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One of the most beautiful countries we’ve travelled around, our two week Croatia itinerary suggests how to split up your time between, and what to do in, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik. Plus, which tours are worth the hype and planning tips.
Croatia Itinerary
3 Nights: Zadar
Wander aimlessly through the narrow Old Town limestone alleys lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, finding your way back to the same spots and discovering new alleys.
Chase the shade from the square umbrellas while enjoying a local wine, beer, spritz, or cocktail.
Walk along the promenade that lines the water to the unique sea organ, which plays music using wave power!
Book this trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park for a full day of strolling over walkways that take you through a variety of waterfalls and by turquoise lakes.
Note: cash is required for the park entry fee, in addition to the four.
Dining and Drinking in Zadar
- Breakfast at Coffee and Cake
- Tri Bunara for salad and pizza
- Gelato at Bob Rocks
Transport from Zadar to Split
Pre-book the Flix Bus from Zadar Bus Terminal to Split Bus Terminal for an efficient and scenic drive between the two destinations. Split Bus Terminal is very central.
7 Nights: Split
Split feels bigger than Zadar and sees more cruise footfall.
Like above, spend time walking the Old Town and its fortress walls.
There’s a daily market selling local produce and souvenirs for those who like to shop.
Spend a day or two at Bacvice Beach, which can be reached by foot or Uber and has a handful of bars and restaurants.
The water isn’t quite as clear as you’ll find on boat tours, but decent enough for a dip to cool down; we spent multiple mornings or afternoons jumping in the sea!
Pack a beach towel and nab a free bench or splurge €25 for a sun bed and parasol.
Dining and Drinking in Split
- Breakfast at Feel Green
- Coffee or smoothies at Jo Sisters
- Coffee and a croissant at Kakantun
- Shaded dining experience at Galerija Bar Food
- Similar vibe at Fig
- St Burek or Babic for burek
- Focaccia for take-out lunch
- Cevapi at a small restaurant next to Tinel Coffee
- Gelato at Verde and Emiliana
Split Day Trips
Split is a great base for day tripping to the islands.
The boat tour was an absolute highlight for us and well worth getting up at 5:15 for!
The tour stops at Vis (Mamma Mia filming location), Hvar (popular, bigger island – try the orange wine), and a couple of swimming spots.
The ride is bumpy and exhilarating!
You can take a trip to Hvar independently if you prefer more than 2.5 hours, which is enough time to walk to the fort and enjoy lunch.
It is also straightforward to take a catamaran (cash only) to Trogir, which is another popular island near Split.
Transport from Split to Dubrovnik
Pre-book the Flix Bus from Split Bus Terminal to Dubrovnik Bus Terminal.
Note: Dubrovnik Bus Terminal is an Uber ride away from the Old Town, but it does have left luggage facilities (cash only) if you are only spending a day in the city.
3 Nights: Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik differs from the above locations as not only can you walk through the historic area – you can also walk its walls.
We decided against this activity, but if you plan to do it, book the city pass as it is the same price as the wall walk entry, but also includes entry to other attractions.
One of the most appealing things to do in Dubrovnik is enjoy a cocktail at a cliff bar like Bard (Mala buža) in the Old Town.
Game of Thrones fans will be in awe and can learn more about the filming locations during local tours.
A highlight for me was staying in Lapad to be close to the sea and the marina.
In this neighbourhood, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and bars which lead to a stony beach.
To the right of the beach, you’ll find rocky areas ideal for sunbathing and taking dips in the water.
We did the day tour to Montenegro, which included a bus ride across the border, a guided boat tour and a short guided tour of Kotor.
Kotor felt a little bit like Disney, and we were really disappointed with the guide’s food recommendation, which gets 1* reviews on Google; we didn’t check this before spending €60 on undercooked pizza and overcooked meat.
If you plan to do this day trip, remember your passport and cash to enter Kotor and to use public toilets (coins).
Dining and Drinking in Dubrovnik
- Breakfast at Agora
- Lapad Restaurant for exceptional service and grill
- Cocktails at Buzz Bar
- Cliff drinks and swims at Bard
Croatia Trip Planning Tips
- Currency is the Euro
- Some eateries only accept cash, especially for takeaway food
- ATMs charge around 5 euros per transaction
- Uber is active and used by tourists and locals alike
- Flix bus is an economical way to travel between destinations
- Don’t skip the islands, book a tour or use the local catamarans and boats
- Tommy is a local supermarket/grocery store
- You can drink the tap/faucet/fountain water
- Visit off-season to avoid 30+ degrees and high cruise ship footfall
Read next: a guide to Mostar.