1. Zagreb

Zagreb is a city located in the middle of urban life. If you're looking for the mediterranean sea shore view, this is not the place. But if you're eager to shop and enjoy night life, this town might interest you. There are also unique museums you can visit : Museum of illusions and museum of broken relationships. I went to the museum of broken relationship and it was full of sad stories. you may also add your love story to the museum if you have interesting failed love story. Main destination of Zagreb is the City Center. You can go there by walk, tramp, and bus. There are lots of restaurants, market, stores, Zagreb cathedral, st. mark's church and stone gate. There is one place that i love the most in Croatia because of it's beauty and authenticity called Plitvice lake, you can reach it from Zagreb, 3 hours by bus. You can see the water is crystal clear and lots of fishes underneath. If you seek for a cheap accomodation, I recommend Chillout hostel, located in the centra city near the best ice cream in town called Vincek.

2. Zadar

There are several activities that you can do in Zadar. It has old buildings at the city center. Zadar is located in sea area but you cant really find lots of beaches to swim. At the port you can find monument of the sun and sea organ beside it. You can swim there but it's deep and has strong waves. if you're not so good at swimming i did not recommend you to swim there. However you still can find a beach near the city in 15 minutes walk. you need to search closely because it's kinda hidden. 

Croatia has many small island such as hvar, vis, korcula, etc. The closest way to reach them is from zadar, around 2.5 hours by bus. Trip for 5 island is around 98-125 euro. 

3. Split

You can find a LOT of water sports and activities in split. you can also reach the small islands from here, otherwise there are also other activities you can do in split such as hiking to St. Peter's Church. it's located uphill then you can go downhill to the beach and swim. Other option, you can also go to Krka National park. Unlike Plitvice Lake, you can swim at Krka National Park. It's 1.5 hour by bus from split and you have to get off the bus at skraden. I booked a hostel in front of the beach, 2.5 km from the bus station. Split also has old buildings and also urban night life at the city center. If you recognize one of the scene where Daenerys Targaryen walked down through stairs to her dragons, it was filmed in Split. 

4. Makarska

Makarska is not a busy town, it's a small town where you can chill and relax. Makarska is surrounded by mountains and also has sea view if you search hard enough. I went hiking through the woods (followed google maps) to Nugal beach. It took me about 30 mins to get there, turns out it's a nude beach hahah but luckily no one's clothless since nobody's there. You have to keep this in mind if you go there, go back before 9 pm (before dark) or it'll be dangerous road, no lamps, just trees. 

5. Dubrovnik

Known as King's Landing if you watch Game of thrones. Yes, Lots of scenes from king's landing was filmed in dubrovnik. Red keep, Cercei's walk of shame, scene where cercei lost her daughter, where joffery died, etc. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, it's a perfect place for you. You can also join GoT tour for 150 kuna. I joined kayak tour by world of kayak for 240 kuna. you can also get free snorkeling equipments, it takes 3 hours. Dubrovnik has higher price than other cities since it is the top destination of croatia. So I recommend you to save money to spend it here or split. 

Other details, I'll insert prices for intercity bus and entrance fees: