If you’re planning a multi-day holiday in the Balkans, Croatia is a popular place to visit as it offers tons of entertainment, remarkable cultural experiences, some of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic, and natural landscapes that will take your breath away.

Many travelers have fallen in love with Croatia and have visited the country time after time, always discovering a different interesting corner to enjoy.

If you’re curious about what to do in Croatia and wish to experience the best of the country, then this 10-day Croatia itinerary is exactly what you need to plan your trip!

 

 

This post contains compensated links and Solo Trips and Tips may receive a commission for purchases made through links. See our disclosure about affiliate links

 

Planning Your 10 Day Visit to Croatia

When is the Best Time to Visit Croatia

With a long coastline and dozens of stunning little islands to visit, summer seems to be the best time to check out Croatia. However, this is also the most popular season, with high prices and fewer options for affordable accommodations.

Besides, temperatures can also be too hot for some people. Yes, summer is great for the fantastic Croatian beaches, but you will still find amazing weather in September, a more tranquil time to discover and do some travel on the road.

Winter is perfect if you enjoy some snow and tranquil cities, with less traffic and fewer tourists around. As a plus, most attractions (including national parks, museums, and exhibitions) have reduced fees during winter, making the trip overall much more affordable.

But I can’t deny that Croatia is a summer destination. It’s best to visit in June, before European vacations begin, when the weather is nice, and prices are still on the cheaper side.

How Much Time You Should Spend in Croatia

Ten days may seem like a lot, but the country has a lot to see. With this ten-day plan, you will be able to check out the most remarkable places without leaving out important Croatian landmarks.

I’ve planned the route carefully including all those unmissable things you’re longing to discover, so you will have every opportunity to see the best of the country.

If it is too packed with activities for you, it will be easy to eliminate those attractions that interest you the least and spend more time doing activities or visiting places that mostly appeal to you.

As with any itinerary, it was created to inspire you and give you the basic input, it’s up to you to shape it according to your taste and style of travel.

LEARN MORE: 10+ Best Places to Visit in Croatia

 

 

Where to Stay in Croatia

Picking an important town as the place to stay during your trip is key to ensuring easy access to transportation.

You will probably arrive in the capital of the country, Zagreb, but other important cities like Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Split have airports too. The country also has a good long-distance bus system and a decent rail network to move around the country.

When touring a whole country for 10 days, which is a fairly long period, and to visit many different towns you want to do it without spending a fortune on gasoline or bus and train tickets.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to divide the country into two or three parts and stay for a couple of days in each of them to visit the neighboring areas with day trips.

For instance, you can spend one or two days in Zagreb to discover the capital and then continue to Zadar or Istria, to move around the most extensive area in the country, try the food, and visit some really interesting spots, such as the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park.

After a few days, you can continue down along the coast to spend a few days in Split to spend time in town as well as to tour Hvar, and other famous Croatian islands.

Here you can find a place to stay on the mainland or go for some relaxing time off and splurge staying in Korcula.

Finally, you can end your vacation in Dubrovnik to visit the old town, the city, and the southern coast.

Affordable Accommodation Zagreb

B&B Cool Centre Zagreb is a great 4-star place to stay offering a convenient airport shuttle service.

The property is in a central position within a short walk from most landmarks in the city.

This B&B offers continental breakfast as well as a shared kitchen with a dining area and a laundry service.

Book your room at B&B Cool Centre  now!

Affordable Accommodation Zadar

Boutique Hostel Forum is a newly built, super value-for-money property right by the sea, close to local landmarks such as Saint Anastasia’s Cathedral and the Roman Forum.

It’s located near cafés, restaurants, and shops as well as a bus stop and the ferry port.

Book a room at Boutique Hostel Forum now!

Affordable Accommodation Split

Downtown Hostel is ideal if you’re looking for affordable yet comfortable accommodation in the old town. The property offers rooms with shared or private bathrooms and a bike rental service to explore the city.

There is a shared area with a kitchenette to save on meals, a terrace, and a common room to spend time meeting other travelers.

As a plus, this hotel is close to the ferry port, bus, and train stations, while the airport is about 20 minutes away.

