7 days in Croatia: The Perfect Week Itinerary
Whether you want to spend your days on the shores of sparkling blue waters, soaking up history and culture in a historic city center, or exploring a bit of nature, Croatia really does have it all. In just one week, you can see some of the best that this magical country has to offer by following this handy Croatia summer itinerary.
The euro is the official currency of Croatia. It was adopted on January 1st, 2023.
While Croatian is the official langauge of this country, English is widely spoken especially amongst the younger generations and in tourist hotspots.
Day 1: Zagreb
Starting in Zagreb is easy since it has an international airport that connects easily to the city by public transportation. Here, you can spend a day getting to know Croatia while getting over the jet lag. As the country’s capital, Zagreb is packed with interesting museums, delicious dining options, and historic buildings. Some sights to see include:
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Saint Mark’s Church, this medieval church, dating back to the 13th century, features stunning Gothic architecture and centuries of history.
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Market Dolac, enjoy a vibrant array of fresh and local product, and chat with local farmers and vendors who take pride in offering the finest seasonal goods.
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Lotrscak Tower, one of the city's oldest landmarks, climb the narrow staircase for panoramic views. Don’t be startled when a cannon fires from the tower at noon—it’s a centuries-old tradition!
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Strossmayer Promenade, a lovely walk along the Strossmayer Promenade allows you to take in both the city’s beauty and its bohemian soul. Street musicians often play, adding to the artsy, laid-back vibe of this charming area.
Day 2: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Next, get in touch with nature while visiting a real Croatian gem: Plitvice Lakes National Park. It’s the country’s most-visited attraction, and for a good reason. You can take a bus, but renting a car gives you a bit more freedom to stop and enjoy the scenery. After the two-hour journey, you’ll arrive in a wonderland of cascading waterfalls, wooden walkways, and turquoise lakes. Explore how water shapes the landscape, creating lush, thriving pockets of plant and animal life.
You can’t swim in the lakes, but you can spend the whole day wandering the trails and marveling at the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Park.
Day 3: Split
Game of Thrones fans will recognize the colorful tiled roofs and sparkling waters that await in Split. It’s on the Dalmatian coast and offers incredible views, tasty cuisine, and a lively historic city center. The historic center is pretty compact and easy to get around on foot. As you make your way through the winding streets, stop at the incredible Emperor Diocletian’s Palace and Peristyle Saure to discover the city's ancient past. You should also make your way to the Saint Domnius Cathedral, one of the city's top sites, and the Riva Promenade to enjoy beautiful waterfront views.
Days 4-5: Croatian Islands
Ready for some island hopping? Split has several boat and ferry lines that stop at nearby islands. With pebbly beaches, clear Adriatic waters, and plenty of sunshine, you’ll have trouble choosing just one island.
One popular option is Hvar. It’s just an hour’s ride from Split and offers a little bit of everything. In town, you can see historic sites like the Spanish Fortress, Venetian Loggia, and Saint Stephen’s Square. You can visit some beaches on Hvar or take a boat out to the nearby Pakleni Islands, where you can swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun.
Another option is Brac Island, which is home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach. You can also check out the lively town of Bol to discover the local culture.
Days 6-7: Dubrovnik
From the islands, ferry over to Dubrovnik for the last leg of your trip. Dubrovnik, or King’s Landing from Game of Thrones, is a majestic city on the Adriatic coast that’s surrounded by ancient city walls and glittering turquoise water. The Old Town boasts monuments like the Dubrovnik Cathedral, old city walls, and Sponza Palace.
If you’re looking for adventure, Dubrovnik also has thrilling activities like cliff jumping, kayaking, and cable car rides up to the mountain tops. If you want to island-hop, rent a jet ski and head to nearby Lokrum Island, or take a boat out to the Elafiti Islands.
Do I need cash in Croatia?
Yes, small restaurants, local markets, and areas off the beaten path may not accept cards. Cash also comes in handy for tipping tour guides, restaurants, and hotel staff. You will also be doing a lot of walking and will need to make small purchases such as water bottles and snacks, it is best to use cash for these types of purchases as credit cards charge high fees for foreign transactions.
It's also always a good idea to take local currency when traveling abroad in case of emergencies.
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