The chance to explore Croatia is high on many travel wish lists, and if it isn’t on yours – it should be. From the ancient walls of Dubrovnik to the sun-kissed Adriatic Sea around the islands, there are swoon-worthy sites everywhere you look.
We thought we’d seen the best that Europe had to offer, but our week in Croatia showed us otherwise. From our first breakfast bučnica, we were sold.
And 7 days was just the right amount of time to really enjoy the coastline, historic towns, and deliciously laid-back way of life.
Here are our favourite parts of the little Slavic country and a few things we learned about the best ways to enjoy them.
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Table of Contents
- Croatia Itinerary: 7 Days
- How to get around Croatia
- The best time to visit Croatia
- What currency is used in Croatia?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Travel In Croatia
Croatia Itinerary: 7 Days
We’ve put together the ultimate 7 day itinerary for your vacation to Croatia.
Obviously you can switch things around and swap things out depending on your own travel preferences, but if we were visiting again this is exactly what we’d be planning.
Day 1 – Zagreb
Start your Croatian adventure in the storied city of Zagreb, where architecture, culture, and cafe culture combine to make an ideal first day. We often get asked if Zagreb is worth visiting, and the fact we’ve included it on this itinerary speak volumes.
A guided walk when you land somewhere new is always a great way to start. A local guide’s perspective is priceless, and you’ll see things you might not have on your own – usually with a few fun anecdotes along the way.
✅ We always take a walking tour when we arrive somewhere new, and this one is excellent!
Don’t forget to ask a lot of questions. But if you decide to forego a tour, here is what you need to see.
- Morning: Stroll through the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and take in its charming cobbled lanes. Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships in a historic baroque-era building in the Upper Town.
- Afternoon: Explore Dolac Market for fresh produce, local cheeses, and maybe a sweet pastry to nibble on. Pick up some fresh flowers before heading out.
- Evening: Unwind in one of the city’s famous squares. Sip a coffee or a glass of Croatian wine and watch the sunset behind the elegant old-world exteriors
Day 2 – Plitvice Lakes National Park
Depart Zagreb bright and early for Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its waterfalls and turquoise lakes. This was one of the biggest highlights of our trip, and a little different to the usual ‘beach holiday’ sights you expect from Croatia.
A day here offers the perfect glimpse of Croatia’s natural beauty.
- Guided or Solo: If you want to learn about the park’s unique ecosystem, a guided excursion is a great option. Or wander along the wooden paths on your own; enjoy the freedom and explore at your own pace.
- Picnic Break: Grab a quick bite in one of the park’s designated areas – or pack up a few goodies from your trip to Dolac Market and eat surrounded by the elm, oak, and wild cherry trees..
- Overnight: From here continue on to your next destination later in the afternoon. It’s about 220km to Zadar if you want to be near the coast by evening.
Day 3 – Zadar
Wake up in the laidback seaside city of Zadar, in Croatia’s Dalmatia region. It’s the perfect next stop for a blend of history and modern attractions.
- Morning: Wander the Old Town’s narrow alleyways, where Roman ruins are tucked in between colourful cafes.
- Sea Organ & Sunset: Don’t miss the Sea Organ, an ingenious installation that turns ocean waves into lovely melodies. Head to the nearby “Greeting to the Sun” site for the evening’s sunset.
- Dinner by the Water: Top off your evening at a waterfront restaurant. We loved Butler Gourmet & Cocktails Garden. Sample local seafood or a traditional Dalmatian dish like Pašticada.
Day 4 – Split
Today, head south to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city. The modern vibe is balanced by its ancient Roman heritage.
- Diocletian’s Palace is an excellent way to connect the dots between past and present. It’s a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary energy.
The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s full of shops, cafes, and the occasional street performer.
- Promenade Stroll: After soaking up the history, take a waterfront walk along the Riva, the palm-tree lined promenade.
- For the Adventurous: Climb the more than 180 steps to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius bell tower for a stunning panoramic city view.
