The Best Croatia Itinerary [for 10 Days]

👉 Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Map | When to Visit | Getting Around | What to Pack | FAQ | Get Printable Version

So many travelers have difficulty planning their Croatia itinerary for one simple reason: Croatia is REALLY spread out with thousands of miles of coastline, hundreds of islands, and dozens of destinations to choose from.

To help you plan out your route, I’ve created this perfect itinerary for Croatia. It can be done in 7 or 10 days and includes where to go, where to stay, and several options on what to do in each location.

Why should you trust me? I’m an independent solo female traveler who has fallen in love with Croatia. I love learning all about Croatia’s extensive history, hiking on its islands, photographing its waterfalls, exploring its picturesque cities, and indulging in a party every now and then. There are just so many things to do in Croatia. And I want to help you explore it all!

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

The Ultimate Croatia Itinerary (7 to 10 Days)

🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary

While it’s not a lot of time to cover such an intriguing and beautiful country, this 10 days in Croatia itinerary will be a great taster, and you’ll get a great overview in that time. Keep in mind that while I’ve planned this 10 day Croatia itinerary from south to north, you can also do it in reverse if that better suits your schedule.

PS – You can also get a printable version for later via email!

Day 1 – Dubrovnik (City Walls + Lokrum Island)

📍 Google Maps

✔️ Why Dubrovnik Deserves a Spot on Your Croatia Itinerary: The so-called ‘pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is the perfect and most logical place to start your Croatia itinerary. Located on the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is famed for its city walls, picture-perfect views of the Adriatic sea, awe-inspiring old town, and history around every corner.

❌ And Why It Maybe Doesn’t: While Dubrovnik is awesome, it has also become a global poster child for over-tourism. In 2019 alone, Dubrovnik received over 1 million visitors, which is pretty astounding considering the city’s population is just a hair over 42,000 residents.

✈️ Flying from the USA? Good News!: Delta Airlines launched the first direct route from the USA (New York’s JFK airport) to Dubrovnik. Awesome, right?

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

• ✨ Best Luxury: Hotel Adria – An incredible four-star hotel, Hotel Adria features a swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and free parking.
• ⛱️ Best Mid-Range: Hotel Petka – Hotel Petka is a reasonably priced hotel located just 600m from the beach. All the major Dubrovnik sites can be easily reached via the bus stop just outside the hotel’s front entrance.
• 💰 Best Budget: Hostel Petra Marina – This hostel is located just 2.5km from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, is highly-rated, and has free wifi.

Morning Activity – Walk the Old City Walls

📍 Google Maps | 🎟️ Tickets: 35 EUR (~$39 USD) for adults, 15 EUR for children | 🕐 Hours: Varies, but generally 8 am to 7 pm (summer), 9 am to 3 pm (winter) | 👉 Browse Dubrovnik City Walls Tours

The most famous activity in Croatia’s most famous town, you’d think that walking the Old Town walls in Dubrovnik would be touristy and gimmicky – but you’d be wrong. Dubrovnik’s city walls are 2 kilometers long, have 17 towers, and enclose the entire Old Town. Walking them will give you unreal views and a great overview of what the city of Dubrovnik, and its history, is all about.

You can opt to walk the walls independently, but for the extra $20 it’s worth it to get an expert guide.

Afternoon Activity – Visit Lokrum Island

📍 How to Get There: Boats leave regularly from Dubrovnik’s Porporela Pier | 🎟️ Cost: 27 EUR round trip (includes return ferry + entrance to Lokrum Island) (~$30 USD) | 🕐 Length: The boat takes 15-20 minutes each way

An island near Dubrovnik that’s part Monastery and part nature reserve, Lokrum is perfect for either a full day trip or an afternoon getaway. Expect hiking, kayaking, boat tours, and wildlife watching.

If you don’t want to deal with the stress and hassle of visiting independently, this remarkably cheap Lokrum tour from Dubrovnik will take you out to the island in a sea kayak and guide you towards some great snorkeling spots.

Evening Activity – Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town

I’m going to level with you, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is my favorite in all of Croatia (or, at least on par with the one in Split, but we’ll get to that later) and is a must for your Croatia Itinerary. Made up of beautiful stone walls, churches, medieval streets, and birds swooping overhead, Dubrovnik’s Old Town will be sure to enchant you.

Here, walk the main street of Stradun, check out Rector’s Palace, and go on the lookout for a weird stone face protruding from the wall – the Maskeron.

Day 2 – Dubrovnik (Sky, Sea, & King’s Landing)

Morning Activity – Go Kayaking

To see Dubrovnik from a different point of view, sign up for a sea kayaking tour. You’ll be able to find all kinds of tours, but this half-day sea kayaking tour leaves at 9 am, comes highly rated, and takes you through Betina Cave. The itinerary will get you back in Dubrovnik just in time to make our can’t-miss afternoon activity.

Afternoon Activity – Take a Game of Thrones Tour

📍 Where to Book: Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour | 🎟️ Cost: Varies based on provider, $37 USD for the recommended tour above | 🕐 Length: 2 hours

Any die-hard Game of Thrones fans in the house? If your answer is yes, then you know Dubrovnik was a filming location for the show. The city is absolutely LOADED with iconic scenes from the series and it would be a shame (*ahem*, shame, shame) to miss a Game of Thrones tour on your Croatia itinerary.

Evening Activity – Take a Cable Car Ride

📍 Google Maps | 🕐 Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm | 🎟️ Cost: 27 EUR (~$30 USD) roundtrip for adults, 7 EUR for children | Website

Dubrovnik’s cable car goes 778m up Mount Srd, and will give you some truly incredible views of the town, harbor, and Adriatic Sea. The cable car ride can be a little disorienting if you’re afraid of heights, but rest assured you’ll be perfectly safe.

While you can easily take the cable car independently, if you want a more luxurious experience then this Dubrovnik cable car tour will take you there in an air-conditioned vehicle and show you around some of Dubrovnik’s hotspots in the process. It’s a great way to experience the sunset!

Day 3 – Hvar Island (Travel & Beach Day)

📍 Google Maps

Now that we’ve cased Dubrovnik, we’re off to the nearby island of Hvar, one of the best Croatia destinations!

✔️ Why Hvar Should Be On Your Croatia Itinerary: With the town of the same name as the main port, Hvar Island is home to great beaches, cute old towns, great hikes, watersports and, yes, parties galore. But, while the town of Hvar is definitely worth a visit, I’d urge you to get out beyond the old city walls and explore. Once you do, you’ll find less hustle and bustle and serene towns, friendly locals, and absolutely stunning nature.

❌ Why Maybe You Can Skip Hvar: Hvar has a reputation as a party destination, which is appealing for some and nauseating for others. However, there is SO much more to the island of Hvar than parties!

⛴️ How to Go from Dubrovnik to Hvar: The Jadrolinija ferry line runs a direct service from Dubrovnik (duration: 3.5 hours, cost: 45 EUR). Note that service may be covid-affected, so alternatively you can rent a car (use Discover Car Hire to find the best rates), drive to Split, and take the short boat from there.

Where to Stay in Hvar, Croatia

• ✨ Best Luxury: Hvar Riva Rooms – A highly rated bed and breakfast, Hvar Riva Rooms is close to all the hotspots, has free wifi, and is right beside the beach.
• ⛱️ Best Mid-Range: Villa Nora Hvar – A mid-range villa, Villa Nora Hvar is located in the city center, and is just a 2-minute walk from the bus station.
• 💰 Best Budget: Hvar Centre Dorms – For a hostel experience in Hvar, you just can’t beat Hvar Centre Dorms. This hostel is close to the Hula Hula Beach Bar, and just 500m from the Fortica Fortress.

Morning Activity – Explore the Lavender Fields

Did you know that Croatia is home to a flourishing lavender industry? It’s true, and touring the fields near Hvar is a must for your Croatia Itinerary. You can find many of these fields along the road connecting Stari Grad and Hvar.

But, for the best experience, I suggest taking this Hvar lavender fields tour that will take you through lavender fields, quaint villages, and show you the island’s most scenic viewpoints.

