10 Days in Croatia: Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go

Even if you only have 10 days in Croatia, it’s hard not to fall in love. On my first trip to Southeastern Europe, I attacked my Croatia itinerary with full gusto. I swept down the coast, weaving between islands and the inland, taking in the breadth of this fascinating Western Balkans country.

When planning a trip to Croatia, you’re not only discovering one of the coolest places to visit in Europe, you’re signing up for your next travel obsession. The hard part is not figuring out what to do in Croatia; it’s what to leave out.

Start your vacation with a splash of culture in Zagreb. Plenty awaits in Croatia’s capital city, from its beautiful architecture to fun museums. Continue the journey in the country’s interior at Plitvice Lakes National Park. With its cascading lakes, this national park is one of the loveliest destinations on the continent.

Of course, some of the finest scenery in Croatia awaits along the coast. Settle into coastal destinations like Split and Hvar before taking in Dubrovnik, the country’s most popular travel destination. Take a stroll through the graceful Old Town, soaking up the lovely sea views along the way. Extend your vacation with a jaunt to other coastal towns or further inland to explore other countries in the Balkans.

Not sure where to go in Croatia on your holiday? Follow along with this complete 10-day itinerary for a taste of this incredible country that’ll keep you aching to come back for more!

Where to go in Croatia in 10 days: A complete itinerary

Croatia might not look like much on a map, especially in the shadow of Italy’s big boot across the Adriatic. But as you embark on your journey, you’ll realize that the country is not exactly small. At least not conveniently so.

With only 10 days in Croatia, you can’t expect to see it all.

I’ve optimized this itinerary to give you a cross-section of some of the most popular places to visit in Croatia, zipping through the breadth of the country. We start with the classic Central European grace of Zagreb and end on the coast with the Venetian charms of Dubrovnik.

Of course, there’s quite a bit in between, too. (Let’s leave that as a surprise for later!)

Zagreb

2 Days

Most first-time travelers to Croatia are seduced by seaside delights on the Adriatic coastline. So, it’s no surprise that many leave Zagreb out of their first trip to the Southeastern European country. Sure, Zagreb might not rival other Central European cities like Vienna or Prague. But that doesn’t mean you should leave Croatia without digging into its capital.

On the surface, there’s a lot going on. Zagreb is an odd melange. It blends elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture with unsightly leftovers from the Yugoslavian communist era. Between the confusion, you’ll discover a buzzing & walkable city jammed with culture.

What to do in Zagreb

Don’t listen to all the advice to ignore Croatia’s capital. There are plenty of things to do in Zagreb to occupy yourself for a couple of days. Besides, how can one come to know any country better without spending at least some time in its capital city?

Explore Gornji grad (Upper Town)

Begin your love affair with Zagreb in Gornji grad (Upper Town). Gornji grad is Zagreb’s medieval core, dating back to the 12th century. In Gornji grad, you’ll walk along cobblestoned streets, dip into cafés, and admire Zagreb’s finest architectural moments. It’s the perfect way to spend your first 24 hours in Zagreb.

The area’s main square is Trg Jelačić. It’s a great rendezvous point for starting to explore Gornji grad. Set your sights on Zagreb’s main attractions here. Check out the monumental Zagreb Cathedral overlooking Upper Town. You’ll also find the 13th-century St. Mark’s Church here. Save time to visit one of the oddest museums you’ll ever enter, the Museum of Broken Relationships.

Go museum hopping

Zagreb, quite surprisingly, contains more museums per square foot than any other city in the world. Why not see what all the fuss is about?

Besides the Museum of Broken Relationships in Gornji grad, popular museums in Zagreb include:

• Mimara Museum (mostly European art)
• Archeological Museum (antiquities)
• Croatian Museum of Naïve Art and the Modern Gallery  (19th- and 20th-century fine art)

Like in many European cities, most museums in Zagreb are closed on Mondays.

Breathe in some fresh air at Lake Jarun

Leave behind the stuffy city air. Make the quick trip to Lake Jarun, Zagreb’s most popular recreational escape. Cool off with a quick dip in the lake. Or you can pursue more adventurous activities like kayaking and windsurfing. It’ll help you unwind from all the city sightseeing.

Not into watersports? The pathways around Lake Jarun are also great for walking or cycling.

Where to stay in Zagreb

When scoping out where to stay in Zagreb, I’d recommend staying in or around the city center. Grabbing a room here, you’ll be close to all of Zagreb’s top attractions. Here are a couple excellent choices:

Getting to Zagreb

Flight deals to Zagreb, unfortunately, aren’t as plentiful as other European destinations. From the United States, the lowest fares to Zagreb start at about $515. Flying to Zagreb from Canada, expect to pay at least C$820 return.

