Croatia seems to be one of those countries on everyone's bucket or best holiday list and it's hard to not appreciate why; her captivating coastline, pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, picturesque ports and sunny climate make this a must visit destination. There are plenty of national parks to explore too. Like everywhere we're going, we'll try to go off the beaten track and explore some hidden gems.

One such place is Kastel Gomilica, one of a charming collection of villages on the edge of Split. The Venetian-style architecture and cobbled streets are rarely visited by visitors and you can still find farmers and artisans working in the area. Then there's Pazar Farmers Market which is meant to offer an authentic taste of Croatia and then there are the isolated beaches on Ciovo Island. A free summer concert in Republic Square is also a must!

Speaking of hidden gems, there's a great piece on Dubrovnik and where to find them. Sunset and where to watch it seems to be a recurring theme. There are plenty of secret bars mentioned too each offering a breathtaking view.

For a bit of fun, there's also the daily feeding of the pigeon's in the market square in Old Town Dubrovnik. As soon as the clock strikes 12, they start to swoop before a man with a bucket of feed appears from nowhere.

For a local tip, there's something called the Dubrovnik Pass from the Dubrovnik Tourism Board office which gets you discounted entry to 12 of the major attractions in the city, including the City Walls, plus a host of other benefits. We'll be checking that out too.