Croatia itinerary For 10 days

Tucked somewhere between Central Europe and the Balkans, Croatia is an incredibly beautiful country that captivates and makes you fall in love. With tonnes of history, miles of unparalleled beaches, sun-kissed coastlines, spectacular waterfalls, fairy-tale architecture, and centuries-old harbor towns – this lively, laid-back country has something for everyone. It’s time to pay a visit to Croatia and tick it off of your bucket list.

If you are looking to pack as much as you can in a short period, you have come to the right place. Ten days in Croatia is enough to see the highlights of this amazing country. However, if you love to linger or explore hidden jewels, this itinerary might not work for you. 

From the cobbled lanes of Zagreb to the sun-kissed coasts of Dubrovnik, plenty of Croatian adventures should be on your agenda. The suggested 10-day tour will take you through the heart of Croatia, where incredible landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and ancient history come together to provide an unmatched experience.

Best Time to visit Croatia?

Summer is a great time to visit Croatia, particularly along the coast and islands. The weather is warm and bright, ideal for beach activities, sailing, and exploring the outdoors. Croatia’s busiest months are July and August, which coincide with school holidays. You would be visiting Croatia with hordes of other vacationers making it the priciest month to visit. May, June, and September are the ideal months to visit Croatia if you want to avoid long lines and overcrowded beaches. The weather is still clear and sunny, and you can get a great deal on accommodations. The islands are almost deserted from November to April due to the freezing temperatures.

How to reach Croatia?

Croatia has multiple international airports, the largest and busiest of which is Zagreb Airport. Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar also have international airports. From April to September, these airports receive direct flights from major European cities and several international destinations outside Europe. Split and Zagreb are well-connected throughout the year. Bus travel is a popular and cost-effective way to get to Croatia from other European countries. Trains can take you to Croatia from neighboring countries like Slovenia, Hungary, and Serbia. However, the travel may require transfers and may not be the fastest option.

How to get around in Croatia?

• Buses are the main means of public transit in Croatia, with extensive lines connecting cities, towns, and even remote villages.
• Ferries are an essential means of transportation for exploring Croatia’s picturesque coastline and islands. Ferries provide regular service between coastal cities and islands, allowing you to hop between places.
• Renting a car is an excellent way to get around in Croatia, particularly if you want the flexibility to reach remote areas or explore the countryside at your leisure. Major cities and tourist sites have well-maintained road networks, including highways that connect various parts of the country. Highways have tolls which you can pay with cash or credit card. You will need an international driving license to drive in Croatia.
• The railway network in Croatia only connects large cities and towns, offering a scenic route between destinations.
• Domestic flights inside Croatia are limited, however, flying can be a convenient choice for traveling between major cities or islands.
• You can walk or use public transportation within the city. Taxis are expensive. Uber is fairly priced and readily available throughout Croatia’s major cities.

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CROATIA ITINERARY FOR 10 DAYS

 Croatia Itinerary, Day 1: Zagreb

Arrive in Zagreb and spend the day exploring the capital city. Zagreb may not be as picturesque as Split or Dubrovnik, but it is worth a visit for its theatres, museums, Austro-Hungarian architecture, street art, and busy nightlife. Zagreb is always lively, regardless of the time of year, since it is not reliant on coastal beaches to attract visitors. Being Croatia’s largest metropolis, there are plenty of things to do to fill your day. The cobblestone alleys are lined with various shopping, dining, and entertainment options. You can ride a funicular to the Upper Town, stroll through the colorful Dolac Market, and experience the nightlife of Tkalciceva Street. Bana Jelacica, the bustling main square, is home to many cafes and acts as an excellent gathering place.