- Nightlife: Split has a first-rate selection of bars, pubs, and eateries. Whether you want an elegant glass of wine or a more electric nightlife scene, your options are many.
Although Split is definitely worth a day of your time, if you’re more of a beach lover then there are some EXCELLENT sea based day tours departing from Split that might be worth looking at as an alternative.
✅ We rate this tour of the blue caves and several different isand stops really highly. It’s a small group tour on a speed boat (which is super fun!) and it includes some really stunning stops.
Day 5 – Hvar or Brač
Croatia’s islands are legendary, so dedicate at least one day to exploring them. Hvar and Brač are among the favourites:
- Hvar: Famous for its dynamic nightlife, lavender fields, and charming Old Town. Stroll up to the fortress for breathtaking panoramas.
- Brač: Known for Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), one of Croatia’s most famous beaches. If you’re all about soaking up sun and sea, Brač is for you.
- Local Flavours: Whichever island you choose, be sure to taste some of the island specialties. Try pašurata dumplings or traditional paprenjak cookies.
Day 6 – Dubrovnik
Make your way to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. The city tends to be the highlight of any Croatian itinerary. It’s steeped in history and offers jaw-dropping views around every corner.
- City Walls Walk: Start your day with a walk on top of the sturdy walls. It’s a bit of a workout, but the scenery – red rooftops, shimmering sea – is worth every step.
- Cable Car Views: For an eagle’s-eye perspective, hop on the cable car up Mount Srđ. Make sure your camera battery’s charged; it’s photo heaven at the summit.
- Seafood by the Port: After a day of exploring, reward yourself with fresh fish or seafood risotto at a harbour-side restaurant. Nautika Restaurant is a local favourite that specializes in refined Mediterranean cuisine.
- Evening Stroll: Dubrovnik is magical after sunset. Meander through the narrow lanes, and pick up souvenirs like olive oil or a handcrafted necklace.
If you’re in Croatia for a special event, or you like to treat yourself on holiday (who doesn’t), then Dubrovnik is the place to splurge. Consider spending a night or two in one of Dubrovniks most luxurious hotels.
Day 7 – Lokrum Island
Round out your Croatian adventure with a 10-minute boat ride to Lokrum Island, just off Dubrovnik’s coast.
- Botanical Gardens & Peacocks: Lokrum is known for its verdant botanical garden filled with exotic plants. Keep an eye out for the resident peacocks – regal and not shy about posing for photos.
- Swim & Sun: If you need a final dip in the Adriatic, there are rocky beaches and little coves perfect for a splash. The Mrtvo More is our pick, Croatia’s own little Dead Sea.
- Return to Dubrovnik: It’s time for any final shopping and a walk through the Old Town one last time.
In the evening, savour a farewell Croatian meal. Try a hearty peka (a meat and vegetable dish) or a lightly grilled sea bass or bream before toasting goodbye to this unforgettable country.
How to get around Croatia
Getting around Croatia is part of the adventure. Actually, some of our favourite memories of our time in Croatia involve travel. Whether you’re hopping between Dalmatian islands, zipping down scenic coastal roads, or chugging through the countryside by train, each mode of transport offers its own kind of magic.
Ferries
For island-hopping, ferries are your best friend. Croatia has a well-oiled ferry network, especially during the summer months when places like Hvar, Korčula, and Vis become must-stops on the sailing route.
Jadrolinija, the state-run ferry company, is the main player here, and while it’s not fancy, it’s reliable and offers an easy way to get around if you don’t have your own boat (though if you do—lucky you! This country was made to be seen from the water).
The easiest way to book ferries in Croatia is through Ferry Scanner. It will show you all the available routes from different ferry companies and find the best prices available.
Hire Car
We use Discover Cars when searching for the best deals on car rentals. They cover loads of countries and search through tonnes of car hire companies, local and global, to find the very best deals.