You might be able to save money by flying into a major European hub and moving on to Zagreb with a lower-cost carrier.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

1 Day

Bask in European nature at its most glorious. Slide down from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park. This national park features a series of 16 interconnected cascading lakes. The lakes are painted with ever-changing greens and blues. Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most interesting places to visit in Croatia; it can’t be missed on any first-time visit!

What to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Want to enjoy yourself at Plitvice Lakes National Park? It’s as easy as following the wooden footbridges & pathways. The paths snake through crystalline lakes, waterfalls, caves, and karst landscapes.

There are two major sections of Plitvice Lakes—the Upper Lakes and the Lower Lakes. They’re connected by an 18.3-kilometre route.

Some travelers only choose one or the other. It’s tight to fit in both on day trips from Zagreb or Zadar. To get the full Plitvice Lakes experience, though, I’d recommend taking in both.

At normal speed, the full walking route will take the better part of a day.

Other routes, mixing walking with scenic train and boat rides, can be completed in a half day. For full details on all the different sightseeing programmes available at the park, click here.

TIP: Plitvice Lakes is one of the most popular places in Croatia. Grabbing yourself a Plitvice Lake Skip-the-Line Ticket can save you a MASSIVE amount of time. It’ll help you skip the often insanely-long queue.

Where to stay near Plitvice Lakes National Park

The general rule around Plitvice Lakes is the closer you get to the park, the more you’ll pay for a room. Still, you’ll find some excellent value in the multitude of authentic guesthouses scattered around the area. Here are some of popular places to stay around Plitvice Lakes National Park:

Getting to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Only planning one day (and one night) in Plitvice on your itinerary? You’ll need to leave Zagreb as early as possible. Early morning departures include 5:45 am (85 HRK) and 7:30 am (92 HRK). The bus takes about two and a half hours.

Split

2 Days

Few cities surprised me more than Split. As the bus drew into Split, the views were polluted with some of the worst (or best?) socialist blocks ever constructed. I instantly second-guessed my decision to include Split in my Croatia travel plans.

Luckily, my first impressions of Croatia’s second-largest city were far from reality. Split is shockingly awesome. And, unfortunately, much like its glitzier compatriot to the south, Dubrovnik, the secret’s out.

Even with the crowds, there’s still magic in the air. Don’t take my word for it. Add a little Dalmatian spice to your Croatia trip by sprinkling a Split itinerary atop.

What to do in Split

A dramatic setting lends an air of sophistication to Split. The city is wedged between mountains and the sparkling Adriatic. Etched with ancient flair, Split impresses even the pickiest of travelers. It’s rare to find a city whose center rivals its sea views. If there’s any I’d vouch for, it’s Split.

Get started planning your trip with these top things to do in Split…

Explore Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace

Weary of Roman sites that are nothing more than pillars of main structures toppled centuries ago? You’re in luck. Entering into Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace in Split is like stepping into a fantasy world. No stretch of the imagination is needed to envision its grandeur; it’s still there.

Hemmed into the remains of Diocletian’s Palace, Split’s Old Town is unlike any other in Europe. Marbled streets crisscross the ancient center. They weave through ancient buildings that’ve found new life as bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and guesthouses. Wandering around aimlessly, stopping for a bite or drink, is one of Split’s simplest pleasures.

Among the most impressive sights is Peristil Square (Peristylium), the heart of the palace. The Roman architecture here is among the most well-preserved in the world. It instantly transports you back to ancient times—if you can ignore the horde of tourists.

Also on the square is the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Domnius, rooted as far back as the 7th century. Head up the cathedral’s famous (and picturesque) bell tower for sweeping views over Split.

Cool down in the Adriatic Sea

Sure, Split isn’t Hvar, Krk, or Korcula. That doesn’t mean there’s nowhere to dip your toes into the Adriatic! Split’s Bacvice Beach might not strike you as one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. When visiting Split, though, there’s no closer place to relax and cool down in the Adriatic than here. Be forewarned: On warm summer days, Bacvice Beach gets jammed with locals.

Use this as a chance to practice your Croatian and make some new friends. (It’s surprisingly easy in these parts!)

Even better (and quieter) are the beaches around Marjan Hill. Kasjuni Beach and Bene Beach are especially worthwhile. Expect about a 40- to 50-minute walk to get to either from central Split.

