My 2-week Croatia itinerary | Uncover the best of Croatia

Ready to explore the absolute best of Croatia? I’ve got you covered! My in-depth Croatia itinerary includes the best things to see and do, awesome day trips, as well as advice on accommodation, money and transport.

It was a rare, but sunny summer day in the Netherlands when one of my long-cherished dreams spontaneously became reality; a road trip along Croatia’s incredibly picturesque coastline.

From the moment I arrived in Croatia, I felt that this road trip would exceed all of my expectations.

From the picture-perfect fortified city of Dubrovnik to the incredible beaches that are dotted along the coastline of Hvar Island, to the sheer natural beauty of both Krka and Plitvice National Park, to the many attractive medieval towns perched by the Adriatic – Croatia truly is amazing of its own accord.

And, having now travelled through Croatia for two weeks, uncovering what I believe to be Croatia’s absolute highlights, it is more than righteous to say that my intuition was bang on.

Croatia was everything I dreamed of, and more.

So, I’ve put together my in-depth Croatia (road trip) itinerary, including my day-to-day itinerary overview – plus all the travel essentials to help you make the most of your time in Croatia.

Here’s my itinerary to uncover the absolute best of Croatia in two weeks.

WHERE IS CROATIA

Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia is situated on the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe and is encircled by the brilliant company of other fascinating European countries, including Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

Given its position next to the attractive Adriatic Sea, Croatia is considered one of the best beach destinations in the Mediterranean, if not the whole of Europe.

ACCOMMODATIONS | WHERE TO STAY IN CROATIA

Croatia is up there with the best travel destinations in Europe, and I firmly believe that it’s still rising to take a shot at the title.

During my road trip, I stumbled upon a wide array of accommodation options, suiting pretty much every budget and travel preference – think budget-friendly hostels, comfy Airbnbs, and luxury hotels near the beach.

So whether you’re travelling on a tight budget, or looking to find a bit of extra comfort, accommodation in Croatia is simply brilliant.

In terms of budget, take into account that the cost varies anywhere between €20 – €50 per night.

BOOKING.COM

As a solo traveller, my favourite website to find accommodation in Croatia is booking.com.

Not only is it home to an extensive range of excellent options, but it’s also super easy-to-use, and offers options to suit any budget. On top of that, you can cancel your booking at any given time, without any cost – perfect if you suddenly decide on a change of plan.

If you’re keen to travel to Croatia, make sure you explore accommodation options and up-to-date prices on booking.com.

DAY 1 – 3 | SPLIT

The first point of interest on this Croatia itinerary is the vibrant coastal city of Split, where you most likely arrive by plane via the Resnik International Airport.

If you ask me, Split makes the perfect destination to kick off this itinerary.

Nestled on the picturesque Dalmatian coast, this vibrant coastal town has no shortage of excellent things to see and do, while it’s also a great place to get a feel for Croatian culture and its local life.

For those two reasons, I’d recommend spending at least three days here. This allows you to get your bearings – plus take in Split’s rich and captivating history.

SPLIT | MY HIGHLIGHTS

Diocletian’s Palace | Right at the heart of Split Old Town lies Diocletian’s Palace, an extraordinary palace that is among the most captivating Roman structures in the world. For the best experience, I advise walking the palace first thing in the morning, when the picturesque alleyways around the Peristyle are still ‘relatively’ empty. For those looking to join a guided tour, this 2-hour walking tour of Diocletian’s Palace takes you along all the important structures.

FIG Split | If you’re anything like me, and enjoy creative cuisine, make sure you head over to FIG, a contemporary restaurant that serves the most delicious food. Located in the vibrant streets of Split Old Town, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. One thing I highly recommend you to try is their incredibly yum Chimichurri Potatoes.

Klis Fortress | Although the Klis Fortress is located somewhat remote, I sincerely think that this stronghold is worthy of a visit, especially if you’re keen to learn more about the area’s rich and intriguing history. One thing worth noting is that the ancient fortress doubles as slave city Meereen in HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones.

Related | Check out my Split guide for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

SPLIT | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Split

Where to stay in Split | I stayed at Ciri Biri Bela and had an excellent time here. Additionally, I would recommend Grgur Ninski Rooms.

DAYTRIP | KRKA NATIONAL PARK

Croatia is home to some of the most impressive national parks in Europe, and one that I believe should be on any Croatia itinerary is the exceptional Krka National Park.

Named after the eponymous Krka river, the stunningly beautiful Krka National Park is an unaltered nature reserve that is defined by gushing waterfalls, picturesque lakes, and loads of rippling rapids and rivers.

