Daily Daydream: Europe's Secret Island Retreat

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto: "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at cteel@smartertravel.com.

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If you tend to think of Spain or Greece when you think of European islands, you’ll love this undiscovered Croatian gem. The sunniest place in Croatia, the island of Hvar is also one of the lightest in Europe. With all that sunshine, you’re going to want to be outside as much as possible, and Hvar aims to please.

The 40-mile island’s terrain includes lush vineyards, rolling hills, and well preserved towns. Go for a swim at one of the many clean beaches, visit a lavender field or olive grove, or take an architecture tour of the island’s fortresses and numerous churches.

With the piazzas, Mediterranean cuisine, and lively nightlife, Hvar feels like any other European city—but it’s on a beautiful island! It has been discovered by the celebrity and jet-setting crowd, so you won’t be completely alone here, but at least you’ll be in glamorous company.

Where is it? Off the coast of Croatia. Fly to Split (check prices) and take a ferry to Hvar.

Where to Stay? At the Amfora Hotel, which has possibly the best pool in Croatia— a solar heated fresh water oasis surrounded by waterfalls and gardens.

What Else Should I Know? Sorry, sand lovers— the beaches here are more white stone than sandy, so be sure to bring your water shoes.

Who’s it For? Sun-worshipers, the glitz and the glam.

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