Hop on a day trip to Trogir

Besides exploring the city, there’s a ton of great day trips from Split. If you’ve only got one extra day, none is better than a half-day or full-day trip to Trogir. A short 40-minute bus ride from Split transports you to this striking UNESCO-listed medieval town.

Trogir’s Old Town is corralled by 15th-century walls. Within the walls is a mishmash of Renaissance and Romanesque architecture. Its snaking marble alleyways are like those in Split or Zadar. They hide restaurants, cafés, and guesthouses deep in their recesses.

Walk along the delightful seaside promenade of Trogir. It shuns the modern-riviera-tinged glitziness of Split’s with its more traditional look. Visiting the coastal town is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Stick around Trogir for dinner and beer or coffee for a delicious seafood meal with a view.

Where to stay in Split

With the city’s soaring popularity, accommodation costs are rising in Split. They’ve become especially pricy in & around Diocletian’s Palace. It’s made choosing where to stay in Split ever more difficult.

With the awesomeness in Split’s ancient center though, it’s hard to recommend staying anywhere else. Even if it’s a tad pricier here than other areas, you won’t regret it. Here are a few popular places to stay in Split…

Getting to Split

The long ride between Zagreb and Split takes between 5-7 hours. Some of these buses stop en route at Plitvice Lakes National Park. The earliest departures from Plitvice leave at 9:30 am at arrive in Split at 1:30 pm ($15-22).

Hvar

2 Days

What’s a trip to Croatia without a little island hopping? Ten days won’t give you much time to explore the islands of the Adriatic to their fullest. Still, don’t leave the magical island of Hvar out of your Croatia travel plans.

Hvar has developed a reputation as the glitziest destination in Croatia, and it’s not unfounded. Prices across the country have climbed in recent years. Nowhere is it more noticeable than Hvar Island.

No, Hvar isn’t among the most budget-friendly places to visit in Croatia. But you don’t have to be a carry-carrying celebrity to afford it either. (Don’t be surprised if you run into a few, though!)

What to do in Hvar

Old medieval towns aren’t at a premium when you visit Croatia. Somehow, this one seems special. There’s plenty to love in Hvar. You’ll dazzle at sweeping sea views. You’ll wander back in time on the marble medieval alleyways. You’ll feel a gentle sea breeze caress the promenade. Either way, digging into all the things to do in Hvar will steal away at least a couple of days on your itinerary.

Add a few more days on the island if you want to experience some day trips from Hvar, such as Brac Island or the Blue Cave.

Digging into Hvar Town

Pleasant Hvar Town is where most travelers base themselves, especially if you’ve only got one day in Hvar. There’s plenty to see in Hvar. The attractions range from age-old churches to fortresses that repelled invaders for centuries.

Get your Hvar sightseeing started on St. Stephen’s Square (Trg sv. Stjepan), flanking the port. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its distinctive Romanesque 17th-century bell tower, is one of the main landmarks of Hvar Town. Hardly a postcard of Hvar isn’t framed by it.

From St. Stephen’s Square, explore the ageless streets of Hvar at leisure. Look out for the Late Renaissance style Loggia and 15th-century Franciscan Monastery to the south of town.

While in Hvar, don’t miss out on a trip up to Tvrđava Španjola (Spanish Fort) or Fortica. This 16th-century fortress was an important site in the history of Croatia. Today, it serves up fantastic views over Hvar and the Adriatic. The entrance fee is 25 HRK.

Traverse the sands of time in Stari Grad

Prepare for confusion. Besides Hvar Town, there’s another port on the northern shores of the island: Stari Grad (Old Town).

Your eyes haven’t deceived you: Hvar Town is old. (Thirteenth-century qualifies, no?) But Stari Grad keeps true to its name. The foundations of the Stari Grad stretch back to 384 BC. Stari Grad was once known as the ancient Greek city of Pharos. Today, it’s a subdued alternative to the tourist-laden and hedonistic Hvar Town.

Stari Grad’s most impressive site is Tvrdalj Castle. This “castle” was the summer house of Croatian poet Petar Hektorović. Since Hektorović’s time, the Tvrdalj’s design has changed drastically. The one feature that remains—and the most compelling—is the seawater fish pond set amidst a beautiful Renaissance garden.

When visiting Stari Grad, make time to check out the Stari Grad Plain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important historical sites in Croatia and in Europe as a whole. The plain dates back to the ancient Greeks. To understand the ancient history of the area and the nation, it’s a must-see on the ultimate first-time Croatia vacation.

The layout of the agricultural plots maintains the original configuration of the Greeks. The crops grown here include grapes and olives. They still follow many of the same traditions that sprouted up in antiquity.

