Il periodo migliore per intraprendere questo itinerario in Croazia è durante la bassa stagione, maggio, inizio giugno e settembre. Durante questi mesi avrai ancora bel tempo, ma non così tanti turisti, per non parlare dei prezzi sono notevolmente più economici che in alta stagione, luglio e agosto.
- 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
- Things 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 reason, 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 travelers’ hearts 🙂
However, 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 get 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 beautiful parks to some of the best foods you’ll ever taste, and everything in between, Zagreb definitely deserves a visit. The cobblestone streets and medieval architecture are like nothing you’ll see in the rest of Croatia, so be sure to find time for a walking tour and a nice stroll around the old town.
The city is highlighted by Croatia’s tallest building, Zagreb Cathedral, and you won’t want to miss the stunning Romanesque architecture and the colorful roof of the historic Church of St. Mark. If you have the chance, the Museum of Broken Relationships will add a quirky mix of gloom and hilarity to your Croatia itinerary.
Once you’ve finished sightseeing, there’s no better way to end the day than with a good meal and a tasty cocktail on 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 will be surrounded by incredible lake views and waterfalls as you walk along the scenic 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 be sure to get up bright and early so you can beat the crowd. We recommend arriving around 8 to 9 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 sites such as the Church of St. Donatus, the Roman Forum, and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia. If you are a history lover, you should absolutely find time to see the Archaeological Museum. The plethora of artifacts will really make this stop a pleasant surprise on your Croatia itinerary.
After all that walking, it’s time to cool off. The best way to do it is to dive straight into the beautiful waters of Zadar’s waterfront, Riva. After drying off and soaking up some sun, head over to the famous Sea Organ (Morske orgulje) to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world! Even Alfred Hitchcock is enthusiastic about how great it is. As the sun takes its final bow, turn around and watch the waterfront light up at the Greeting to the Sun. After the best sunset of your life, it’s time to dive into the nightlife scene. If you haven’t heard of it yet, Ledana has drinks out of this world, 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 ditch 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 fantastic options to add to your Croatia itinerary:
- Nin: situated in a shallow lagoon, Nin is the oldest Croatian royal town and hosts the longest sandy beach in Croatia, Queen’s Beach. Near the beach you can find medicinal mud. It is said the mud has healing properties and you will see many people rubbing it on 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 on the other you can sunbathe on Sakarun beach, one of the most beautiful and least crowded sandy beaches in Croatia.
- Pag Island: buy lace, snack on the famous Pag cheese, Paski Sir, and party like a rock star in one of the many nightclubs! An odd combination 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 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 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. This stunning paradise is known for its waterfalls and nature trails, so be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds and take 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 Šibenik. It is easily loved by tourists for its lively and bohemian atmosphere. There are plenty 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 definitely makes a big impression and could end up being one of your favorite stops along the way. Split’s old town can keep you entertained for hours. Taking a walking tour is a must to immerse yourself in everything Split has to offer. About half of the old town is the highlight of Split: the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace. In the heart of the palace, you will find the Peristyle or main square, which is an ideal 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 spectacle among a thick forest offering beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. After the hike, end the evening with tasty Mediterranean cuisine and delicious wine by the waterfront.
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For your second day in Split, you can choose from 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 be 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 GoT filming locations in Dubrovnik, Klis Fortress is not very touristy, so you can enjoy the castle without the crowd. Also be sure to stop by Restoran Perlica near the castle for the best traditional lamb peka dish you’ll have in Croatia.
- Trogir: adorned with Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings, you will love strolling through this well-preserved medieval town, charming and UNESCO-listed. After all, it is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
If none of these options float your boat, go ahead and enjoy one more 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 will probably spend most of your time in Hvar Town, so enjoy soaking in the glam and glitz of Croatia’s main party town! While you wait for the sun to set, Hvar has some beautiful and ancient places that must be included in your Croatia itinerary.
The town of Hvar is a nice place to stroll, and you can say you visited the largest square in Croatia with a visit to St. Stephen’s Square. Some other popular attractions include the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the lovely Hvar Public Theater.
After you have seen the best of Hvar’s attractions, hike up to the Španjola Fortress to experience the perfect sunset. Not only will you have a magnificent view of Hvar Town, but you can also admire the Pakleni Islands.
If you don’t want to stay in Hvar overnight, you can also do it as a day trip from Split. However, due to limited ferry schedules in the low season, we recommend doing it only as a day trip if you are here between June and September. You can check the ferry timetable here.
Do you have more time or did you arrive one 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 town with a trip to Stari Grad. You won’t want to forget your camera while strolling the cobblestone streets towards places such as Tvrdalj Castle.
