Ultimate 10-Day Croatia Itinerary: Croatia Travel Guide

Croatia is quickly becoming one of the top places to visit in the Mediterranean. With sunny weather, delicious food, beautiful beaches, and rich history, it’s easy to see why travelers are falling in love with this country.

From exploring the medieval streets of Dubrovnik to visiting the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes, there are so many amazing things to do in Croatia. Whether you’re into history, nature, or just relaxing by the sea, this Croatia travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a 10-day itinerary that hits all the must-see spots, with recommendations on where to stay in each destination. We’ll be basing ourselves in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, for easy access to top sights and nearby day trips. The stays we recommend (also featured in our 10 Best Places to Visit in Croatia guide) will help you make the most of your time in each area. You’ll also find tips on must-try local dishes and everything you need to plan your perfect Croatian adventure!

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Croatia 10-Day Itinerary Highlights

• Zagreb 
• Plitvice Lakes National Park 
• Zadar 
• Split 
• Hvar
• Trogir
• Omiš
• Dubrovnik 

Croatia Itinerary Breakdown

On this 10-day trip, you’ll stay in three main cities—Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik—as your bases. This setup helps you explore nearby highlights while keeping travel time manageable.

Zagreb (Days 1-3): Explore central and northern Croatia, with a day trip to Plitvice Lakes.

Split (Days 4-7): Enjoy coastal adventures, day trips to Hvar, and the Dalmatian coast.

Dubrovnik (Days 8-10): Relax and dive into southern Croatia’s history and culture.

Pro Tip: Consider renting a car for the scenic road trips between Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, but keep in mind the long distances. You can check out rental options on Rentalcars.com for the best deals. Alternatively, buses and ferries are available, offering a more relaxing way to travel between destinations.

Ultimate 10-Day Croatia Itinerary

Day 1-3: Zagreb (Base 1)

You’ll likely arrive at Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG), Zagreb’s main international airport, if flying in from Europe, North America, or other international hubs. After checking in, get ready to explore Croatia’s capital.

Where to Stay in Zagreb

After arriving and settling into your accommodation, head out to explore Zagreb. Here are some recommended options to consider for your stay:

City Centre Dream place (Budget-Friendly): Located in Zagreb’s Lower Town

Met Boutique Hotel (Mid-Range): Based in central Zagreb, features a terrace, restaurant, and bar.

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel (Unique Stay): A luxury historic hotel near the train station with elegant rooms, a spa, and two restaurants, close to Zrinjevac Park.

Things to Do in Zagreb:

• Upper Town (Gornji Grad)
• St. Mark’s Church
• Lotrščak Tower
• Ban Jelačić Square
• Dolac Market
• Zagreb Cathedral
• Museums

Pro Tip: If you want a fun local vibe, Jarun Lake also has bars and cafes by the water — it’s a great spot to unwind!

Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes

Start your day early for a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Croatia’s top attractions. The drive from Zagreb takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Spend the day exploring the park’s stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic wooden trails. You can hike through the upper and lower lakes, or take a relaxing boat ride across Kozjak Lake.

Highlights:

• Over 90 Waterfalls & 16 Interconnected Lakes
• Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera) and Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera)
• Prošćansko Lake
• Scenic Wooden Walking Paths and Boat Rides

Tips for Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Wear comfortable walking shoes – You’ll be doing a lot of walking on wooden paths and trails.
• Choose a route that takes 3–4 hours – This gives you time to see both the Upper and Lower Lakes without rushing.
• Start early – The park gets crowded quickly, especially in peak season. Arriving early means quieter trails and better photos.
• Pack a picnic lunch – There are a few places to eat inside the park, but bringing your own gives you more flexibility and saves time.

You’ll want your camera ready—Plitvice is one of the most photogenic places in Europe!

Day 4-7: Split (Base 2)

To travel from Zagreb to Split, you can either drive or take a bus. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours, offering scenic views of the Croatian countryside. Buses are frequent and comfortable, with the same travel time of about 4 to 5 hours, making it a convenient and relaxing option.

Where to Stay in Split

Looking for a great place to stay in Split? Here are some recommended options:

Split Allure Apartments (Budget-Friendly): Perfect for exploring the old town and a short walk to Bacvice Beach.

Heritage Hotel Antique Split (Mid-Range): Set within the historic Diocletian’s Palace.

Hotel Vestibul Palace & Villa (Unique Stay): Offers luxurious rooms within Diocletian’s Palace.

Explore Split

Split is a coastal city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, known for its Roman history, scenic harbor, nearby islands, and lively atmosphere. It’s a perfect blend of ancient culture and stunning seaside views.

