One Week Itinerary in Croatia

One Week in Croatia: Itinerary for First Time Visitors

ByJulia

Find the best places to visit for a one week itinerary in Croatia with this day-by-day breakdown.

Welcome to Croatia! I’ve put together a one week itinerary for Croatia that will take you on an amazing journey through some of the country’s coolest spots. It’s really one of the most underrated destinations in Europe and will leave you recommending it to friends and family!

We’ll start in the capital, Zagreb, check out the stunning Plitvice Lakes, head down to Zadar and Split, hop over to Hvar, and finally, wrap things up in the famous city of Dubrovnik. Get ready to explore Croatia’s history, natural beauty, and coastline โ€“ it’s going to be a fantastic week of adventures!

Let’s dive into the day-by-day details of this 1 week Croatia itinerary.

Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Overview of 1 Week Croatia Itinerary

There is a lot to see in Croatia. It’s beautiful country full of history, beaches, waterfalls, and charming cities. Of course, that means its hard to fit all of the best of Croatia in one week. That being said, you can hop on a one-way tour of Croatia down the coast and see much of the best of the country, even in a time crunch.

Your one week itinerary for Croatia will look like this.

  • Day 1: Zagreb
  • Day 2: Plitvice Lakes National Park (Can be a day trip from Zagreb)
  • Day 3: Zadar
  • Day 4: Split
  • Day 5: Hvar (Can be a day trip from Split)
  • Day 6: Dubrovnik
  • Day 7: Dubrovnik

Continue on to read about how to spend the days, the things you’ll see in Croatia, and the highlights. you won’t want to miss!

Read all about the best places to visit in Croatia.

Day 1: Zagreb

Start your trip in Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia. This amazing European city is in the northern part of Croatia at the foot of the Medvednica Mountain. It will give you a more cultural and local feel for Croatia before heading down the coast to some of the tourist hot spots.

Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia

Flying into Zagreb is one of the most convenient ways to start your journey in Croatia. Zagreb is served by Zagreb Airport (Franjo Tuฤ‘man Airport), which is the largest and busiest international airport in Croatia. It’s located just 6 miles (10 kilometers) southeast of the city center.

From the airport, the most convenient way to reach the city center is by taxi or a pre-arranged airport transfer service. Other options include a shuttle bus service or the public bus, if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option.

Morning in Zagreb

Upon arrival in Zagreb, check into your hotel and let’s get moving!

Grab Breakfast at a Local Cafรฉ: Start your day with a traditional Croatian breakfast at a local cafรฉ. Try some burek (a pastry filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables) or a Croatian coffee.

Explore the Upper Town: Zagreb’s historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad) features cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic landmarks. Spend your morning wandering through this area and visiting the following places:

  • St. Mark’s Church: Admire the iconic colorful tiled roof of this historic church.
  • St. Catherine’s Church: Visit this Baroque church known for its beautiful interior.
  • Lotrลกฤak Tower: Climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
  • Zagreb City Museum: Learn about the history of Zagreb at this museum, located in a historic palace.

Alternatively, you can take a walking tour of Zagreb to get expert insight into the city, its architecture, and its past.

Read about all of the best things to do in Zagreb.

Afternoon in Zagreb

Have Lunch on Tkalciceva Street: Tkalciceva is one of the must-visit streets in Zagreb lined with restaurants and cafes. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many outdoor terraces and savor Croatian cuisine.

Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships: This unique museum displays personal objects and stories related to failed relationships. It’s one of the most intriguing and emotionally engaging experiences in Croatia. Purchase your skip-the-line tickets ahead of time.

Shop at Dolac Market: Visit Zagreb’s main farmers’ market, Dolac, to see the stalls selling fresh produce, local products, and handicrafts.

Walk through Ban Jelaฤiฤ‡ Square: The main square of Zagreb is a great place to people watch. You can also explore nearby shops and boutiques.

Evening in Zagreb

Sit Down for Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Croatian dinner. You can try dishes like cevapi (grilled minced meat), pasticada (beef stew), or fresh seafood.

Explore Zagreb at Night: Take a stroll through the city at night to appreciate the illuminated buildings, bridges, and streets. Zagreb has a lively nightlife, so you can choose to relax at a cafรฉ, bar, or enjoy some live music.

If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions in Zagreb like the Zagreb Zoo, Mirogoj Cemetery, or the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Zagreb Cathedral
Downtown Zagreb

1 Night in Zagreb: Hotel Recommendations

This first night, you’ll spend in Zagreb before heading on to your next destination – Plitvice Lakes National Park! Choose from a range of hotels that fit your budget.

