrovnik. Diocletian's Palace (a Roman palace built in the 4th century) is right in the city center, and people live and work inside it. It's a UNESCO site and the heart of the old town. Split is a good base for exploring the islands. Ferries leave daily for Hvar, Brač, and Korčula.

The islands are why a lot of people come to Croatia. Hvar is the party island with beach clubs, bars, and yachts. It's expensive and crowded in summer but beautiful. Korčula is quieter with medieval streets and a more laid-back vibe. Brač has Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), one of the most famous beaches in Croatia. Vis is remote and less developed (it was a military base until the 1990s). Island hopping is easy. Ferries connect the islands, but they can be slow and delayed. Budget extra time.

Plitvice Lakes National Park in central Croatia is waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and wooden walkways through the forest. It's stunning and one of the most visited national parks in Europe. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Zadar on the coast has Roman ruins, a Sea Organ (an art installation that makes music from the waves), and fewer tourists than Dubrovnik or Split.

Zagreb (the capital) is underrated. It has a charming old town, museums, parks, and a more local vibe. It's less touristy than the coast and a good place to see a different side of Croatia.

Croatian food is Mediterranean with Italian influences. Seafood (grilled fish, calamari, octopus). Peka (meat and vegetables cooked under a bell-shaped lid). Ćevapi (grilled minced meat). Pašticada (beef stew from Dalmatia). Croatian wine is good and cheap. A bottle costs $5-10 at a restaurant.

Croatian people are friendly, helpful, and speak good English (especially in tourist areas). The coast is touristy, but people are still welcoming.

Getting around is straightforward. Buses connect cities and towns along the coast. Ferries connect the islands (book in advance in summer). If you want to explore Plitvice or the interior, rent a car.

Croatia is more expensive than it used to be (especially Dubrovnik and Hvar), but it's still cheaper than Western Europe. Hostels run $20-35/night. A meal at a restaurant is $10-18. A beer is $3-5.

When to go: Spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) are perfect. The weather is warm, the water is swimmable, and the crowds are manageable. Summer (July-August) is hot, crowded, and expensive. Winter (November-March) is quiet, many places close, but Zagreb and the interior are still accessible.

Croatia is beautiful, accessible, and still reasonably affordable. If you want beaches and medieval towns, go.