✅ Check out Discover Cars
Driving, though, is where Croatia really shines. The roads are in great condition, the traffic isn’t too wild (unless you’re weaving through Split in August), and the scenery is genuinely jaw-dropping.
The Adriatic Highway hugs the coast like something out of a car commercial, winding past terracotta-topped towns and olive groves with the sea glittering beside you.
Inland routes are quieter, but they take you through rolling countryside, medieval fortresses, and national parks like Plitvice Lakes or Krka, where detours are always worth it.
We hired a car through Discover Cars and it was a huge part of the adventure. We can highly recommend doing at least a little driving in Croatia.
Bus
Public transport is decent and affordable, especially the buses which connect just about every city, town, and beach hamlet you’d want to visit.
Flixbus is a popular choice for longer journeys like Dubrovnik to Split or Zagreb to Zadar, and local buses fill in the gaps.
Trains
Trains are mostly limited to the north—Zagreb has good connections to cities like Osijek or Varaždin, but forget about railways if you’re heading to the islands or southern coast.
Taxis
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in bigger cities, but for short trips within towns, your feet will do just fine.
Most Croatian cities have charming old centres that are pedestrian-friendly and packed with character, so walking really is the best way to soak it all in.
We used Uber to get to and from airports and they were reliable, safe and affordable.
And if you’re up for a little extra adventure? Rent a kayak and paddle your way between hidden beaches. Or jump on a scooter and explore an island on two wheels.
The best time to visit Croatia
When people ask me when the best time to visit Croatia is, I always want to say “right now”. Because honestly, this country is stunning no matter the season. We were lucky to be visiting over three different season so we had a taste of Croatia in all weather, and it’s hard to choose a favourite.
But if you’re after that perfect blend of warm sun, turquoise water, lively towns, and not-too-hectic crowds—well, there are a few sweet spots that will make your Croatian escape feel a bit more magical.
Especially if, like us, you’re travelling by sailboat or simply daydreaming of a slower, saltier kind of adventure.
Summer
Let’s start with the obvious one—summer. June through August is Croatia’s high season, and there’s a good reason for that.
The weather is reliably hot and sunny, the Adriatic is that inviting kind of blue you just can’t resist jumping into, and the islands come alive with festivals, beach bars, and late-night music that drifts across the anchorages.
It’s vibrant and exciting—but it’s also busy. If you thrive on that summer buzz and don’t mind a bit of chaos, this might be your time. But if you’re like us and prefer a more relaxed pace…
Shoulder Season
…shoulder season is where it’s at. May, early June, September, and even early October are, in our opinion, the very best times to explore Croatia.
The weather is still warm (you can swim well into October most years), the sea is calm, and the summer crowds have either not quite arrived or have just departed.
In September, the grapes are ripening in the vineyards, the sunsets seem to stretch on forever, and you can still find a quiet beach or bay.
Prices are lower too, which makes everything from boat rental to dinner in a konoba that bit more affordable. This is when Croatia feels like a secret you’ve been let in on.
April and May is lovely inland, with wildflowers bursting into life and national parks like Plitvice and Krka looking lush and full. It’s a great time for road-tripping or city hopping—think Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik without the wall-to-wall tourists.
The only downside is the sea might still be a bit chilly for swimming, and some smaller island spots won’t be fully open yet. But if you’re into hiking, cycling, or exploring without breaking a sweat, spring can be a dream.
Winter
And then there’s winter, which is a whole different story. It’s quiet—like really quiet. Many islands shut down, ferries run less often, and the weather turns chilly and damp.
But there’s a cosy charm to it too. Zagreb turns into a festive fairytale at Christmas, and the coastal cities feel like you’ve stepped back in time, stripped of all the summer gloss and full of locals just getting on with their day.
It even snows in some places in Croatia, which is kind of cool!
It’s not ideal sailing weather, but for a cultural trip, winter definitely has its place.
What currency is used in Croatia?
