The best time to undertake this itinerary in Croatia it is during the low season, May, early June and September. During these months you will 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
Our Croatia itinerary takes you from zagabria a Dubrovnik (or vice versa) through some of Croatia's most popular places, beaches and islands. This is why we suggest 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, Croatia has a way of stealing travellers' hearts :)
However, before we get to our itinerary, we just wanted to remind you of buy 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.
Heymondo, FullTravel partner, offers atravel insurance with 10% discount for all our FullTravel readers. Just click on this link and proceed with the purchase with the discounts already applied.
Welcome to the capital of Croatia! From beautiful parks to some of the best food you'll ever taste, and everything in between, Zagreb is absolutely worth a visit. The cobblestone streets and medieval architecture are like nothing you'll see in the rest of Croatia, so be sure to make time for a walking tour and a nice walk in the historic center.
The city is highlighted by the tallest building in Croatia, the Zagreb Cathedral, and you won't want to miss the historic's stunning Romanesque architecture and colorful roof St. Mark's Church. If you have the chance, the Museum of broken relationships will add a bizarre mix of gloom and hilarity to your Croatia itinerary.
Once the sightseeing is over, there is no better way to end the day than with a good meal and a tasty cocktail to Tkalčićeva Street, has all the restaurants and bars you could want.
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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 making a stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park. This world heritage siteUNESCO it is nature at its absolute best. You will be surrounded by incredible lake views and waterfalls as you walk along the picturesque trail. Hire a guide or explore the park yourself, 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 you get up bright and early so you can beat the crowds. We recommend getting there around 8-9 at the latest.
Welcome to Zadar, home to some of the best-preserved pre-Romanesque buildings in the world. Take a walk in the historic center and admire wonderful places like the Church of San Donato, Roman Forum , Cathedral of Sant'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 on your Croatia itinerary.
After all that walking, it's time to freshen up. The best way to do this is to dive straight into the beautiful waters of Zadar's seafront, Riva. After drying off and soaking up the sun's rays, head to the famous marine organ (Morske orgulje) to admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world! Even Alfred Hitchcock raves about how great they are. As the sun takes its final bow, turn and watch the seafront light up sun salutation. After the best sunset of your life, it's time to get into the nightlife scene. If you haven't already heard about it, Ledana it has out-of-this-world drinks, and the ice 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 forego another day in Zadar and continue your Croatia trip by spending an extra day elsewhere. But if you chose to stay another day, here are several great options to add to your Croatia itinerary:
- Nin: Situated in a shallow lagoon, Nin is Croatia's oldest royal city and home to Croatia's longest sandy beach, Queen's Beach. Near the beach you can find medicinal mud. The mud is said to have healing properties and you will see many people rubbing it into their skin. We used it as a natural sunscreen.
- Dugi Otok: West of Zadar you will find the island of Dugi Otok. At one end of the island you can explore the wonderful Telašćica Nature Park and at the other you can sunbathe on Sakarun Beach, one of the most beautiful and least traveled sandy beaches in Croatia.
- Island of Pag: buy some lace, snack on the famous Pag cheese, Paski Sir, and party like a rock star at one of the many nightclubs! A strange combination for a day trip, but it works.
- Kornati Islands: this unspoiled natural beauty can only be reached with an organized tour, as it is a protected area and extremely difficult to reach without your own boat. However, the Kornati islands are definitely worth a visit.
If none of these day trips tickle your fancy, Zadar's beaches never disappoint. Kolovare, Borik e Vitrenjak are some of the most popular beaches along the Zadar 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 be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds and capture uninterrupted photos.
If you want to add one more thing to your Croatia itinerary once you leave the park, spend the night in the medieval town of Sibenik, is easily loved by tourists for its lively and bohemian atmosphere. There are tons of attractions and things to do, but one thing you shouldn't miss before leaving for Split is the James Cathedral.
If you prefer, you can also visit Krka National Park and Šibenik in one day tour from Split.
Croatia's largest coastal city certainly packs a big punch and could end up being one of your favorite stops along the way. Split's Old Town can keep you entertained for hours. Take advantage of a walking tour it's a must to immerse yourself in all that Split has to offer. Making up about half of the Old Town is the highlight of Split: the Diocletian's Palace of the XNUMXth century. In the heart of the palace you will find the Peristyle or main square, which is a great place to relax, enjoy a coffee and people watch.
