Croatia is one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal countries, with incredible landscapes, delicious cuisine and incredible wine, a trip to Croatia will be one for the books.
There is so much I love about Croatia but one thing I want you to know about us is that we will always tell you the truth about our travels on our blog.
The food, the wine, the scenery and affordability of Croatia are all factors that make this European country so great, so what didn’t we like you ask? Not all, I’m not saying all of Croatians we met were rude but from our two week trip we did notice that Croatians were not the friendliest to tourist.
Croatians are known to respond aggressively without meaning any harm but it felt a little much at times.
Again this was our experience but from other fellow travelers we met along the way it was a pretty mutual agreement that Croatians were kinda rude. Ugh I feel terrible saying that but it’s just our truth.
It’s something I want you to be aware of but if I had the opportunity to go back I would jump at the chance in an instant. There is so many more positives than negatives so don’t let this detour you from visiting, absolutely do!
This post is your go-to Croatia itinerary & guide, The Jewel of the Adriatic.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information. Thanks for your support!
CROATIA FUN FACTS
- Official Language: Croatian
- Currency: Euro
- Population: 4 Million
- Capital City: Zagreb
- Major International Airport: Zagreb Airport, Dubrovnik Airport and Split Airport
- Best Time to Visit: June-September
- The longest Croatian word is “prijestolonasljednikovičičinima”, which means “heirs to the throne”.
- Dubrovnik was the main film location for King’s Landing in the popular HBO show, Game of Thrones.
- Croatia is the home of the popular dog breed Dalmatians.
- Zadar has the world’s best sunsets according to Alfred Hitchcock.
- Truffle hunting is huge in Croatia and is home to the world’s largest truffle at 1.31 kg.
Croatia Itinerary
We started our journey in Zagreb, the capitol of Croatia. This itinerary can be done from Zagreb to Dubrovnik or in reverse, it’s really up to you. My suggestions is check flight costs of both Zagreb and Dubrovnik as well as rental costs and go with the cheaper choice. For us it was a couple hundred dollars in savings to land in Zagreb first.
We rented a car at Zagreb Airport and returned it in Spilt before heading on our ferry to Korcula. Driving in Croatia is easy and safe and parking was never an issue. There are several tolls in between destinations though.
Between Zagreb and Split we went through 7 tolls ranging from ($2.50 USD to $10 USD).
Our first stop on this itinerary is…..
Zagreb
Welcome to the capital and the largest city in Croatia. Even though Zagreb is the largest city in Croatia it somehow holds a small town charm. Although Zagreb is often skipped I think it’s the perfect first stop on this Croatian itinerary.
I recommed a 2 night stay
THINGS TO DO IN ZAGREB:
- Enjoy a Free Walking Tour with Free Spirits Tour
- Admire the Beautiful Architecture of the Lower Town
- Wander Around the Upper Town
- Visit Cathedral Zagreb
- Shop at Dolac Market
- Visit Mirogoj Cemetery
- Visit the World-Famous Museum of Broken Relationships
- Ride One of the Shortest Funiculars in the World
WHERE TO DINE IN ZAGREB:
- Restaurant TAČ
- La Štruk
- HERITAGE – Croatian Street Food & Shop
- Pri Zvoncu (make sure to make a reservation)
tip: Make sure to read the parking signs to avoid parking tickets, don’t worry they’re not as complicated as they are in Los Angeles or San Francisco. If you’re from these places you know what I mean.
Rovinj
Tucked away in the Istrian peninsula lays the romantic and laid back town of Rovinj. Filled with twisting cobblestone streets, a photogenic harbor and Italian vibes, this active fishing port town is an absolute must visit.
Zagreb to Rovinj Travel Time: 3 Hours
I recommend a 3 night stay
THINGS TO DO IN ROVINJ:
- Wander Rovinj’s Old Town
- Walk Along the Harbor
- Shop at the Farmer’s Market
- Visit the Church of Saint Euphemia and Climb the Bell Tower
- Day Trip to Motovun
- Enjoy an Olive Oil Tasting at OPG Vošten or at Chiavalon
- Make sure to Enjoy Some Wine Tasting at Stancija Collis or Matošević Wines of Istria
- Go on a Truffle Tour
- Beach Day at Golden Cape (Zlatni Rt) or Balota Beach
WHERE TO DINE IN ROVINJ:
- Mediterraneo Cocktail Bar
- Giannino Restaurant
- Caffe Bar XL
- Augusto Coffee Shop
- Konoba Pizzeria Harlekin
- Tipico Green Garden
- Tone
- Balbi Restaurant
- Gelateria Italia
tip: Istia is known for it’s truffles so make sure to try this local delicacy.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and the largest national park in Croatia and also a Unesco World Heritage Site. With easy walking trails, boardwalks suspended over turquoise waters, an abundance of waterfalls and viewpoints, this national park is a must visit!
I recommended spending the night close to Plitvice Lakes National Park, this will allow for an early morning start. This is a popular tourist attraction so the earlier you go the better. I recommend arriving as soon as the park opens.