Afternoon Activity – Hit the Beach

If the beach is calling your name, then why not add one of the best in the world to your Croatia Itinerary? Hvar is home to some world-class beaches, the most famous being Malo Zarace Beach, Dubovica Beach, and Pokonji Dol. So, slather on the sunscreen and head on down!

Evening Activity – Climb up to Fortress Fortica Spanjola

📍 Google Maps | 🎟️ Cost: 5 EUR (~$5 USD) | 👉 Pro Tip: There’s a bar at the top, where you can grab a drink and soak in the views

A focal point of Hvar Town, the Spanjola Fortress was built in the 13th century as a way for the town to protect itself from attacks. Today, the fortress is home to a museum and has absolutely breathtaking views. Just keep in mind that the walk to the fortress is uphill all the way.

Day 4 – Hvar Island (Explore the Island)

Morning Activity – Visit Stari Grad

📍 Google Maps

During my time in Hvar, I stayed in the town of Stari Grad and absolutely loved it. While not super close to Hvar Town, the road between the towns is beautiful, and I felt right at home walking the medieval streets and chatting with the locals. If you want to experience a more leisurely side of the island, you might even consider staying here.

Afternoon Activity – Visit Hvar Cathedral

Located in St. Stephens Square, Hvar Cathedral is a prime example of baroque architecture and a pinnacle of Hvar’s Roman Catholic history. If you visit during a holiday you’ll find that a lot of the town’s celebrations happen here, which can be a lot of fun. Just remember to stay respectful!

After the Cathedral, consider catching the 90 minute ferry to our next destination.

Day 5 – Split (Old Town)

📍 Google Maps

✔️ Why Split Should Be On Your Croatia Itinerary: With a population of around 160 000, Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and is a hub of all things culture. The city expertly blends all the comforts of modern life with its rich history and is beautifully situated between the sea and mountains. It’s also one of the Adriatic’s most important ports and, as such, you’ll find a lot of cruise ship and sailing action here. For this reason, Split is known as having one of the best beachfront promenades in the country.

❌ Why You Can Skip It: Honestly, if there is one stop on this Croatia itinerary you should not skip, this is it.

⛴️ How to Go from Dubrovnik to Hvar: The Jadrolinija ferry line runs a direct service from Dubrovnik (duration: 1.5 hours, cost: 10 EUR).

Where to Stay in Split, Croatia

• ✨ Prima Luce – A four-star property in the center of Split, Prima Luce provides an airport shuttle, rainfall shower spouts, and artfully decorated rooms.
• 🛏️ Hotel Slavija – A mid-range, yet highly-rated hotel in Diocletian’s Palace, Hotel Slavija features air-conditioned rooms, continental breakfast, and free internet. They also offer airport shuttle services and guests can book private walking tours and organize day trips from Split via the hotel receptionist.
• 💰 Downtown Hostel – A Split favorite, Downtown Hostel provides private and shared rooms, a kitchen area, and even bike and car rentals. Plus, the bus station is within walking distance of the property.

Morning Activity – Wander Diocletian’s Palace

📍 Google Maps | 🎟️ Cost: Free | 👉 Pro Tip: To really appreciate the history of the Palace, it helps to take a tour. This is a highly rated one to consider.

Built for the Roman Emporer Diocletian in 305AD, Diocletian’s Palace is a huge complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site located right in the Old Town. While here, visit the underground market, find the statue of Grgr Ninski, and catch a musical performance in the main square.

If you’re looking for an activity that will give you a panoramic view of Split, then a visit to the Bell Tower is a must. The climb up is a little precarious (you’ll find a lot of shaky metal platforms), but absolutely worth it for the picture-perfect view!

Morning Activity #2 – Explore Split’s Old Town

As I mentioned earlier, Split’s Old Town is on par with Dubrovnik’s — and that’s saying something. Surrounding Diocletian’s square, you’ll find tons of shops, cafes, cute cobblestone streets, and some of the best ice cream and gelato this side of Italy.

Afternoon Activity – Hike Parka Suma Marjan

📍 Google Maps | 🎟️ Cost: Free | 👉 Pro Tip: Pack good shoes!

