The best time to undertake this itinerary in Croatia is during the low season, in May, early June, and September. During these months you’ll still have good weather, but not as many tourists, not to mention the prices are significantly cheaper than in the high season, July and August.
- The Perfect 10-Day Itinerary in Croatia
- Day 1: Zagreb
- Day 2: Plitvice Lakes
- Day 3: Zadar
- Day 4: Zadar (Second Day)
- Day 5: Krka National Park
- Day 6: Split
- Day 7: Split (Second Day)
- Day 8: Hvar
- Day 9: Korčula
- Day 10: Dubrovnik
- Day 11+: Dubrovnik and Beyond
- What to Pack for Croatia
- Car Rental vs. Public Transport
- Where to Stay in Croatia
The Perfect 10-Day Itinerary in Croatia
Our itinerary in Croatia takes you from Zagreb to Dubrovnik (or vice versa) through some of the most popular places, beaches, and islands in Croatia. For this, we recommend at least 10 days in Croatia to experience the best it has to offer. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if you decide to stay longer, as Croatia has a way of stealing travelers’ hearts 🙂
Before we get to our itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. You never know what will happen and, trust us, you don’t want to be stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills. As a wise man once said: “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”. So don’t leave home without it.
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Welcome to the capital of Croatia! From stunning parks to some of the best food you have ever tasted, and everything in between, Zagreb absolutely deserves a visit. The cobblestone streets and medieval architecture are like nothing you will see anywhere else in Croatia, so make sure to find time for a walking tour and a nice stroll through the old town.
The city is highlighted by Croatia’s tallest building, Zagreb Cathedral, and you won’t want to miss the lovely Romanesque architecture and colorful roof of the historic St. Mark’s Church. If you get the chance, the Museum of Broken Relationships will add a bizarre mix of gloom and hilarity to your Croatia itinerary.
Once your sightseeing is done, there’s no better way to end the day than with a good meal and tasty cocktail from Tkalčićeva Street, which has all the restaurants and bars you could wish for.
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It’s time to say goodbye to the capital and head to Zadar, but there’s no way to go to Zadar without stopping at the Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is nature at its absolute best. You’ll be surrounded by incredible lake views and waterfalls as you walk the picturesque trail. Hire a guide or explore the park on your own, but whatever you do, don’t skip Plitvice Lakes National Park. After all, it’s one of the best things to do in Croatia! Just make sure to get up bright and early so you can beat the crowd. We recommend arriving around 8 am, or 9 am at the latest.
Welcome to Zadar, home to some of the best-preserved pre-Romanesque buildings in the world. Take a walk through the old town and admire wonderful sights like the Church of St. Donatus, the Roman Forum, and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. If you are a history lover, you should definitely make time to see the Archaeological Museum. The plethora of artifacts will truly make this stop a pleasant surprise in your Croatia itinerary.
After all that walking, it’s time to cool off. The best way is to dive directly into the stunning waters of Zadar’s waterfront, Riva. After drying off and soaking up some sun, head to the famous sea organ (Morske orgulje) to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world! Even Alfred Hitchcock was enthusiastic about how amazing they are. As the sun takes its final bow, turn around and watch the waterfront light up with the Greeting to the Sun. After the best sunset of your life, it’s time to hit the nightlife scene. If you haven’t heard of it yet, Ledana has out-of-this-world drinks, and the icy blue interior and three terraces make it a crowd favorite. End the day with a bang and get excited for another day in beautiful Croatia.
Today you can fill your itinerary with new discoveries nearby or forgo another day in Zadar and continue your trip in Croatia by spending an extra day elsewhere. But if you choose to stay another day, here are several great options to add to your Croatia itinerary:
- Nin: Situated in a shallow lagoon, Nin is the oldest Croatian royal town and hosts Croatia’s longest sandy beach, Queen’s Beach. Near the beach you can find healing mud. It’s said the mud has therapeutic properties and you’ll see many people rubbing it on their skin. We’ve even used it as a natural sunscreen.
