Croatia has been on my husband’s travel bucket list for years, and when the opportunity arose to visit this stunning country with him, I couldn’t say no. Every year, we have a tradition of exploring somewhere new together, and this trip promised to be full of wonder, joy, and adventure, oh! and lots and lots of pasta. Throughout our journey, we immersed ourselves in the beauty, history, and flavors of this Mediterranean gem.

For the first time in years, I decided to leave my usual photography gear behind (well not completely, I did bring it but only for the “important” stuff) and instead brought along my trusty Sony PowerShot IV camera for the day-to-day of the trip. It was fun returning to a point-and-shoot after so long. Its lightweight design made it easy to tuck into a purse and carry everywhere we went, capturing moments with ease. Of course, there were challenges—balancing colors and dealing with highlight blowouts without relying on manual mode—but those quirks added to the charm of documenting our adventure. I’ll start by sharing the magic of our time in Split, the heart of the Dalmatian coast.

Split

After arriving in Split and settling into our hilltop accommodations, we headed out for the first adventure of our trip—a trek through Old Town and a spot for dinner. Tucked into a cozy restaurant with candlelight surrounding us, we indulged in a feast of pasta dishes that felt like pure comfort food. The rich, homemade sauces paired with a local Croatian wine set the tone for the days ahead: joy and discovery.

With full hearts and even fuller stomachs, we walked Old Town. The city’s energy was palpable even at night, with its cobblestone streets lit by soft, golden glows. Wandering through the labyrinthine alleys felt like stepping back in time. After exploring, we made our way back up the hill to our accommodations, eager for what tomorrow would bring.

The morning started with a guided walking tour through Split’s Old Town, and it was nothing short of mesmerizing. Our first stop was the iconic statue of Grgur Ninski, a symbol of Dalmatian pride and a touchstone for good luck (just rub his big toe!). Next, we explored the Diocletian Palace, the ancient Roman complex that forms the heart of Split.

We paused at the Venetian squares to admire the intricate architecture and then made our way to the Golden Gate. Here, we stopped to take in the famous mural that celebrates the history and culture of Split. It was a vibrant, colorful moment in a day filled with muted stone tones.

For lunch, we had to try the local specialty: a potato burek from St. Burek. This flaky, savory pastry is a Croatian staple, and biting into it felt like a warm hug. In the evening, we dined by the marina, enjoying fresh pizza and more Croatian wine while watching the boats bob gently in the water. The cool sea breeze and the soft glow of the marina lights made it a night to remember.

On our third day, we ventured outside of Split to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park—a place that feels like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. As we walked around the upper lakes, the landscape unfolded like a dream. The turquoise pools, framed by shifting dolomite cliffs, cascaded into waterfalls that seemed to go on forever.

The pièce de résistance was the Big Waterfall. Standing in front of it, you could see all the pools of the park and how the water changes color as it hits different stone. We even viewed the spot where the cover of National Geographic was photographed and stood in awe of the beauty of nature.

After a long day of exploring, we returned to Split and ate in Old Town, sitting in an inner courtyard. We found a homemade vegetarian restaurant and enjoyed spanikopita, freshly made pasta, and delicious mushrooms. The perfect end to the beginning of our adventure.

Our final morning in Split was bittersweet. After breakfast, we headed to the ferry terminal to catch a boat to our next destination: the sun-soaked island of Hvar. Watching Split fade into the distance, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the memories we’d created in this vibrant, historic city.

Hvar

Arriving mid-morning in Hvar was a breathtaking experience. Seeing the city from the ferry as we approached felt like stepping into a postcard. After a short journey, we rented a car to begin our exploration of the island.

Our first stop was Stari Grad, a charming and historic town. We strolled through its narrow streets, pausing to admire artisan crafts and sample fresh local fruits and vegetables from the market. Next, we visited Dubrović Winery and Vina Tomic, where we savored the distinct flavors of Croatian wines. Each sip was a celebration of the island’s winemaking tradition.

Driving to the top of the island offered panoramic views that left us speechless. From this vantage point, you could see the centuries-old stone divisions of the land and the shimmering bay below—a reminder of Hvar’s rich history and natural beauty.

As night fell, we returned to the town of Hvar and dined at a local brewery. My husband’s sole mission was to find a brew hat, and thankfully, his search was a success! Our evening ended with a climb to the fort overlooking the city. Seeing the twinkling lights of Hvar at night was nothing short of magical.

The day, we climbed back to the fort to see the city bathed in daylight—a stark contrast to the night before, yet equally stunning. We spent the rest of the morning relaxing near the ferry port, sipping drinks and soaking in the peaceful ambiance of Hvar. Rob spent some time in the ocean and enjoying the rock beaches. When it was time to leave, I felt a pang of sadness but also gratitude for the unforgettable experiences the island had offered.

Dubrovnik

Our ferry ride to Dubrovnik included a magical stop in Korčula, where the sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. By the time we arrived in Dubrovnik, the night had fallen, but that didn’t stop us from exploring. After grabbing a quick bite at Kiosk Dubrovnik, we hiked up what felt like an endless series of stairs to our accommodations. Once settled, we ventured to Old Town. The bustling streets were alive with the sound of music, the scent of gelato, and the laughter of people soaking in the perfect evening weather.

The day began with a classic Croatian breakfast featuring burek before we joined a walking tour of Dubrovnik. The highlight was undoubtedly the city walls. Walking along them provided panoramic views of the Adriatic and the terracotta rooftops of Old Town. It was a moment of pure wonder.

As the day ended, we boarded a sunset cruise around the harbor. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting golden light on the ancient city, was a moment I’ll never forget. Dinner that night was at a quaint restaurant known for its handmade pasta. Despite the long wait for a table, every bite was worth it.

Rain was forecasted for the day, so we booked a wine tour. The journey to Pelješac was cozy, with rain pattering against the car windows. Despite getting caught in a downpour, the day was filled with laughter and rich wines that warmed us from the inside out. That evening, we returned to Old Town for Indian food. When the rain subsided, the streets were eerily quiet—a photographer’s dream. I raced back to grab my camera and captured Dubrovnik at night, including the famous Jesuit Stairs. Just as the rain returned, we hurried home, huddled together to keep the camera dry.

On our last day, we explored several museums and landmarks using the Dubrovnik Pass. Each stop deepened my appreciation for the city’s rich history and culture. After one final burek, we boarded a tiny biplane for the short flight back to Split. The flight, with just five other passengers, was an adventure in itself. Our final evening was spent along the Split boardwalk, savoring our last meal in Croatia.

As we boarded our flight back to the U.S., I reflected on the journey. Croatia had been everything I’d hoped for and more—a place of wonder, joy, and adventure.

Croatia was more than a destination; it was an experience that touched my heart and left me with memories I’ll treasure forever. As a wedding photographer, I’m constantly inspired by the connection between people and places. Its golden sunsets, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes reminded me to embrace the beauty in every moment. Whether it was wandering the quiet streets of Dubrovnik after the rain, savoring handmade pasta, or marveling at the natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes, each day brought its own kind of magic.

For those dreaming of an unforgettable adventure, Croatia is waiting to be discovered.