CROATIA 10-DAY ITINERARY: HOW TO SPEND 10 PERFECT DAYS IN CROATIA

If you’re searching for the best packed Croatia 10-day itinerary, you’re in the right place!

Although Croatia is a small country, it’s packed with beauty from north to south. You need at least a week to properly explore part of it, and if you have time for this 10-day Croatia itinerary, you’ll be able to see most of the country’s top destinations. However, this itinerary is quite full (I want you to see the absolute most!), so if you prefer a slower pace, adjust it to your travel preferences and abilities!

As a local Croatian who has travelled all over the country, even we still end up with packed itineraries because we love revisiting our favourite places while adding something new each time. If you’re visiting Croatia for the first time, choosing what to see can be overwhelming, but this is exactly how I would plan a 10-day itinerary if I were coming for the first time!

WHY CHOOSE THIS CROATIA 10-DAY ITINERARY?

If you’ve got less than 10 days, you’ll really only get to see Split, Dubrovnik, and and island or two. With 10 days you get to make a much broader itinerary, perfect for your first time in Croatia. This Croatia 10-day itinerary includes all the must-see locations without being totally overwhelming. It’s still really packed since there’s so much to see in Croatia, but you can slow down and leave out some of the locations if that’s what you’d prefer.

If you have less days, check out the following itineraries I’ve written:

BEST CROATIA 10-DAY ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: ZAGREB

Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, is a lively and historic destination worthy of a visit, so in this 10 day itinerary I would really recommend having at least a day for Zagreb, but ideally two.

Zagreb has the biggest international airport in the country, so there’s a big possibility you’ll fly straight to Croatia’s capital. I’d recommend staying one night in a hotel or Airbnb and using those two days to explore the best parts of the city.

A lot of people don’t think Zagreb is that interesting and skip it immediately. I’ve lived in Zagreb for almost 6 years, and while I wouldn’t say it’s as exciting as the coast during summer, I think it’s still worth visiting! Here’s a detailed 2-day Zagreb itinerary I wrote that I think will help you out a great deal, but you can also check out the 20 best things to do in Zagreb if you want to add or exchange some of my suggestions in the itinerary.

Here’s a quick list of landmarks you cannot miss:

• Upper Town (St. Mark’s Church, Stross Promenade, Tkalciceva Street)
• Zagreb Cathedral
• Zrinjevac Park
• Ilica Street
• Josip Jelacic Square
• Maksimir Park
• Botanic Garden

DAYS 3-4: ISTRIA (ROVINJ, PULA, AND MOTOVUN)

From Zagreb, I’d suggest continuing on to Istria. It’s a picturesque peninsula in the northwest of Croatia, known for its beautiful coastline, charming hilltop towns, and rich cultural heritage. The region really resembles Italy, with vineyards, olive groves, and colourful towns full of cobbled streets.

I absolutely love Istria, and while two days definitely aren’t enough to experience it fully, it’s still worth visiting even for a short time. Especially if you’re not sure when you’ll be back! For those who maybe have longer or want to focus on Istria, I have a detailed 5-day road trip itinerary you can check out!

Rovinj

You can start day three start by driving to Rovinj, on the Istrian peninsula. If you’ve come by car or rented one, the drive will be quick and painless. You can get to Rovinj in less than 3 hours. If you’re choosing public transport, the quickest ride is around 4 and a half hours and it costs around 25 euros.

Rovinj is one of Croatia’s most charming towns, with narrow cobblestone streets and colourful buildings. It’s a stunning gem often named one of the prettiest towns in Croatia and I totally agree with that. I think along with Dubrovnik, Rovinj is absolutely the prettiest town in Croatia. Besides exploring Rovinj’s gorgeous streets, here’s a list of other several things to do:

• Visit St. Euphemia Church and bell tower
• Explore the harbor for some of the best views
• Have a drink at Mediterraneo Bar near the sea

Pula

On day four, your second day in Istria, continue on to Pula. Pula is a city located on the tip of Croatia’s Istrian peninsula. While I don’t think Pula is mind-blowingly beautiful, it is known for its history and well-preserved Roman ruins which are definitely worth the visit. From Rovinj, it will take you 40 minutes to reach the city.