Relax on the secluded beaches of the Pakleni Islands

Every trip to Hvar deserves a stop in the Pakleni Islands. At some point, you’ll want to diverge from the huge crowds of Hvar and other mainstream Croatian destinations. Escaping to the Pakleni Islands is your chance.

Several islands form the chain, including Galesnik, Jerolim, Marinkovac, and Sveti Klement. If you only have time for one destination in the Pakleni Islands, make it the small village of Palmizana on Sveti Klement.

The crystalline waters around Palmizana are fringed by lush pine forests. It’s one of the best places around Hvar to go scuba diving or snorkeling.

Ferries between Hvar and Palmizana leave daily.

Where to stay in Hvar

Ever question Croatia’s popularity? Just behold the large selection of accommodations in Hvar. Many of the top choices for where to stay in Hvar book up fast, especially during the summer high season.

You’ll need to book far ahead of time to snag one of these top-rated hotels and places to stay in Hvar…

Getting to Hvar

There are fast Jadrolinija ferries between Split and Hvar every day at 9:15 am and 9:45 am (100 HRK). The journey takes just over an hour.

Dubvronik

3 Days

The first time I spotted Dubrovnik, I was stunned. I felt as if I’d stepped onto a movie set or into a theme park. I couldn’t imagine that a city like this—where people grew up, lived, raised families, and worked—actually existed.

Thanks in large part to Game of Thrones, tourism hordes are now approaching critical mass. Even so, Dubrovnik still lives up to its moniker, “The Pearl of the Adriatic.”

No single city put Croatia on travelers’ radar more than Dubrovnik. As much as every Croatian city possesses the power to enthrall, Dubrovnik does it more forcefully.

Trust me: You’re not going to want to skip out on adding Dubrovnik to your trip itinerary.

(And if the crowds are your biggest deterrent, visit Croatia in winter when it’s far more peaceful.)

What to do in Dubrovnik

First impressions are etched quickly when you first lay eyes upon Dubrovnik’s magical Old Town. Its ancient city walls once shielded the independent republic of Ragusa. Today, Dubrovnik Old Town is as graceful as any of the most beautiful medieval European towns. History lurks around every corner.

Dazzle yourself in Dubrovnik Old Town

Many of the best things to do in Dubrovnik unfold on a walk through Old Town. Start your first 24 hours in Dubrovnik with a stroll along the City Walls, one of the best photo spots in Dubrovnik. Atop the two-kilometer walkway, you’ll marvel at spectacular views over Dubrovnik and the Adriatic. Head out as early as possible when the crowds are at their smallest and the midday heat has yet to set upon the stones.

The walls open to the public at 8 am. Expect to pay about 120 kuna.

Elsewhere, Dubrovnik Old Town is ablaze with more architectural brilliance. Every major European style from the last 500 years—whether Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque—graces the streets of Dubrovnik. Nearly every corner in the ancient city center hides a palace or a church that’ll stop you dead in your tracks. There are far too many to list here!

Some of the most eye-catching buildings in Old Town include:

• Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Dubrovnik Cathedral)
• Franciscan Monastery
• Rector’s Palace
• Sponza Palace

Dip into the Adriatic

Like in all great coastal Croatian cities, the beach is never far away in Dubrovnik. The closest to the center, Banje Beach, isn’t necessarily the best choice. Although there’s a quieter private area for a fee, the public section of the beach can get a little rowdy.

Better yet is to find a beach further afoot. Hop on a ferry to Lokrum Island (80HRK return) from Dubrovnik’s port. You’ll get to relax on beaches with smaller crowds.

Spot Dubrovnik from above on Mount Srđ

Love epic panoramas? Set aside time for a trip up Mount Srđ. The views from the top of the mountain over the city are spectacular.

Although there’s a cable car to the top of Mount Srđ from the center, strap on a solid pair of hiking shoes and tough out a 90-minute walk for the finest views.

Take a day trip to Mostar

Got an extra day in Dubrovnik? I’d highly recommend escaping Croatia (temporarily!) to throw in a day trip to Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Mostar showcases unmistakable Ottoman architecture. Mosques feature more prominently in the skyline than churches. Mostar has a completely different feel than any place on this itinerary.

Topping the list of the top things to see in Mostar is its Old Bridge (Stari Most). Built in the 16th century, the bridge became famous during the Bosnian War when it was destroyed by Croat forces. Just a decade later, Stari Most was rebuilt and reopened. Once again, it took its rightful place as one of the must-see attractions in the former Yugoslavia.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most popular destination. And with its continued rise in popularity, choosing where to stay in Dubrovnik gets more difficult year after year. To find yourself in one of the most popular hotels in Dubrovnik, you’ll often need to book months ahead.

