Discover your new favorite seaside getaway in Croatia, where sailing and water sports are a national passion. Edged by the Adriatic Sea and boasting 1,244 islands and islets, the mainland and island shores combined total more than 3,626 miles of coastline bordered by sparkling blue seas.

Begin your island-hopping journey in the Kornati archipelago, a national park sprinkled with ancient rock structures, comprised of 89 uninhabited islands and reefs that is an especially popular area for sailing. For active watersports including kayaking, scuba diving, jet skiing and windsurfing, Zlatni Rat beach on the island of Brač is a top destination.

Prefer to bask in the sun? The sandy spit of island that makes up the island’s southern tip near the village of Bol is ideal. Next, make your way to the Blue Cave on the island of Biševo. This famous sea cave is renowned for the ethereal blue light that fills the space at certain times of the day. Once accessible only by divers, the enlarged entrance allows small boats to enter. Also worth a visit — especially for travelers in search of a soothing spa experience — is the island of Lošinj, where you can immerse yourself from head to toe in treatments and therapies at the full- service spa clinic at the Hotel Bellevue. Set within a perfumed pine forest by the sea, the luxury property is open year-round.

Celebrate your sea-themed trip with a night at the centuries-old lighthouse on the tiny island of Porer. Built in 1833, the historic property has several rooms that can be booked by guests longing to sea the sun rise from the windows of a landmark lighthouse.