Highlights:

• Wander the narrow alleys of Split’s Old Town
• Narodni Trg (Main Plaza)
• Voćni Trg
• Trg Republike
• Split National Theater
• Ribarnica Fish Market

Visit Diocletian’s Palace

Diocletian’s Palace:
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the heart of Split. Explore its ancient courtyards, Roman cellars, and temples. Today, it’s a lively space filled with shops, cafes, and events.

Old Town and Peristyle Square:
Stroll through the Old Town and stop by the impressive Peristyle Square—one of Split’s most iconic spots.

Pro Tip: Head to the Riva Promenade in the evening for a scenic walk by the sea, a glass of local wine, and dinner with palm-lined views.

Day Trip to Hvar Island

To reach Hvar from Split, take a ferry from the Split ferry terminal. The journey takes about 1 hour, offering beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea along the way. Ferries run regularly throughout the day, making it a convenient and scenic way to travel to this popular island

What to Do in Hvar:

• Explore Hvar Town
• Visit Hvar Fortress
• Relax on beaches
• Enjoy dinner in the old town before returning

The most famous island is Hvar, a UNESCO town known as the “sunniest island in the Adriatic Sea.” And also as a buzzy boozy party island. 

This sunny place attracts tourists galore. But if you go off season, you’ll skip this rather dreary side note and be medievalized by the enchanting place.

If you need to detox from tourists or cocktails, hike up to the hilltop fortress, Fortica Španjola, surrounded by pine trees, for excellent views.

Day Trip to Trogir or Omis

With an extra day in Split, take a short trip to Trogir for its rich history and architecture or head to Omiš for outdoor adventure and stunning nature.

Trogir

Take a half-day trip to Trogir (30 minutes by car), a UNESCO World Heritage town renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Explore the winding streets, stunning churches, and charming squares. Trogir is often referred to as Croatia’s “stone beauty” because of its ancient limestone buildings and picturesque ambiance.

Omis

Alternatively, take a trip to Omis (45 minutes by car), a small town known for its outdoor adventure opportunities along the Cetina River. You can try activities like rafting, zip-lining, or hiking. Don’t miss the Fortress Mirabela, offering stunning views of the town and the river.

Day 8-10: Dubrovnik (Base 2)

You can either drive or take a bus from Split to Dubrovnik, and it’ll take about 3.5 to 4 hours. Driving gives you the chance to enjoy some nice views and stop along the way, while the bus is comfy and easy, following the same route.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik:

Here are a few top-rated options we recommend if you’re basing yourself in Dubrovnik for a few days:

Guest House Maria Bilicic (Budget-Friendly): A family-run stay just a short walk from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Cozy rooms, a peaceful garden, and a welcoming host make it a great budget-friendly choice.

Dubrovnik Dream Apartments (Mid-Range): Located in the heart of the Old Town.

Prijeko Palace (Unique Stay): Stylish boutique hotel in Dubrovnik’s Old Town with artistic rooms and a rooftop terrace.

Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik

• Walk the City Walls
• Visit Fort Lovrijenac
• Sponza Palace
• Rector’s Palace
• Franciscan Monastery

Pro Tip: Take the Cable Car to Mount Srđ

For the best sunset experience, try to catch the cable car just before golden hour. This way, you’ll get to enjoy both daytime and sunset views as the city transforms with the changing light.

Pro Tip: Dinner with a View

Make a reservation at a seaside restaurant in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Dubrovnik’s best dining spots fill up quickly, so securing a table ensures you’ll have the perfect spot to enjoy both your meal and the stunning views of the Adriatic at sunset.

Dubrovnik is famous for its stunning palaces, the iconic orange rooftops, and its role as a Game of Thrones filming location. The city’s impressive fortifications, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, make it one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world.

Delicious Croatian Cuisine to Try

One of the best parts of traveling in Croatia? The food. From slow-cooked stews to fresh seafood and amazing local wines, there’s so much to try. Here are a few must-eats to look out for during your trip.

Pasticada

A slow-cooked beef stew from Dalmatia, served in a rich sauce with red wine, vinegar, and herbs, usually paired with gnocchi or homemade pasta.

Black Risotto (Crni Rižot)

A risotto made with squid or cuttlefish, giving it a deep black color and rich flavor from the seafood ink.

Peka

A dish where meat (lamb, chicken, or octopus) is slow-cooked with vegetables under a bell-shaped lid, resulting in a tender, flavorful meal.

Croatian Wines

Try local wines like Plavac Mali (red) and wines from Korčula (white) for a perfect pairing with Croatian meals.

Looking for more must-see spots in Croatia? Check out my Top Places to Visit in Croatia blog for more travel inspiration!

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