You have finally booked your dream holiday to Croatia and it’s time to plan your trip – let’s start! This is the ultimate 2 week Croatia itinerary including where to go in Croatia, what to do and the very best places to visit. This Croatia guide includes stunning Croatian towns by the coast, going back in time in Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian coast.
When is the best time to travel to Croatia?
For a nice warm holiday, the best time to travel to Croatia is in the summer between June and September. In this time, you can go for lovely swims in the sea and soak up some sun on the beach. I would recommend travelling to Croatia towards the start to mid September to enjoy the warmer weather, but with fewer crowds.
Is Croatia Safe to Travel?
As Croatia becomes more popular, many are considering the country for their next break and are wondering ‘Is Croatia safe for tourists?’
After a two week trip to Croatia last summer, I’m happy to say that it is safe to travel to and I had a great time. We travelled to numerous cities by coach and did not experience any incidents or issues that would cause us to feel unsafe.
How to Travel Around Croatia?
The best way to travel within Croatia is by bus or ferry which is very convenient and reliable. Unfortunately, Croatia does not have public trains available for faster journeys.
Another option to travel around Croatia is to rent a car. I find that this limits the number of places you can stay as you have to worry about parking spaces at your accommodation.
Do you need a visa to travel to Croatia?
Croatia recently joined the Schengen zone, so if you need a visa for Schengen countries, you will need a visa to visit Croatia. In general, British, American and Canadian citizens, among others do not need a visa, but be sure to check the Croatian embassy website before travelling.
As a Nigerian living in the UK, I do need a visa to visit Croatia.
Croatia Itinerary: Zagreb - 1 day
For this two week Croatia itinerary, we will be flying into Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. Zagreb is a great location for a city break if you enjoy exploring museums, strolling through beautiful gardens and city life. One of the best things to do in Zagreb is to visit The Museum of Broken Relationships. It actually made the list of unusual museums in the world, but there will be no spoilers on what you’ll find there, book your ticket here.
If you love strolling through gardens, then don’t miss the Zagreb Botanical Garden right in the centre of town, Maksimir Park or Bundek Park too!
Don’t miss out on a trip to Dolac market, an open-air farmers market just behind the town’s main square. You will find fresh produce, fruits, fish, meats etc and authentic Croatian cuisine.
One of the amazing things about travelling Europe is that you can take a day trip to another country! Did you know you can take a day tour from Zagreb to Lake Bled and Ljubljana in Slovenia?
We went on this tour and it was so incredible seeing the beauty of Lake Bled, taking a boat out to Bled Island and entering Bled Castle! The tour was so convenient as we got picked up and dropped off near our accommodation without worrying about driving or using public transport. Don’t forget to try Bled cake as is only sold in the castle, book your tour here.
Croatia Itinerary: Plitvice Lakes - 2 days
Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park by coach (2 hours)
This has to be my absolute favourite place from my trip, you must add it to your list of places to go in Croatia. Plitvice Lake National Park is a must see UNESCO world heritage site that has 16 terraced lakes joined by numerous waterfalls. Once I passed through the entrance, I was amazed by how big and powerful the waterfalls were, honestly felt so incredible to witness.
If you want to visit Plitvice Lake on your own (which I recommend), book a direct coach from either Zagreb or Zadar and get off at the park’s entrance 1. This way, you get there at a time of your choosing and can spend as long as you would like. The bus from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes takes around 2 hours and from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes takes about 1.5 hours. Personally, I would not recommend a day trip from Split to Plitvice Lakes because that journey takes at least 3.5 hours.
I recommend spending at least one night around Plitvic Lakes. The best place to stay to visit Plitvice Lakes is in one of the nearby lodges, we stayed in this one less than 100 metres from the park’s entrance and had an incredible view of the area.
You can also visit with a licensed tour guide in a group tour if you would like more structure to your visit. You can choose day tours from Zagreb or from Zadar.
We visited at the end of May and it was gorgeous, but unfortunately it rained throughout our visit. The downside of this was that the upper lakes were closed for safety due to floods. Also, we were not able to walk on the boardwalks beside the lakes. This just means that we will have to return soon – and I can’t wait!
The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes is definitely in the summer months between June and September. Be sure to book your timed entry tickets in advance here.
Croatia Itinerary: Zadar - 3 days
Plitvice Lake to Zadar by coach (1.5 hours)
You know when you arrive at a plave and it’s love at first sight? That’s exactly how I felt about Zadar. Wander round the cobblestone streets of Zadar old town, admire the stone houses and the view of the sea from the Riva. Watch the Greetings to the Sun and listen to the waves from the natural Sea Organ. There is an abundance of things to do in Zadar!
