The Best 7-Day Croatia Itinerary from Dubrovnik

Welcome to the best 7-day Croatia itinerary, starting and ending in Dubrovnik, with the opportunity to see highlights along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast. Spend a few days in Dubrovnik before heading up the Balkan Peninsula, stopping at an island, and finishing the tour in Split. One week in Croatia is the best amount of time to spend in the country to get a good taste of all that it has to offer. In this fast-paced itinerary, we are going to get a little sample of everything, from relaxing beaches to vibrant cities to historic medieval sites.

Generally, flights to and from Croatia are cheapest when flying in and out of Dubrovnik. We highly suggest renting a car when traversing through Croatia. While the bigger cities of Split and Dubrovnik are not drivable due to narrow old towns, getting to the cities and exploring everywhere in between is far more difficult without a car. There is a bus from Split to Dubrovnik and vice versa, and while it is convenient and clean, it is imperative to have a car when planning to do side trips to the islands. We had a great experience renting a car with Sixt, and they have lax fees when renting to minors under the age of 25.

7-Day Croatia Itinerary At A Glance

• Days 1-3: Dubrovnik
• Days 3-5: Island of Brac (alternative: one of three national parks)
• Days 5-7: Split

Table of Contents

Days 1-3: Dubrovnik

 

On days 1 through 3, we will spend time in Dubrovnik, a beautiful city along the Dalmatian Coast. Dubrovnik is best known for being one of the most well-preserved medieval old towns in the world, and history lovers will rejoice at all the historical corners to explore. For more details on everything to know about Dubrovnik, check out our guide on Dubrovnik, Croatia Itinerary: 48 Hours in a Dalmatian Paradise.

Fly into the Dubrovnik airport, approximately 30 minutes away from Old Town. This tiny but mighty airport has great flight options while maintaining smaller crowds. Dubrovnik has flights to most major European cities, with Madrid being the most popular layover option.

Things to See in Dubrovnik:

• The biggest site is Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is incredibly walkable. In the Old Town, check out multiple palaces, churches, monasteries, monuments, squares, and gates.
• Dubrovnik is unique in allowing visitors to walk along the old city walls. The walls provide fantastic views of the Adriatic Sea, taking about two hours to complete. Don’t forget to say hello to the street cats, and give them plenty of attention.
• Lean into Dubrovnik’s water activities and take a kayaking tour. Adventure Dubrovnik hosts two fantastic kayaking tours during the day and sunset.
• Take the cable car up to Srd Hill for the most amazing views of the city down below.
• For fantasy TV lovers, there is no end to the number of Game of Thrones walking tours Most last two hours, where locals give visitors a taste of where the show was filmed.
• Enjoy day trips to the Elaphiti Islands, Lokrum Island, or Mljet National Park

Our Top Pick: Take a kayaking tour with Adventure Dubrovnik. Beat the afternoon sun by going early in the morning and enjoying lunch on a secluded beach or take a sunset tour that finishes off with a necessary glass of Croatian wine.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik:

• Old Town – a perfect neighborhood for those who want to be in the center of all major attractions. Old Town is significantly more expensive than some of the outlying neighborhoods, but if you’re only in Dubrovnik for a couple of days and want to maximize your stay, Old Town is a good choice.
• Ploče – great for lovers of luxury and the beach, who aren’t afraid to spend a few extra dollars on a stunning hotel. Located on the eastern edge of Old Town, Ploče is still walkable from some of the historical sites while remaining a quieter neighborhood. There are tons of luxury hotel options that overlook the Adriatic Sea in this area of Dubrovnik.
• Gruž – a neighborhood for backpackers and budget travelers. Located farther away from Old Town, Gruž will provide you with a laid-back and down-to-earth experience amongst locals. It is within close proximity to Dubrovnik’s ferry and bus terminals as well as the locally-loved Gruž Market.

Days 3-5: Island Exploration

 

On days 3 through 5, we will be exploring a beach island or other destination of choice. As we head Northwest from Dubrovnik, we will have to pass through two border controls when we enter Bosnia and Herzegovina, travel through the country for only 30 minutes, and enter Croatia again. Border control is well-organized and seamless, but don’t forget to pack your passport.

There are four options outlined below, with our favorite being the island of Brac, which we visited in June of 2022. I am far more knowledgeable about traversing the island of Brac, but I included an extra three national park options for nature lovers looking to get off the beach and into the wilderness of Croatia.

Bol, Brac

Bol is a popular small town on the island of Brac, best known for Zlatini Rat Beach, a beach ranked as one of the top locations in the entire world. Zlatini Rat Beach, also known as the Golden Horn, is an absolute must-see in Bol. It is a beautiful stretch of rocky beach that provides a great view of the sunset. If traveling to Bol, we highly recommend having a rental car to be able to drive from the town to the beaches and back to the ferry port.