Search All Zagreb Hotels

Day 2: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Today, you’ll head to Plitvice Lakes National Park. This National Park is a wonderful opportunity to explore Croatia’s breathtaking natural beauty. In fact, it might be one of your favorite days during your week in Croatia!

While a single day won’t allow you to see everything in the park, you can still make the most of your visit with this suggested itinerary. If you opt to stay in Croatia for more than a week, you can spend more time here taking in all of the waterfalls.

Travel from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park

It’s about a 2-hour drive from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, and you’ll want to get there early. There are two key ways to get there:

  • By Car: If you plan to rent a car in Croatia, you can easily drive from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes. Just enter “Plitvice Lakes National Park” into your GPS or mapping app for directions.
  • By Bus: For bus travel, you can check the schedules and book bus tickets online. Buses from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes run regularly. Try to take an early bus to make the most of the day.

Another option is to do a day trip from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park so that you can stay overnight in Zagreb a second night. This is a popular choice for those who hate moving hotels frequently.

Morning in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arrive at the Park: Arrive at the entrance to Plitvice Lakes National Park early in the morning, ideally when the park opens. This will give you the most time to explore, and you’ll beat the crowds!

Tips for Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park: Keep in mind Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its natural beauty is best enjoyed at a leisurely, laid-back pace. Here are some tips to make the most of Plitvice Lakes.

  • Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes suitable for hiking and walking on uneven terrain. You will be walking… a lot!
  • Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Respect the park’s rules, which include staying on designated paths and not swimming in the lakes.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit and be prepared for potential rain, as the weather can change quickly in this area.

Explore the Lower Lakes: Start your day by exploring the Lower Lakes, where wooden walkways and trails will lead you through a series of cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and amazing greenery. Some of the must-see spots in the Lower Lakes area include Veliki Slap (the Big Waterfall), Milanovac Waterfall, and the beautiful Kozjak Lake.

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Plitvice Lakes NP.

Afternoon in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Have Lunch in the Park: You can enjoy lunch at one of the park’s restaurants or bring a picnic to eat amidst the natural beauty.

Adventure to the Upper: In the afternoon, head to the Upper Lakes area via the park’s shuttle buses or on foot. The Upper Lakes offer a different, but equally stunning landscape, with more waterfalls and lakes. Be sure to visit spots like Proลกฤ‡ansko Lake and the scenic viewpoint at Veliki Prลกtavac.

Hike at Plitvice Lakes: Take the time to hike some of the park’s well-marked trails and explore the wooden footbridges that wind through the forest. The K Route, P Route, and C Route are popular choices, each offering a unique perspective of the park.

Return to the Entrance: Make your way back to the park’s entrance, keeping an eye on the closing time to ensure you don’t miss the last shuttle or bus.

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
Plitvice Lakes Waterfalls

Travel from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar

From Plitvice Lakes, continue heading south to the coastal town of Zadar.

  • By Car: For the drive from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar, simply follow the signs and road directions. It’s approximately a 2.5-hour drive.

Evening in Zadar

Enjoy Dinner: After a full day of exploring, enjoy dinner at a restaurant near your accommodation in Zadar.

Visit Greeting to the Sun: After dinner, take a walk down to the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun to admire them after dark. It’s a sight to behold and one of the best things to do in Zadar. You’ll notice that the Greeting to the Sun is a large solar panel installation that lights up as a mesmerizing light show at night.

2 Nights in Zadar: Hotel Recommendations

Enjoy two nights in this quaint Croatian town. Here are some hotel recommendations for all budgets.

Search All Zadar Hotels

Day 3: Zadar

Zadar is a small town located on the Adriatic coast offering well-preserved Roman and medieval architecture. Today, you’ll explore this small town and enjoy a more relaxing day in Croatia.

Morning in Zadar

Start at the Sea Organ: Begin your day at Zadar’s famous Sea Organ, an innovative musical instrument that creates sound as the waves hit its underwater pipes. Enjoy the sunrise and the soothing tunes.

Take a Look at the Greeting to the Sun: Adjacent to the Sea Organ, you’ll find the Greeting to the Sun which you visited last night Take a moment to appreciate this modern artwork. It doesn’t look like much during the day, which is why you must visit it after dark!

Learn all about the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun.

Have Breakfast: Enjoy a quick breakfast nearby before continuing your exploration.

Explore the Old Town: Head to the historic Old Town of Zadar. It is easily walkable and worth your time to explore. Stroll through its narrow streets, alleys, and squares, and visit the following landmarks:

  • St. Donatus Church: An ancient church that’s an architectural marvel.
  • Zadar Cathedral (St. Anastasia’s Cathedral): Explore this beautiful cathedral known for its Romanesque architecture.
  • Five Wells Square: Admire the historic wells and the surrounding buildings.

