Croatia is a destination that stays with you long after you’ve left. Its crystal-clear blue waters, stunning islands, and mouthwatering cuisine will leave you craving more.

Where to Stay

I will share the 5 places I stayed in during my time to Croatia. I loved each one of them and would go back in a heartbeat and stay there again. Each host was incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and friendly. The hospitality these hosts showed was unmatched. I could tell they truly care about their guests’ experience.

Dubrovnik

Sunset Stairway Apartment

This apartment was fantastic! Located inside the Dubrovnik city walls, the location was amazing, in old town, with beautiful views of the water. The only potential issue is the amount of stairs needed to reach the apartment. It is up about 100 stairs, but worth the climb. Our host was truly wonderful, and it came equipped with a washer, air conditioning and comfortable beds. It truly felt like a local experience and I found that to be extremely enjoyable.

Korčula

Apartments Filippi

The apartment is in a great location, only a 7 minute walk to the ferry port and the city center. It has a beautiful ocean view, is clean, and on a quiet street. Our host helped find the place and dropped us off at the ferry with his car.

Split

Apartment Bačvice Holiday with free parking

We needed a place that offered parking and this accommodation did just that. Our host picked us up from the ferry terminal and drove us to the house. It is a beautiful two bedroom, one bath apartment, conveniently located near the beach which was nice for sunset. It is a large apartment and came fully stocked of pans, pots, etc for any cooking we did.

Plitvice Park

Camping Plitvice

I was really excited to stay at this place and it didn’t disappoint. The cabin was clean and very close to Plitvice Park entrance. The restaurant on site was delicious and convenient as there are not many food options in this area. There are many activities to participate in on the grounds as well.

Zagreb

Canopy buy Hilton Zagreb City Center

This hotel is located 5 minutes from the train station making it an ideal location. It is about a 15 minute walk to the main square, shops, and most restaurants though there are plenty of food options nearby.

Driving in Croatia

Before traveling to Croatia, I was advised to drive up the coast to avoid driving on the cliff side of the road. The roads in Croatia are well-paved, with clear and easy-to-read signs. However, the speed limit seems more like a recommendation than a strict rule—driving at the limit often left us far behind other vehicles. Overall, driving in Croatia is straightforward and hassle-free.

There is not a robust public transit or train system that connects Dubrovnik to Split, which is why I recommend take the ferry and island hopping on your way up tot Split. I would also recommend starting in Dubrovnik and going north, ending in Split or Zagreb and continuing on to another country from there.

A Complete 7 day itinerary for one week in croatia

Day 1: Arrive, Dubrovnik Old Town, and Cable Car

If you book the linked air bnb, your host will help set up a personal transfer from the airport. We used that service and it was affordable, easy, and much more convenient than taking the shuttle bus in. While the airport shuttle is an option, this is a much simpler option. Bus and more information on Getting to Old Town. Get dropped off at the Pile Gate and make your way to your accommodation.

Head to a late lunch at Pile Sandwich Bar, a place that came recommend and had a very long ling, indicating it is a popular spot. The sandwich was good, made quick, and adorable as most places inside the walls are much more expensive.

After lunch, walk about ten minutes, from the Polče gate, to the Dubrovnik Cable Car. Do not buy tickets near Polče gate; buy the tickets at the entrance of the cable car. The address is: Ul. Kralja Petra Krešimira IV. 10A, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia. The cable car takes about 4 minutes each way and you can stay as long as you want, until closing.

Grab a drink or head for an afternoon swim at Cafe Buža. You literally walk through the hole in the wall to get to this hidden bar which doubles as a great rock jumping and swimming spot.

Have dinner at Restaurant Kopun just steps away from the Jesuit Stairs. End the night at Peppino’s Gelato and try the famous Pistachio.

Day 2: City Walls, Rector’s Palace, Lokrum Island

Walk the city walls right at 8:00 am as there will be less people and it will be cooler, especially if visiting in the summer months. If you are debating spending the time and money on this experience, I am here to confirm this activity is worth it.

Be sure to buy the Dubrovnik City Pass as that includes the City Walls, Fort Lovrijenac, certain museums, and a bus ticket. The city pass is a great deal since the ticket for just access to the city walls walk is the same price as the pass which includes more attractions.

After walking the walls, head over to Fort Lovrijenac. You can put Fort Lovrijenac in google or Apple maps and it will direct you to the entrance. You do have to climb up stairs to reach the entrance of the fort. From the fort, you have incredible views of the Old Town and Lokrum Island.

Dubrovnik is known for being the backdrop for the famous series Game of Thrones and what brings in a lot of tourists year after year. Take a Game of Thrones Tour. Check out options here.

Head over to Rector’s Palace, which is included in the City Pass. This is also a good time to visit any other museums included in the City Pass, take a free walking tour, or perhaps a bout tour.

After lunch head to Lokrum Island. The ferry over to Lokrum Island is about 15 minutes each way. Be sure to check the signs posted on the return times as the last boat, in May, left the island at 7:00pm. You can buy tickets at the alcove stand near the dock or online. There is no need to purchase these tickets in advance; I suggest waiting until you’re ready to head out as things can change, like weather, and often these tickets are not refundable.