- Dugi Otok: West of Zadar you’ll find Dugi Otok Island. At one end of the island you can explore the wonderful Telašćica Nature Park and at the other, relax on the Sakarun beach, one of the most beautiful and least crowded sandy beaches in Croatia.
- Pag Island: Buy some lace, snack on the famous Pag cheese, Paski Sir, and party like a rockstar in one of many nightclubs! A strange combo for a day trip, but it works.
- Kornati Islands: This pristine natural beauty can only be reached with an organized tour, as it is a protected area and extremely hard to reach without your own boat. However, the Kornati Islands are definitely worth a visit.
If none of these day trips spark your fancy, Zadar’s beaches never disappoint. Kolovare, Borik and Vitrenjak are some of the most popular beaches along Zadar’s coast.
Krka National Park is a beautiful stop on the way to Split. The stunning paradise is known for its waterfalls and nature trails, so make sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds and snap uninterrupted photos.
If you want to add one more thing to your Croatia itinerary after leaving the park, spend the night in the medieval town of Šibenik. It is easily loved by tourists for its lively and bohemian atmosphere. There are lots of attractions and things to do, but one thing not to miss before heading to Split is the Cathedral of St. James.
If you prefer, you can also visit Krka National Park and Šibenik on a day tour from Split.
Croatia’s largest coastal city certainly offers a big impact and might end up being one of your favorite stops along the way. Split’s old town can keep you entertained for hours. Taking advantage of a walking tour is a must to immerse yourself in everything Split has to offer. Making up about half the old town is Split’s highlight: the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace. At the heart of the palace you’ll find the Peristyle or main square, which is an ideal place to relax, enjoy a coffee, and watch the world go by.
If you want to escape the crowds, you can get in touch with nature by hiking the “lungs of Split”, aka Marjan Hill. Marjan Hill is a unique sight through dense forest offering gorgeous views over the Adriatic Sea and is the perfect spot for a picnic. After the hike, end the evening with delicious Mediterranean cuisine and great wine on the waterfront.
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For your second day in Split, you can choose one of these super fun options to complete your Croatia itinerary.
- Go Canyoning: For those who love a good outdoor adventure, canyoning is a must. You’ve never explored a canyon like this before because you’ll find yourself hiking, chasing water rapids, climbing, rappelling and cliff jumping, all while admiring the stunning landscape surrounding the Cetina River.
- Klis Fortress (Tvrđava Klis): No Game of Thrones (GoT) fan would leave Split without visiting Klis Fortress. Unlike the GoT filming locations in Dubrovnik, Klis Fortress isn’t very touristy, so you can enjoy the castle without the crowds. Also be sure to stop at Restoran Perlica near the castle for the best traditional lamb peka dish you’ll have in Croatia.
- Trogir: Decorated by Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, you’ll love strolling through this charming and well-preserved medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After all, it’s considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
If none of these options float your boat, go ahead and enjoy an extra day in Hvar.
Vineyards, lavender vines, and secluded coves are just some of the incredible things you’ll experience on the island of Hvar. You’ll probably spend most of your time in Hvar Town, so enjoy the glitz and glam of Croatia’s main party town! While waiting for the sun to set, Hvar has some beautiful old spots that must be included in your Croatia itinerary.
Hvar Town is a lovely place to walk around, and you can say you visited Croatia’s largest square with a stop at Santo Stefano Square. Some other popular attractions include the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the delightful Hvar Public Theatre.
After seeing the best of Hvar’s sights, climb up to the Španjola Fortress for the perfect sunset experience. Not only will you have a magnificent view of Hvar Town, but you’ll also be able to admire the Pakleni Islands.
If you don’t want to stay overnight in Hvar, you can also do it as a day trip from Split. However, due to limited ferry schedules in the low season, we recommend doing this only as a day trip if you are here between June and September. You can check ferry schedules here.