Afternoon in Zadar

Grab Lunch in Old Town: Enjoy lunch at one of the many charming restaurants or cafes in the Old Town. Try local seafood dishes or Croatian cuisine.

Visit the Roman Forum: Explore the Roman Forum in Zadar, a historic site with well-preserved ruins and archaeological artifacts that offer a glimpse into Zadar’s Roman past.

Stop at the Museum of Ancient Glass: Discover the art of glassblowing and view a remarkable collection of ancient glass artifacts. The museum is located in the Old Town.

Visit Zadar Land Walls: Take a leisurely walk along the city’s historic walls for panoramic views of Zadar and its surroundings.

Catch Sunset at Zadar’s Promenade: Head to Zadar’s waterfront promenade, known as the Riva, in the late afternoon. Find a comfortable spot to relax and watch the famous Zadar sunset, often accompanied by the “Green Flash” phenomenon.

Evening in Zadar

Have Dinner by the Sea: Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant to savor fresh seafood while overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Check Out the Nightlife in Zadar: If you’re interested in nightlife, explore the city’s bars and clubs. Zadar offers a vibrant nightlife scene, especially in the summer months.

If you have more time, consider exploring nearby islands or taking a boat tour to the Kornati Islands National Park for a deeper experience of the region’s natural beauty.

Day 4: Split

Next up, you’ll head to Split, a historic city about 3 hours from Zadar. It’s known for Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO site, and its stunning coastline. Here’s a suggested itinerary for spending a day in Split.

Travel from Zadar to Split

Head out of Zadar early in the morning to make the journey to Split, further down the coast of Croatia.

  • By Car: Traveling by car from Zadar to Split is straightforward. The journey takes about 3 hours. You can use GPS or online maps for directions.

Morning in Split

Start at Diocletian’s Palace: Join a guided tour of Split to visit Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in the world. Wander through its narrow streets, squares, and ancient architecture. Don’t miss the Peristyle, the central square of the palace. Check availability of this awesome walking tour.

Admire the Cathedral of Saint Domnius: Explore the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, located within the palace complex. Climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Split and the surrounding area.

Enjoy the Riva Promenade: Head to the Riva, Split’s lively waterfront promenade. Enjoy a stroll along the palm-lined promenade and take in the sea views. You’ll find plenty of cafes and shops where you can grab a coffee or souvenir.

Find all the best things to do in Split here.

Afternoon in Split

Enjoy Lunch in the Old Town: There are numerous restaurants and konobas (traditional Croatian taverns) in the Old Town of Split serving delicious Mediterranean and Croatian cuisine. Try some local seafood or Dalmatian specialties.

Climb Marjan Hill: In the afternoon, visit Marjan Hill, a green oasis located just west of Split’s Old Town. You can hike or cycle to the top for beautiful views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Alternatively, explore the park’s trails, beaches, and the famous Marjan Staircase.

Check Out Ivan Meลกtroviฤ‡ Gallery: If you have an interest in art, visit the Ivan Meลกtroviฤ‡ Gallery, dedicated to the works of Croatia’s most renowned sculptor.

Relax at Bacvice Beach: Ready for some downtime? Head to Bacvice Beach, a sandy beach located near the city center. Here you can swim, sunbathe, or play a game of picigin, a traditional Split beach game.

Evening in Split

Have Dinner in the Old Town: Return to the Old Town for dinner at a restaurant or tavern. Enjoy more Croatian cuisine, and perhaps try local wines or spirits.

Explore Split’s Nightlife: Split has a lively nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and live music venues. You can explore the nightlife options in the Old Town or along the Riva, depending on your preferences. Warning – it can get pretty crazy in the summer!

If you have more time in Croatia, consider taking a day trip to nearby island of Braฤ or exploring other attractions in the Split region, such as Klis Fortress or the ancient ruins of Salona.

Split, Croatia waterfront
Split Waterfront

1 Night in Split: Hotel Recommendation

Spend just one night in Split during your week in Croatia. If you want to spend more than one night, you can take a day tour from Split to Hvar rather than spending tomorrow night there.

Search All Split Hotels

Day 5: Hvar

Today, you’ll take a ferry from Split to Hvar, a Croatian island with a laid-back atmosphere and endless natural beauty.

Spending one day in Hvar offers you the opportunity to explore its beautiful landscapes, historic towns, and culture. Here’s a suggested itinerary for making the most of your day in Hvar.