The most important landmark you’ll visit in Pula is the Pula Arena, a Roman amphitheatre dating back to the 1st century AD. It’s one of the best-preserved arenas in the world after the Colosseum, which makes it a pretty big deal. You can visit it for around 10 euros, and since the crowds are usually small, it’s an absolute must in my opinion.

After visiting the amphitheatre, take some time to wander through the historic old town and check out landmarks like the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of the Sergii.

Motovun

Half a day is enough for Pula, so in the afternoon, you can either hit the beach around Pula or continue to Motovun, which I’d actually recommend (there will be prettier beaches later!). Motovun is a small but gorgeous town on a hilltop. It will take you an hour to reach Motovun from Pula, just in time for some late lunch or early dinner. Motovun is known for its truffle delicacies, so don’t miss out on some delicious food there!

After a great meal, explore the old, charming town by wandering through the narrow streets and enjoy the gorgeous panoramic views from the top of the hill. Here are some additional stunning towns in Istria you might want to explore if you have the time!

DAY 5: PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK OR KRKA NATIONAL PARK

Day 5 is all about waterfalls, but you’ll need to choose which ones you want to visit, as doing both isn’t possible with this itinerary. However, if you decide to skip Istria, you can easily fit in both without having to choose. I personally prefer Plitvice Lakes, but you can decide which option you’d like more!

OPTION 1 – PLITVICE LAKES

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Croatia and is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. It’s probably the place you’ve seen the most on social media, along with Dubrovnik, and it’s absolutely worth the time and money to visit. The park is made up of a series of cascading lakes and stunning waterfalls surrounded by forests, and it’s truly an incredible sight. I’m an awe every time I visit and I’ve been there 5+ times!

It’s about a 3-hour drive from Istria to Plitvice, so either start your drive very early in the morning or drive there the night before and stay near the national park. You don’t need a full day to explore Plitvice, but if you’re visiting in summer, it’s best to arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

You can explore the park via well-maintained wooden walkways and hiking trails that take you all through the park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the lakes and waterfalls, as well as occasional wildlife sightings. Plitvice Lakes is truly an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

I honestly love visiting in every season, but autumn is probably my favourite. If you’re visiting in summer, arm yourself with patience because the crowds can be HUGE. The ticket is 40 euros per person in the high season, and for more information on Plitvice lakes you can read my Ultimate Guide to Plitvice Lakes by a Local!

OPTION 2 – KRKA NATIONAL PARK

Krka National Park is a beautiful natural paradise located in southern Croatia, and it’s also famous for its waterfalls, although they’re quite different from the ones at Plitvice. Krka is further from Istria, but it’s closer to the next destinations on this itinerary, such as Split or Hvar. You’ll have a longer drive at the start, but you’ll be much closer to where you’re heading next.

From Istria, it takes around 4 hours to reach Krka National Park. Since it’s not as big as Plitvice Lakes, you can easily explore it in one afternoon. It took us about 3 hours to see everything around Skradinski Buk, so you don’t have to worry about not having enough time.

You can explore the park via wooden boardwalks that run alongside the river and waterfalls. Unfortunately, swimming is no longer allowed in the park like it was before, but it’s still absolutely worth visiting.

Personally, I would choose Plitvice Lakes over Krka, but if your goal is to reach the coast faster, Krka is also a fantastic national park to explore. Here’s a detailed Krka NP guide!

DAYS 6-7: SPLIT AND HVAR ISLAND

After Plitvice or Krka national park, continue your way to Split. Split is a historic coastal city in Croatia, known for its ancient Roman ruins and lively atmosphere and nightlife. It must have a spot on this Croatia 10-day itinerary!

Split

Split is maybe Croatia’s most visited town, and it’s in almost everyone’s itinerary. At the centre of the old town, you’ll find Split’s most impressive landmark, the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace. It’s an impressive Roman monument surrounded by the old town with many narrow streets, energetic squares, and historical landmarks. Split’s waterfront promenade, known as the Riva, offers stunning is a popular spot for strolling, people-watching, and enjoying sunset views.