Located just off downtown Split, hiking through Parka Suma Marjan (Marjan Forest Park) is the perfect Croatia itinerary addition for a nature fix. Slowly ascending to 178m above Split, the hikes at Parka Suma Marjan will give you unreal views of both downtown Split and the Adriatic Sea.

This is a great way to escape the crowds and downtown bustle but keep in mind that there are quite a lot of stairs to get to the park, so you’ll need to be relatively fit for these hikes.

🐸 Alternate Activity – One of the most unique exhibits I have ever been to, Froggyland is a museum home to over 500 stuffed frogs pinned to look like they’re doing human activities. Created by Hungarian Taxidermist Ference Mere, Froggyland consists of 21 froggy dioramas and was a project that took him over 10 years to complete. It’s weird, sure, but a memorable addition to your Croatia Itinerary!

Evening Activity – Take a Stroll Along the Riva Waterfront

📍 Google Maps

Looking to people watch, have a few drinks, and watch the yachts roll in? Then head down to the Riva waterfront! The promenade may be the most expensive area of town, but it has some amazing restaurants and bars.

And, of course, there are always some cheap food stands nearby if you’re sticking to a budget. You just can’t beat the ambiance.

Day 6 – Krka National Park (Day Trip from Split)

📍 Google Maps | 🎟️ Cost: 40 EUR for adults during summer | 🚗 How to Get There from Split: Rent a car and drive (use Discover Cars to compare prices). Alternatively, this Krka National Park tour will give you an air-conditioned ride to and from the park with an English-speaking guide.

If you’re up for a full-day adventure in one of the most picturesque spots in the country, then add Krka National Park to your Croatia Itinerary! In Krka, you’ll find 142 square kilometers of boardwalks, waterfalls of all sizes, hiking trails, mysterious caves, and a ton of wildlife. Plus, you can totally swim under some of the waterfalls at Krka. Be sure to bring your bathing suit!

Day 7 – Blue Cave on Bisevo Island (Day Trip from Split)

📍 Google Maps | 🚗 How to Get There from Split: The only way is to take a tour. The best tour is this 5 island / Blue Cave combo tour from Split.

Visiting the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island is one of the most popular day trips from Split. During the day, the Blue Cave is filled with the most brilliant blue light and has been the topic of mystical conversation for eons. A sight that needs to be seen to be believed, the effect is due to a small crack in the cave wall that shines a light into the water.

The result is an intense blue color and silvery shimmery water that attracts tourists in droves.

Alternate Option – Klis Fortress, Croatia

📍 Google Maps

If the Blue Cave doesn’t fit with your Croatia itinerary, check out the 3rd-century Klis Fortress is one of the easiest itinerary additions from Split. Used for centuries as a defense from invaders, Klis Fortress is comprised of stone buildings wedged into the side of a mountain pass.

The result is a fortress that looks like it jumped straight out of a fairy tale, and you’ll have a great time wandering the walls and taking photos. The fortress is also the easiest day trip to make from Split, as it’s just a half-hour bus ride or drive.

📅 Only Have 7 Days in Croatia? That’s ok! You can wrap up your Croatia itinerary in Split, and catch a flight onward from there, Dubrovnik, or Zagreb airports. But if you have 10 days in Croatia, you’ll want to stick around for our next stop.

Day 8 – Zadar, Croatia

📍 Google Maps

✔️ Why Zadar Should Be On Your Croatia Itinerary: Located just two hours north of Split, Zadar is known for its calm Old Town, views of the Velebit Mountains, quirky cafes, and intriguing art pieces. What’s so great about Zadar is that, unlike the other major seaside cities on this list, it isn’t on the regular Cruise route. This means that while there are still incredible things to add to your itinerary, you’ll get to experience it all with a fraction of the crowds.

❌ Why You Can Skip It: Zadar is incredible, but if you only have a week, Dubrovnik and Split are more of the sort of “must see” spots most tourists refuse to miss.