- Vrboska: With so many small bridges, Vrboska is nicknamed “Little Venice”. Though it’s the smallest town on the island of Hvar, it offers a big impact in terms of landscapes and culture. While you’re there, you can also check out the beautiful town of Jelsa. You’re sure to love the intimate atmosphere along with the parks and squares.
- Sveti Nikola: watch the sunset from the highest peak on the island of Hvar, Sveti Nikola. Just be sure to have good travel shoes for the climb!
- Blue Cave: befriend a boat captain and ask him to take you to the Blue Cave on Biševo. 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 lie on the beach. Dubovica, Lučišće, Milna, Zaraće, Jagodna, and Grebiše are some of the most popular, but if you feel adventurous, ask 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 do a day trip from 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 tour the town by bike. There are many shops around that rent bikes from 7-15 euros a day. Vineyards and beaches are just some of the things you’ll discover during your bike ride.
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 indulge in great Croatian wines and delicious local cuisine you can’t leave without trying. Some 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 crown jewel of the country, Dubrovnik. And if you are wondering, yes, you can do a Game of Thrones tour. While Game of Thrones made Dubrovnik more famous, there is much more this city has to offer.
Old Town is rich with fantastic architecture and is probably the best-preserved medieval town we have seen during our travels. Although crowded, it is truly breathtaking and absolutely worth visiting. From churches to narrow alleys and everything else, you won’t even have time to put your camera away.
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 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 bar for one last swim in the beautiful and crystal-clear Croatian waters.
We made a 3-day itinerary in Dubrovnik if you want to extend your holiday in Croatia.
If you fell in love with Dubrovnik and can’t bear to leave yet, here are some other fantastic things to add to your Croatia itinerary.
- Fort Lovrijenac: one of Dubrovnik’s most impressive spots 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 crowd, head to Lokrum Island. If you feel like making new friends on Dubrovnik’s most famous 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 highly recommended day trips from Dubrovnik.
- Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina: you may have heard of the iconic Stari Most, but that is just the tip of the iceberg of Mostar. With anything from swimming under waterfalls, to street art, to high fives at the Bruce Lee statue, you’ll have surprisingly good fun. You can book a day trip to Mostar here.
- Kotor, Montenegro: If you are 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 absolutely 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 northwest of Dubrovnik and great for avoiding the crowd. The three inhabited islands are the most popular to visit, Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan. Both Lopud and Kolocep are small, peaceful, car-free villages with nice pebble beaches. You can book a day trip to the Elaphiti Islands here.
- Mljet National Park: this beautiful untouched 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 tour in Mljet’s dense Mediterranean forest. It is possible to book a day trip to Mljet National Park here.
- Pelješac Peninsula: one hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, you will find this narrow peninsula where you can indulge in Croatia’s best red wine and delicious and not too expensive seafood. You can 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 anywhere on our Croatia itinerary, don’t 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 to travel to a new destination, so here are some things you 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 shows no mercy to those who chose to go around without a hat or good quality sunscreen (you’ll need a lot).
- Comfortable walking shoes: Croatia’s old towns are covered with very slippery cobblestones, so ladies, please leave those pretty 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 getting into the water can be painful without water shoes. Not to mention the many sea urchins along the Croatian coasts.
- Beach towels: you’ll need something to lay on those not-so-sandy, rocky beaches.
- Motion sickness pills: you can’t miss the beautiful islands of Croatia because you suffer from seasickness. Prepare some motion sickness pills or pressure point bracelets if you don’t like pills, as those islands shouldn’t be scratched off your Croatia itinerary.
- Pool float: you don’t need a pool float to travel across 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! By renting a car, you will have the freedom to stop whenever 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 will see along the way.
However, if you don’t want to rent a car, public transport also works for our itinerary in Croatia. Croatia has a large network of buses that travel frequently between attractions and popular destinations, so there is no need to worry if you don’t have a car.
Finally, if you plan to visit the islands while you are in Croatia (which you will if you decide to follow our itinerary in Croatia), 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 schedules.
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Where to stay in Croatia
You will be happy to know that accommodations in Croatia are abundant. From budget hostels and rental apartments to luxury hotels, you will surely find something that fits your budget. However, make sure to book well in advance as accommodations fill up quickly, especially during the high season. Trust us, you don’t want to pay three times the price for a lousy place, so book ahead.
When we were looking for a place to stay in Croatia, we found Booking.com and Airbnb to be the best hotel booking sites as they have plenty of accommodation options for every city in Croatia. However, on our hotel booking page 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 have listed our highly recommended accommodation options for each stop on our Croatia itinerary.
