Last Updated on April 18, 2025 by mulamagnet1

I was standing on Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls at sunset, when a local older man came up to me. “You know,” he said in his Croatian accent, “we have a saying here – ‘The sea will wash away all your troubles, but the rakija will help you forget them.'”–rakija being the local drink that’s similar to Greek ouzo. He winked, and we both turned to watch the Adriatic ignite with golden light. That moment, right there, captures everything magical about Croatia.

Listen, I’ve spent two decades losing myself (sometimes literally) across 40-something countries, but Croatia? This place gets under your skin like few others. Over the next 2,000-odd words, I’m going to spill my absolute favorite 10-day Croatia itinerary – the kind that balances those must-see postcard spots with the hidden gems that’ll make you feel like you’ve discovered something all your own.

Croatia is a land where Roman ruins casually neighbor chic beach clubs, and where grandmothers will force-feed you homemade cheese until you physically cannot stand if you let them.

Click on square in upper left corner of map to enlarge.

Getting There: The Practical Stuff

For this 10-day Croatia itinerary, you’ll almost certainly fly into Zagreb International Airport to begin your journey. Most major European carriers and several international airlines offer regular flights to Zagreb, and it’s the perfect starting point for this north-to-south adventure.

For your return journey, you’ll fly out of Dubrovnik Airport. This creates what travelers call an “open-jaw” ticket (flying into one city and out of another), which is perfect for Croatia’s elongated geography. Booking this way saves you the long backtrack to Zagreb that would waste precious vacation time.

If you’re coming from North America, you might connect through major European hubs like Frankfurt, Paris, or London. From Asia or Australia, look for connections via Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai or Doha. Checking flight aggregators for these multi-city itineraries can give surprisingly reasonable fares, especially in shoulder season.

For the smoothest journey possible, I highly recommend picking up a Lonely Planet Croatia Guide before your trip. It’s been my constant companion through countless Croatian adventures, with detailed maps that have saved me when my phone died in remote coastal villages.

For travelers who want to experience Croatia in true comfort and style, I highly recommend booking accommodations through Luxury Croatian Villas where you can secure stunning seafront properties with private pools starting at $300/night. These exclusive villas often come with concierge services that can arrange everything from private boat tours to personal chefs who’ll prepare fresh seafood caught that morning – creating the kind of authentic luxury experience that hotel chains simply can’t match.

When traveling on a more modest budget, many fine accommodations can be found on Bookings.com.

Travel hack: Sometimes, flights to nearby airports in neighboring countries lilke Ljubljana (Slovenia) or even Venice (Italy) and taking ground transportation to Croatia can save hundreds of dollars, particularly during high season.

 

Day 1: Zagreb – Where Old World Charm Gets a Modern Twist

Most travelers skip straight to the coast, and honestly? That’s their loss. Zagreb’s got this perfect blend of Austro-Hungarian grandeur and quirky character that deserves at least a day of your precious vacation time.

Start in the Upper Town, where the streets wind like nobody bothered with urban planning. The Museum of Broken Relationships (yes, that’s a real place) houses everything from abandoned teddy bears to actual ax weapons, each with heartbreak stories that’ll make your last breakup seem positively pleasant by comparison.

For lunch, elbow your way into Dolac Market where local farmers will absolutely judge your produce-selecting technique. An elderly woman with hands like weathered oak once slapped my wrist when I squeezed a tomato too hard. “You touch like that on first date? No wonder you travel alone!” The entire market erupted in laughter. I’ve never handled tomatoes the same way since.

Pro tip: Grab some peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables under a bell-like dome) at Stari Fijaker. What your arteries lose in health, your soul gains in happiness.

Evening drinks should definitely happen in Tkalčićeva Street. I recommend Craft Room for local brews that’ll make you question why you ever drank mass-produced beer in the first place.

Day 2: Plitvice Lakes – Mother Nature Showing Off

Rise early and catch a bus to Plitvice Lakes National Park, about two hours from Zagreb. Listen, I’m generally skeptical of places hyped on Instagram, but Plitvice genuinely deserves every pixel of attention it gets.

Sixteen lakes cascade into each other through a series of waterfalls that look like they were designed by someone with an excessive imagination. The boardwalks wind directly over crystal water so clear you can count fish having their own little underwater dramas.

I was there during a brief thunderstorm, which scared away the crowds and left me alone with the amplified roar of waterfalls. Sometimes getting soaked to the bone creates the most indelible memories.

Insider move: Most tourists do the upper lakes first. Go backward. You’ll thank me when you’re not playing human bumper cars on narrow walkways.

Stay overnight near the park at one of the family-run guesthouses. Look for signs saying “Sobe” (rooms) or book ahead online if you’re less spontaneous than me. The homemade breakfast spreads alone are worth extending your 5-day Croatia itinerary into the full 10 days in Croatia itinerary I’m recommending.

Days 3-4: Split – Where Ancient Rome Meets Beach Party

A morning bus delivers you to Split, where Diocletian’s Palace isn’t some roped-off museum piece – it’s a living, breathing part of the city where locals hang laundry from 1,700-year-old Roman windows. The juxtaposition never gets old.

For your 1 day in Split, Croatia (though I’m giving you two), get purposefully lost in the palace’s warren of alleyways. Eventually, you’ll stumble onto Peristyle Square, where columns that have witnessed 17 centuries of human drama now provide acoustics for talented street musicians.

I once bought a coffee just to sit and listen to a cellist play Bach as the evening light turned the ancient stone the color of honey. Sometimes the cheapest experiences deliver the richest returns.

Climb the bell tower of St. Domnius Cathedral for the view. The steps get narrower as you ascend, which I discovered is especially exciting when meeting descending traffic with my American-sized personal space expectations. By the top, you’re practically in first-name-basis territory with complete strangers. But those views? Worth every awkward body contortion.

For dinner, wander toward Varoš neighborhood, where konobas (traditional taverns) serve seafood pulled from the Adriatic that morning. At Konoba Nikola, order the black cuttlefish risotto. Yes, it will temporarily dye your teeth black. Yes, your dinner companions will take embarrassing photos. Yes, it’s absolutely worth the temporary dental discoloration.

Day 4 is beach day. Take the trail to Kašjuni Beach if you’re feeling active, or hop on a ferry to Brač island and visit the famous shape-shifting Zlatni Rat beach. The beach literally changes shape depending on winds and currents – much like my travel plans after a few glasses of local wine.

The Rocky Reality of Croatian Beaches: A Love Letter to Water Shoes

There’s something you need to know about Croatian beaches. If you’re expecting long, sandy beaches, it’s not going to happen. Croatia’s coastline is mostly rocky or pebbly.

My first Croatian “beach” experience had me tiptoeing like a cartoon character on hot coals, wondering why locals were casually strolling across what felt like nature’s version of a foot massage torture device. Then I spotted their secret weapon – water shoes.

Those rubber-soled, neoprene booties that look decidedly unfashionable but transform from ridiculous to essential in about three seconds flat.  I can’t emphasize enough how essential good water shoes are – my Aqua Socks Ultimate Water Shoes have protected my feet on countless Croatian pebble beaches while being compact enough to toss in any daypack.

Here’s the upside though – these rocky and pebble beaches keep the water astonishingly clear. No sand means no cloudy water when waves crash. The visibility is so good you’ll think someone installed a high-definition screen underwater. I’ve spotted sea urchins, fish, and even an octopus while just standing waist-deep off a Croatian beach.

That said, Croatia isn’t entirely devoid of sandy spots. Saharun on Dugi Otok island, parts of Brač, and Lopud island near Dubrovnik offer genuine sandy beaches. They’re just rare enough to feel like you’ve discovered hidden treasure when you find one.

 

Days 5-6: Hvar – Where the Beautiful People Play (And Where You Can Too)

Ferry over to Hvar, the sunniest spot in Croatia and playground for everyone from backpackers to billionaires. The harbor fills with yachts that cost more than most people’s lifetime earnings, but nobody seems to care about status once the sun sets and the rakija starts flowing.

Hike up to the Spanish Fortress for sunset views that’ll flood your Instagram feed with jealous comments. The climb isn’t exactly gentle, and I may have dramatically declared myself on the verge of death approximately fourteen times during the ascent. A British couple in their 70s casually power-walked past me while discussing their retirement accounts. Nothing like active seniors to put your fitness level into humbling perspective.

Night brings a decision: join the beautiful people at Carpe Diem Beach Club (boat ride required), or seek out more authentic vibes in the old town backstreets? Why not both?