Have more time or arrived a day early?
If you want to spend more time on Hvar Island, we highly recommend adding at least one of these adventures to your Croatia itinerary:
- Stari Grad: Experience Croatia’s oldest town with a trip to Stari Grad. You won’t want to forget your camera as you stroll the cobblestone streets towards places like Tvrdalj Castle.
- Vrboska: With so many small bridges, Vrboska is nicknamed “Little Venice.” Though it is the smallest town on Hvar Island, it offers a big impact in terms of scenery and culture. While there, you can also check out the beautiful town of Jelsa. You’re sure to love the intimate atmosphere, along with its parks and squares.
- Sveti Nikola: Watch the sunset from the highest peak on Hvar Island, Sveti Nikola. Just be sure to have good travel shoes for the climb!
- Blue Cave: Befriend a boat captain and ask them to take you to the Blue Cave on Biševo Island. Or book a tour with one of the local travel agencies like everyone else.
- Relax on the Beach: Take some time to get away from the rat race and lounge on the beach. Dubovica, Lučišće, Milna, Zaraće, Jagodna, and Grebiše are some of the most popular, but if you’re feeling adventurous, ask the locals about secret beaches so you can enjoy the peace and beauty of mother nature without the crowds.
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Just like Hvar, you can do a day trip to Korčula from Split or make a full-day stop on your Croatia itinerary. This island is full of natural beauty. The best thing to do is to park your car and explore the town by bike. There are many shops around that rent bikes for 7-15 euros per day. Vineyards and beaches are just some of the things you’ll discover during your cycling tour.
You can even snorkel or kayak through the crystal-clear waters, and if you want to swim, be sure to spend a few minutes playing “Marco Polo,” as Korčula is where it was born. Once you’re ready to get off the bike, take a stroll through Korčula’s old town. There you can enjoy great Croatian wines and delicious local cuisine you cannot leave without trying. Some of these dishes to try are brodet, pašticada, zrnovski makaruni, and pogačice. You won’t regret it!
You will finish your 10 days in Croatia in the country’s crown jewel, Dubrovnik. And if you’re wondering, yes, you can do a Game of Thrones tour. While Game of Thrones made Dubrovnik more famous, there is much more that this city has to offer.
The Old Town is full of fantastic architecture and is probably the best-preserved medieval city we have seen during our travels. Although crowded, it’s truly breathtaking and absolutely must-visit. From churches to narrow alleys and everything else, you won’t even have time to put your camera down.
The city views never disappoint, so depending on your style, you can walk along the city walls or take a cable car to the top of Mount Srd, or do both!
At the end of your 10 days in Croatia, grab a glass of wine at Cafe Buža and jump off the cliff bar for one last swim in the beautiful, crystal-clear Croatian waters.
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View of Dubrovnik, Croatia – Photo by neufal54
We created a 3-day itinerary in Dubrovnik if you want to extend your holiday in Croatia.
If you’ve fallen in love with Dubrovnik and can’t leave yet, here are some other fantastic things to add to your Croatia itinerary.
- Fort Lovrijenac: One of the most impressive spots in Dubrovnik is Fort Lovrijenac. The imposing fortress and theater are just outside the western walls.
- Relax on the Beach: You can never go wrong adding more beaches to your itinerary. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to Lokrum Island. If you’re feeling sociable on Dubrovnik’s most famous beaches, then Lapad Beach or Banje Beach are where you want to be.
If day trips are more your passion, here are a couple of day trips from Dubrovnik we highly recommend.
- Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina: You may have heard of the iconic Stari Most, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg in Mostar. With everything from swimming under waterfalls to street art to the five-finger statue of Bruce Lee, you’ll be surprisingly entertained. You can book a Mostar day trip here.
