The perfect 7-day itinerary in Croatia (updated in 2024)

Published: May 13, 2024 | May 13, 2024

Croatia It has been a bustling tourist hotspot for six or seven years. Shaped like a boomerang and bordered by Bosnia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia, this tiny country of four million people punches well above its weight. You can relax on the sunny Adriatic Sea, travel between hundreds of rugged and remote islands, dine on Italian-inspired cuisine, or head inland to visit stunning waterfalls and lush national parks.

Although there are There’s lots to see and do here, most travelers limit their trips to Dubrovnik or Split. Of course, these are cool cities. But Croatia has a lot more to offer.

But when you only have a week and you want sunshine, I understand why you want to focus on that part of Croatia. (Pro tip: Like many southern European countries, Croatia is best avoided during the warmer summer months. In addition to the heat and high prices, you’ll be sharing the country with a large group of tourists. If you go in the winter, the weather is cooler and the prices are cheaper Much more, but many tourist towns, such as Dubrovnik, are pretty much closed from late October to mid-April. Your best bets will be April to May and early September to early November, when the crowds will dwindle. The price will not skyrocket.)

So, to help you plan your trip, I’ve created an ideal 7-day itinerary in southern Croatia. It covers the highlights while also taking you off the beaten path. You’ll see cities, beaches, villages and have plenty of time to experience the local pace of life.

Day 1 and 2: Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a seaside town with a population of only 40,000, but based on its popularity, you might think it’s much larger.It is the most popular destination in the country, thanks to its medieval walled old townor Stari Grad, which can be crowded with tourists, especially during the peak summer season.

While most parts of Croatia are affordable, Dubrovnik is no longer cheap. Many cruise ships now call here, and prices have skyrocketed in recent years. That said, here are some things worth paying the premium price for:

Stroll the Old Town Walls
Stroll the medieval city walls This is a must if it’s your first time here. Entrance is not cheap at 35 euros, but a stroll through offers stunning views of the old town and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. 60-90 minutes of wonderful experience, well worth it.

Mr. Summit Srd
Take the cable car to the top of Mt. Srd. It towers over the old town, and although the ticket costs 27 euros, once you ride and see the view, you’ll realize it’s well worth it. If you’re on a budget, you can also hike to the top. There is a dirt road that takes you to the top, but it is a challenging hike. Give yourself about an hour each way. Once you reach the top, sit down at a restaurant and enjoy an overpriced drink while admiring the stunning views.

Visit the War Photography Ltd Museum
Dubrovnik doesn’t have many great museums, but be sure to visit War Photo Ltd., a company founded by New Zealand-born former war photographer Wade Goddard gallery. The permanent exhibition on the Balkan Wars of the 1990s will help you better understand what happened here 30 years ago. It was sobering, but also eye-opening. The entrance fee is 10 euros.

Explore Gruz
If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, especially when cruise ships are docked in the port, head to Gruž, once a gritty neighborhood on the docks that now has several great restaurants and cafes. It’s also home to the Dubrovnik Beer Company, the city’s first and only brewery. The spacious bar is a great place to sample a local beer after a day of exploring.

When you get hungry in Gruz, head to Kiosk, an outdoor hangout that serves Dalmatian Coast cuisine with a global twist. Or, for a truly unforgettable and Dalmatian experience, book a table at Marija’s House, where chef Marija Papak opens her home to visitors during the warmer months and cooks sumptuous dishes every night A feast of Dalmatian cuisine. Pekka Gourmet Food – Lamb, pork and/or octopus are slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid on the grill, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.

Day 3: Split

About 240 kilometers (150 miles) up the coast is Split, Croatia’s second largest city. Until recently, this beautiful city was relatively ignored by tourists. But there are several good reasons to spend at least a day and night here.

Split’s main attractions are not to be missed. When the Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to retire to the place where he grew up – the central Dalmatian coast – he built a huge, luxurious palace on the beach. He died a few years after moving in, and what happened next is very interesting: over the centuries, as the palace began to crumble and fall into ruins, the city basically moved in and became part of the town fabric.

Today you can walk in the center of Split and suddenly realize that you are actually in in palace. For example, what was once a corridor is now a narrow, limestone-covered alley. What was once a bedroom is now a seafood restaurant.

Most areas of the palace are free to visit.However, if you want to visit in depth, here are Extensive guided tour services.

While you’re in Split, don’t miss St. Duje’s Cathedral, Klis Fortress (in game of Thrones) and the Croatian Museum of Archaeological Monuments (with approximately 20,000 artefacts and artefacts).

Another main reason why Split should be on your itinerary is that it is a major transportation hub for ferries to the various islands in central Dalmatia. After a night in the city, catch the morning ferry to Hvar, one of the coolest islands in Croatia, a pleasant 1 hour and 45 minutes trip. If you want to get there faster, there are also catamarans.

Day 4: Hvar

Hvar is famous for its lavender production and is a fun place to spend a day. The eponymous town of Hvar is the main attraction for most people. Packed with centuries-old houses and narrow alleys, it’s a fun place to get lost in for a while.

It also attracts a wild party scene. All cruises stop here to let passengers enjoy themselves before going clubbing at the world-famous Carpe Diem, so remember, there’s a party scene on this island – but there’s so much more!

For something more laid-back, head to Stari Grad, which literally means “Old Town” and is located opposite the island’s town of Hvar. It was recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and features a collection of narrow, stone-paved alleys. Be sure to hike through the island’s many olive groves and lavender fields.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, there’s also Wine and olive oil tasting tour Go to this side of the island (you’ll also stop at the lavender fields).

Days 5 and 6: Sibenik and Krka National Park

About halfway along the coast between Split and Zadar lies the often-overlooked Sibenik (pronounced “Shee-ben-eek”), a medieval town of about 35,000 people. Well worth spending a few days. First of all, the Cathedral of St. James is breathtaking; it is the largest church in the world built entirely of stone. The town atop this fort also has a maze of limestone-roofed lanes. If you feel like splurging, head to Sibenik’s Pelegrini, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving creative Central Dalmatian cuisine.

Sibenik is also a gateway for exploring nearby areas Krka National Park and its stunning waterfalls. Be sure to arrive early to avoid catching the tour bus and visit the 14th-century Visovac Monastery located in the middle of the island in the Krka River. Park entrance fees range from €7 in low season (January to February) to €40 in high season (June to September).

Day 7: Zadar

Zadar, just an hour’s drive from Sibenik, has been receiving a lot of attention over the past few years. Its limestone-clad historic center juts out into the Adriatic Sea and is packed with medieval churches (check out the strangely round St. Donatus Church, the largest church on the Dalmatian coast).

The city also has a unique sea organ. The organ is located on a set of steps that descend into the sea, and when the waves crash over it, the organ emits sound, creating a strange but harmonious sound that sounds like the cry of a whale. The organ consists of 35 pipes and was designed by architect Nikola Basic. Come here at sunset to soak in the picturesque views and listen to the enchanting sounds of the sea. After all, Alfred Hitchcock said Zadar has the most beautiful sunsets in the world, making it a fitting destination to end your week-long trip to the coast.

With over a thousand islands, numerous beaches, and countless hiking trails, you could easily spend months exploring Croatia But still only scratching the surface. But if you only have a week, this itinerary will show you the highlights while whetting your appetite for future visits. While it’s not as cheap as it once was, the country offers a lot of value and is very easy to explore.

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