Your 7-day Croatia itinerary (if you’re counting) should include at least one night where you dance until your feet hurt and one where you have philosophical conversations with locals over homemade wine.

If brave enough, rent a scooter or four-wheeler to explore the lavender fields and hidden coves scattered across the island.  Doing this, one wrong turn led me to a tiny pebble beach where an old fisherman offered me fresh sea urchin. He cracked it open with his weathered hands. “First time?” he asked, amused at my hesitation. Sometimes saying yes to strange-looking food from strangers creates the best stories – and it was delicious.

Days 7-8: Korčula – The Island Time Forgot

From Hvar, catch another ferry to Korčula, allegedly Marco Polo’s birthplace (though Venetians might fight you on this claim). The medieval walled town resembles a smaller, less crowded Dubrovnik, arranged in a fishbone pattern to minimize wind while maximizing circulation.

Rent bikes and explore the vineyards producing some of Croatia’s best white wines. Grk wine exists practically nowhere else on earth, and after tasting it, you’ll understand why locals keep most of it for themselves.

I found a family-run winery where three generations were working together. The grandmother spoke no English but communicated entirely through food, continuously bringing plates of cheese, olives, and prosciutto that I couldn’t refuse without causing international incident. The grandfather poured increasingly generous glasses of wine while the grandson translated their stories of island life through the decades.

Travel truth: Sometimes the most meaningful cultural exchanges happen without a shared language.

Days 9-10: Dubrovnik – The Pearl of the Adriatic (Yes, It Lives Up to the Hype)

Cap off your 10-day itinerary Croatia adventure in stunning Dubrovnik. Yes, Game of Thrones fans crowd certain spots. Yes, cruise ships disgorge thousands of visitors daily. And yes, despite all this, it’s still absolutely magical.

Walk the city walls first thing in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and heat. The full circuit takes about two hours if you stop to gape at every perfect view (which you will). One side faces the endless blue Adriatic; the other overlooks the jumble of terracotta rooftops punctuated by church domes and laundry lines.

Speaking of views, take the cable car up to Mount Srđ for a perspective that puts the compact walled city into context against the vast blue sea. During the 1990s war, this mountain was crucial to the city’s defense. The Homeland War Museum offers a sobering counterpoint to the city’s beauty below.

For your last night, splurge on seafood at Proto or go casual at Barba for unconventional seafood street food. Then wander the marble streets after dark, when day-trippers have departed and the stone glows under subtle lighting.

The ultimate insider move? Find Buža Bar, literally a “hole in the wall” establishment perched on cliffs outside the city walls. There’s no sign – just look for a doorway through the walls. Order an overpriced beer, find a spot on the rocks, and watch the sun sink into the Adriatic. If that doesn’t make you philosophize about life’s beauty, I don’t know what will.

Lokrum: The Island of Rocks, Rabbits, and Relaxed Attitudes

Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s old harbor lies Lokrum, an island that feels worlds away from the polished marble of the old town. Legend claims Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked here, but today’s visitors come quite intentionally for its raw natural beauty.

The island is a playground for adrenaline junkies and peace-seekers alike. On the rocky southern coast, fearless locals and tourists alike hurl themselves from massive rocks into the deep blue Adriatic. I watched a Croatian teenager execute a perfect swan dive from what looked like a three-story building height. When I approached the edge to peer over, my stomach did somersaults. “Easy!” he called up. “Water very deep!” I eventually worked up the courage for a much more modest jump, and I’m still not sure if my scream was terror or exhilaration.

Beyond the rocky beaches, Lokrum harbors a saltwater lake called the Dead Sea, botanical gardens, and an abandoned Benedictine monastery. Oh, and a colony of peacocks that strut around like they own the place (they kinda do).

On the southeastern side of the island and you’ll find FKK, a designated naturist area where clothing is decidedly optional.  I accidentally wandered into this zone while hiking and suddenly found myself among dozens of naked sunbathers. A middle-aged man with a tan that suggested he’d been nude outdoors since the fall of communism nodded at me sympathetically. “First time?” he asked. When I nodded awkwardly, still fully clothed, he laughed. “No worry. In Croatia, we say the sea accepts everyone – with or without swimsuit.”

Island tip: The last ferry back to Dubrovnik leaves earlier than you might expect. Check the schedule or risk an unexpected overnight stay with only peacocks for company.

