One Week Croatia Itinerary: Ultimate Highlights and Must Sees

Traveled in May 2018

Croatia is a European gem to visit. It has a little bit of everything – beautiful nature, stunning architecture, and delicious food. Despite being a tourist hot spot, you can still find quiet corners of the ancient cities all to yourself to appreciate the surroundings by following this Croatia itinerary. Staying overnight in the popular cities allows you more time to explore after all the tour groups leave, when it feels like the cities breathe a sigh of relief. I feel like those late afternoon dusk hours were the most magical in cities like Dubrovnik and Split. This one week Croatia itinerary hits the highlights of Croatia. It starts in Dubrovnik, then travels to Hvar, Split, with a pit stop in Plitvice Lakes, and ends in Zagreb. Get ready for seven days of unbelievable scenery and stunning sights!

Click here to skip the logistics and go straight to the itinerary!

One Week Croatia Itinerary

When to Go

If you have the flexibility to travel during shoulder season, then do it. Peak tourist time in Croatia is June to August. If you like traveling when it is hot and extremely crowded, then definitely go during the peak summer season. But if you prefer to avoid those situations, then traveling in early May-early June or late September is a good compromise. During those months, the weather is still nice enough to enjoy being outdoors without being sweltering hot, most restaurants and attractions are open, and there are usually fewer crowds. We traveled in late May and the crowds were already starting to pick up during the day. But most of them were on tours that would leave by late afternoon so there were still peaceful hours in the evening.

How to Get There

The main airports in Croatia are in Dubrovnik (airport code DBV), Split (airport code SPU), and Zagreb (airport code ZAG). Split is in the middle of Dubrovnik and Zagreb, so it’s not the most efficient to fly into or out of for this itinerary. Because it can be tricky to backtrack to either Dubrovnik or Zagreb for your return flight, it would be more efficient to fly into one city and out of the other.

Because most flights to Croatia require a layover anyway, consider tacking on a couple days in Greece or Slovenia (like we did), Italy, or London to the beginning or end of your trip.

Booking tip: certain flight searches like Kayak, Skyscanner, or Google flights allow you to set price trackers that will alert you when the price of your flight changes. I never book a flight without tracking prices first because there is no better feeling than snagging a good deal! And if you book your flights with a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire card, the card usually includes some travel insurance protections (like lost luggage reimbursements, trip delay reimbursements, or trip cancellation insurance) to save you the cost of buying extra travel insurance.

Bonus Booking tip: sign your kiddo up for frequent flyer accounts with airlines to start earning airline miles for them! Most airline miles do not expire for minors so your kiddo will thank you later.

Where to Stay

For this one week Croatia itinerary, you will be staying 2 nights in Dubrovnik, 1 night in Hvar, 2 nights in Split, and 2 nights in Zagreb. There aren’t many hotels in Croatia. Renovated apartments are the most charming stays, but the number of rooms are limited. Accommodations book up pretty quickly and prices can go up fast. I would recommend reserving a refundable booking a couple months in advance.

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Dubrovnik and want to experience the city away from the crowds, explore our guide featuring handpicked recommendations for top accommodations.

Check out more highly rated apartments and suites in the Pile neighborhood of Dubrovnik.

Also get our picks for the best areas and boutique hotels to stay in Hvar, Split, and Zagreb to make the most of your sightseeing time. As with all my top picks for accommodations, these recommendations are all located in or near the center of the old town but tucked away in a quieter side street.

How to Get Around

While you can make it around Croatia using public transportation alone, if you want to visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park it is much easier to rent a car. For this itinerary, you would pick up the car in Split, use it for the day to visit Plitvice Lakes on the way to Zagreb, and then drop the car off in Zagreb. If renting a car, make sure to bring your driver’s license and check with the car rental company if you also need an International Driving Permit. Transportation between Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split is by catamaran.

Show Me the Money

Croatia is part of the European Union, and they now use the Euro as their currency. Credit cards were widely accepted, so we mostly relied on our no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card. We use the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Always choose to pay in the local currency rather than USD for a better exchange rate. We did withdraw a small amount of Euros after we arrived just in case. If withdrawing any cash, look for ATMS run by the local banks and always choose to withdraw the amount in Euros rather than USD for a better exchange rate.

Saving tip: to avoid ATM fees (from the foreign bank and your bank), look for a checking account that offers ATM fee reimbursements. I can personally recommend the Schwab investors checking account and the Betterment checking account for this purpose.

How to Stay Connected

Because we took this trip before e-sims were commonly used, we bought tourist prepaid sim cards for our cell phones during this trip. Orange and Vodaphone are two popular cell phone companies in Europe that sell prepaid tourist sim cards that can be used throughout Europe.

However, if traveling again we would definitely use an e-sim from Airalo.

If you have an unlocked phone, then you can either purchase a prepaid sim card or you can use an e-sim. The e-sim is the cheapest way to get international cell phone data. We had a great experience using Airalo to purchase an e-sim on our trip to Canada and Switzerland. The downside is that you only have data and no phone service when using Airalo e-sims, so it’s a good option if you don’t anticipate needing to make phone calls. You can also top up as you go, and it is really affordable. The Airalo website has great tutorials and I also watched this Youtube video for more installation tips. We usually start the installation process at home to load the e-sim into our phones, and then once we land at our destination we turn off our US e-sim and turn on the international e-sim.

Airalo offers local e-sims for specific countries or regional e-sims for all of Europe. For this Croatia itinerary, you could either buy just the Croatia e-sim, or get the regional Europe e-sim if traveling to multiple countries.

One Week Croatia Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity	Sleep In
1	Arrive in Dubrovnik	Dubrovnik
2	Explore Dubrovnik City Walls – Old Town – Fort Lovrijenac	Dubrovnik
3	Morning in Dubrovnik Afternoon ferry to Hvar	Hvar
4	Morning rent a boat around Hvar Afternoon ferry to Split	Split
5	Explore Split Diocletian’s Palace – The Riva – Marjan Peninsula Hike	Split
6	Morning drive to Plitvice Lakes Continue drive to Zagreb	Zagreb
7	Explore Zagreb Jelacic Square – Museum of Broken Relationships	Zagreb
8	Fly home or visit Slovenia

Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik

The Dubrovnik airport is located about 40 minutes away from the Old Town. The easiest options for getting from the airport to the Old Town are the shuttle bus, taxi/Uber, or arranging a private transfer with your apartment host. The airport shuttle leaves about 30 minutes after flights arrive at the airport. The shuttle bus stops at the Ploce gate in the Old Town before heading to the main bus station. The time table is available here, and you can buy tickets online or at the airport.

If you are traveling with a larger group, it may be easier and just as cost effective to take a taxi/Uber or arrange a private transfer with your apartment host. Look up what a taxi should cost and agree on the fare first. Or use Uber to know exactly how much you will be paying. Since we traveled with friends, we used Uber for the price transparency so we didn’t have to negotiate rates.

The first time I laid eyes on the Dubrovnik Old Town, it took my breath away. It’s almost as if you have been transported back in time. One of the highlights of our trip was wandering around the Old Town in the golden hour on our first day in Dubrovnik to enjoy the atmosphere. Another must do is to enjoy the sunset by the water at Buza Bar. Walking around the Old Town at night without all the crowds is a magical introduction to the city!

Day 2: Explore Dubrovnik

City Walls

Strolling along the City Walls is one of the must-dos in Dubrovnik. So you can bet that it gets super crowded, especially when there are cruise ships docked. The benefit of staying overnight in Dubrovnik is that you can go bright and early and beat the crowds. The entrance fee to the City Walls costs as much as the Dubrovnik Pass, so it makes sense to get the Pass to get entrances and discounts to other sights. There is a one way path along the City Walls and you have to finish it in one go. There is an entrance to the City Walls at the Ploce gate (usually less crowded) and an entrance at the Pile gate.

The City Walls can be steep in some parts, so pack your good walking shoes! It can also get really hot on sunny days because there is very limited shade. But it is worth it for the amazing views of the sparkling Adriatic on one side and the orange tiled roofs on the other side. We spent a couple hours up here because of all the photo ops. Our friends also had fun spotting the different Game of Thrones filming locations in town from the walls.

To be super efficient and learn more about the City Walls, Old Town, and Fort Lovrijenac from a guide, book a local walking tour and get all your sights ticked off in a half day!

Explore in the Old Town

Stradun is the large street that bisects the Old Town. It’s a lovely stroll, and great for a gelato break. However, it can be really crowded at peak times. We wandered around the side streets to escape the crowds, and found some cute stores along the way. You can do a self-led Game of Thrones filming locations scavenger hunt like we did. Or, if you’d rather have a guide, sign up for a Game of Thrones walking tour.

For lunch with a view, we climbed all the way up the stairs to Lady Pi Pi to their vine-covered roof terrace. Order anything grilled. They do not take reservations.

Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress)

Fort Lovrijenac sits just outside Pile gate and is included with the Dubrovnik Pass if you visit the same day as the City Walls. It is definitely worth a visit since you don’t have to pay extra for it. There are great views of the Old Town from the fortress.

There is nothing better than good conversation with good friends in front of an amazing view on a friend trip. So we headed back to Buza Bar for another spectacular sunset. Or for another view, take the cable car up to Mount Srd for more aerial views of the Old Town.

Day 3: Morning in Dubrovnik and Afternoon to Hvar

Old Port Stroll

For some last views of the sparkling water before leaving Dubrovnik, we walked along the picturesque Old Port to make the most of our time. There is a path along the harbor that goes around the fort to the breakwater, where you can sometimes catch some daring youths jumping off the rocks into the water.

Or for a more active morning on the water, book a kayaking tour for views of Dubrovnik from the sea. The kayaking tours take you to nearby Lokrum Island to explore the hidden cave there. We skipped this because we didn’t want to risk missing our catamaran to Hvar.

Catamaran to Hvar

The catamaran to Hvar takes about 3 hours and usually leaves in the afternoon. Buy tickets online at the Krilo website and definitely book ahead of time if traveling during peak season. The catamarans leave from Port Gruz, which is about 5-10 minutes north of the Old Town. Multiple buses travel between Pile Gate and Port Gruz. Or, if traveling with a group, a taxi/Uber can be easier and cost effective. The catamaran docks in the harbor at Hvar town, which is just a short walk to St. Stephen’s Square.

For a dinner unique to Hvar, book ahead for Peka dinner. Peka is a style of slow roasting meats in coal under a clay or metal bell. We booked this “under the bell” meal last minute at Konoba Bonaca and were able to try this specialty dish on our one night in Hvar.

Day 4: Boat Around Hvar

The smaller islands around Hvar are fun to explore, filled with caves and small beaches that can only be reached on a boat. You can book a tour to the Blue Cave or book a private tour to explore the Pakleni Islands. Or if you know how to captain a boat, you can also rent your own boat for the day to explore at your own pace. Since we only had part of the day to explore, we rented a boat for more flexibility. We only dedicated one day in Hvar due to time constraints, but it is worth spending two nights here if you want to do more of the boat tours.

The catamaran from Hvar to Split usually leaves in the evening and takes just over an hour. Buy tickets online at the Krilo website and book ahead if traveling during peak season. The catamaran docks in the harbor in Split right in front of the Old Town, so it is an easy walk into the Old Town.

Day 5: Explore Split

I wasn’t expecting a lot from Split, but it turned out to be one of my favorite cities on the trip. Walking around the Old Town and seeing how the newer city sprang up in the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace is truly a unique experience.

Diocletian’s Palace

The ruins of Diocletian’s Palace are integrated into the city’s current architecture, so you can really see the ruins everywhere as you walk. The wall of a restaurant may have been the wall of a room in the palace.

There are some areas of the Palace that require an entrance fee. The Diocletian Cellars are one of the paid areas, and is popular because it was a Game of Thrones filming location. The cathedral is another paid area. There are combo tickets that allow entry into different parts of the cathedral or you can just pay to go up the bell tower for the views. We skipped the cathedral, but definitely go up to the bell tower for amazing views of the city and the water. Also don’t miss the Entry Vestibule, which is free to enjoy and has amazing acoustics so you can sometimes find a cappella singers in there. To learn more about the history of Diocletian’s Palace, I always love joining a walking tour with a local guide.

I love a farmers market for some food-related souvenirs. The Green Market at the east end of Diocletian’s Palace is worth a stop for locally produced honey, dried fruits, nuts, and other treats.

Stop for lunch at Corto Maltese Freestyle Food – we had one of the best charcuterie platters here.

The Riva

The Riva is the pedestrian promenade on the waterfront of Split. There are benches to sit and relax, or you can just walk along and enjoy the views. We enjoyed this stroll after lunch. There is nothing like a leisurely after lunch waterfront walk to remind you that you are blissfully on vacation. Finish at the Matejuska Fishermen’s Port for more views of the Riva across the water.

Marjan Peninsula Hike

The viewpoints at the top of the Marjan peninsula reward you with sweeping views of the Old Town. Climb up the stairs past Sperun Restaurant and walk up Senjska ulica. Keep going up the stairs and you will see a viewpoint terrace with stunning views. You can keep going up for a longer hike, but we just walked back down the way we came.

Blue Lagoon

With more time in Split, take a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon in a shallow bathing area with glittering waters between the islands close to Split. You will have an amazing view of the Adriatic and Split on the boat ride there, and get to enjoy some stunning white sand beaches. With a bigger group, it can be cost effective to book a private boat tour of the Blue Lagoon and explore at a more leisurely pace. We skipped this since we had already had our boating fun in Hvar, but if you’re not planning on boating in Hvar then this is a must do while in Split.

Day 6: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes is best explored with a car because it is hard to get there with public transportation. The easiest way is to rent a car in Split, stop in Plitvice Lakes on the way to Zagreb, and return the car in Zagreb. The drive from Split to Plitvice Lakes takes about 2.5 hours and the drive from Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb takes about 2 hours. Get an early start to allow yourself more time to explore the Plitvice Lakes! Expect to spend around 3-4 hours at Plitvice Lakes. Buy tickets online at the park website because they can sell out. The online tickets are good for a one hour entry window and you choose a specific entrance (recommend starting at Entrance 1 close to the Lower Lakes).

Like most places in Europe, most of the rental cars are manual (stick shift) and you may need to book very early to get one of the few automatic cars. If the automatic transmission cars are all sold out or driving seems too much of a hassle, you can also book a private transfer from Split to Zagreb with a stop in Plitvice Lakes (these transfers usually include entrance to the lakes as well).

If you love waterfalls, then you’re going to LOVE Plitvice Lakes. Imagine miles of cascading waterfalls and vibrant colorful lakes everywhere you look, as you stroll past on boardwalks or glide by on scenic boats. Plitvice Lakes was an absolute highlight of our trip. It would be a shame to miss it while in Croatia.

There is an official park map with recommended hikes, but the general route goes like this. Starting at Entrance 1, explore the Lower Lakes first. Then, catch the shuttle boat across Lake Kozjak to the bottom of the Upper Lakes. After finishing the Upper Lakes, there are shuttle buses that can take you back to Entrance 1.

There are restaurants at both entrances and grilled meats at the boat dock inside the lakes, but you can also get some sandwiches in the morning and have a picnic lunch.

Day 7: Explore Zagreb

Jelacic Square

Jelacic Square is the main square in Zagreb and usually bustling with action. We found a small craft fair the day we visited, but it also hosts concerts and folk festivals. The small street behind the square is where the market is (liveliest in the morning).

Gradec

We are attracted to viewpoints like bees to honey. For a fabulous view over Zagreb, take the short funicular up to Gradec and enjoy the overlook.

A couple minutes walk away is one of Zagreb’s quirky museums, the Museum of Broken Relationships. This museum collects stories of broken relationships from around the world, and the stories are centered around one object that embodies the relationship. I honestly was not expecting much but this museum really does live up to the hype. The stories in this museum are relatable, funny, clever – I found it much more engaging than the usual museum.

At the end of the block is the Church of St. Mark, with its intricately tiled roof. This is one of the quintessential Zagreb photo ops.

If you’re hungry, head to Tkalciceva street to choose from one of the many restaurants. The street is traffic-free and charming, and a great place to sit outside and people watch while enjoying a meal.

Day 8: Leaving Zagreb

The easiest way to get to the airport in Zagreb is by Uber.

If you have more vacation hours though, consider extending your trip a couple days by visiting Slovenia.

Zagreb is right next door to Slovenia. Slovenia was a sleeper stunner. The capital Ljubljana is a cobble-stoned beauty, and they have some of the best nature scenery and activities in Europe. Slovenia is probably not on your radar, but this is a great opportunity to experience this hidden gem of a country! Check out our complete guide to Ljubljana and Lake Bled in Slovenia to get a taste!