Croatia uses the euro (€) as its official currency, which is fantastic news if you’re coming from other parts of Europe—it makes life just that little bit easier when it comes to budgeting, banking, and avoiding that dreaded drawer of random leftover coins from holidays past.
Up until fairly recently, Croatia had its own currency called the kuna, and you’ll still occasionally see prices listed in kuna on older signs or hear locals refer to them out of habit. But as of January 2023, Croatia officially joined the Eurozone, and now the euro is the only legal tender.
From a travel perspective, switching to the euro has definitely made things more straightforward. You don’t need to worry about exchange rates or conversion maths if you’re already used to spending euros.
That said, Croatia can still be quite cash-friendly, especially on the smaller islands or in rural areas where card machines might be a bit temperamental (or “temporarily out of order” forever). So it’s always a good idea to have a bit of cash on hand for small expenses.
ATMs are widely available in towns and cities, but keep an eye on fees—some private ATM operators charge hefty withdrawal charges. Look for ATMs attached to actual banks if you can, and avoid those freestanding ones with high rates and flashy logos.
Better yet, use a travel card that doesn’t sting you with foreign transaction fees, and you’ll save yourself a bit of extra spending money for sundowners.
In short—it’s euros all the way now in Croatia.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some of your most asked questions about travel in Croatia here, but do let us know if you have any more we can help you out with!
We’ve answered your question on tipping in Croatia in a little more detail.
Is 7 days enough in Croatia?
Croatia is one of those places where you could easily lose weeks (or months!) just meandering between its sun-drenched islands, medieval towns, and national parks that look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a fantasy film.
But if you’ve got a week to spare, you can 100% see some of the highlights and still have time to slow down, sip a few espressos by the sea, and soak up that laid-back Adriatic lifestyle.
We think the above 7 day itinerary is perfect for travel in Croatia, especially if you hire a car and can come and go as you please.
But you could also pick a base and use it to do day trips and explore locally. Somewhere like Split is perfect, as it’s close to lots of Croatia’s beautiful islands and also close enough to explore somewhere like Plitvice on a day trip.
If you’re into sailing, a week is enough to enjoy a relaxed route through the Dalmatian Islands. Think hopping from Split to Hvar, then on to Vis or Korčula, and ending in Dubrovnik if you’re feeling ambitious.
You won’t be able to hit every anchorage or hidden bay, but you’ll definitely get a taste of why people fall so hard for this coastline. The distances between islands are short, the wind’s usually friendly, and every stop seems to have a charming konoba (tavern) just waiting to feed you grilled fish and local wine.
The key is not to overpack your itinerary. Croatia isn’t a country that rewards rushing. The magic is in the details—the lazy afternoons swimming off rocky beaches, the surprise of stumbling on a tiny village market, the warm golden light that hits the stone walls of old towns at sunset. If you try to cram in too much, you might miss those moments.
So yes, a week is enough to fall in love with Croatia. And trust me, you’ll leave already plotting your return trip—because one thing’s for sure: seven days will never feel like quite enough once you’ve had your first taste of life on the Adriatic.
Where is the best place to go in Croatia for a week?
Honestly, I think it’s a real shame to visit a country and stay in one place. That’s why we designed the above itinerary which takes in lots of Croatia’s best spots.
But if you don’t have the energy to be on the move then you want to be clever about where you base yourself—somewhere that offers a good mix of culture, coastline, food, and easy access to a few jaw-dropping day trips.
The beauty of Croatia is that it packs a serious punch in a small space, so you don’t have to travel far to see a lot. But if I had to pick just one place to spend a week and really soak it in? I’d say Split and the surrounding islands.
Split is the kind of city that sneaks up on you. On first glance, it’s a little rough around the edges—gritty port city vibes with ancient ruins wedged between 70s apartment blocks. But once you get under its skin? Pure magic.
Diocletian’s Palace is the heart of the old town, and it’s not like a typical historic site—it’s alive. People live inside the ruins, and you’ll find bars and cafés nestled between Roman columns. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a morning coffee on a 1,700-year-old stone bench and then walk five minutes to the beach.