Island-Hopping: The Elaphiti Islands Day Trip

While in Dubrovnik, set aside half a day for a quick boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands – Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan – floating just offshore like emerald stepping stones. Regular ferries make the journey, but for maximum freedom, join a small boat tour or splurge on a private water taxi.

Lopud is the middle child and my personal favorite. Šunj, a genuine sandy beach, unlike much of Croatia’s coastline is great. The island has a no-car policy, making the 30-minute walk from the harbor to the beach a pleasant journey through Mediterranean vegetation rather than a traffic-dodging adventure.

“We come here to escape even from Dubrovnik,” a local bartender confided. “Sometimes paradise needs a break from paradise, you know?”

On the northern end of Lopud, beyond a rocky outcropping that requires a bit of scrambling, lies one of Croatia’s clothing-optional beaches. My accidental discovery of this naturist area led to what might be the fastest 180-degree turn I’ve ever executed, followed by a good-natured laugh from sun-bronzed regulars. “American?” one called out as I retreated. When I nodded, another yelled, “The body is natural! Nothing to fear!” Easy for someone who clearly hadn’t seen the inside of a gym since the Yugoslav era to say.

If you have time, Koločep (locally called Kalamota) offers the Blue Cave, a serene grotto accessible only by swimming or kayak. The sunlight filtering through underwater openings creates an ethereal blue glow that feels like swimming through liquid sapphire.

Island wisdom: Pack everything you need for the day – many beaches have limited or no facilities. And remember, Croatian island time moves slower than mainland time, which itself isn’t exactly New York-paced.

 

The Road Not Taken: Worthy Alternatives

If you’re fortunate enough to extend into a 2-week Croatia itinerary, consider these additions:

• The rugged wilderness of Paklenica National Park for world-class rock climbing
• Zadar, where the Sea Organ lets ocean waves create hauntingly beautiful music
• The Istrian Peninsula, often called “Croatia’s Tuscany,” for truffles and wine
• The remote Kornati Islands, described by George Bernard Shaw as God’s tears of joy

For those with just 4 days in Croatia, focus on Split and Dubrovnik with a day trip to one island. Even a taste of Croatia is better than missing it entirely.

 

Parting Thoughts: Why Croatia Changes You

Ten days in Croatia gives you more than just photos of pretty places. It offers a master class in resilience from people who’ve rebuilt after wars, earthquakes, and economic upheaval without losing their hospitality or humor.

It teaches you that sometimes the best travel experiences happen when plans fall apart – like when my ferry got canceled, and I ended up hitchhiking with a local olive farmer who invited me to dinner with his family. Four hours of Google-translated conversation later, I had makeshift Croatian grandparents and a standing invitation for Christmas.

Croatia reminds us that the best destinations balance natural beauty, human history, and sensory pleasures equally. From architectural treasures to swimming spots so perfect they seem computer-generated, from food that makes you close your eyes in bliss to conversations with strangers that become lifelong memories – this Adriatic jewel delivers it all.

Want more tips for crafting your perfect Croatian adventure? Download my free “Adventure Travel on Any Budget” eBook and get my exclusive “Croatia Packing List/Budget” spreadsheet that’s helped hundreds of travelers make the most of their Adriatic escape.

For those looking to truly elevate their Croatian experience, I always recommend securing comprehensive travel protection through World Nomads Premium Travel Insurance which covers adventure activities like kayaking to hidden blue caves and hiking Paklenica’s rugged terrain. Their premium tier offers up to $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and substantial protection for expensive gear like cameras – essential for capturing those million-dollar Adriatic sunsets.

After twenty years of wandering this beautiful, messy world of ours, I can confidently say that however long your Croatia itinerary – 4 days or the full 2 weeks – this sun-soaked coastline deserves a prominent place on your travel life list. And when you’re packing, don’t forget a good 4-Season Travel Adapter that works across Europe – you’ll need it for keeping your gadget batteries charged.

Want more tips for crafting your perfect Croatian adventure? Download my free “Adventure Travel on Any Budget” eBook and get my exclusive “Croatia Packing List/Budget” spreadsheet that’s helped hundreds of travelers make the most of their Adriatic escape.

The memories you create along Croatia’s stunning coastline will stay with you long after your suntan fades. From the moment you first glimpse those terracotta rooftops to your final sunset over the impossibly blue Adriatic, Croatia doesn’t just become a place you’ve visited – it becomes a part of who you are.