Travel from Split to Hvar

Being an island, getting to Hvar requires you to cross the water. This means the most common way to get to Hvar from Split is by ferry. Fortunately, there are frequent ferries running to Hvar.

  • By Ferry: There are several ferry companies that operate this route, including Jadrolinija and Kapetan Luka. You can check ferry schedules and book tickets on their respective websites. Be sure to choose the correct departure point in Split, which is usually Split’s main ferry port.

While in this itinerary we have suggested you travel to Hvar and spend the night there, you can also do a day trip from Split to Hvar. This will allow you to spend the night in the same hotel in Split for more than one night.

Morning in Hvar

Arrive in Hvar Town: Start your day by arriving in Hvar Town, the main town on the island. If you’re arriving by ferry, you’ll likely disembark the ferry here.

Have Breakfast: Stop at a local cafรฉ for breakfast. Try a traditional Croatian breakfast with pastries and coffee, or opt for a Mediterranean-inspired dish with fresh ingredients.

Visit Hvar Fortress (Fortica): Begin your exploration with a visit to Hvar Fortress (Fortica), which overlooks the town. The walk to the fortress is uphill but rewarding, as it offers stunning panoramic views of Hvar Town, the harbor, and the surrounding islands. Explore the historic fortress and its museum.

Stroll through Hvar Town: Descend from the fortress and take a walk through the streets of Hvar Town. Explore the Old Town’s narrow alleys, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and admire the Venetian architecture.

Afternoon in Hvar

Eat Lunch by the Sea: Enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the many restaurants along the harbor. Hvar is known for its fresh fish and seafood dishes. Savor local specialties like grilled fish or octopus salad.

Explore the Island: In the afternoon, consider renting a scooter, bicycle, or taking a taxi to explore more of the island. Some recommendations for places to visit include:

  • Stari Grad: Explore the town of Stari Grad, which is known for its charming city streets, historic sites, and nearby lavender fields.
  • Jelsa: Visit the town of Jelsa and relax on its beautiful beaches, such as Mina Beach or Grebisce Beach.

Have Beach Time: Return to Hvar Town and spend some time relaxing at one of the town’s beaches, such as Hula Hula Beach Bar or Bonj les Bains Beach Club.

Hvar, Croatia
Hvar

Evening in Hvar

Enjoy Dinner with a View: Have dinner at a waterfront restaurant, where you can enjoy a romantic sunset over the Adriatic Sea.

Check Out Nightlife in Hvar: Hvar is famous for its nightlife. After dinner, explore the island’s bars, clubs, and live music venues. Carpe Diem, Hula Hula Beach Bar, and Veneranda are popular nightlife spots.

If you have more time, consider staying longer to explore other parts of the island, take part in water sports, or relax on the beaches. You can also opt to stay at one of the many resorts in Hvar for some additinoal rest and relaxation.

1 Night in Hvar: Hotel Recommendation

Enjoy your time on the island of Hvar by staying at one of these lovely hotels for the night.

Search All Hvar Hotels

Day 6: Dubrovnik

Round out your week in Croatia with two days in Dubrovnik. Referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik allows you to explore history, stunning architecture, and picturesque coastal settings.

Travel from Hvar to Dubrovnik

To travel from Hvar to Dubovnik, you can take a ferry.

  • By Ferry: Again, check ferry schedules and book tickets through the ferry company websites or at the local ferry terminal on Hvar. It’s roughly a 4-hour journey.

Morning in Dubrovnik

Have Breakfast in the Old Town: Start your day with breakfast at a cafรฉ in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Try a traditional Croatian breakfast with coffee.

Walk the City Walls: Begin your exploration of Dubrovnik by walking along the historic city walls. The walls provide fantastic views of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. Be sure to have your camera ready. This adventure can take up to two hours – so plan accordingly!

Explore Rector’s Palace: Visit the Rector’s Palace, a well-preserved Gothic-Renaissance palace that once served as the seat of the Republic of Ragusa’s government. Explore the museum inside to learn about the city’s history.

Visit Sponza Palace: Next, visit Sponza Palace, an exquisite Renaissance palace that now houses the State Archives and a small museum. Alternatively, you can sign up for a Old Town walking tour in Dubrovnik which will show you the best parts of the city.

Check out a full list of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.

Afternoon in Dubrovnik

Eat Lunch in the Old Town: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Old Town. Try Dalmatian specialties like seafood risotto or black cuttlefish risotto.

Admire Onofrio’s Fountain and Franciscan Monastery: Stroll to Onofrio’s Fountain, a historic landmark that once supplied the city with fresh water. Nearby, visit the Franciscan Monastery and its famous pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe.