Places to Visit in Zagreb:-

• The Museum of Broken Relationships – the quirky museum shows things collected from heartbroken lovers all over the world, along with texts that tell the narrative of each piece.
• Zagreb Cathedral – a Roman Catholic cathedral church constructed between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries.
• Mark’s Church – renowned for its strikingly patterned tile roof and elegant Romanesque architecture.
• Lotrscak Tower – the 13th-century tower, where you can still see the canons firing at midday.
• Mimara Museum – it houses Ante and Wiltrud Topić Mimara’s collection, which includes artifacts from the Palaeolithic era to the 20th century.
• Strossmayer Promenade – the romantic promenade is the best place for panoramic views of Zagreb

Croatia Itinerary, Day 2 & 3: Plitvice Lakes

A trip to Croatia isn’t complete without stopping by the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. You can rent a car or use the bus to travel to Plitvice from Zagreb. You can leave Zagreb whenever you like, as roughly ten buses leave for Plitvice every day, from early morning to late night. The journey will take roughly 2.5 hours (130 kilometers).

Plitvice Lakes is made up of sixteen turquoise lakes that merge into one another, forming a series of majestic waterfalls and canyons. The national park is crisscrossed with multiple hiking pathways of different lengths and difficulty levels, which you may choose based on what you prefer. There are crystalline lakes, karst landscapes, scenic vistas, and about a hundred towering waterfalls. The park’s footbridges and wooden pathways allow visitors to get close to the glorious waterfalls. You will be astounded by stunning panoramas at every turn. A free electric boat trip connects the 12 upper lakes and 4 lower lakes. The park does not allow swimming.

The jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage Site is enveloped by lush woodlands, which are home to deer, wild boars, bears, and a variety of birds. In July and August, there are approximately 1,500 visitors per day, so you can occasionally have to wait in queue. There are three hotels within the park and several more on the fringes. Staying near the park for the night allows you to start early and beat the throng before they come from nearby cities. Buy your ticket beforehand here to avoid queues. We planned to stay two nights (the second and third day) in Plitvice Lakes.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park is open all through the year. Opening hours are dependent on the length of the day and hence change according to season. You may check the newest updates here.

Croatia Itinerary, Day 4: Travel to Split

Drive (or take a bus) to Split early in the morning. This time, the trip will last approximately four hours. Buses leave early, with travel times ranging from 3.30 to 6:30 hours. Compare before making a reservation.

Nestled between the rugged Dalmatian Mountains and the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Split enjoys a dramatic setting. Dubbed the “Mediterranean Flower,” Croatia’s second-largest city impresses even the pickiest of travelers. The entire town of Split is built around the grand Diocletian Palace, which Emperor Diocletian constructed in the 4th century. The wonderfully preserved palace is made of lustrous white stone and resembles a fortress. It is accessible by four imposing gates and features a maze of narrow marble corridors that lead to several museums, churches, cellars, cafes, residences, and shops. The UNSECO-listed site is easily the city’s main attraction. Visit the Podrum Underground Market, catch a musical performance in the main square, and climb the Bell Tower for picture-perfect views of Split.

Most tourists use Spilt as a base for day trips, but the charming seaside town is packed with things to do. Visitors to Split can swim at Bacvice Beach, shop at the tiny boutiques, visit the art galleries, stroll around the Old Town, experience the coastal lifestyle at Riva, and dine at one of the many wonderful bars and restaurants. Split also serves as the main starting point for trips to the gorgeous Dalmatian islands of Brac, Solta, Hvar, and Vis. We will stay in Split for the night.

 Places to Visit in Split:-

• Diocletian Palace – the imposing palace complex is a sprawling maze of well-preserved ancient ruins
• Cathedral of St. Domnius – an impressive bell tower found within the Diocletian Palace. The steep and tight staircase will lead you to the top for some fantastic panoramas of the city.
• Peristyle Square – the heart of Diocletian Palace
• Klis fortress – the fortress is perched on a clifftop nine kilometers from Split. It is a must-see for Game of Thrones enthusiasts.
• Riva Promenade – the seaside promenade is Split’s most vibrant boulevard, with rows of chic boutiques and beachfront cafes.
• Old Town – the lovely old town is a wonderful blend of pedestrian-friendly squares, serene churches, and quaint markets. Nardoni Trg is the main square in the Old Town and a great place to unwind
• Marjan Hill – the popular hill is located on the peninsula just outside of Split’s downtown. Hikes to Marjan Hill provide breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, harbor, and surrounding mountains.