🚗 How to Go from Split to Zadar: The best way to enjoy the views along this incredible coastline is to rent a car (compare prices with Discover Car Hire) and drive yourself. Alternatively, affordable bus tickets are available in Split.

Where to Stay in Zadar

• ✨ Luxury: Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel – Located just steps from the beach, Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel is a four-star property with excellent reviews.
• 🛏️ Mid-Range: Hotel Mediteran – For a mid-range stay, consider the Hotel Mediteran. This hotel is just a short walk from the beach and about 4km from the city center. They have an on-site restaurant and free parking.
• 🎒 Budget: Hostel Dentex 4 You – Not your typical hostel Dentex 4 You is part accommodation and part casino. The property also features a continental breakfast, a playground, and a shared kitchen.

Morning Activity – Shop at the Zadar Markets

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Fun fact: The market dates back to the middle ages and is one of the largest in all of the Dalmatian Coast — it’s a must for your Croatia itinerary!

If you’re looking to get some homegrown souvenirs on your Croatia trip, then look no further than the Zadar markets. Located in the Old Town, the market features goods and produce from local farmers and creators, and will be your one-stop-shop for fresh food and handmade items.

Evening Activity – Witness the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Fun fact: The Sun Salutation also collects enough energy during the day to power the harborfront.

Designed by architect Nikola Basic, the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation are public art installments meant to play with the energy of the ocean and the sun, respectively. The Sea Organ is a system of pipes and flutes that emits different tones when the waves from the sea push air through it.

The Sea Organ plays its tunes all day long, and the tones get louder and softer depending on how big the waves are. Meanwhile, the Sun Salutation is a large circle comprised of 300 glass plates set into the ground that collect the energy of the sun all day long.

Then, once the sun goes down, the Sun Salutation produces a light show that is out of this world.

Day 9 – Zadar (History)

Morning Activity – Visit the Roman Forum

📍 Google Maps

The largest such forum in Croatia, the Roman ruins of Zadar make up a large area of well-preserved ancient buildings.

With construction beginning in the first century and ending in the third, the Roman Forum was the epicenter of life at the time and was used for religious and military purposes alike.

Afternoon Activity – Explore the Museum of Ancient Glass

📍 Google Maps | 🎟️ Cost: 6 EUR | 🕑 Hours: 9 am to 4 pm daily, Closed Sundays

The Museum of Ancient Glass in Zadar is one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Roman glasswork. The glass on display here has been sourced from all over Croatia and you expect everything from jewelry to vases to jars on display. You can even take a glassblowing workshop if you feel so inclined.

Evening Activity – Climb the Bell Tower

📍 Location: Google Maps | 🎟️ Cost: 2 EUR | 🕑 Hours: 10 am to 6 pm (M-Sat), closed Sundays

For panoramic views of Zadar and the coastline, be sure to climb the Bell Tower at the cathedral of St. Anastasia (Katedrala sv. Stosije).

While the church itself was originally constructed in the 5th century (with a 12th-century facelift), the Bell Tower itself was only completed in the 1890s, making it one of the more recent staples in the city center.

At just 56 meters high, the Bell Tower isn’t the most strenuous to climb, but the views are totally worth the hike either way.

Day 10 – Plitvice Lakes National Park (Day Trip from Zadar)

📍 Google Maps | 🎟️ Cost: 40 EUR | 🕑 Hours: 8 am to 1 pm daily

Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most renowned sites in the country and, as it’s located just an hour and a half from Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park makes for the most convenient Croatia itinerary addition. Consisting of the Upper lakes and Lower lakes, Plitvice National Park is full of towering waterfalls (there are almost 100 of them), boardwalks, cascading turquoise lakes, wildlife, and great hikes. 

It’s much like Krka, but with more dramatic views that cover a lot more area. Just keep in mind that, unlike Krka National Park, you can’t swim at Plitvice due to the nature protections in place.

📚 Considering a Croatia Road Trip? Check out my articles on driving in Croatia, and how to plan a Croatia road trip.

Croatia Itinerary Map

Here is a Google Map with all the stop, attractions, and hotels mentioned in this post. 