You can spend a few hours to half a day on Lokrum Island. Visit the Dead Sea, the Iron Throne, cliff jump, and walk the perimeter of the island.

For dinner, head to Spagetteria Toni’s for my favorite meal in Croatia: the beef pappardelle. The staff here are friendly and welcoming, making for not only a an enjoyable meals but creates that desire to come back.

Walk around Dubrovnik at night as the crowds lessen and the city lights up. Be sure to enjoy another gelato at Peppino’s Gelato, this time enjoying the Goat’s Milk Caramel flavor.

Day 3: KorČULA

Breakfast can be a pastry at Bäckerei Bakery Panifico or opt for a heartier breakfast at Soul Kitchen.

Then head to the ferry port for first ferry out to Korčula. I highly recommend taking the TP Line. If traveling in May or October you should be able to buy the ferry ticket about a week in advance. If traveling in peak season/ summer months, it is advised to book about a month in advance.

The ferry stops at Korčula, Hvar, Brač, and ends in Split. There are people boarding and disembarking at each stop. Each island offer something different so it is important to research what activities are offered, accommodations, and determine which island best suits your wants.

Buy your TP Line Ferry Tickets

There is so much to see and do on the island of Korčula you can spends at least 3 days exploring. If you are limited on time, enjoy walking around the old town, a cocktail at Massimo Cocktail Bar, climb up St. Mark’s Cathedral, and swim at Banje Beach.

If you have more time enjoy a wine tour via Buggy tour or bike around the island or to Lumbarda. You can browse the options here. Or take a day trip down to Lumbarda and enjoy a day at one of the beach clubs.

There are a couple free walking tours to take if you’d rather a local show you around the island.

Enjoy dinner at PIZZERIA TEDESCHI. Pizza is a must try here as well as the local Žrnovski Makaruni.

For dessert visit L’Amore Gelato or visit Arula cafe for Krempita. Enjoy sunset at Beach Zakerjan.

Day 4: Split, Diocletian’s Palace, and Marjan Viewpoint

The first ferry to Split usually leaves around noon, making stops at Hvar and Brač. I suggest purchasing tickets to both ferries at the same time well in advance.

For the ferry ride, grab a Krempita at Arula and a croissant sandwich for lunch.

Arrive in Split- if booking the linked accommodation, your host will pick you up from the ferry, if available to, which makes everything much easier.

Now it is time to explore Split! Head out to explore the Promenade, Diocletian’s Palace, the underground tunnels, and do a free walking tour! If you are a Game of Thrones fan, join one of the many excursions offered.

Make your way up Marjan Hill for sunset. The walk from the promenade to Marjan viewpoint is about 15 minutes all uphill (via stairs). There is another viewpoint even higher, but the first viewpoint offers great views.

If you are renting a car, go pick it up from the Sixt rental about a ten minute walk from the apartment.

Day 5: Day trip to Omiš

The downtown/old town area of Split is relatively small and can be done in a few hours. There is so much more to see than the city so it is time to get out of town and explore the Croatian coast. This is also a great day to take day trip to any other neighboring islands such as Vis, Brač, and Hvar, or take a full-day excursion to the Blue Caves! Fun Fact: Mama Mia was filed on the island of Vis!

Start the day off with breakfast at Ćiri Biri Bela. This place sources fresh, local ingredients and has a modern feel, offering delicous meals. You can stop by the farmers market on the way back, Green Market, to grab some road trip snacks.

If you are not renting a car, which I highly recommend renting one, there is a Flixbus that you can take to reach Omiš. Find more information on their website here.

Enjoy the quick 25 minute drive down the coast to the charming beach town of Omiš. If visiting by car, park the car in the paid car park right before the bridge. At time of visit, it was 1.50 euro per hour. The car park address is: 21310, Priko, Omiš, Croatia.

First stop is Mirabella Fortress which offers incredible views of the town and the sea. The climb to the top of the fortress is steep and only accessible via narrow stairs.

Walk along the streets and wander in some of the local shops.

Grab lunch at Pizzeria Omiš, grab a slice of Krempita at Bobis Bakery, and head to the beach for lunch.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the beach- nothing says vacation more than sunshine and dessert.

When the weather changes, as it likely will, or it is getting close to dinner head back to Split and enjoy dinner at Soul Kitchen. The restaurant is close to the apartment, making it easy to walk to dinner and stop by Bacvice Beach or Ovčice for sunset.

Day 6: KRKA NATIONAL PARK

Start the morning at Ćiri Biri Bela for another amazing breakfast. This place is so good you will want to go back!

The drive from Split to Krka is about an hour. There is a Studenac grocery store about a mile from the Lozovac entrance and I would recommend stopping by and grabbing ingredients to make sandwiches since there are not many places to eat in the park and they are pricey.

There are a couple ways to enter Krka National Park. I recommend the Lozovac entrance.

Krka is laid out in a loop, and walking the whole loops took about an hour with minimal stopping. Krka is a very large park with much more to see than Skradinski Buk, the most well-known waterfall. There are smaller offshoot pathways you can take but sticking to the main loop will highlight smaller waterfalls.

Right when you exit the bus, or reach the bus drop off point if walking, start right on the wooden bridge that says “walk” and that will take you on the loop tour and end with Skradinski Buk as the main highlight. You can do this walk in reverse order; if you choose to start with the waterfall, keep walking straight and follow the signs for the waterfall instead of taking the wooden bridge.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or upon arrival. There are restrooms in the parking lot and one in the park. Once you show your ticket, you can either take the bus down to the drop off point or you can walk. The sign advertises a 15 minute walk but it took closer to 25 minutes and it is a very steep walk, all downhill, on dirt. We opted to walk down and take the bus up which I suggest doing.

If you are short on time, can only decide between one, or are not sure if visiting either is worth it, check out my comparison blog post here.

Once you are done at Krka head over to Plitvice Camping to check in and exploring the grounds.

There is a restaurant above the front desk that serves breakfast and dinner. The food was delicious, highly recommend the teriyaki chicken!

Day 7: Plitvice National Park and Zagreb

Plitvice tickets can be purchased online and are timed entries. You can select your entry time, such as 7:00 am or 8:00 am. I recommend the 8:00 am slot because while the park will have visitors, you’ll still be able to capture photos of the waterfalls and stroll the paths with fewer people in your shots. The park gets busier throughout the day, especially by the afternoon when we were leaving. Tour groups typically arrive around 10:00 am, so plan accordingly. Just a few steps inside the park entrance, you are welcomed by the stunning Veliki Slap waterfall.

If you do not have a car, you can choose to do a guided tour where a bus will drive you from either Split, Zagreb, or Zadar. Again, renting a car give you the flexibility to arrive and leave when you want and the option to stop along the way.

One you enter the park, you will see a large sign that shows a couple routes to take. You can choose which path you want to take which range from easy to difficult. I suggest path C and Veliki Slap is the first stop. After, you will follow the path to see more waterfalls along the way.

I didn’t realize how much more there was to Plitvice than Veliki Slap. Plan on spending about four hours in total at the park. The C path walk took about three hours to complete.

If opting for route C, to get around the park you need to take a boat and later a small train which takes you closer to the parking lot. The train will drop you off but it is still about a ten minute walk back to the parking lot. The train and boat are included in your ticket.

BUY PLITVICE TICKETS HERE

I would recommend buying tickets a few months in advance. I visited the Krka on a Friday and Plitvice on a Saturday in May. Krka was very busy by the afternoon and Plitvice was not busy at 8:00 am on a Saturday but by noon it was packed.

After visiting both parks, I believe Krka and Plitvice are overrated and overcrowded. Croatia offers many other stunning national parks that are less crowded and just as breathtaking, making them well worth a visit.

After Plitvice head to the city built on waterfalls, otherwise known as Rastoke. Rastoke is a very small town in between Plitvice and Zagreb.

Have lunch at Bistro Kum and the pizza was delicious!

After lunch, walk around the town. Most of the grassy space and areas to walk that will be up close to the waterfalls are in an area that requires a ticket. I didn’t like that they blocked off one of the prettiest parts of town and require you to pay to access it, so it was disappointing to see that. There are many parking lots scattered throughout the small town, and the one we parked at was Zagrebačka ul. 8, 47240, Slunj, Croatia.

After the quick pit stop, about an hour and a half, continue north to Zagreb where you can drop off the rental car. If you are continuing on to another country, it is usually it is cheaper to do one car in each country as opposed to diving over the border and returning the car in a different country than it was picked up in. There is a Sixt car drop off in Zagreb making it easy to return the car.

For dinner, try a traditional Bosnian dish, Cevapi, at Stari Kotač.

After dinner have gelato at Melt- there is also a delicious strawberry matcha on the menu.

After dinner walk around the charming streets and make your way to the main square, Ban Josip Square. Next to the square is the Funicular, or you can walk the stairs next to it to reach the upper old town.

Walk to the Stone Gate and stroll the neighboring streets, stopping by the Cathedral of Zagreb and stroll through the various city parks.

Day 8: Travel home

Have breakfast at The Melt and grab a pastry at Dinara for a delicious pastry for the train ride. Order the chocolate donut and chocolate croissant. The croissant was delicious!

Enjoy one last stroll through the city before heading to either the airport or to Zagreb Glavni Kolod Train Station for your next adventure.

Good to know before you go

Pack water shoes: The rocky beaches is what makes the water so clear in Croatia. Thanks to the rocks, it provides the crystal clear blue water we all love. The rocks can be quick sharp so it is best to bring some water shoes to use while swimming.

Bring Euros: Most public restrooms in Croatia had a card option for payment, though one restroom in Omiš only accepted cash which I did not have.

Bring snacks: Depending on where you go, you might not have access to the grocery stores. The local market inside the city walls closed early on Sunday and we wanted to grab a quick snack but couldn’t. Snacks also come in handy on the ferry or when visiting more remote places like Plitvice or Krka.

That is a wrap on one week in Croatia! There is so much more to see and one week is simply not enough time. From island hopping to waterfall chasing, there is so much to see in Croatia. As always, happy travels!