Honest thoughts on Croatia after my first visit

First time in Croatia and I tried to approach it with open eyes rather than preconceptions. Split was the base and a good one — central, manageable, and with strong food options including the best burek I've ever had. Plitvice Lakes was the big set piece and fully justified the trip.

Two things worth knowing: summer heat is intense, which is more of a factor than some guides acknowledge. But also: excellent wines, which I'd never read about and turned out to be a genuine pleasure. Solid first impression — I'd return.