When to Visit Croatia

For most travelers, the best time to tour Croatia is during the shoulder season. In the summer, Croatia gets swarmed with tourists – so much so that accommodation prices spike, tours sell out, and some attractions max out their visitor allowance. Meanwhile, in the winter, Croatia tourism slows down to the point that many tours don’t even operate.

For these reasons, I recommend planning your trip to Croatia for May, June, September, or October.

Personally, I planned my Croatia tour in June and found it to be a perfect time. The days were warm, the sites weren’t crowded, the accommodation was ample and reasonable, and I got to see all the highlights.

How to Get Around Croatia

Driving in Croatia

Croatia is an easy country in which to drive, and I highly recommend this method if freedom and traveling on your own schedule are important to you. Check out my Croatia Road Trip Guide to help you plan your journey, or my post on driving in Croatia for more detailed info.

To rent a car in Croatia, Discover Car Hire is a trusted go-to that will help you sort out your best options and insurance.

Or, if you want to rent an RV or Van for your Croatia week, then Motor Home Republic is the easiest way to go.

👉 Pro tip: keep in mind that a lot of cars in Croatia have manual transmissions. If you don’t know how to drive a stick, then make sure you specify this with your car rental company when booking. And, of course, make sure you have Croatia insurance covering your trip!

Taking buses in Croatia

If renting a car isn’t so much your speed, then there’s always the bus to check out all the places to visit in Croatia.

The bus system around Croatia is extensive and easy to maneuver. There are buses that go from all the major cities and sites, and they keep a predictable schedule.

In my experience, the buses are always clean and the bus drivers will be more than willing to help you out if you have any questions or concerns.

Ferry travel in Croatia

If you plan on going island hopping in Croatia, then you’re going to need to take a ferry.

Thankfully, ferry travel in Croatia is just as easy as any of the other transportation options, and you’ll have no hiccups booking yourself (or your car) a spot aboard.

Just keep in mind that not every Croatian island is outfitted for vehicles, so make sure to research this before you try to bring your rental car to such an island.

And, if you can, book in advance! 

What to Pack for Croatia

Travel Backpack

 The Tortuga Setout Backpack is excellent for 10 days in Croatia. It’s water-resistant, comes in two sizing options, and is affordable to boot. See our full Tortgua Setout Review for more info on why we love this bag.

Meanwhile, for your around-town essentials, the Osprey Daylite makes for a great day bag.

If you’d like to do a little more research, then check out our comparison of the best travel backpacks for Europe.

Swimming Gear

Whether you’re swimming in the pools of Krka National Park or jet skiing on the Adriatic Sea, chances are you’re going to be spending a chunk of time on your Croatia trip in the water.

For this reason, be sure to bring along a bathing suit (these trunks are highly-rated for men, and I personally use this women’s one), a pair of water shoes (there are sea urchins galore), a quick-dry towel, and a snorkeling set.

Quality Shoes

10 days in Croatia means you’ll be walking a ton, and you’re going to need to bring along a few pairs of good shoes with arch support.

I personally wear these runners from Adidas and these Teva’s sandals.

For men, New Balance Running shoes come highly recommended, as do these sandals from Camel.

Travel Pillow

For a long-haul flight to Croatia or getting comfy in the car, a travel pillow is a necessity. Thankfully, the Trtl pillow provides neck support and is super travel-friendly.

That said, if you want to do a little extra research on the best travel pillow for you, then check out our comparison of the best travel pillows.

Safety Gear

While Croatia is generally a very safe country to tour, petty theft can happen no matter what country in the world you’re in.

For this reason, I always travel with a small lock and a Pacsafe bag. I can just latch my Pacsafe to anything bolted to the floor in my hotel room and rest assured that my stuff will be there when I come back.

FAQ for Visiting Croatia

👉 Pro tip: Check out my favorite Croatia travel tips for practical info to help you plan your trip!

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📄 Want To Save This Itinerary? Get the Printable Version Via Email Now!

That’s it for our monster 10 day Croatia Itinerary! I hope you learned a lot about Croatia travel and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments. If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to check out all of 7 my Croatia travel guides!

Enjoy your trip to Croatia!