The sheer natural beauty of the park is simply breathtaking; Roški slap, Visovac Island, and the viewpoint at the Oziđana pećina cave, just to mention a few.

With its convenient location at only 1-hour drive north-west of Split, the Krka National Park is easily, and best visited in the form of a day trip – this can be done by car or as part of an organized tour.

I took part in this full-day Krka National Park + Sibenik tour and had the most wonderful time.

Related | Check out my Krka National Park guide for inspiration and travel tips.

KRKA NATIONAL PARK | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Krka National Park

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 20:00 during high season, more information here.

Cost | Entrance fee single 200 HRK (€26,50) per person | Groups 150 HRK (€20,-) per person

Recommended tour | This full-day Krka National Park tour takes you along the best waterfalls, plus a visit to the historical city of Sibenik.

DAY 4 – 6 | ZADAR

After discovering Split and surrounds, it’s time to head further west to Zadar, a laidback coastal town that wasn’t initially included in my Croatia itinerary.

But that’s what I love most about travelling, it gives you the freedom to go with the flow – and that’s exactly what I did.

And to me, Zadar was a welcoming surprise.

Not only is it the perfect base from which to explore the ‘must-see’ Plitvice National Park, but it’s also a town that knows how to impress travellers of its own accord.

The old town showcases the rich influences of ancient Roman civilization and has a lot of interesting things to see and do – while on the other hand, you’ll have the option to take it easy in one of the many trendy bars and restaurants.

Zadar Old Town provides its visitors with an authentic Balkan summer experience, and is the perfect place to chill out for a few days – so I advise spending at least two full days to take it all in.

ZADAR | MY HIGHLIGHTS

Zadar Sea Organ | Perched on the edge of the Riva is the Zadar Sea Organ, an architectural sound art object, that is without a doubt my favourite point of interest in Zadar. The innovative art installation follows the flow of the Adriatic and creates random, yet calming sounds via the 35 organ pipes that lay beneath the marble steps of the Riva. You have to hear it to believe it.

The Roman Forum | As mentioned above, Zadar was once part of the prosperous Roman empire, and as a result, it is teeming with beautiful architecture, with the Roman Forum at the heart of it all. Situated at the epicentre of Zadar Old Town, the Roman Forum is literally and figuratively unmissable, and that’s a good thing.

Bazen Kolovare | For those after a day of relaxing, make sure you visit Bazen Kolovare, a large natural swimming pool that is the perfect cure during the sizzling summer days. If you’re considering visiting, remember to bring your swimsuit, a good book and some suncream.

Related | Check out my Zadar guide for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

ZADAR | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Zadar

Where to stay in Zadar | I stayed at Boutique Hostel Forum and Apartments & Rooms Mareta, and both exceeded my expectations.

DAY TRIP | PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK

Plitvice National Park is, without question, one of the definite highlights of this two-week Croatia itinerary.

Just north of Zadar, and perfectly explored as part of a day trip lies the Plitvice National Park, an extensive forest reserve that truly is a spectacle to behold.

The UNESCO listed National Park is marked by an exceptional mix of idyllic waterfalls, large interconnected lakes, and lush greenery all around.

That said, the extensive Plitvice National Park is divided into two sections – the Upper lakes (Gornja Jezera) and the Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera), both equally beautiful and worthy of a visit.

Also, there is no shortage of adventurous walking trails, which makes it perfect for those after an active day among Croatia’s untouched nature.

Though you’ve probably seen it pass by on your Instagram feed over a thousand times, I’m here to say that it is even more beautiful up close and personal.

Related | Check out my Plitvice National Park guide (coming soon) for more inspiration and advice on how to visit responsibly.

PLITVICE NATIONAL PARK | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Plitvice National Park

Opening hours | Daily 07:00 – 20:00 during the high season, more information here.

Cost | Entrance fee 300 HRK (€39,70) per person

Recommended tour | This full-day Plitvice National Park tour from Zadar uncovers all the highlights of the unique Plitvice National Park.

DAY 7 – 10 | HVAR ISLAND

Following a pleasant few days in Zadar, and an awesome day trip to the Plitvice National Park, the time has come to head for the next stop on this Croatia itinerary, the enchanting island of Hvar.

And as soon as I’d set foot on Hvar, the postcard-perfect island captured me with its charm.

Situated amid the Adriatic, off Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, lies the island of Hvar, a paradisiac island that is among the most popular destinations in Croatia, if not the most popular.