- Kotor, Montenegro: If you want something a little less touristy than Dubrovnik, head to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s full of history and romance that will steal your heart. With a lively old town and stunning views, you should definitely try to sneak it into your Croatia itinerary if you can. You can book a day trip to Kotor here.
- Elaphiti Islands: This archipelago of 13 islands is located northwest of Dubrovnik and is great for avoiding the crowds. The three inhabited islands are the most popular to visit, Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. Both Lopud and Koločep are small, quiet car-free villages with beautiful pebble beaches. You can book a day trip to the Elaphiti Islands here.
- Mljet National Park: This beautiful pristine natural beauty has been protected since 1960. The national park is the main attraction of Mljet Island, however, if you are ready for an adventure, take a trip through Mljet’s dense Mediterranean forest. It is possible to book a day trip to Mljet National Park here.
- Pelješac Peninsula: An hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, you will find this narrow peninsula where you can enjoy the best red wine in Croatia and delicious and not overpriced seafood. It is possible to book a day trip to Pelješac here.
And there you have it: Croatia in 10 days! Keep in mind that 10 days in Croatia are just enough to give you a taste of what Croatia has to offer. However, if you want to stay longer in any place from our Croatia itinerary, go ahead, as this is your trip and we’re just here to guide you through the best of Croatia.
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Sunset over Peljesac Peninsula Sunset over Peljesac PeninsulaWhat to Pack for Croatia
We know it’s easy to forget things when you’re excited to travel to a new destination, so here are some things you’ll want to make sure you don’t forget to pack for your trip to Croatia.
- Hat/Cap: The Croatian sun is brutal in summer and unforgiving to those who choose to go around without a hat or good quality sunscreen (you’ll need plenty).
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Croatia’s old towns are covered with very slippery cobblestones, so ladies, please leave those cute heels at home and bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
- Water Shoes: Unlike more tropical destinations, Croatia doesn’t have many sandy beaches. Most beaches are pebble beaches and entering the water can be painful without water shoes. Not to mention the many sea urchins along Croatia’s coasts.
- Beach Towels: You’ll need something to lay on on those not-so-sandy and rocky beaches.
- Motion sickness pills: You can’t possibly miss out on Croatia’s beautiful islands because you get seasick. Prepare motion sickness pills or pressure point bracelets if you don’t like pills, as those islands shouldn’t be crossed off your Croatia itinerary.
- Pool Float: You don’t need a pool float to travel through Croatia, but having one definitely makes your Croatia itinerary much more fun. Who doesn’t love a sexy float while relaxing on the beach?
Car Rental vs. Public Transport
The best way to explore Croatia is by car! Renting a car gives you the freedom to stop when you want, visit off-the-beaten-path places, and even pull over on the roadside for a quick dip in the crystal-clear waters you’ll see along the way.
However, if you don’t want to rent a car, public transport also works for our Croatia itinerary. Croatia has a great bus network that frequently travels between attractions and popular destinations, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have a car.
Finally, if you plan to visit the islands while in Croatia (which you will if you follow our Croatia itinerary), you’ll use ferries or catamarans to get there. Although there are many ferry companies in Croatia, the most popular one is Jadrolinija. To plan your island trips, check their website for prices and schedules.
If you are looking for a discounted organized trip to Croatia we recommend our partner, click here
Where to Stay in Croatia
You’ll be happy to know that accommodations in Croatia are abundant. From budget hostels and rental apartments to luxury hotels, you will definitely find something that suits your budget. However, make sure to book well in advance as accommodations fill up quickly, especially during high season. Trust us, you don’t want to pay three times the price for a crappy place, so book early.
When we were looking for a place to stay in Croatia, we found Airbnb and Booking.com the best hotel booking sites as they have lots of accommodation options for every Croatian city. However, on our hotel booking site we have an even wider choice.
But if you don’t want to search through millions of listings, don’t worry. For your convenience, we’ve listed our highly recommended accommodation options for each stop on our Croatia itinerary.