Bol is a great option for island exploration as it’s located between Dubrovnik and Split, making it a convenient stop along the best 7-day Croatia itinerary.  The island of Brac provides great beach options without the stress of Dubrovnik’s crowds. To get there from Dubrovnik, drive to Makarska, and take the hour-long ferry to Sumartin. From Sumartin, it is only one hour along rustic roads to get to Bol. For information on the ferry timetables, check out this guide from the Croatian ferry companies themselves.

On the way from Bol to Split, drive up to Supertar to take a quick 50-minute ferry. There are direct ferries from Bol to Split but don’t run that frequently. Always check the ferry timetable to figure out which route to take based on your travel dates. 

If you do take the ferry from Supertar, you must stop at the Olive Oil Museum on the way. This tiny but wonderful museum shows visitors how medieval methods produced olive oil, and the knowledgeable tour guides will offer a tasting of various types of oil along with warm, homemade bread. Established in 1864, the museum has had many years of experience offering the tasting and tour for only 12 euros. Every euro is worth supporting the Cukrov family’s tradition. If you’ve brought a checked bag on the trip, you might find yourself purchasing a large bottle of olive oil to take back to your family.

3 National Park Options to Add to the Best 7-Day Croatia Itinerary

 

Not keen on visiting the island of Brac? Check out these other national park recommendations which are great for full day trip options as well as overnight camping trips.  

1. Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is located a bit farther from Split but is the largest in Croatia, making it a great option for nature lovers wanting to explore the 30,000 acres of waterfalls, meadows, thick forests, and lake system.

As it’s 2.5 hours away from Split, we suggest that if Plitvice Lakes National Park is of interest, change around the order of the itinerary and go from Dubrovnik to Split to the National Park. For outdoor enthusiasts, Plitvice Lakes National Park should be at the top of your Croatia bucket list. However, if you would rather stay close to the general coastline area, we suggest skipping this particular park.

2. Krka National Park

Located only one hour away from Split, Krka National Park is a fantastic option for travelers interested in experiencing a National Park but who aren’t willing to travel to Plitvice. Krka is significantly smaller than the national park mentioned above but has fantastic options for mountain biking, hiking, and boat excursions.

Krka is well-known for its waterfalls, small islets, and historic monastery. Krka even offers camping opportunities in the vicinity of walking and hiking trails. While not located inside the park, the campsites sit near the entrance and make for a perfect two nights.

3. Kornati National Park

Finally, for lovers of water activities, we suggest heading to Kornati National Park which has 80+ islands where you can dive, sail, camp, and hike. Whereas Kirka is a spot for land lovers who want to bike and hike, Kornati is a great option to take a boat tour and go scuba diving.

While Kornati is technically only a two-hour drive from Split, it is impossible to drive to the actual national park. Leave your car in the nearby town of Zadar and take a guided tour or rent your own boat to gain access to the grounds of the national park. Viator has a great half-day snorkeling tour of the Kornati Islands, departing from Zadar. Note: there are no affiliate links in this blog. I simply like to write about tours and experiences that I love!

Our Top Pick: Spend a sleepy day in Bol by relaxing on Zlatini Rat Beach, walking along the waterfront for a seafood dinner, and doing a wine tasting.

Days 5-7: Split

 

The final few days of this best 7-day Croatia itinerary will be spent exploring Split. The first thing to note for those arriving by car is that parking in Split is quite horrendous! Split’s narrow streets lead to traffic and nearly impossible parking options.

We got incredibly lucky and found a spot right in front of our Airbnb in central Split. However, once parked, we decided not to move the car at all for fear of losing the spot. For the next two days, wherever you end up parking, I highly suggest that you count your blessings before finding a spot, leave your car once you do, and walk around the city.

For more detailed information on what to do in Split, check out our guide on 36 Hours in Split, Croatia: Blending History with Modernity.

Things to See in Split:

Split has a perfect mix of historical sites and lively, modern establishments. Split boasts itself on a walkable waterfront, hip restaurants, and trendy bars. From cobblestoned streets and historical buildings to shots of tequila and dancing the night away, Split has something for everyone.

• First, check out Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning 7.5 acres right in the heart of the city. The palace is walled off from the rest of the city so as soon as you enter through the gates, you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time into a medieval town. Within the complex, check out The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and Peristil Square.
• Outside of the walls, the Riva Promenade is a picturesque waterfront that makes for a perfect lunch with views of the Adriatic Sea.
• In the mood for a heart-rate-inducing activity? Tie up your sneakers and hike to the top of Marjan Hill, offering beautiful views of the city.
• Finally, if you are ready for a big, relaxing break, head to Bacvice Beach and enjoy soaking up the sun.

Our Top Pick: Get lost exploring Diocletian’s Palace and marvel at the age of the compound. Afterward, take a walk down the Riva Promenade and get lunch overlooking the sea.