Like most places in Croatia, the old town is beautiful as ever – think intriguing Venetian architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and well-preserved ancient fortresses.

Also, Hvar is home to some of the most idyllic beaches in the whole of Croatia. Add the mouth-watering Dalmatian cuisine, and Hvar turns into the island you’ve always dreamed of.

Be warned though, the laidback island life is pretty damn tempting, inviting you to spend all your time here. Look, it’s not a punishment – not at all, but there’s more of the good stuff waiting for you in the remainder of this itinerary.

For that reason, I recommend spending three to four days on Hvar. By doing so, you have all the time to explore the island, while there’s also enough time for sunbathing and swimming.

HVAR | MY HIGHLIGHTS

Hvar Beaches | Woohoo, the beach is part of your daily routine when on Hvar Island, and that’s an absolute good thing if you ask me! With no shortage of picture-perfect beaches, Hvar is easily one of the best beach destinations on this Croatia itinerary, making it perfect for lazy days full of sunbathing and swimming. If you’re looking to uncover the best beaches of Hvar, make sure you check out my in-depth Hvar guide.

Hvar Fortress | Settled high above Hvar Town is the Hvar Fortress, a former stronghold that provides the most dazzling views of Hvar’s harbour and the stunning Pakleni Islands in the distance. The rustic fortress dates back as far as the 13th century, and a visit gives you an understanding of its eventful history. I’d highly recommend visiting just before sunset, especially if you’re into photography.

Franciscan Monastery | The ancient Franciscan Monastery is in my opinion the most iconic point of interest in Hvar. Luckily for you, this impressive monastery is easily admired on a relaxing morning walk on its adjacent promenade. For those into history, the monastery doubles as a museum, so make sure to have a look inside, it is worth it.

Related | Check out my Hvar guide for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

HVAR | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Hvar

Where to stay in Hvar Town | I stayed at Villa San Marco and White Rabbit Hostel.

DAY 11 – 12 | KORCULA 

After uncovering just about every square inch of Hvar, it is time to grab a ferry to the next destination on this itinerary; the island of Korcula, a scenic island that is all about local life and its traditions.

Even though Korcula is fairly compact, the eponymous old town isn’t inferior to other destinations included in this itinerary. It is in fact, one of the most authentic places that I visited during my two weeks in Croatia.

The historical old town is encircled by towering fortifications and is defined by charming little laneways, ornate time-worn buildings and a well-balanced mix of ‘real’ local eateries and bars.

It is, therefore, no wonder that Korcula is recognised as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean, and believe me, it’s more than deserved.

It’s a town where life slows down a tad, and to me, that was as a welcome surprise after several days of exploring and creating.

For the best experience, I advise spending at least one day in Korcula, allowing you to get a feel for the town and the magical ambience that prevails here.

KORCULA | MY HIGHLIGHTS

The Marco Polo House | One of the undisputed highlights on a visit to Korcula is the house of Marco Polo. Although we’ll never know for sure, local legend has it that famous world traveller Marco Polo was born in Korcula. Whether you believe it or not, the time-worn house is quite appealing, and therefore worthy of a visit.

St. Mark’s Cathedral | Situated in the heart of Korcula Old Town is the impressive St. Mark’s Cathedral, a towering church that is marked by locally obtained limestone, intriguing details, and an ornate Gothic-Renaissance style. For those looking to see Korcula from above, make sure you visit the bell tower, which is considered the highest point of the old town.

Related | Check out my Korcula guide for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

KORCULA | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Korcula

Where to stay in Korcula | I stayed at White House Apartments and B&B Ghetto.

DAY 12 – 14 | DUBROVNIK

I often hear the saying, save the best for last, and this is clearly also the case with this itinerary.

That brings us to Dubrovnik, one of the places that I’ve dreamed of visiting, long before I planned this spontaneous road trip within Croatia.

The picture-perfect fortified city next to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic – internationally known as Kings Landing in HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones, is without question the most appealing old town I’ve ever set foot in.

But it’s not just a pleasure for the eye – the medieval town is a vibe on its own.

To tick off the best things to see and do, and appreciate Dubrovnik fully, I believe you should stay at least two days here – you might even want to stay longer than planned – yes, it’s that awesome.

As with all destinations on this itinerary, Dubrovnik is best explored at a slower pace. If you somehow wish to squeeze it in a shorter visit, make sure you check out my Dubrovnik guide.