Make a reservation at Downtown Hostel now!

Affordable Accommodation on Korcula

At Apartments Sunny Town you can have a whole place just for you right in the heart of Korcula’s picturesque old town to enjoy some peaceful, solo quality time.

The place is just 50 meters from the beach, with views over the historic district, close to restaurants, bakeries, and shops, as well as water sports facilities.

The property also offers bike, scooter, and car rentals while the bus stops just a few minutes from the apartment.

Check availability and book Apartments Sunny Town

Affordable Accommodation Dubrovnik

Guest House Blaise is a perfect place to meet new people in town and maybe enjoy a coffee with a new friend.

The place offers affordable but cozy accommodation overlooking the impressive red roofs of the old town and the sea, and it’s only 550 meters from Banje Beach and a stone’s throw from the old town.

Reserve your room at Guest House Blaise

Remember: When exploring the country over a longer time (from one to two weeks), arriving at one city and leaving from a different one is never a bad idea.

This way you will be able to make your way along the country without having to spend the last day traveling back to your starting point to catch a plane.

Practical Tips to Get Around in Croatia

Of course, bus and train travel is quite inexpensive, however, this is the most popular choice in summer so you’re bound to find crowds.

Driving a rental car lets you change routes, make frequent stops, and enjoy everything at your own pace.

Renting a car is not very convenient when you’re spending two or three days in Croatia, but for a 10-day trip, it’s a winning idea.

Car rental in Croatia is cheaper than in other European countries and you will only need an international driving license and a credit card.

 

 

10 Days in Croatia: First-Time Visitors’ Itinerary

There are a lot of things to see and do in Croatia even though the country is not as big as some other Balkan destinations.

And even when a 10-day vacation can seem to offer a lot of time to explore, the truth is that in such a rich and diverse country your time there will never seem enough.

Therefore, being organized and planning plenty of time ahead of the trip will be helpful when you have to decide what you want to see, and how much time you need to spend on the road to go from one point to another.

Note: You may be arriving in the capital of the country, especially if you’re flying from places outside Europe. However, if you land in Dubrovnik instead, you will only need to move around the days on this itinerary to fit your starting point in Croatia.

 

 

Days 1: Zagreb, the Capital

If you manage to arrive in Zagreb early in the morning, this will let you spend the first day exploring at a relaxed pace until you recover from jet lag.

Otherwise, if you arrive late in the afternoon or the evening, go for a short stroll in the old town, have a snack or a light dinner, and get up early on the next day ready to discover the best of Zagreb.

The capital of Croatia houses a picturesque old town with dozens of cobblestoned alleys, perfect to spend time taking pleasant walks while sightseeing.

Take a funicular ride to the old town to explore landmarks including the Cathedral, St Mark’s Church, and Lotrscak Tower.

Another stop you cannot miss is the Museum of Broken Relationships, an original and unique art project which is more of a journey around the world through hundreds of break-ups exploring the heartache behind divisions due to class, wealth, and culture.

In the afternoon, spend some time taking a stroll along Strossmayer Promenade and then head to visit the WWII tunnels and learn about the former Yugoslavia under the communist rule of Tito.

If you want a first-class explanation of the place as well this Zagreb tour includes a visit to the tunnels and a multimedia exhibition about war.

Days 2: Zagreb & Plitvice Lakes

Early wake up on day two, it is time to visit one of the most amazing spots in Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes.

It is an easy and very rewarding day trip. To get from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes the most convenient (and affordable) solution is to go by bus via Plitvička Jezera, the ride is about 2 hours and a half.

Trains are a bit more expensive, and the ride is about 3 hours.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO-listed site with dreamy landscapes made of hundreds of cascades, waterfalls, small lakes, and watermills which you can explore by boat or foot.

The area is huge and there is a lot to see all around.

 

 

As with most entrance fees in Croatia, the prices to enter the park go from around $30 in summer to $14 in winter when you might even see some frozen waterfalls!

In the nearby area, you can also check out the riverside village of Rastoke and have lunch before going back to town.

