| | |

Perfect 10 day Croatia Itinerary

If you are planning a trip to Croatia, look no further than this 10 day itinerary. Blending the best of Hungarian influence and Venetian (read: Italian) food, wine and sensibilities, Croatia offers something for those who want to relax, enjoy the sea with a glass of wine, or adventure through the old cities.

Aerial view of a coastal town with red-roofed buildings, a marina filled with boats, and small islands in a blue sea under a clear sky.
Hvar, an island off of Split.

When to Visit

Peak season is June to August. However, this is the busiest and most expensive time to go – there are also a lot of cruise ship passengers. I recommend visiting in the shoulder season, either May and early June, or September.

Getting Around

To fully enjoy the country, renting a car is highly recommended to explore Croatia at your own pace. I recommend renting a car in Zagreb and then returning it in Split before taking passenger ferries to the islands and Dubrovnik, based on the itinerary below.

View of a cityscape with red-tiled rooftops and distant hills, seen through a rectangular stone window frame.
Views of Dubrovnik.

Croatia Itinerary Overview

To fully embrace Croatia’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, a 10-day itinerary is ideal. Here’s a suggested plan for where to allocate your nights during your trip:

  • Day 1: Begin your journey in Zagreb, spending 1 night (most international flights fly into here anyway). I liked the Westin in the heart of dowtown.
  • Day 2-3: Travel to Plitvice Lakes National Park, spending two nights exploring the stunning lakes and waterfalls. Optional: day trip to Bosnia from here.
  • Day 4-6: Continue to Split, staying overnight in Split for 2-3 nights.
  • Day 7-8: Venture to Hvar, an island known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, spending two nights relaxing by the sea. I liked Skalinada Hotel and Restaurant.
  • Day 9-10: Conclude your trip in Dubrovnik, the gorgeous walled city along the sea.

For a more relaxed experience, add 1-2 more days to account for travel times on the ferry and departure times for flights. With this itinerary, I recommend flying into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik. Also, consider extending your trip to nearby Slovenia or Bosnia for some added Balkan cultural immersion.

Day 1: Zagreb

Your Croatian adventure will start in Zagreb, the country’s capital – where most international flights arrive. Stay at the Westin Zagreb for a night. After checking in, take some time to explore the city’s main attractions, such as Ban Jelačić Square, the Zagreb Cathedral, and the bustling Dolac Market.

Aerial view of a European cityscape with historic buildings, tree-lined streets, and a cloudy sky overhead.
Zagreb from the Westin.

Day 2-3: Plitvice & Krka National Park & Bosnia

Drive to Plitvice National Park to walk the boardwalks and admire the incredble waterfalls and aquamarine pools. Try to arrive early as the park gets crowded – and plan for a full day exploring and hiking the area.

Aerial view of multiple small waterfalls flowing into a turquoise lake surrounded by dense green trees and rocky cliffs.
Plitvice National Park.

If you have some extra time and a sense of adventure, consider taking a day trip to Bosnia. The scenic town of Bihać is just a short drive from Plitvice National Park. It’s a unique opportunity to experience a different culture and add an extra dimension to your trip. Remember, the currency is different in Bosnia, so. make sure to bring some cash to exchange as well as any travel documents. Your cell plan in Croatia may not work in Bosnia, so download any maps or google translate offline beforehand.

A street view with a tall clock tower in the background, colorful buildings, and a few people walking along the road.
Octagonal stone building with arched windows, decorative carvings, and a short stone staircase leading to the entrance.
A tall stone mosque with a single minaret, arched doorway, and circular window stands against a partly cloudy blue sky.
A tall white clock tower rises above trees near a pond with ducks swimming, under a partly cloudy sky.

As you head south to Split, stop at Krka National Park. Known for its magnificent waterfalls and serene landscapes, Krka offers a more relaxed and intimate experience compared to Plitvice. Walk the wooden pathways near Skradinski Buk waterfall or go for a swim.

Aerial view of a river flowing through a rocky canyon with lush greenery and several small waterfalls.
Krka National Park.

Make a detour to Bibich Winery, located near Skradin. Featured in Somebody Feed Phil, this family-owned winery is renowned for its exceptional wines and friendly family run spirit.

A man and woman stand together outdoors holding wine glasses, with greenery and a scenic landscape in the background.
Wine at Bibich
A wooden table with white wine, breadsticks in a basket, a small jar, and assorted bite-sized appetizers on a long tray.
Snacks with wine tasting

Days 4-6: Split

Return your rental car (at the Split airport most likely) and then grab a taxi to the downtown area. Everything is walkable at this point.