DUBROVNIK | MY HIGHLIGHTS

Dubrovnik City Walls | I believe it’s right to say that a visit to Dubrovnik isn’t complete without a walk atop of the town’s intriguing city walls. The two-hour walk provides the most fascinating vistas of Dubrovnik’s scenic time-worn buildings, with the shimmering Adriatic as its backdrop.

Mount Srd | Talking about views, another great point of call is Mount Srd, an extraordinary vantage point that rises high above Dubrovnik. From the summit, you’ll be welcomed by striking views of Dubrovnik’s iconic terracotta roofs, as well as Lokrum Island in the distance. All in all, Mount Srd makes the ideal place to watch a stunning Croatian sunset unfold.

Walk the old town | Any trip to Dubrovnik should obviously involve at least one full day to behold the ornate historical buildings that are dotted throughout the old-fashioned streets of the old town. However, as one of Croatia’s most visited destinations, it is wise to wake up early for this one, especially during the peak summer months. For those looking to join a guided tour, this 1.5-hour walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town includes the most important structures.

Related | Check out my Dubrovnik guide for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

DUBROVNIK | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Dubrovnik

Where to stay in Dubrovnik | I stayed at Hostel Angelina Old Town and Guesthouse Rustico, and had a wonderful time.

DAY 15 | TIME TO LEAVE CROATIA

It’s a wrap! After roughly 2 weeks in Croatia, exploring what I believe to be the country’s most stunning places, this itinerary sadly has to come to an end.

From here, the possibilities are endless, so the next step is entirely up to you.

But whether you’re heading home, or continue to travel the rest of Europe as part of a massive road trip, I’m pretty sure that you’ll leave Croatia with a bunch of awesome, new memories.

I personally opted to leave Croatia via plane from the Resnik Airport in Split – this is one of the cheapest options for travellers from Europe.

One word of attention, if you decide to follow the above option, make sure you arrive in Split well before your flight, especially if you need to return your rental car.

Alternatively, and if spending extra money isn’t a problem, you also have the option to catch a flight from Dubrovnik Airport.

WEATHER IN CROATIA | BEST TIME TO VISIT CROATIA

Croatia is situated in the Mediterranean and generally enjoys a warm and comfortable climate.

That said, the most popular time that travellers flock to Croatia is during the European summer months of June, July, August and September.

And while the weather is absolutely stunning during these peak summer months, I firmly believe that it’s better to plan your trip is for the off-season months of April, May and October.

By doing so, you’ll have excellent weather for beach days and sightseeing adventures alike, while you also reap the benefits of the somewhat lower prices that come with travelling offseason.

I followed this Croatia road trip itinerary in June, and I couldn’t wish for better circumstances to discover the beauty that this incredible country holds.

TRANSPORT | HOW TO GET AROUND CROATIA

This road trip itinerary wouldn’t be complete without informing you about the ins and outs in terms of transport options in Croatia.

Croatia is pretty compact in size, and therefore easy to navigate by rental or public transport.

CAR | HOW TO GET AROUND CROATIA

If you’re keen to explore Croatia more freely, I believe that renting a car is the better deal here.

Not only does it provide the flexibility to travel at your own pace, but it’s also slightly comfier, and significantly easier planning day trips.

For car rental in Croatia, I highly recommend Rentalcars.com. They offer brilliant service, additional insurance options, and a wide array of cars, all at an affordable rate. Prices and availability here.

BUS | HOW TO GET AROUND CROATIA

For those not comfortable with driving a car, that’s all right – Croatia is home to great public transport options.

My favourite of these options is Flixbus, a company that is excellent in terms of comfort and punctuality, not to mention that it operates between all the major cities in Croatia, including Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik.

One small hint though, make sure you book your tickets in advance online.

For information on availability, departures and additional information, visit the Flixbus website.

FERRY | HOW TO GET AROUND CROATIA

If you’re planning to set foot on some of the astonishingly beautiful islands of Croatia (I bet you will), it is essential to know the basics as concerns transport with Croatia’s ferries.

There are two ferry companies that service the islands, Krilo for foot passengers, and Jadrolinija for car and foot passengers alike.

Both ferries are affordable, comfortable, and punctual – plus they operate frequently during the day.

Just make sure you book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak summer months – this can be done online or at the ticket booth in the harbours.

SAFETY IN CROATIA | TRAVEL INSURANCE

While Croatia is completely safe for travellers, I always aim to enter a foreign country with my travel insurance sorted out, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer to assume that everything runs smoothly during our travels, the reality is often that something can go wrong at any given moment – when that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.