Split

Overlooking the Adriatic Sea and backed by the rugged Dinaric Mountains, the splendid Dalmatian city of Split resembles a living museum. Ancient Roman architecture forms a backdrop to modern-day life, with boutiques displaying imported designer wear and cafés playing techno amid the stones of an imperial palace.

Split has long been an important tourist hub, the main gateway to Dalmatia, with an international airport, daily ferries from Italy and local boat services to the nearby islands. Today, improved access, a revamped waterfront, a plethora of new hotels and the wholesale renovation of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed core has made the city into a must-visit Croatian destination. For keen sailors it is also the largest base for charter companies renting out sailing yachts.