A road trip through Croatia is full of surprises and variety. Did you know, for instance, that Croatia boasts 1,185 islands? Not only that, but you can find crystal-clear lakes, rugged mountains with scenic hiking trails, picturesque villages, and of course, countless idyllic beaches. It’s an awesome destination for a road trip! Curious about what such a journey might look like and which spots are worth the visit? We took an amazing trip around Croatia and are here to share our top tips with you.
Transport for this travel itinerary through Croatia
Most people who take a road trip through Croatia do it by car. In our opinion, it’s better to fly into Croatia and rent a car there. This way, you start your journey refreshed and still have the freedom to explore at your own pace with your own transportation. Plus, you’d have more vacation days left to truly enjoy the beauty of Croatia. Before you go, check out our tips for renting and driving a car in Croatia.
If you’re on a tighter budget and prefer to travel through Croatia using public transportation, that’s also an option. You can book bus and boat tickets through this website.
Recommendation: Make sure to check which option is the most affordable. Our route begins in Dubrovnik and ends in Pula, but you can also fly into Zagreb, Zadar, or Split if you want to take a different route.
How many weeks do you need for this travel itinerary?
We recommend setting aside at least 17 days for this Croatian itinerary. This gives you ample time at each location to enjoy the best activities without feeling rushed. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, adding a few extra days here and there wouldn’t hurt. If you’re short on time, you can trim the itinerary by spending less time in certain places or even skipping some entirely. Below, you’ll find details on all the spots this route covers. Additionally, we’ve written individual articles on each location, offering tips on the best things to do, great dining spots, and recommended places to stay.
Dubrovnik
Your journey through Croatia starts off on a high note in one of the best-preserved historical cities in the world. The old town of Dubrovnik is completely encircled by tall city walls, where you can take a beautiful walk during sunset. Inside these walls, you’ll find a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, each hiding its own unique treasures. Dubrovnik is often referred to as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic,’ and once you’ve been there, you’ll completely understand why. The city also served as the backdrop for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, and if you’ve watched the series, you’ll recognize many of its locations. Curious about what there is to do? Check out our tips for Dubrovnik!
Split
After Dubrovnik, it’s time for the next destination. But before you head there, you might choose to take a slight detour to visit Pasjaca beach. This is an incredibly beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters. Take a dip and bask in the sun before continuing your journey to Split.
The port city of Split serves as the gateway to several stunning islands off its coast. Following the capital, it’s the second-largest city in Croatia. The highlight of the city is Diocletian’s Palace, built around 300 AD on the orders of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. From the palace, you can easily stroll to the promenade, where you can enjoy a delightful ice cream as the sun sets and paints the sky in hues of orange. A single day is generally enough to explore Split, but there are also several attractive spots nearby that you might want to spend more time discovering. You can read about them in our article with tips for Split.
Traveltime: By car, it’s a 3-hour drive from Dubrovnik, or 4 hours if you take the detour via Pasjaca beach.
Hvar
The paradise-like island of Hvar is the perfect place to relax for a few days. In the south, you’ll find gorgeous coves with crystal-clear waters, and there’s always a great beach bar nearby. On Hvar, you can seek tranquility and enjoy a glass of wine on a patio, or dance until the early hours at the beach clubs. The island truly has something for everyone. You should also spend a day island hopping, exploring the most beautiful spots on the neighboring islands. Check out our recommendations for Hvar, where you’ll find information on the best beaches and hottest spots.
Traveltime: With the large ferry that accommodates cars, it’s a 2-hour trip to Stari Grad, followed by a 20-minute drive to Hvar Town. If you’re traveling without a car, the high-speed ferry will get you to Hvar Town’s harbor in just under an hour.
Krka
After a few days soaking up the island vibes on Hvar, it’s time to explore Croatia’s inland. Krka National Park is renowned for its waterfalls that span tens of feet in width and culminate in a crystal-clear green pool teeming with tiny fish. Many travelers only visit these famous waterfalls, unaware that Krka boasts other lesser-known falls. Check out our recommendations for Krka to ensure you don’t miss out on these hidden gems.
Traveltime: It’s a 20-minute drive to Stari Grad. Then, it’s a 2-hour ferry ride to Split, followed by another 1.5-hour drive to Krka.
Tulove Grede (pitstop with car )
After your visit to Krka, it’s time for even more waterfalls and turquoise lakes at Plitvice. However, on the way, you’ll first come across another national park called Sjeverni Velebit. Here, you can take an incredible hike to the peak of Tulove Grede. It’s a short hike, about 1.5 hours, but the views of the rocky landscapes are truly breathtaking. For practical details on how to get to Tulove Grede and what the hike entails, check out our article with tips for Tulove Grede.
Plitvice lakes
When you think of Croatia, quaint coastal towns, beautiful beaches, and the world-renowned Plitvice Lakes probably come to mind. This park features 16 emerald-green lakes and a staggering 90 waterfalls! Amidst these lakes and waterfalls, you’ll find meticulously designed hiking paths. Planning a visit to the Plitvice Lakes requires some forethought; there are 8 different routes to choose from, and you need to buy your tickets in advance. Therefore, check out our tips for visiting the Plitvice Lakes to ensure you get the best out of your experience.
Traveltime: It’s a 2-hour drive, or 3 hours if you make a stop at Tulove Grede.
Rovinj
The picturesque Rovinj is a small peninsula on the coast of Istria. All the buildings are painted in cheerful colors, giving you a sense that you’re close to Italy. The numerous cozy terraces, top-notch restaurants, and fun bars make you want to do nothing more than wander through the old town, hopping from one charming spot to the next. The city itself is indeed the main attraction. If you’re curious about the best spots in town, check out our tips for Rovinj.
Traveltime: 3,5 hours drive
Pula
We’re wrapping up our Croatia journey in Pula. Pula itself might not be that fascinating, but the nearby Kamenjak nature park is the perfect place to enjoy a day at the beach before heading home. Kamenjak boasts many beautiful beaches and even some cliffs you can jump off. Also, the amphitheater in Pula is worth a visit. For more information on these spots, check out our article with recommendations for Pula.
Traveltime: 45 minutes drive
Example day-to-day itinerary Croatia
Below is a sample itinerary for this travel route as we would recommend it. You can check out our articles on the destinations to see what there is to do. From there, you can decide if you anticipate needing more or less time and possibly adjust the itinerary accordingly.
- Day 1: Flight to Dubrovnik
- Day 2: Dubrovnik
- Day 3: Dubrovnik
- Day 4: Drive to Split
- Day 5: Split & surrounding areas
- Day 6: Travel to Hvar
- Day 7: Hvar
- Day 8: Hvar
- Day 9: Hvar
- Day 10: Travel to Krka
- Day 11: Krka
- Day 12: Travel to Plitvice Lakes via Tulove Grede
- Day 13: Plitvice Lakes
- Day 14: Travel to Rovinj
- Day 15: Rovinj
- Day 16: Pula
- Day 17: Flight back
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Croatia
During all our trips, we don’t only search for the best places and activities but also for the most ideal accommodations. In our opinion, a comfortable base is a crucial part of any trip. In Croatia, we’ve discovered many excellent hotels and B&Bs. Some have a unique location, while others boast a wonderful pool. Whatever the special feature might be, it’s certain that if you stay at these places, you’ll have a delightful experience. We’ve compiled all these recommendations in our article with tips for our favorites places to stay in Croatia.