Croatia Itinerary, Day 5: Split & Hvar

Split cannot be covered in half a day, therefore we will also spend the first half of the 5^th day exploring the rest of the city’s attractions. Travel to Hvar by ferry in the evening. Several ferry companies operate the route, all using fast-boat catamarans. The sailing time is approximately one hour. There are up to six departures every day between May and October. Check in at the hotel, have a relaxed dinner and get a good night’s sleep.

Croatia Itinerary, Day 6: Hvar

Hvar is a charming Croatian island off the coast of Dalmatia that draws the rich, famous, and partygoers. The hip city of Hvar is home to some of the top resorts and fine dining restaurants in the whole of Croatia. The waterfront is dotted with luxurious yachts, and guests party until the wee hours of the morning. However, Croatia’s party town is much more than glitz and glamour. Hvar is a car-free city with an impressive town square (Stephen’s Square), striking churches, Gothic castles, and a hilltop fortress (Fortica Spanjola) with an unobstructed view of the turquoise sea and the nearby islands. The UNESCO town is known as the ‘sunniest island in the Adriatic Sea’

Hvar is the name of both the main town where the ferries dock and the entire island. Hvar Island itself is quite large, with several little towns dotting its coastline. You can rent a car for the day and take a coastal drive to see pretty towns like Brusjie, Jelsa, Milna, Stari Grad, and Stari Grad Plains. Unspoiled beaches, secluded coves, fragrant lavender fields, and verdant vineyards are just a few of the delightful sights you’ll see on Hvar Island. Overnight in Hvar.

Croatia Itinerary, Day 7: Hvar & the Neighbouring Islands

On the seventh day, we plan to visit the Pakleni Islands and the spectacular caves. The Pakleni Islands are a group of around 15 rocky islets off the southwest coast of Hvar Island. The gorgeous archipelago is only a short boat ride away from Hvar and is a popular day trip since it has some of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches, secret lagoons, trendiest clubs, and the greatest snorkeling opportunities. There are three main islands to visit: Sveti Klement, Marinkovac, and Jerolim. You can rent a boat, use a water taxi, or join a day tour. The most popular tours include visits to the Green and Blue Caves. We’ll stay in Hvar for another night.

Places to Visit near Hvar:-

• Sveti Klement – it is the biggest of the Pakleni Islands and is home to the well-known Palmižana Bay.
• Marinkovac – the island is known for the nude beach club on Stipanska Bay. Mlini and Ždrilca Beaches are located on the other end of the island. At night, the beaches come alive with famous DJs, and this is where you will find some of the best parties in Hvar.
• Jerolim – this gorgeous, peaceful island is famous for its nature and wildlife and is ideal for nature lovers. The famed nudist beach, Kordovan Beach, is an extra draw for many tourists.
• Green Cave – situated on the Ravnik islet, this natural phenomenon unfolds when sunlight hits the bottom of the cave and reflects off the green algae that grow there. Swimming and cliff jumping are possible in the Green Cave.
• The Blue Cave – this magical grotto on the islet of Bisevo Island glows with the ethereal blue hues emanating from sunlight bouncing off the white limestone on the sea bed. Swimming is not allowed in the cave.
• Stinvia (Vis Island) – is an artistic and spectacular hidden lagoon wedged between two towering rocky cliffs. It was voted the “best beach in Europe” in 2016.

Croatia Itinerary, Day 8 & 9: Dubrovnik

Take the ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik, which will reach in about 3.5 hours. This route is served by three firms, with 3 direct connections each day during high season. There is no fast ferry between Hvar and Dubrovnik in the winter; it is usually operational from mid-April to mid-October. Take the morning ferry to Dubrovnik and arrive in time to make the most of this scenic city.

Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a Venetian-Gothic town that resembles something from a fairy tale. The best part of exploring Dubrovnik, Croatia, is that you don’t have to go to a museum to learn about its fascinating past. It is etched all across the city, particularly near the Old City Walls. Dubrovnik’s treasures were prominently highlighted in Game of Thrones, boosting the city to the status of a must-see destination.

