| Imagine a white, sandy beach with turquoise blue | | | | absolute must-see for a trip to Croatia. Yes, there are |
| water gently lapping at its edge. | | | | a lot of tourists, but this little town is worth it. |
| Imagine an evening of exploration in an as-yet | | | | Called the walled-city, it has been a fortified enclave |
| undiscovered European town located on one of a | | | | for hundreds of years. From this beautiful little town, |
| chain of islands, still off the beaten path of the throngs | | | | you can sail to several islands nearby. |
| of summer tourists who swarm Europe's top | | | | Some have hidden beaches, such as Sunj beach on |
| destinations. | | | | Lopud Island. This beach requires a 20 minute walk to |
| All this and more was part of my vacation on the | | | | find it, but this ensures you will be one of only a select |
| Islands of Croatia. | | | | few to see this hidden beauty. |
| I know, Croatia doesn't exactly pop to the front of | | | | Other islands have no inhabitants. The nature preserve |
| most people's lists of top tourist destinations in Europe, | | | | island of Lokrum offers gorgeous views over |
| but that's precisely why its islands are such a great | | | | cliff-edged shores. |
| vacation. | | | | Watch out, part of this rocky shoreline is for nudists |
| Safe, friendly and considered Europe's hidden gem, the | | | | only! Just keep an eye out for the signs that read FKK. |
| islands still retain a strong degree of authenticity. | | | | That means, if you want to keep your clothes on, turn |
| While the islands of the Caribbean and Greece are | | | | back! Nudism is considered acceptable by many |
| swarming with tourists and covered with the fakery of | | | | Croatians, so if you venture forth, you may see locals |
| tourist traps and make-believe history, on Croatia's | | | | young (and old), out relaxing on the beaches. |
| islands you can still see locals going about their | | | | Most of the island is a nature preserve and is family |
| business of fishing and selling local crafts, just like they | | | | friendly. I considered this a "vacation from my vacation" |
| have done for hundreds of years. | | | | it was so beautiful and peaceful. |
| Additionally, the prices are affordable for handmade | | | | I loved my vacation around the islands of Croatia. If |
| goods and souvenirs. But, once the rest of the world | | | | you go, consider chartering a sailboat for a day or two |
| finds out about this secret, it will probably turn into a | | | | to sail around the islands, going from port to port. |
| tourist trap just like all the other popular island | | | | You will love it, and be able to tell your friends about an |
| destinations. | | | | exotic destination that was one of your favorite, most |
| I recommend using the town of Dubrovnik as your | | | | relaxing vacations of all time. I know I did! |
| starting point. Although it is not an island, it is an | | | | |