Private accommodations fill the gap between hotels and hostels. But with the ever-increasing inventory, it can be a bit of a nightmare to negotiate the entire selection.

Get your search for accommodations in Dubrovnik started with these few ideas…

Getting to Dubrovnik

Jadrolinija ferries between Hvar and Dubrovnik depart daily at the inconvenient time of 5:45 pm, arriving at 9:00 pm (190 HRK). The Kapetan Luka ferries are faster and leave daily during high season at 8:45 am (190 HRK).

More Croatia itinerary ideas

• Want to experience more of Dalmatia? Fit in the delightful cities of Zadar and Sibenik, located north of Split on the Dalmatian Coast.
• Craving a little more nature? Spend the day at Krka National Park, located an hour from Split. Or visit Mljet National Park, a couple of hours from Dubrovnik by car and ferry.
• Need more relaxation on the beach? Zip over to the incredible Croatian islands of Krk, Korcula, or Brac.
• Looking for more Roman flair in Croatia? Visit the cities of Rovinj or Pula on the Istrian Peninsula.

Things to know before you go

When to go to Croatia

The weather in Croatia is an interesting case for Europe. It mixes a typical continental European climate in its inland while its coastal area offers a more Mediterranean climate.

While the inland is in a chilled-out state in winter, the southern coastal areas will still be pleasant and mild. (And a milder winter isn’t a bad thing in Europe!)

The best time to visit Croatia is in either May or September. Like much of Europe, Croatia is a hotbed of tourist activity in the summer months.

While the weather in July and August is spectacular, not all is perfect. As the country’s popularity soars, the crowds are getting increasingly unbearable.

The shoulder seasons of May and September are great alternatives to the summer peak season. In late spring and early fall, the weather in Croatia is still pleasant, but the crowds are thinner. This means a more wide open selection of accommodation and more breathing room.

Getting connected in Croatia

As a modern European country, it’s hardly a problem staying connected in Croatia. Most restaurants, cafés, and hotels will offer free WiFi to use with your own device.

An even better option for those on the go is to rent a 4G WiFi hotspot for Croatia. With this hotspot, you’ll be able to use your device almost anywhere you want in Croatia. You’ll also enjoy unlimited data.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

However you decide to connect while traveling—whether on public WiFi or with your own device—you need to be aware that your data could be at risk.

That’s why I always suggest connecting through a virtual private network (VPN).

A good travel VPN will allow you to connect through servers around the world. They’ll protect sensitive data like banking information and passwords. They do this by encrypting it using state-of-the-art technology.

For travelers, there’s hardly a better choice than NordVPN.

Connect through one of NordVPN’s over 5,000 global servers. You can rest assured that your data will remain safe from hackers and other scam artists while traveling in Croatia. The VPN uses military-grade double encryption technology. It makes your data virtually impossible to crack.

On top of that, NordVPN has a no-server-logs policy, meaning that none of your browsing or download history is logged at the server level. No logs equals no records.

It’s not just fantastic for travelers visiting countries with strict information laws. It also helps keep yourself safe while surfing at home.

Other travel planning resources

• Guidebooks: As much as smartphones are replacing paper guidebooks, I rarely leave home without one as a backup. Among my favourites for the country is Lonely Planet Croatia. If your trip is covering other countries in the region, check out Lonely Planet Southeastern Europe. (It’s out of print, but still available used).
• Phrasebooks: Although English is becoming more widely spoken in Croatia, it’s never a bad idea to keep a phrasebook handy. The Lonely Planet Croatia Phrasebook is great in a pinch. It should get you speaking with locals quickly.
• Language learning resources: Going to be traveling in Croatia for an extended period of time? Pick up a copy of Teach Yourself Complete Croatian or Routledge Colloquial Croatian. These audio + book courses will get you to a decent conversational level of Croatian.

Beyond Croatia in 10 days: Where to visit next

• Bosnia & Herzegovina: Dive into this underrated country through the beautiful city of Mostar. It’s just a couple of hours from Dubrovnik. Continue on to the gutsy capital of Sarajevo.
• Montenegro: More beach-bumming lies just south of Dubrovnik in Montenegro. Dig into the country, starting with the fjord-side town of Kotor. The nearby walled town of Budva is a mini-Dubrovnik in the making.
• Slovenia: End your trip in Zagreb instead to zip over to one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Ljubljana. Follow along with this 10-day Slovenia itinerary to get the most out of your trip.