Where to Stay in Split:

• Old City – different from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, this neighborhood in Split is located near all of the sites and attractions, including Diocletian’s Place and the Riva Promenade. We stayed here and loved how walkable everything was. Of course, the parking will be terrible and the hotel prices are steeper, but walking everywhere makes it a convenient setting.
• Bacvice – a great area for those who want to spend a long time on the beach and explore the best nightlife options in Split. While the Old Town has a few decent nightclubs here and there, the best bars will be near Bacvice. For female travelers, it is a lot safer to walk to and from the club when staying in Bacvice. This is the neighborhood for travelers who want to relax all day and party all night.
• Veli Varos – for the complete opposite vibe as Bacvice, stay in Veli Varos. Located at the foot of Marjan Hill, the neighborhood is perfect for families and individuals looking for less crowds and a quieter, comfortable stay in Split.

Finally, it’s time to head back to Dubrovnik, a drive lasting a bit less than 3 hours from Split. To save money on a rental car and flights, it’s best to return to our original destination.

Other Considerations About Croatia

 

Language

The official language spoken in Croatia is Croatian. However, many locals speak English well, so there won’t be much trouble communicating. Croatia also has a relatively high population of other Europeans, so the culture is welcoming to tourists and individuals from other countries. While approximately 90% of people residing in the country speak Croatian, other popular languages include Serbian, Bosnian, Italian, and Hungarian.

Currency

As of January 2023, Croatia’s currency is the euro. This is incredibly recent – when we took our trip in June 2022, they were still using the Kuna! Because of this currency transition, there are still quite a few restaurants that accept the old form of currency. However, it is highly suggested to get euros when taking our cash.

When to Go to Croatia

Croatia is a beautiful country that is best enjoyed in the summer due to the plentiful beach and island hopping opportunities. In the winter, many ferry companies between islands stop running, meaning that it will be nearly impossible to complete this best 7-day Croatia itinerary. That being said, it is incredibly hot in the summer, so heat-wary individuals should consider visiting Croatia in the shoulder seasons of fall and spring. In the fall, the water will still be warm from the summer, allowing travelers to enjoy dips in the ocean.

Food to Try in Croatia

 

If you are a seasoned fan of this blog and happened to read last week’s guide on Dubrovnik, you will know already about five dishes that you should try in Croatia. However, here are another five items that you should add to your foodie bucket list.

1. Fritule

Dessert lovers rejoice! Fritules are little battered balls that resemble doughnut holes and are often filled with rum and raisins. They are most frequently served during Christmas time but you’re in luck – if you’re not visiting during Christmas, they are available year-round as well.

2. Gregada

Most commonly found on the island of Hvar, gregada is a fish stew mixed with potatoes and olive oil. The fish is served in large chunks, making it even more exciting to eat.

3. Istrian Truffles

While truffles may not be on a regular person’s budget, it is imperative to try out some Croatian dishes containing truffles. Restaurants will put out a sign saying tartufo vero, and if you spot one, you must go in! This sign means that restaurants have met Istrian’s high standards for serving the delicate truffle. While you may end up spending more than you budgeted, your stomach will thank you.

4. Pag Lamb

You may be starting to realize that there is a correlation between Croatian delicacies and the island from which they came. A lot of islands in Croatia have their own specialties, and the island of Pag is no different. With more sheep than humans, the island produces a lamb that is incredibly mouthwatering and melts on your tongue. If you are in Croatia during the late Spring or early Summer, you will find that pag lamb is at its best.

5. Sardines

Now, most people don’t think of sardines and imagine a true delicacy, but sardines in Croatia are certainly not what you usually find in cans. These are caught fresh and grilled with lemon and olive oil, making it an incredibly savory appetizer (or dessert!).

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best 7-Day Croatia Itinerary

 

How much does a week in Croatia cost?

Croatia is not expensive in the slightest, and if you are budget-conscious, you will find that there is something for everyone. It is considered cheaper than 29 other European countries and far cheaper than most of Western Europe. For our 7-day trip, we spent a total of $1,000 (not including airfare). Even eating out every day will prove to be pretty soft on the wallet, and you can get a decently sized platter of seafood for only $15 a person. As is common, the most expensive cost will be airfare, so we highly suggest that you fly in and out of Dubrovnik for the most cost-efficient travel. Then, of course, when renting a car, you won’t be charged for the one-way fee. Dubrovnik tends to be the cheapest airport in the area with great flight options to other major European cities, most commonly Madrid.

Is Zagreb worth it?

If you only have a week in Croatia and want to craft the best 7-day Croatia itinerary, we suggest skipping Zagreb altogether. Flying into the capital won’t make a cost difference, and the major attractions along the Dalmatian Coast are a lot further South than Zagreb. Zagreb is similar to a lot of mid-sized cities of the same caliber such as Sarajevo and Warsaw. Therefore, while it is a nice city to explore if you’re already in the area, you shouldn’t go out of your way to visit it.

That is all for the best 7-day Croatia itinerary! We hope you enjoyed this fast-paced and walkable (sometimes drivable!) itinerary that allows you to sample the best of Croatia travel and all that the Dalmatian Coast has to offer. For more destination options, check out our European Guides. Or, come back to Croatia to see more of the country, such as Zagreb and the Blue Cave.

Happy sampling!