Rovinj to Plitvice Lakes National Park Travel Time: 3 Hours
I recommend a 1 night stay
THINGS TO DO IN Plitvice Lakes National Park:
There are four hiking trails that are organized into 7 different routes to tour the park. We explored the Lower Lakes and Upper Lakes section of the park.
We followed Program C which is approximately 5 miles (8KM) and takes between 4-5 hours to complete. This has you starting from entrance 1 with one boat transfer to get to the upper lakes. You will return to entrance 1 by panoramic train.
Sibenik
Šibenik is located in central Dalmatia and known as the city of sun, sea, and stone. With history as rich as Dubrovnik’s, yet undeniably more tranquil. Sibenik is an absolute gem.
Piltvice Lakes National Park to Sibenik Travel Time: 2 Hours
I recommend a 3 night stay
THINGS TO DO IN SEBENIK:
- Wander Šibenik’s Old Town
- Relax on Šibenik’s Stunning Beaches
- Stroll Along the Riva
- Island Hop through the Šibenik Archipelago
- Visit Krka National Park
- Catch the Views from St. Michael’s Fortress
- Walk along St. Anthony Channel Walk
WHERE TO DINE IN SEBENIK:
- buffet Šimun
- Restoran Pjat
- Konoba Nostalgija
- VINO&INO
- Viva Pizzeria
Korcula
Korčula, covered with vineyards, olive groves, sleepy bays and beaches visitors are in for a real treat. One of my favorite stops on our journey through Croatia. Korčula is no hidden gem but it’s much less busy and crowded than some other Croatian islands like Hvar.
Aside from its postcard-perfect landscapes Korčula is best known for its mouth-watering local wines. They’re honestly so delicious.
Sibenik to Split Travel Time: 1 Hour
After exploring Split return your rental car before heading to Korčula.
To get to Korčula catch a ferry from Spilt. Journey takes about 2.5 hours.
I recommend a 3 night stay
THINGS TO DO IN KORCULA:
- Explore Korčula Old Town
- Go on Bike and Wine Tour from Korčula Town to Lumbarda
- The Great Korcula Gourmet Bike Tour
- Explore Small Town Wineries
- Private Boat Tour with Goran (What’s App Number +385 91 5349850)
- Enjoy a Beach Day at Pupnatska Luka Beach
- Spend a Day Exploring Hidden Beaches like Bačva Beach
- Explore Lumbarda and the islands of Badija, Vrnik, Stupe via Hop-on Hop-off Taxi-Boat
WHERE TO DINE IN KORCULA:
- LoLe Wine And Tapas Bar
- Cocktails at Massimo Cocktail Bar
- Konoba Mate
- Konoba Feral
- Restoran Zure
Our Favorite Wineries in Korcula:
- Popić Winery
- Vitis Winery
tip: if you are a fan of white wine make sure to try Grk and Posip wine, a Korcula specialty.
Dubrovnik
Last stop on this itinerary is the world famous Pearl of Adriatic, with its massive walls, the medieval city of Dubrovnik is magnificent. Though thanks to the very popular show Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik “King’s Landing” has become a real hot spot.
Visiting during Summer comes with massive tourism, so my recommendation is to explore first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon when cruise ships have departed.
Catch a ferry from Korcula to Dubrovnik. Journey takes about 2 hours.
I recommend a 3 night stay
THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK:
- Walk the Walls of Dubrovnik
- Wander the Old Town
- Stroll Down Stradun
- Ride the Cable Car for an Aerial View of Dubrovnik
- Visit Fort Lovrijenac
- Take a Tour of King’s Landing
- Visit Lokrum Island
- Have Dinner with Locals
- Sunset Sea Kayaking
- Take a Food Tour
Walls of Dubrovnik Admission Fee: 35EUR ($38USD)
WHERE TO DINE IN DUBROVNIK:
- Taj Mahal Old Town
- D’VINO Wine Bar
- Restaurant Panorama
- Konoba Vinica Monkovic
tip: Make sure to save your Dubrovnik City Walls ticket as it includes your entrance to Fort Lovrijenac.
That’s sums up this post, a Croatia Itinerary & Guide, The Jewel of the Adriatic.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE:
- Iceland Camper Van Road Trip: 15-Day Itinerary
- Guatemala Itinerary: A Two Week Adventure
- Mexico Lindo -The Ultimate Itinerary & Guide
- Peru Itinerary & Guide-An Epic 3 Week Adventure
travel resources
Here you can find all the travel site links that we personally use and recommend.
ACCOMMODATION: We find the best deals with BOOKING.COM. The more you book the better the perks like free breakfast with your stay, room upgrades and even higher discounted room rates.
CAR RENTALS: We have always used RentalCars.com and find them to have the best deals, customer service and selection of locations.
FLIGHTS: Our go too for booking flights has always been SKYSCANNER. We always find the best prices on this site.
TOURS/EXCURSIONS: GET YOUR GUIDE and VIATOR are two very reputable sites with easy and hassle free bookings.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: It’s so important to travel with insurance and for this we use World Nomads or Safety Wing.
Leave a Reply