Croatia, a gem on the Adriatic coast, offers an enchanting blend of historical marvels, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture. This 10-day itinerary takes you on a journey through the heart of Croatia, from ancient coastal towns to lush national parks. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or culinary adventurer, this diverse country has something to captivate every traveller.
Split to dubrovnik: coastal exploration and historical marvels
The journey begins in Split, a city where ancient history and modern life intertwine seamlessly. As you walk through the bustling streets, you’ll find yourself transported back in time, surrounded by structures that have stood for millennia.
Diocletian’s palace: architectural wonders of split
At the heart of Split lies Diocletian’s Palace , a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved monuments of Roman architecture in the world. Built in the 4th century AD as a retirement residence for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, this massive complex now forms the core of Split’s old town.
As you wander through the narrow alleys and expansive courtyards, you’ll encounter a fascinating mix of architectural styles, from Roman temples to medieval churches. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Saint Domnius , originally built as Diocletian’s mausoleum but later converted into a Christian church.
Hvar island: lavender fields and venetian fortresses
A short ferry ride from Split brings you to Hvar, often called the ‘Queen of the Dalmatian Islands’. Known for its lavender fields, picturesque harbours, and vibrant nightlife, Hvar offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
Explore the charming town of Hvar, dominated by the impressive Fortica (Španjola) fortress. This 16th-century citadel provides panoramic views of the town and the nearby Pakleni Islands. In June and July, the island’s lavender fields burst into bloom, filling the air with their soothing fragrance.
Korčula town: marco polo’s birthplace and medieval architecture
Next on your coastal journey is Korčula, an island steeped in history and legend. The town of Korčula, often referred to as ‘Little Dubrovnik’, boasts an impressive collection of medieval architecture within its fortified walls.
Korčula claims to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. While this is disputed by historians, you can visit the alleged house of Marco Polo , now a small museum dedicated to his life and travels. The town’s unique fishbone layout, designed to provide shelter from strong winds, is a testament to the ingenuity of medieval urban planners.
Dubrovnik’s old town: UNESCO heritage and game of thrones locations
The final stop on this coastal leg is Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. This ancient city, encircled by massive stone walls, is a treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions.
Walk along the city walls for breathtaking views of the old town and the Adriatic Sea. Visit the Rector’s Palace , a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and the Franciscan Monastery , home to one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe.
For fans of the hit TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, Dubrovnik offers a chance to visit numerous filming locations. The city served as the backdrop for King’s Landing, and you can take guided tours to see familiar spots from the show.
Zagreb to plitvice: northern croatia’s cultural and natural highlights
Leaving the coast behind, the journey continues to Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, and then on to the natural wonders of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Zagreb’s upper town: st. mark’s church and lotrščak tower
Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital, offers a stark contrast to the coastal towns. The city’s Upper Town (Gornji Grad) is a maze of cobblestone streets and colourful Baroque buildings.
Don’t miss St. Mark’s Church , with its distinctive tiled roof featuring the coats of arms of Zagreb and Croatia. Nearby, the Lotrščak Tower offers panoramic views of the city. Every day at noon, a cannon is fired from the tower, a tradition dating back to the 13th century.
Varaždin: baroque architecture and cemetery park
En route to Plitvice, make a stop in Varaždin, often called ‘Little Vienna’ due to its elegant Baroque architecture. The town’s well-preserved medieval fortress, Stari Grad , now houses a fascinating historical museum.
A unique attraction in Varaždin is its Cemetery Park , considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Designed in the early 20th century, it’s more of a park than a traditional cemetery, with carefully manicured hedges and a variety of trees and shrubs.
Plitvice lakes national park: travertine barriers and waterfalls
The journey culminates at Plitvice Lakes National Park, a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site. This system of 16 interconnected lakes, created by natural travertine dams, offers a spectacle of colours ranging from azure to green, grey, and blue.
Wooden walkways wind through the park, allowing visitors to get up close to the numerous waterfalls and cascades. The largest waterfall, Veliki Slap , drops an impressive 78 metres. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including bears, wolves, and numerous bird species.
The ever-changing palette of colours in Plitvice Lakes National Park, influenced by the angle of sunlight and mineral content in the water, creates a mesmerising natural spectacle that must be seen to be believed.
Istrian peninsula: roman ruins and truffle hunting
The Istrian Peninsula, often referred to as ‘Croatia’s Tuscany’, offers a delightful mix of historical sites, picturesque towns, and gastronomic delights.
Pula arena: Best-Preserved roman amphitheatre outside italy
Begin your Istrian adventure in Pula, home to the Pula Arena , one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Built in the 1st century AD, this impressive structure could once seat up to 20,000 spectators. Today, it hosts various cultural events, including film festivals and concerts.
