Croatia itinerary ideas

Three ready-made routes, for one week in Dalmatia, ten days from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, and a week in Istria and Kvarner.

These routes are a starting point. Move days around to suit you, but resist cramming in too much: in Croatia the best moments are often a long lunch or an afternoon swim, and travel days on ferries and coastal roads take longer than you think.

One week in Dalmatia: islands and old towns

Best without a car, using ferries and catamarans.

  1. Days 1–2: Split. Explore Diocletian’s Palace, climb Marjan hill and swim at Bačvice.
  2. Days 3–4: Hvar. Take the catamaran to Hvar town. Spend a day on a boat trip to the Pakleni islands.
  3. Days 5–6: Korčula. Catamaran on to Korčula town. Taste Pošip and Grk wine and swim at Lumbarda.
  4. Day 7: Dubrovnik. Catamaran to Dubrovnik and walk the city walls in the evening. Stay an extra night or two if you can.

In July and August, book the catamarans a few days ahead. Outside summer, check that the Hvar to Korčula and Korčula to Dubrovnik lines are running on your dates.

Ten days from Zagreb to Dubrovnik

Best with a car, then drop it off in Dubrovnik.

  1. Days 1–2: Zagreb. The Upper Town, the markets and the café terraces.
  2. Day 3: Plitvice Lakes. Drive south and walk the lakes early in the morning, before the tour buses arrive.
  3. Days 4–5: Zadar. The Sea Organ and the sunset on the waterfront, and a day trip to Krka or the Kornati islands.
  4. Days 6–7: Split. Use it as a base, with a day trip to Trogir.
  5. Days 8–10: Dubrovnik. Drive down the coast over the Pelješac Bridge, stopping in Ston for oysters on the way.

Rental companies charge extra for dropping off in a different city, so compare the price with returning the car in Split and taking the bus or a flight onward.

A week in Istria and Kvarner

Best with a car. Fly into Pula, Rijeka or Trieste.

  1. Days 1–2: Rovinj. The old town, the harbour and swimming in the nearby coves. Visit Pula’s Roman arena on the way in or out.
  2. Days 3–4: Inland Istria. Stay in or near Motovun. Visit Grožnjan and Hum, and go truffle hunting in autumn.
  3. Day 5: Opatija. Drive through the Učka tunnel and walk the Lungomare seaside promenade.
  4. Days 6–7: Krk or Cres. Cross the bridge to Krk, or take the ferry to Cres, for village life and quiet beaches. See the Kvarner guide for ideas.