Plitvice Lakes is undeniably beautiful and the National Park is well managed—both things that would usually earn this five stars, but it's just too popular to be as enjoyable as it could have been. The park uses an elaborate system of boardwalks to lead tourists through the lakes and waterfalls all throughout the area, which means everyone is on virtually the same set path through the park. And if you happen to arrive when a few of the huge tour buses do too, then it can be intense.

But on my first visit I didn't realize that there are hiking paths beyond the 2-3 hour one that most people take—if you have a day you can spend as many as 8 hours hiking through the park, and you would find far fewer people on those other routes, as well as a chance at spotting some of the unique wildlife. 

That said, even though more than 10,000 people visit on a high season day, the 16 terraced lakes are magnificently pretty. I've seen a lot of places in Europe, and Plitvice surprised me—yes, a place like this actually exists in Europe! The water changes hues of aqua and green as you progress through the landscape and if it's a sunny day the sparkling colors are just breathtaking.

Although some people whip through the park quickly, there are some surprises if you take it slowly and exhaust the many paths, taking the 4+ hour twists and turns instead, which include the boat ride to the larger lake. 

It's absolutely a must visit site, but it's a highly touristed one even if many Americans haven't heard of it—locals and Europeans are absolutely already visiting this pretty Croatian National Park.