Croatia is a Southeastern European country with a long Adriatic coastline. A large part of the former Yugoslavia, it was recently admitted to the European Union. The coast offers sleepy fishing villages and hopping nightlife for a real blend of cultural experiences. History abounds in the walled old town of Dubrovnik and the impressive Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace in Split.

Cuisine in Croatia is a wild mix of Greek, Illyrian, Roman, and Austro-Hungarian influences, among others. Meat is popular, but fish is also great. Soups are varied and interesting. Try rabbit goulash or blitva s krumpirom (cooked chard and potato). Fuŝi is a pasta from Istria, and grah is a bean stew which is often served with sauerkraut or pickled turnip strings. In cities like Rijeka, Split, and Zagreb, you can find organic Mediterranean restaurants, raw food, juice bars, Japanese and Chinese food, vegetarian pizza, and some natural foods markets. You may want to enjoy some local wine or beer with or after your meal; there are a wide variety of both.