You can reach Split in 2.5 hours from Plitvice, and 1 hour from Krka National Park. I’d recommend using one day for Split and one for Hvar, but if you want to relax more you can use both days here for Split. In one day in Split you should explore the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and the rest of the old town, stroll along the Riva promenade, and hike up Marjan Hill for panoramic views. If you want to use the second day for Split as well, read my 2-day Split itinerary for more information on the best things to do in Split.

Hvar

The next day, you should go and enjoy a day trip from Split to Hvar. You just need to go to Split’s port and catch a ferry to Hvar. There are several ferries each day, the ride takes 1 hour and the ticket price ranges from 20-30 euros, depending on the ferry company and the demand. On Hvar, spend the day exploring its charming towns, beautiful beaches, and lavender fields. Here’s a detailed guide on how to take a day trip from Split to Hvar!

Some of the places you cannot miss on Hvar are:

• Old town of Hvar Town
• Delicious restaurants by the sea
• Beaches Dubovica or Pokonji Dol
• Hvar Fortress

In the evening either return to your accommodation in Split, or stay overnight and return to Split in the morning. If you want a really quick visit to Hvar and other islands, you can book a boat tour that will take you to several islands around Split, including the Blue Cave. I love this tour!

DAYS 8-10: DUBROVNIK AND ELAPHITI ISLANDS

From Split continue to your final destination on this holiday, Dubrovnik. It will take you just under 3 hours to reach Dubrovnik by car. If you’re using public transportation, the bus ride will take at least 4 hours and the ticket prices range from 13-20 euros, depending on the time and the crowds. You can also use a ferry – it costs around 50 euros and lasts 5.5 hours.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a historic coastal town which many love for its stunning medieval architecture, fortified walls, and picturesque setting. It’s truly incredible and trust me you won’t regret visiting this town. The Old Town is something out of a dream with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. This Croatia 10-day itinerary would be totally incomplete without Dubrovnik.

While many come exclusively for its old town and incredible city walls, Dubrovnik has much more to offer. You can enjoy nearby beaches, calm and relaxing islands, and some truly scenic viewpoints that will leave you speechless!

Here are a few key attractions you must see in 2 days in Dubrovnik:

• City Walls
• Old Town and Stradun
• Mount Srd
• Banje Beach
• Buza Bar
• Fort Lovrijenac
• Lokrum island

Lopud

Use one of your days in Dubrovnik for a tour of the Elaphiti islands, Lopud in particular. Elaphiti Archipelago is a must-visit while in Dubrovnik because it will take you away from the crowds of Dubrovnik to some more peaceful locations.

Elaphiti Archipelago consists of 3 bigger islands – Sipan, Kolocep, and Lopud. You can get a boat tour such as this one which will take you to the three islands over the course of 8 hours with lunch on board.

If you’re not up for a tour, you can get a ferry directly to Lopud. The ferry ride lasts around 45 minutes and it costs 10 euros round trip. Lopud is a peaceful oasis away from busy Dubrovnik and I would recommend it to everyone. There are no cars on the island so you can enjoy walking freely, and the island has one of the nicest beaches in Croatia. Sunj Beach is a long sandy beach with shallow waters perfect for sunbathing and snorkelling. I absolutely adore spending time on Lopud and we visit every year!

Read more about how to spend 1 perfect day on Lopud right here, and organise the best day trip from Dubrovnik!

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON THIS CROATIA 10-DAY ITINERARY

I’m a huge Croatia fan, and honestly, I don’t think even 10 days is enough to see everything Croatia has to offer. However, 10 days is a really great amount of time to cover the main highlights. This itinerary is definitely overpacked and not very relaxing, but it includes exactly what I believe you need to see in Croatia. If you never come back, this could still give you a really solid experience of the country.

Ideally, you’d either visit fewer places and relax more, or have more days and explore all these locations at a slower pace. Still, if you have 10 days, I wouldn’t change this itinerary too much unless you really have to.

CONCLUSION: CROATIA 10-DAY ITINERARY

This 10-day Croatia itinerary is definitely packed, but it covers everything you need to truly experience the country. I’d highly recommend including these locations if it’s your first time in Croatia, and if you’re returning, feel free to adapt it to your own needs and interests. As a local Croatian, my main goal is for you to see as much as possible without overdoing it!