If you want to get away from the crowds, you can get in touch with nature by hiking the “Lungs of Split” aka Marjan Hill. Marjan Hill is a unique sight amidst dense forest offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and is the perfect place for a picnic lunch. After the excursion, end the evening with tasty Mediterranean cuisine and delicious 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 itinerary in Croatia.
- Go Canyoning: for those who love a good outdoor adventure, canyoning is a must. You've never explored a canyon like this before as you'll find yourself hiking, chasing water rapids, climbing, rappelling and cliff jumping, all while admiring the beautiful landscape surrounding the Cetina River.
- Klis Fortress (Tvrđava Klis): no Game of Thrones (GoT) fan would leave Spilled without visiting Klis Fortress. Unlike the filming locations of GoT a Dubrovnik, Klis Fortress is not very touristy, so you can enjoy the castle without the crowds. Also be sure to stop by Restoran Perlica near the castle for the best traditional lamb peka dish you will have in Croatia.
- Trogir: decorated with Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, you will love walking around this well-preserved, charming medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. After all, it is considered one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.
If none of these options float your boat, go ahead and enjoy an extra day in Hvar.
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Vineyards, lavender vines and secluded coves are just some of the incredible things you will experience on the island of Hvar. You will probably spend most of your time at Hvar Town, so have fun enjoying the glitz and glam of Croatia's top party city! While you wait for the sun to set, Hvar has some beautiful and ancient places that must be included in your Croatia itinerary.
Hvar Town is a beautiful place to walk around and you can say you've visited the largest square in Croatia with a visit to Santo Stefano square. Some of the other popular attractions include the Stephen's Cathedral and the delicious Hvar Public Theatre.
After seeing the best of Hvar's attractions, head up to the Španjola Fortress to experience the perfect sunset. Not only will you have a magnificent view of Hvar Town, but you will also be able to admire the Pakleni Islands.
If you don't want to stay in Hvar for the night, you can also do so as day trip from Split. However, due to limited ferry schedules during the low season, we recommend only doing this as a day trip if you are here between June and September. You can check the ferry schedule , here.
Do you have more time or did you arrive a day early?
If you want to spend more time on the island of Hvar, we highly recommend adding at least one of these adventures to your Croatia itinerary:
- Stari Grad: experience Croatia's oldest city with a trip to Stari Grad. You won't want to forget your camera as you wander the cobblestone streets to places like Tvrdalj Castle.
- Vrboska: With so many small bridges, Vrboska is nicknamed “little Venice”. Even though it is the smallest town on the island of Hvar, it offers a big impact in terms of landscapes and culture. While you are there, you can also take a look at the beautiful city of Jelsa. You are sure to love the intimate atmosphere along with the parks and squares.
- Sveti Nikola: watch the sunset from the highest peak on Hvar island, Sveti Nikola. Just make sure you have good travel shoes for the climb!
- Blue Cave: Make friends with a boat captain and ask him to take you to the Blue Cave in Biševo. Or book a tour with one of the local travel agencies like everyone else.
- Relax on the beach: take some time to step away from the rat race and lie 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 for 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 take 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 park your car and cycle across town. There are many shops around that will rent you a bike for 7-15 euros a day. Vineyards and beaches are just some of the things you will discover during your bike ride.
You can even snorkel or kayak through the crystal-clear waters, and if you want to go for a swim, be sure to take a few minutes to play “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 indulge in excellent Croatian wines and tasty local cuisine that you can't leave without trying. Some of these dishes to try are brodet, pašticada, zrnovski makaruni and pogačice. You will not regret!
You'll 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 has made Dubrovnik more famous, there is much more this city has to offer.
The Old Town is full of fantastic architecture and is probably the best preserved medieval city we have seen on our travels. Although crowded, it is truly breathtaking and a must visit. From churches to narrow alleys and everything in between, you won't even have time to put away your camera.
The views of the city never disappoint, so depending on your style, you can walk along the city walls or take a cable car to the top of the Mount Srdj, 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 at the bar for one last swim in the beautiful, crystal-clear Croatian waters.
We made 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 great things to add to your Croatia itinerary.
- Fort Lovrijenac: One of the most impressive places in Dubrovnik is Fort Lovrijenac. The impressive fortress and theater are located just outside the western walls.