For a water adventure, book this tour to Kornati island and admire the views of the Telašćica National Park with breakfast and lunch included. Take a guided tuk tuk tour around Zadar’s old town and end the day with a sunset boat trip with unlimited sparkling wine.
Compared to the other destinations we visited, Zadar was the most affordable for food and accommodation options. You absolutely cannot miss watching the sunset at Riva Zadar, the views are unrivalled. Orange sky, turquoise sea with ships passing by and clear view of the mountains in the background!
Zadar has a very unique attraction – the Sea Organ. The Sea Organ is an architectural music instrument carved into the steps of the seafront promenade along Riva Zadar. The sounds you hear are of the waves entering and leaving the 35 organ pipes in the concrete made to capture them. You have to add this to your list of what to do in Zadar.
Our favourite restaurant for quality and freshness of seafood was also located in Zadar, Konoba Tovar in the old town. This beautiful town is an absolute must for your Croatia itinerary.
Croatia Itinerary: Split - 2 days
Zadar to Split by coach (2.5 hours)
On first glance, you may think this city lined with palm trees along the promenade is Miami, it’s not. This is scenic centre of old town Split, Croatia! Begin with a walking tour of old town Split and the Diocletian palace.
Go for a swim and soak up the sun at Bacvice Beach, one of Split’s most popular sandy beaches. An absolute must do in Split is a trip to the Blue cave, book this tour and add a stop in Hvar. The Blue cave is one of the most beautiful in Europe and the water inside is so clear that you can see down to the very bottom.
Teraca Vidilica has one of the best views in Split, enjoy the scenery with a delicious cocktail in hand. Speaking of delicious food and beautiful views, Restaurant Adriatic is one of the best restaurants in Split. It has an incredible view over the adriatic sea (you guessed it) and the food is a solid 9 out of 10.
You can take a nature-themed day trip from Split to Krka Waterfalls and end it with some wine tasting (also included in the tour).
Croatia Itinerary: Korcula - 3 days
Split to Korcula Island by ferry (2.5 hours)
Pronounced as ‘kor-CHU-la. This island is one of the most beautiful in Croatia and if you’re wondering if Korcula is worth a visit, then I’m here to tell you that it most definitely is! Some visit as a day trip from Dubrovnik, but believe me when I say you need to spend at least 3 days on this stunning island of Korcula.
You need to spend at least 3 days here in Korcula and at least one of those visiting the nearby islands on a hop off and hop off ticket. Korcula is famous for it’s winemaking, wine lovers, be sure to visit one of the wineries for wine tastings.
Korcula is an absolute must for your Croatia itinerary, but if you really (really, really) only have one day to spend in Korcula, then I’d recommend this day tour from Dubrovnik. It includes a guided tour around Korcula and a visit to one of Korcula’s wineries with wine tastings.
Some people believe that the famous explorer Marco Polo was born and raised in Korcula. You can visit his home that has been turned to a museum very close to the old town.
Croatia Itinerary: Dubrovnik - 3 days
Korcula to Dubrovnik by ferry (2 hours)
What would a 2 week Croatia itinerary be without including the iconic Dubrovnik? Dubrovnik has recently risen to fame due to Game of Thrones being filmed here, but I promise there’s a lot more to this incredible city. For Game of Thrones fans, you absolutely have to book this guided tour that takes you round filming sites and lets you in on behind the scenes filming secrets.
Before actually visiting Dubrovnik, I didn’t realise that it’s not just perfect for a city break, it’s also a seaside destination. Isn’t that perfect?? With so much to do in Dubrovnik, I’ve recommended 3 days. In reality you can stay for much longer to explore the nearby islands including Hvar, Korcula and Lokrum islands.
Read more: 10 Best Things to Do In Dubrovnik Croatia
What most people don’t know about Dubrovnik is how steep it is, the hills and stairs are comparable to Lisbon, maybe even more challenging! I found that this is hardly mentioned when people talk about Dubrovnik which is absolutely crazy.
My biggest tip for choosing where to stay in Dubrovnik is to stay in the old town. Trying to go up so many steps after a day in the old town can be really tiresome.
Did you know you can take day tours from Dubrovnik to Kravice Waterfalls and Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Mostar felt like it was in a completely different continent with the Turkish influences around the city and the bazaar!
Also incredible is you can take a day tour to Perast and Kotor in Montenegro instead and enjoy a boat cruise. Take in the stunning views of the Bay of Kotor and visit the man-made island of Our Lady of the Rock.
We definitely took advantage of our time in Zagreb and Dubrovnik to visit other nearby countries and they really complemented our Croatia itinerary
