Located along the sparkling waters of the Adriatic sea, Croatia has been a desired land for centuries. It has been controlled by many of the great European empires, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, and the Habsburgs. After the Austro-Hungarian Empire fell, Croatia became part of Yugoslavia, from which it finally won its independence in 1995. Given this history, it’s no surprise that Croatia has a stunning variety of historical monuments. In addition to its turbulent history, Croatia is known for its long Adriatic coastline and hundreds of spectacular islands in what some claim are the purest waters in the Mediterranean. Here, travelers can appreciate life’s simple pleasures: dining on freshly caught fish, biking through olive groves, and swimming in a crystalline sea. Envision the splendor of past empires, delightful red-roofed towns free of big resorts, and rich natural beauty.