Start by visiting Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Roman era.

Stone dome with a large circular opening at the top, showing blue sky, and a doorway at the bottom of the ancient structure.
Stone buildings and a tall bell tower under a clear blue sky, with a foreground of stone and brick ruins.

Wander through the narrow streets of split, getting a little lost along the way.

For breathtaking views of the city, head up to Teraca Vidilica. This hilltop viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of Split and the Adriatic Sea, making it an ideal spot for photos.

View of a coastal city with red-roofed buildings, dense greenery in the foreground, and mountains under a clear blue sky in the background.
Views from Teraca Vidilica.

Have dinner at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar, a Michelin recommended restaurant with great wine, fish, and pasta. Reservations recommended.

Take a day trip to Zlatni Rat in Bol, known for its unique shape and crystal-clear waters. There are numerous day trip tours that you can take from Split to simplify the process – GetYourGuide has many helpful options.

Aerial view of a sandy beach peninsula with turquoise water, surrounded by anchored boats and bordered by forested hills.
Bol beach, accessible by boat tour from Split.

Days 7-8: Hvar

Extend your stay on Hvar for two nights to fully experience its beauty. You can take the public ferry over by foot from Split. Book a room at Skalinada Hotel and Restaurant, a gorgeous hotel with views over the sea and a restaurant on site with some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. You won’t need to leave, just enjoy their private beach and pool. Make sure to coordinate pickup from the ferry terminal with the hotel directly, as it’s on the other side of the island (the quieter side). If you want to stay in the main town of Hvar, know that it is busy during the day with cruise trip tourists and yachters. However, the old town is beautiful and may simplify transit.

Stone steps lined with tables lead down to a marina, with palm trees and vibrant purple flowers framing the scene.
A person with a backpack walks through a narrow stone alley under an archway on a sunny day.
View over terracotta rooftops toward blue sea with sailboats and small islands, under a clear sky; orange tree on the right.
Stone steps lead to a terrace with a pergola, pool, and ocean view under a clear blue sky.
Two towels are laid on a pebbled beach near clear blue water, with a calm sea and blue sky in the background.
Grilled fish served with green sauce, broad beans, microgreens, black lentils, and a basket of sliced bread on the table.

Days 9-10: Dubrovnik

Take a ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik. Start by visiting the city gates and wandering through the ancient streets of the Old Town. Walk the city walls for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the red-roofed buildings below. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, don’t miss the Jesuit Stairs, one of the iconic filming locations.

Aerial view of Dubrovnik’s old city in Croatia, with stone walls, terracotta rooftops, and the Adriatic Sea in the background.
Dubrovnik old town.

In the evening, take a gondola ride to the Panorama Restaurant and Bar for a memorable sunset experience.

A coastal city and islands are seen at sunset from a hillside, with scattered people observing the view.
Sunset from the gondola above Dubrovnik.

Visit the Rector’s Palace, a beautiful palace-turned-museum that offers insights into Dubrovnik’s rich history.

Stone-paved square with arched historic buildings, dome, columns, a few people, pigeons, and a hillside under a clear blue sky.
Rector’s Palace
Stone building by clear, turquoise seawater with rocky shore, swimmers, and a view of distant hills and coastline under a blue sky.
Pools to the sea
Narrow stone alley with steps, laundry hanging overhead, and a view of a hillside town in the background under a clear blue sky.
Alleys of Dubrovnik
Stone steps descend between historic buildings toward a street with people walking, under a clear blue sky and green hillside.
Jesuit Stairs

There are numerous public beaches that are accessible from the old city – just follow any stairs down to the sea and enjoy some cliff jumping with the locals. Swim with watershoes – while the water is full of smooth rocks and not sandy, there are many sea urchins (learn from me – I stepped on one shoeless and it was super painful!).

Aerial view of a rocky Croatia beach with clear turquoise water, docks, and a swing set partially submerged in the shallow sea.
Beach club on an island near Hvar.

Rebecca runs The Adventure Beckons, a travel and outdoor adventure blog based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As an experienced traveler to over 40 countries and counting, she provides her readers with practical travel itineraries from day trips to multi-week adventures. She strives to balance nature and hiking with the must-see tourist highlights that are genuinely worth your time and money.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply