Experience the Makarska Riviera’s idyllic coastline with a lazy day on one of its many picturesque beaches. With its jagged, rocky shores juxtaposed against the glittering Adriatic Sea, as well as more than 2,700 hours of sunshine each year, this corner of Croatia has no shortage of beautiful beaches, many of which look as though they could be ripped from the pages of a travel book or the front of a postcard. Best of all, each offers its own unique atmosphere, from action-packed and buzzy spots like Makarska Beach and Tučepi Beach (the longest in the Riviera at around four kilometers, or almost two-and-a-half miles) to more serene, hidden-away stretches like Dračevac Beach and Garma Beach. For magazine-worthy vistas, be sure to visit Nugal Beach and Punta Rata Beach, pebbled, pine-fringed shores famed for a waterfall and dramatic cliff face at the former and the striking, tree-covered Brela Stone at the latter.

Take a tour of the universe at the Makarska Observatory, the closest observatory to the Adriatic Sea at only 50 meters (164 feet) from the beach. Housed in a former World War II memorial honoring the Makarska Riviera’s fallen soldiers, the observatory debuted in 2009, making it the newest in Croatia. Here, visitors can use the observatory’s telescope to gaze upon stars hundreds of lightyears away and planets like Saturn and Jupiter, all with a passionate, English-speaking guide at the helm. And since groups are capped at only 10 to 15 people, this intimate and educational experience allows everyone to reach for the heavens.

Get an adrenaline rush during a heart-pounding eco-adventure through the untouched landscapes of Central Dalmatia. Thanks to the rugged Biokovo mountains and the winding Cetina River, southern Croatia is a haven for thrill-seekers, offering such pulse-racing activities as ziplining, whitewater rafting, and canyoning. Near Tučepi, nature-loving daredevils can take to the skies over the Makarska Riviera on an exhilarating zipline tour, cruising over a forested canyon across six steel cables. Further afield, adventurers can take in the majesty of the Cetina River, which cuts from its source in the Dinara mountain range down to the Adriatic Sea. Guided rafting expeditions depart from the nearby town of Omiš and feature rapids suitable for first-timers and experienced rafters alike. Alternatively, those hoping to be truly immersed in the beauty of River Cetina and all the excitement it has to offer can also set out on a canyoning tour, combining adrenaline-fueled activities like cliff jumping, rappelling, climbing, hiking, and swimming. Both basic and advanced experiences are available, ensuring something for everyone.

Embark on a day trip to Split, a captivating walled city on the Adriatic Sea once home to the Roman emperor Diocletian and the second-largest metropolis in Croatia. An infectious fusion of heritage and modernity, Split will charm everyone from history buffs and art lovers to outdoor enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs. The indisputable crown jewel of this ancient city is Diocletian’s Palace, constructed during the late 3rd and early 4th centuries as a seaside retirement home for the Roman emperor. Imposing in size and incredibly well-preserved, this UNESCO World Heritage Site also housed the Roman military garrison and, today takes up much of Split’s old town. Several of the city’s most notable sites can be found within the former fortress’s walls, including the Peristyle, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the Temple of Jupiter, and the palace’s substructure, famous for housing the dragons of Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones. Plenty of wonders also await travelers outside Diocletian’s Palace, including Klis Fortress, the Diocletian Aqueduct, the Riva promenade, Marjan Forest Park, Meštrović Gallery, and the ruins of the ancient city of Salona, once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia.