The BEST 7 Days In Croatia Itinerary For First Timers!
Croatia is one of those places that has a little bit of everything: stunning coastlines, historic cities, and breathtaking national parks.
You could easily spend weeks exploring and still feel like there’s more to see. But if you’re short on time, don’t worry!
As a local who grew up and has traveled all over the country, I crafted this 7 days in Croatia itinerary so you see the best of Croatia without feeling rushed.
Starting in the capital before diving into Croatia’s stunning nature, iconic coastline, and beautiful beaches, you’re in for an unforgettable trip.
Whether you’re into culture, adventure, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean vibes, here’s how to make the most of 1 week in Croatia!
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1 Week In Croatia Itinerary At A Glance
Length: 7 days, 6 nights
Start point: Zagreb
End point: Dubrovnik
Places to visit: Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik
- DAY 1: Zagreb
- DAY 2: Plitvice Lakes day trip
- DAY 3: Zadar
- DAY 4: Split
- DAY 5: Hvar day trip
- DAY 6: Dubrovnik
- DAY 7: Dubrovnik
As you can see, this itinerary is quite fast-paced, and you’ll stay in a different place almost every night.
It might look too packed, but there are so many things to do in Croatia, and I want you to see as much as possible!
Still, I had to decide between Istria and Dalmatia for this itinerary, because it would be too rushed to do both in just a week.
Travel times between most places are under 4 hours and if you take a morning bus, you can leave your luggage in your next hotel and still have a full day of exploring.
If you have a car, you don’t even have to worry about the luggage!
That being said, this itinerary works as a Croatia road trip itinerary and by public transport. You can visit Croatia without a car, and I made sure that the places you visit are well connected by bus!
DAY 1: Zagreb
Most people skip Zagreb and head straight to the coast, but I suggest starting in Zagreb for a more well-rounded Croatian experience.
Zagreb is one of the most underrated European capitals, packed with history, charming streets, and a laid-back café culture.
There are so many fun things to do in Zagreb, so start your day early by visiting Dolac Market. It’s Zagreb’s biggest open-air market where locals gather to buy fresh produce and traditional delicacies.
Ideally, the next stop would be a ride on the Zagreb Funicular, but it’s currently under renovation. Make sure to see Grič Canon fire at noon!
Once you’re in the Upper Town you’ll find the iconic St. Mark’s Church with its colorful tiled roof. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, admire the view of Zagreb Cathedral, and pass through the Stone Gate.
From there, make your way to Tkalčićeva Street, a lively pedestrian street lined with charming cafés and bars; it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee while watching the world go by.
Zagreb is also the best city in Croatia for vegans, so make sure to check out some of the vegan restaurants. Zrno Bistro is my favorite for a nice dinner!
Where To Stay In Zagreb?
Zagreb is a big city, so you’ll want to stay close to the city center to make the most of your time. Here are my favorite places to stay in Zagreb:
- TOP Pick: Boutique Hotel HOH
- Best Mid-Range Option: MANDA Heritage Hotel
- Best Hostel: Swanky Mint
DAY 2: Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes
On your second day in Croatia, you will visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s most beautiful National Park.
You have two options, you can visit Plitvice on a day trip from Zagreb or take a bus and spend a night in the area. Both options are good, it just depends on how much driving you can take in a day.
Plitvice Lakes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its crystal-clear lakes, connected by cascading waterfalls that look like something straight out of a fairytale.
The best way to explore the park is by following Route C, which combines wooden walkways, boat rides across the lakes, and some of the best panoramic viewpoints.
The Park is very popular, so you’ll want to arrive early to beat the crowds and have the most peaceful experience. However, it’s highly unlikely you’ll find it empty even if you visit in winter.
Remember to book your tickets in advance online, as they often sell out in high season!
Where To Stay in Plitvice?
If you’re visiting on a day trip from Zagreb, you’ll go back to your hotel in Zagreb.
If you decided to spend a night near the National Park before catching a bus to Zadar, here are my favorite places:
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Etno Garden Exclusive Rooms
- TOP pick: B&B Villa Sumrak Plitvica
- Best Hostel: Falling Lakes Hostel
DAY 3: Zadar
Zadar might not be as famous as Dubrovnik or Split, but it’s a great place to explore and split the trip.
This coastal city offers a mix of Roman ruins, medieval streets, and modern art installations, with great beaches.
One day in Zadar is enough to visit all the main tourist attractions. Start your day by exploring the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Zadar, and visiting St. Donatus Church, a unique circular church that dates back to the 9th century.
Next up, head to the waterfront to experience the Sea Organ, an art installation that plays music using the waves of the sea.
Right next to it, is the Greeting to the Sun light installation. The best time to visit is at sunset when it turns on and creates a mesmerizing display as the sky turns shades of pink and orange.
It’s easily one of the best photo spots in Zadar and the most beautiful sunset you’ve ever seen!
Where To Stay In Zadar?
The best area to stay in Zadar is in or around the Old Town so you’re close to all the attractions.
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: Three Pearls Deluxe Rooms & Studios
- TOP pick in Zadar: Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel
- Best Hostel In Zadar: Downtown Boutique Hostel
DAY 4: Split
Check out of your hotel early in the morning and catch a bus, or drive, to Split!
Split is the largest coastal town in Croatia, and one of the most popular places to visit in the country offering a great blend of history, beaches, and nightlife.
You’ll spend two days in Split, the first one exploring the Old Town and the second on a day trip to the islands.
The main tourist attraction in Split is Diocletian’s Palace dating back to the Roman times.
You can explore the palace’s underground cellars and climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius for a stunning view over the terracotta rooftops and sparkling sea.
In the afternoon, do as the locals do, and go for a stroll along the palm tree lined Riva Promenade and enjoy a drink while people-watching.
If you’re visiting in summer, Bačvice Beach is just a short walk from the center and is perfect for a refreshing dip or a game of picigin, a fun local ball game played in the shallow waters.
Where To Stay In Split?
Split is a big city, so you’ll want to stay in the city center for the best experience. If you have a car you might consider some of the neighborhoods where you can get free parking.
- Mid-Range option: Apartments Lana Spalato
- TOP Pick: Dioklecijan Hotel & Residence
- Backpacker Hostel: En Route Hostel
DAY 5: Day Trip to Hvar
You can’t go to Croatia without visiting at least one of the many islands. If you only have 7 days in Croatia, I suggest visiting Hvar.
The island is known for its turquoise sea, historical monuments, and glamorous nightlife, and it is easy to reach on a day trip from Split.
Take a morning ferry from Split and start your day by wandering through Hvar Town, with its elegant Venetian-style buildings and bustling squares.
Then, make your way up to Fortica Fortress, a medieval castle with stunning sea views.
Spend the afternoon at one of Hvar’s pristine beaches before heading to one of the beach bars for sunset cocktails before catching the ferry back to Split.
This day trip is easy to organize by yourself, but you can also join a boat tour that includes a visit to Hvar.
DAY 6: Dubrovnik
The final stop on your itinerary is Dubrovnik! It’s the most popular, and I’d argue the most beautiful, town in Croatia!
Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is famous for its walled Old Town, red brick walls, and crystal-clear sea.
Whether you’re a history lover, a Game of Thrones fan, or just appreciate picturesque medieval town, Dubrovnik has it all!
Start the day by walking the City Walls and Fort Lovrijenac, a must-do experience that offers unbeatable panoramic views of the Old Town. Dubrovnik can be expensive, but strolling the cobblestone streets and discovering picturesque corners is completely free.
If you’re visiting in summer, make sure to go for a dip between sightseeing. Banje Beach is one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik, and right in the city center.
Also, kayaking tours are an especially popular way to see the city from a different perspective.
In the afternoon, take the cable car up Mount Srđ. You could also drive or hike up the hill, and it’s especially magical at sunset!
In the evening, wander down Stradun, the main street, and enjoy a dinner at one of Dubrovnik’s many restaurants. Be warned though, most are rather pricey!
Where To Stay In Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is expensive, but it is also once in a lifetime experience and you should make it a good one.
Stay within the city, ideally around the Old Town. Lapad and Gruž are still fine as you can easily grab a bus to the city center, but don’t go further than that if you only have 2 days in Dubrovnik.
- Mid-Range option: Hotel Lapad
- TOP Pick: Hotel Excelsior (my literal DREAM view)
- Backpacker Hostel: Old Town Hostel
DAY 7: Dubrovnik
Depending on when your flight home is, you can spend your last day in Croatia relaxing or add another adventure to the itinerary!
A boat trip from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island is a great way to escape the crowds. Just a short ferry ride away, this lush island is home to peacocks, hidden swimming spots, and even an old Benedictine monastery.
If you have a car and are flying from Dubrovnik airport, head for a quick day trip to Cavtat.
This small town just 10km from Dubrovnik is a hidden gem with a picturesque waterfront promenade, a charming old town with stone houses, and a relaxed atmosphere.
It’s the perfect spot to explore or go for a swim in its crystal-clear waters before catching your flight.
Getting Around Croatia
The main question here is do you need a car in Croatia or can you get by without a car?
You can do both! This itinerary works whether you rent a car or not.
I traveled around Croatia by car, driving from Pula to Dubrovnik, and I took countless buses throughout the years as well.
While having a car can be convenient, sometimes it’s easier and cheaper to get by bus as you don’t have to worry about parking. Parking sucks in coastal towns in the summer!
So, how do you get around Croatia without a car?
While there are trains in Croatia, you’ll only need buses for this itinerary. Buses are the most common way to get around and are popular among locals too.
There are many bus operators in Croatia and prices are quite similar. Bus tickets can sell out in high season, as these are all popular routes, so book in advance!
How To Get To Croatia
You can easily get to Croatia from all over the world, with plenty of flight, bus, and ferry options depending on where you’re coming from.
By Air
Flying to Croatia is the easiest way to reach the country from all over Europe. With low-budget airlines, you can fly to Croatia for 20€.
The most popular airports to fly to are Zagreb or Dubrovnik, but you can also fly into Split, Zadar, Rijeka, Pula, or Osijek.
This itinerary works best if you fly into Zagreb and fly out of Dubrovnik, as the two cities are quite far from each other to drive back for a return flight.
By Bus/Train
Croatia has cheap bus connections with its neighboring countries, making it a great option if you’re traveling from Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, or other Balkan countries. I even took a bus from France to Croatia once!
While there are trains in Croatia, they’re not as popular as in other European countries. I took a train from Budapest to Zagreb and from Ljubljana to Zagreb, and both worked great.
By Ferry
You can also reach Croatia by ferry from Italy. Ferry lines are more frequent during the high season, so you’ll have more options during summer.
The Best Time To Visit Croatia
I have lived in Croatia for years, so there’s something to do whenever you visit, but the best time will depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
- Best months: May-June and September-October are the sweet spots—warm weather, fewer crowds, and better prices.
- Peak season: July-August is the high season, You have hot weather and a buzzing atmosphere, but expect higher prices and more tourists.
- Low season: November to April is rather quiet in Croatia, with many establishments in coastal cities closing down for winter.
If you want to swim and island-hop, visit between June and September. For sightseeing and fewer crowds, May and October are ideal.
Budget For 1 Week In Croatia
The reality is that Croatia is no longer a budget destination, but you can still visit on a budget.
Here’s a rough breakdown of prices to expect:
- Accommodation: €20-100 per night (hostels for budget travelers, hotels or apartments for mid-range)
- Rental Car: €70-250 for a week (cheaper with early booking)
- Getting Around by Bus: €5-20 per day (a great way to save money)
- Food & Drinks: €10-50 per day (budget eats vs. sit-down meals)
- Activities: €0-100 per day (some attractions are free, others like city walls or boat tours add up)
A week in Croatia can cost you anywhere from €300 for backpackers to €1000 for mid-range travelers.
As you can see the difference can be quite dramatic depending on what kind of holiday you’re after.
If you’re backpacking Croatia on a budget, staying in hostels, and preparing your own meals, you can get by at €40 to €50 a day.
An average mid-range traveler staying in private rooms should budget around €100-150 per day – or €80 to €100 if you’re not traveling solo as you can share the room fare.
FAQ: Croatia 7 Day Itinerary
7 days are enough to see the main tourist attractions in Croatia, but you can’t explore the entire country. This itinerary doesn’t cover so many incredible places like Istria or Eastern Croatia, and there are countless islands that you simply can’t see in a week.
Summary: 1 Week In Croatia Itinerary
If you only have 7 days in Croatia, you’ll have to pick and choose which places you visit. I think this itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors as it makes sure you see the must-visit cities, islands, and natural wonders.
From Zagreb’s bustling streets to majestic Plitvice’s waterfalls, Zadar’s sunsets, Split’s Roman ruins, and Dubrovnik’s medieval charm, this trip is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
You won’t see everything, that’s a fact. But that only means you can come back and discover other regions of Croatia too!
For example, Istria is well worth visiting, and makes for a fantastic holiday destination on its own!
