CROATIA TRAVEL ITINERARIES
While it’s not a large country, you still need a decent amount of time to see Croatia as a whole. As a Croatian, I’ve travelled all over Croatia many, many times, and here’s my collection of Croatia travel itineraries you can use depending on where you want to visit and how much time you have!
BEST CROATIAN TRAVEL ITINERARIES BY A LOCAL
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BEST CROATIA TRAVEL ITINERARIES
These are the only Croatia itineraries you’ll need to plan out the perfect holiday:
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need for a Croatia itinerary?
That depends on what you want to see and how active or relaxing you want your holiday to be. You can see the highlights in 5 days, but to see the whole country in detail, you’d need at least 3 weeks. I’d highly recommend having at least 10 to 14 days for a really relaxing and fulfilling visit to Croatia. Here’s a guide to help you decide how many days in Croatia is enough for you!
What is the best itinerary for first-time visitors to Croatia?
If you’re coming for the first time, it’s expected you’ll want to see the most popular places you’ve been hearing about. Those are usually Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split, and Plitvice Lakes. If you have 5 to 7 days, I’d concentrate only on these locations. If you have longer, you can add destinations like Korcula, Brac, and Krka National Park.
Is Croatia better explored by car or public transport?
Croatia is definitely better explored by car, just because you’re more flexible and can go wherever you want at your own pace. However, the buses and ferries in Croatia are more than alright, so you can easily see Croatia using only public transport as well. I’ve done both options and they each have their pros and cons. Here’s a 7-day itinerary without a car, using only public transport!
What is the best time of year to plan a Croatia itinerary?
I would say the best time to visit Croatia is May to June or September to October. July and August are obviously peak season, and while the sea is at its best during that time, the crowds can be very overwhelming, so it’s not the best option for those who don’t like crowds. I personally love September in Croatia!
Can I visit multiple Croatian islands in one itinerary?
Yes, but you’ll have to focus on the islands then, unless you have a lot of time. Even if you only visit the islands as day trips, it will take you at least a few days to see the most popular ones. Since the islands are really the best of Croatia, here’s my 7-day island hopping itinerary on my favourite Croatian islands.
Are Croatia itineraries expensive?
They absolutely can be, but they don’t have to be. Croatia has been getting more expensive each year, but you can still see it on a budget by using hostels, public transport, and cheap restaurants. It really depends on how you plan out your trip.
Is Dubrovnik worth including in every itinerary?
Honestly, yes. Unless you’re absolutely sure you can come back and visit Dubrovnik only and really focus on it, I’d suggest trying to add it to your itinerary. However, do that only if it makes sense. Seeing only north or central Croatia and then trying to do a day trip from Split or Zadar to Dubrovnik doesn’t make sense, so don’t do that. But if you’re travelling south, definitely try to include it, because it’s stunning.
Are Croatia itineraries suitable for families?
Yes, Croatia is a great family destination. The beaches are very family-friendly, there are plenty of hotels and apartments suitable for children, and there are lots of activities kids can enjoy, including adrenaline and aqua parks.
Can I combine Croatia with other countries in one itinerary?
That depends on how much time you have for Croatia. The most popular combination is Croatia and Slovenia, but don’t do that unless you have at least 10 days. Also, don’t expect to see Slovenia and Dubrovnik in the same trip, it’s just too far. What you can easily do is take day trips to Montenegro or Bosnia from southern Croatia and see other countries that way.
Are guided itineraries or self-planned itineraries better in Croatia?
You can easily self-plan your whole trip to Croatia. Croatia is an easy country to visit, so you don’t need a guide the whole time. I would, however, recommend easy day-trip tours if you don’t have a car, since visiting destinations such as Mostar or Kotor for a day trip is much more enjoyable on a guided tour than using public transport by yourself.