And here’s why it’s the best base: from Split, you can hop on ferries or a sailboat and easily reach Hvar, Brač, Vis, or even Korčula. Each island has its own personality—Hvar’s a little glam, Vis is laid-back and wild, Brač has that famous white-pebble beach, and Korčula is like a mini Dubrovnik without the crowds.
You could do a day trip to one or two of them, or spend a night or two island-hopping if you fancy changing up the pace.
If you’re into national parks, you can also take a trip inland to Krka Waterfalls for that dreamy emerald water and cascading falls (and a cheeky swim if it’s warm enough). Or head to Trogir, just up the coast, for an afternoon of cobblestone wandering and sea-view dinners.
Food-wise, this area is full of Dalmatian delights—think grilled seafood, black risotto, and fresh bread dipped in olive oil that’s pressed just down the road. And wine. Local, affordable, and dangerously easy to drink.
So if you’ve got a week and want that perfect combo of chill island time, old town wanderings, and a little adventure, Split and the central Dalmatian coast is where it’s at. You’ll get a real taste of Croatia without spending half your holiday in transit—and you’ll probably start Googling “how to move to Croatia” by day three. Just saying.
How much does it cost to spend 7 days in Croatia?
Spending 7 days in Croatia can be surprisingly affordable—or wonderfully indulgent—depending on how you like to travel.
That’s the magic of it. You can totally soak up the Mediterranean charm without draining your bank account, but if you’re feeling fancy, there’s plenty of opportunity to splash out too. Let’s break it down from the perspective of a travel writer who’s done Croatia on a budget and also snuck in the occasional splurge.
At the budget end of the scale, if you’re travelling light, staying in guesthouses or Airbnbs, eating at casual konobas (those lovely little family-run restaurants), and using buses or ferries to get around, you could probably swing a week in Croatia for around £400–£600 per person.
That would cover basic accommodation, transport, food, and a few entry fees to attractions like national parks or museums. A dorm bed in a hostel or a night camping might cost £15–£25 a night, or you could find a private Airbnb for around £40–£60 per night, especially if you’re travelling outside of the July–August peak.
Mid-range travellers—think nice boutique hotels, a few guided tours, meals out with wine, and maybe a boat trip or two—can expect to spend somewhere around £800–£1,200 per person for the week.
That might include a night or two on one of the islands, a bit of car hire for exploring the coast or countryside, and a good balance of culture, coastline, and cuisine. This is where I think the best value lies—you’re comfortable but not going wild, and you can really enjoy the little luxuries Croatia has to offer (hello, sunset wine on the harbour).
If you’re in full holiday mode—maybe staying in high-end hotels or seaside villas, chartering private boats to hop between islands, or eating at the top restaurants—you could easily tip over £2,000+ for the week. Croatia does luxury very well, especially in places like Hvar, Dubrovnik, or Rovinj. But it’s that rare destination where even the high-end experience still feels low-key and special, not flashy.
Something to keep in mind: prices jump in July and August, especially for accommodation and ferries. If you’re watching your budget, visiting in shoulder season (May/June or September/October) will give you way better value—and the weather is still lush.
So, long story short, you can do Croatia on a backpacker’s budget or live your best Mediterranean dream, depending on your style. Either way, seven days is enough to fall properly in love with the place—and probably start plotting your return before the week is even over.
Conclusion: Croatia Itinerary 7 Days
In just seven days, you can weave together a trip that includes a bit of everything: culture, coastline, adventure, and food.
But don’t worry if you didn’t get to everything—because honestly, no one does in just a week. And that’s the beauty of Croatia. It keeps you wanting to come back.
We’re going to leave you with a little taste of some highlights of Croatia you might miss on this trip so you can start planning your return already!
- The most beautiful beaches in Korcula
- One perfect day in Korcula
- Where to stay in Korcula
- Is Cavtat worth visiting?
- Is Croatia safe to visit?
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