A magnificent seaside fortress, Dubrovnik is gorgeous and ancient. The town itself is small, but the orange terra cotta tiled rooftops and the streets of marble (really!) are quite a site. The Adriatic is clear and there are many interesting islands good for day trips.

Skip the hotel and hostel listings in your guidebook and look for a private room with a local family: Croatians are extraordinarily friendly and welcoming; I found great accomodations with a nice family in a home overlooking the city up in the surrounding foothills.