Near the arena, you’ll find the Temple of Augustus , a well-preserved Roman temple dedicated to the first Roman emperor. The nearby Arch of the Sergii , a triumphal arch from the 1st century BC, is another testament to Pula’s rich Roman heritage.
Rovinj: venetian-era old town and st. euphemia’s church
Next, head to Rovinj, a picturesque coastal town that was once an island but is now connected to the mainland. The old town, with its narrow cobblestone streets and colourful houses, is reminiscent of Venice, which ruled the area for centuries.
Climb to the top of the hill to visit St. Euphemia’s Church , a Baroque church with a commanding view of the town and the Adriatic. The church’s bell tower, modelled after that of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Motovun forest: guided truffle expedition with local experts
No visit to Istria is complete without experiencing its renowned culinary scene, particularly its truffles. The Motovun Forest is famous for its abundance of black and white truffles, including some of the largest ever found.
Join a guided truffle hunt with local experts and their specially trained dogs. Learn about the different types of truffles, their culinary uses, and the traditional methods of finding these prized fungi. After the hunt, enjoy a truffle-themed meal at a local restaurant, savouring the unique flavours of this gourmet delicacy.
The thrill of unearthing a truffle in the Motovun Forest, guided by the keen nose of a trained dog, is an unforgettable experience that connects you to centuries of local tradition and gastronomic excellence.
Zadar to šibenik: dalmatian coast’s hidden gems
Continuing along the Dalmatian Coast, discover the unique charms of Zadar and Šibenik, cities that often fly under the radar but offer rich cultural experiences and natural beauty.
Sea organ and greeting to the sun: zadar’s modern installations
Zadar, a city with a history dating back to Roman times, seamlessly blends ancient and modern elements. Two unique installations on the waterfront have become symbols of the city’s innovative spirit.
The Sea Organ , designed by architect Nikola Bašić, is a series of underwater pipes and whistles that create haunting melodies as the sea waves push air through them. Nearby, the Greeting to the Sun is a circular installation of solar panels that absorb sunlight during the day and create a mesmerising light show at night.
Krka national park: skradinski buk waterfall and monasteries
A short drive from Zadar brings you to Krka National Park, known for its series of seven waterfalls along the Krka River. The most famous of these is Skradinski Buk , a collection of 17 waterfalls cascading over travertine barriers.
Unlike Plitvice Lakes, swimming is allowed in designated areas of Krka, offering a refreshing break on hot summer days. The park is also home to several historical sites, including the Krka Monastery , built above ancient Roman catacombs, and Visovac Monastery , located on a small island in the middle of the river.
St. james cathedral: UNESCO-listed renaissance architecture in šibenik
The final stop on this leg of the journey is Šibenik, home to the Cathedral of St. James , a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 15th-century church is unique for being built entirely of stone, without the use of any other materials in its construction.
The cathedral’s most striking feature is its frieze of 71 sculpted faces on the outer wall, representing ordinary citizens of Šibenik from the 15th century. Inside, admire the beautifully proportioned interior and the baptistery, considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance sculpture in Dalmatia.
Croatian island hopping: brač, vis, and mljet
No Croatian itinerary would be complete without exploring some of its 1,000+ islands. This final leg of the journey takes you to three distinct islands, each offering its own unique charm and attractions.
Brač: zlatni rat beach and vidova gora peak
Brač is home to Croatia’s most famous beach, Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn). This unique spit of land extends into the Adriatic, changing shape with the currents and winds. The beach is a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers due to the excellent wind conditions.
For a change of pace, hike to the summit of Vidova Gora , the highest peak in the Adriatic islands at 778 metres. From here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Zlatni Rat and the neighbouring islands.
Vis: blue cave of biševo and military tunnels
Vis, the furthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland, was closed to tourists until 1989 due to its strategic military importance. Today, it offers a glimpse into a more traditional way of life, less touched by mass tourism.
Take a boat trip to the nearby island of Biševo to visit the Blue Cave , a natural sea cave famous for the otherworldly blue light that fills it at certain times of day. Back on Vis, explore the network of military tunnels built during World War II, now open for guided tours.
Mljet national park: salt lakes and 12th-century monastery
The final island on this journey is Mljet, often called Croatia’s greenest island. The western third of the island is a national park, featuring two interconnected saltwater lakes surrounded by dense Mediterranean forest.
In the middle of the larger lake sits a small island, home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery . Rent a kayak or take a small boat to explore the lakes and visit the monastery. The park is also crisscrossed with hiking and cycling trails, offering plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.
As you conclude your 10-day Croatian adventure, you’ll have experienced a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From Roman ruins to Renaissance architecture, from cascading waterfalls to crystal-clear seas, Croatia offers a diverse range of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories and a desire to return and explore more of this enchanting country.