- Relax on the beach: you can never go wrong by adding more beaches to your itinerary. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to Lokrum Island. If you feel like making new friends on Dubrovnik's most popular beaches, then Lapad Beach or Banje Beach are where you need to be.
If day trips are more your thing, here are a couple of day trips from Dubrovnik that we highly recommend.
- Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: You may have heard of the iconic Stari Most, but that's just the tip of the Mostar iceberg. With everything from swimming under waterfalls, to street art, to high-fiving the Bruce Lee statue, you'll have a surprisingly good time. You can book a day trip to Mostar here.
- Kotor, Montenegro: If you're looking for something a little less touristy than Dubrovnik, head to this UNESCO World Heritage site. It is full of history and romance that will steal your heart. With a lively old town and beautiful views, you should definitely try to sneak it into your Croatia itinerary if you can. You can book a day trip to Kotor here.
- Elaphite 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, Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan. Both Lopud and Kolocep are car-free, small and quiet villages with beautiful pebble beaches. You can book a day trip to the Elafiti Islands here.
- Mljet National Park: this beautiful untouched natural beauty has been protected since 1960. The national park is the main attraction of the island of Mljet, however, if you are up for an adventure, take a ride into the dense Mediterranean forest of Mljet. It's possible book a day trip to Mljet National Park here.
- Pelješac Peninsula: an hour's drive from Dubrovnik, you'll find this narrow peninsula where you can indulge in Croatia's best red wine and delicious, not-too-expensive seafood. It's possible book a day trip to Pelješac here.
And there you have it: Croatia in 10 days! Keep in mind that 10 days in Croatia is just enough to give you a taste of what Croatia has to offer. However, if you wish to stay longer anywhere on our Croatia itinerary, do not hesitate, as this is your trip and we are only here to guide you through the best of Croatia.
Things to pack for Croatia
We know it's easy to forget things when you're excited about traveling to a new destination, so here are a few things you want to make sure you don't forget to pack for your trip to Croatia.
- Cap/hat: The Croatian sun is brutal in summer and is unforgiving to those who choose to walk around without a hat or good quality sunscreen (you'll need plenty).
- Comfortable walking shoes: Croatia's ancient cities are covered in very slippery cobblestones, so ladies, please leave those cute pumps at home and bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
- Water Shoes: Unlike more tropical destinations, Croatia doesn't have many sandy beaches. Most of the beaches are pebble beaches and entering the water can be painful without water shoes. Not to mention the many sea urchins along the coasts of Croatia.
- Beach Towels: you'll need something to spread out on those not-so-sandy and rocky beaches.
- Travel sickness pills: There's no way you'll miss the beautiful islands of Croatia because you suffer from seasickness. Pack some 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 a lot more fun. Who doesn't love a sexy floater while relaxing on the beach.
Car rental vs. public transport
The best way to explore Croatia is with a car! By renting a car, you'll have the freedom to stop whenever you want, visit places off the beaten path, and even stop on the side of the road 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 large network of buses that travel frequently between popular attractions and 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 decide to follow our Croatia itinerary), you will use ferries or catamarans to get there. Although there are many ferry companies in Croatia, the most popular is Jadrolinija. To plan your trip to the islands, check their website for prices and times.
If you are looking for a organized trip to Croatia at discounted prices we recommend our partner, click here
Where to stay in Croatia
You'll be happy to know that accommodations in Croatia are plentiful. From budget hostels and apartment rentals to luxury hotels, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. However, be sure to book well in advance as accommodation fills up quickly, especially during peak 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 a lot of accommodation options for every city in Croatia. However on ours hotel booking booking we have an even wider choice.
But if you don't feel like searching 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.
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Interesting itinerary in Croatia. But only for those who travel by car or rent one?
Well organized trip, right? Thanks?
Good morning Gabriella,
this trip is for travelers who want to organize the trip themselves and need inspiration and advice.
If you are interested in an organized trip we recommend you take a look at this website of our partner travel agency:
https://tinyurl.com/4w55udr3
Hi Anna, you who have been visiting Croatia for a long time, I am a pensioner, I live in Sicily, there is a small village where you can live well with little euros, thank you
Hello Vincenzo.
Certainly Croatia is cheaper than Italy but it is no longer like it used to be. Today it is increasingly a tourist destination and people no longer live on little. I don't have a particular reference. However, there are several Croatian villages where the quality of life is certainly excellent.
Thanks for writing and have a good life.
Anna