Check Out the Church of St. Blaise: Pay a visit to the Church of St. Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik, located in the heart of the Old Town.

Explore Side Streets: Spend your late afternoon exploring the side streets, alleys, and hidden courtyards of the Old Town. You’ll find lots of shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.

Evening in Dubrovnik

Get Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant: Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant in the Old Town, where you can enjoy stunning views of the illuminated city walls and the Adriatic Sea.

2 Nights in Dubrovnik: Hotel Recommendation

As you wind down your 1 week in Croatia, choose a hotel that fits your budget and comfort levels. It’s worth noting that there are very few hotels within the Old Town of Dubrovnik, but there are a lot of great options nearby.

Here are my recommendations.

Search All Dubrovnik Hotels

Day 7: Dubrovnik

Your last day in Dubrovnik can be a bit more flexible. asyou say goodbye to Croatia. You might consider taking a boat tour to the nearby islands or just relaxing on the local beaches.

Morning in Dubrovnik

Take the Mount Srฤ‘ Cable Car: Start your second day by taking the cable car to Mount Srฤ‘. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, providing a bird’s-eye view of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. Check out this cable car tour to make it an easy journey.

Explore Fort Imperial: Visit Fort Imperial on Mount Srฤ‘, which houses the Homeland War Museum. Learn about the recent history of Dubrovnik during the 1991-1995 Homeland War.

Afternoon in Dubrovnik

Have Lunch with a View: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant on Mount Srฤ‘ with panoramic views.

Tour Lokrum Island: In the afternoon, head to Lokrum Island, just a short ride from Dubrovnik. Explore the island’s botanical gardens, visit the ruins of the Benedictine monastery, and relax on its scenic beaches. You can also choose to do a Game of Thrones tour in Lokrum Island.

Return to Dubrovnik: Return to Dubrovnik in the late afternoon and spend some time shopping for souvenirs or taking a walk along the city’s waterfront promenade.

Evening in Dubrovnik

Enjoy Dinner by the Sea: Have dinner at a seafood restaurant by the Adriatic Sea. Try local specialties like grilled fish or octopus salad. It is your last night in Croatia after all!

Catch Sunset in Dubrovnik: Spend your evening watching the sunset from one of the city’s many scenic spots. The views from the city walls or the Dubrovnik cable car station are particularly stunning.

Dubrovnik, Croatia
The Marina in Dubrovnik

What to Do with More than 1 Week in Croatia

This 1 week itinerary for Croatia covers a lot of ground. It offers a mix of history, nature, and coastal beauty all at a fast pace.

If you have more time, like 10 days or 2 weeks in Croatia, there are ways to both slow down your travel and add in more destinations to see the best of Croatia. Here are some of my favorite additions in the area.

Sample 2 Week Croatia Itinerary

If you want to know what a two week itinerary in Croatia might look like, this is one option of how to put it together. If you want more relaxation, remove the day trips that interest you least.

One of the biggest perks to having more time in Croatia is that you’ll be able to move less and enjoy each place more with less hotel switching.

  • Day 1: Zagreb
  • Day 2: Zagreb – Day trip to Slovenia
  • Day 3: Plitvice Lakes National Park
  • Day 4: Zadar
  • Day 5: Split – Day trip to Krka National Park
  • Day 6: Split
  • Day 7: Split – Day trip to Brac
  • Day 8: Hvar
  • Day 9: Hvar – Day trip to the Blue Cave
  • Day 10: Dubrovnik
  • Day 11: Dubrovnik – Day trip to Bosnia
  • Day 12: Dubrovnik – Day trip to Elafiti Islands
  • Day 13: Dubrovnik – Day trip to Montenegro
  • Day 14: Dubrovnik

No matter how long you plan to be in Croatia, remember to plan your accommodations and activities ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling during the busy season. It is a popular destination and things do book up!

Explore More of Croatia

To sum it all up, one week in Croatia will be a wild ride. There’s a lot to cover and you’ll have a fabulous time as you explore ancient cities, coastal towns, and amazing natural beauty.

From Zagreb to Plitvice, Zadar, Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik, you’ll have had a taste of Croatia’s many flavors in this one week Croatian itinerary. As I wrap things up, continue planning out your time in Croatia with these helpful resources.

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Julia is the founder of The Cure for Curiosity, a North Carolina-based traveler with experience across 100+ countries, from the pyramids of Egypt to Everest Base Camp to the Blue Hole in Belize. After years of fast travel and slow travel, solo journeys and road trips, she now helps curious travelers understand how to choose destinations wisely, pace trips intentionally, and experience places beyond the surface.

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