Take a step back in time with the Old Town, which extends out into the sea and is home to outstanding palazzi, cobblestone lanes, stately palaces, and elegant churches. A two-kilometre-long promenade crowns the magnificent city walls that enclose the Old Town. Walking around the towering wall to reach the vantage point is an exhilarating experience. It will provide you access to various viewpoints and let you enter and exit tunnels, forts, and hidden crevices. Climb the Micenta Towe for an amazing panorama of orange terracotta rooftops, church towers, blue skies, and the shimmering Adriatic Sea.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone, so you may walk everywhere. Beautiful palaces, monasteries, and churches can all be found within the city walls. The sheer number of people who still reside inside the city limits is quite remarkable. Stradun is a boulevard packed with cafes, pubs, and tourist shopping boutiques. It is the perfect spot to unwind, meet people, and get a feel of the city. If you thought the views from the City Walls were mind-blowing, take the cable car or walk up Mountain Street. If you arrive just in time for sunset, you will be rewarded with phenomenal panoramas of the charming town and the island of Lokrum drenched in a golden glow.
A 15-minute ferry ride can take you to Lokrum Island, where you can enjoy pebbled beaches, a Benedictine Monastery, gardens, and unmatched views of Dubrovnik. It is filled with Game of Thrones locations, and you can pinpoint many key filming moments. If you want to get away from the crowds, book an Elaphite Islands tour, which will take you to three of the archipelago’s 13 islands. Old cathedrals, olive forests, citrus gardens, charming villages, and beaches will greet you when you visit these small islands.

Places to Visit in Dubrovnik:-

• Stradun – a 300-meter limestone-paved boulevard
• Sponza Palace – the 16th-century palace perfectly blends Gothic and Renaissance elements. A six-column portico flanks the palace.
• Rector Palace – this Gothic-Renaissance palace has been transformed into the Cultural History Museum, with skilfully renovated rooms, portraits, and coats of arms reflecting Ragusa’s magnificent history.
• Dubrovnik Cathedral – with its Baroque-style architecture, the cathedral stands out in a city filled with ancient structures.
• Loggia Square – here you’ll find the most historic buildings in Dubrovnik.
• Franciscan Monastery – the cloister of the Monastery is one of the most striking spots to see inside the Old Town.
• Fort Lovrijenac.- the fortress’ excellent location has made it a popular filming site for historical fiction productions.
• Church of St Blaise – you will like the magnificent interiors of this 18th-century Baroque church. It is a favored area to socialize and relax.
• Lovrijenac Fortress – the 11th-century, often known as Dubrovnik Gibraltar, is located just outside the western wall. It offers one of the best views of Dubrovnik.
• Banje Beach – the pebbly beach near the Ploce Gate is extremely popular. It is just a one-minute walk from the Old Town.
• Lapad Beach – Dubrovnik’s largest beach and a favorite for family outings.
• Elaphite Islands – the three most visited inhabited islands are Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep.

 Croatia Itinerary, Day 10: Fly Back

We have reached the end of your Croatian vacation. Today, we’ll depart Croatia for our next destination.

Things To Know Before Traveling to Croatia

• An entry visa is not required for citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Visitors from other countries may be required to obtain a visa. Until December 31st, 2022, tourists from many countries needed a valid Croatian visa. However, Croatia became a member of the Schengen Agreement on January 1st, 2023. Croatian visas are now Schengen visas.
• Croatia’s official language is Serbo-Croatian, but English is widely used in tourist areas.
• Croatia is now a member of the EU, and the euro is its official currency. The Kuna, Croatia’s official currency, was replaced by the Euro in 2023.
• Although credit cards are commonly accepted, it is still a good idea to have some cash on hand, particularly for small businesses and remote areas.
• Croatia offers some of the cleanest water in the world, and drinking tap water in Croatia is perfectly safe.
• Purchase tickets in advance for popular sights to avoid line-ups, especially in Dubrovnik, Split, and the Plitvice Lakes.
• Croatia hosts a variety of concerts, events, and shows throughout the year in different cities. If you want to include them on your agenda, check the latest event schedule.