If you prefer to trust your experience with an organized tour and forget all about schedules, public transport, and entry fees, this Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke Day Tour from Zagreb is great value for money.

If your time in Zagreb is longer than what this itinerary suggests, you could easily squeeze in a short visit to nearby Slovenia and its picturesque capital, Ljubljana, and the beautiful Lake Bled.

Dozens of organized tours take you there for a day trip, and it is really a unique visit.

Days 3: Split

Although Split can be a good day trip from Zagreb, traveling down along the coast and staying in the area is a more practical way to enjoy this Croatia itinerary.

Located in the central portion of the Dalmatian Coast, it allows for magnificent day trips to several different areas.

Note: Due to its privileged position, if you’d rather stay in one place during your whole vacation, then check Split as your location in Croatia. Most of the country can be easily reached from Split by train or bus.

When reaching Split, the first thing you should do is to pay a visit to the old town and historic center.

The city’s most visited spot is the UNESCO-listed Diocletian Palace.

It’s a well-preserved complex that was built back in the fourth century that includes an impressive villa, incredible cellars, and a huge military camp on the premises that were used to film several Game of Thrones scenes.

You could even spend two morning hours touring the palace and the rest of the old town with a local expert for further insight into the history of the place.

The old town in Split is home to other magnificent gems.

And even when Split is most notable for its attractions that date back to Roman times, such as the Temple of Jupiter, in the city, you will also find Medieval and Renaissance buildings, such as Saint Domnius Cathedral, the city gates, and the Old Town Hall.

 

 

Day 4: Split

On day four in Croatia, get your daypack ready to discover the amazing Krka National Park and its waterfalls, enjoy a boat ride down the river canyon and enjoy the wonderful landscape around the Krka River.

Not far from the area, there are several charming riverside villages where swimming is possible too.

The area is populated with wonderful restaurants and there are also a few wineries worth a visit.

If you want a tour that shows you a bit of everything, also taking care of transport, wine, and food tasting, village hopping, boat rides, and swimming in the rivers, then check out this Krka National Park Tour with entrance ticket, local guide, food stops, and wine tasting.

Day 5: Split & Island Hopping

Devote your last day in the Split area taking another popular day trip to the nearby islands, a marvelous adventure highlighted by the amazing marine landscapes that you will encounter and the mesmerizing deep blue seas.

Since island-hopping is not something easy to plan because you must depend on timetables, boat schedules, tides, and weather conditions, a tour that takes care of all the practical detail leaves you enough time to focus on enjoying the landscape, taking awesome pictures, and indulging in amazing Croatian food.

There are two different tours that I suggest you compare, so you can choose exactly what you want to do.

The first of them takes you on a day trip to three different islands, including visit to the Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Veli Island.

The price of this tour is affordable if you consider all that it packs in just a day.

The other alternative is a five-island tour that also includes the gorgeous island of Hvar in the itinerary.

The day includes a stop at the Blue Grotto, a silvery-blue color tinted cave where light refraction of sunlight creates impressive visual effects.

You continue visiting Bisevo Island (Biševo), the village of Komiža on Vis Island, and the small Svetac.

Next up, the journey continues on Stiniva Cove and its pristine, rather unusual shores surrounded by high cliffs.

The trip also features a stop on Budikovac Island with its Blue Lagoon where you can go snorkeling (the equipment is included).

More stops on the visit feature Pakleni Islands and Hvar, known as the sunniest town in Croatia.

 

 

Day 6: Split and Mostar Slovenia

Since the Balkans are a compact group of countries, some of them within easy reach from each other, just as you could add a day visiting Slovenia’s capital right after Zagreb, why not devote a day of your 10-day trip to explore one of the most stunning destinations in the region, Mostar?

Located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is quite easy to reach the country and cross the border when traveling from any point in Croatia, especially from Split.

You can easily get from Split to Mostar by bus, the ticket is about $23 one way and the ride lasts a bit more than 3 hours… but it’s well worth it!

Mostar is located about 110 kilometers from Split and it is one of the most enchanting cities in the whole Balkan Peninsula.

Once you’ve reached the city, head to the Neretva River to admire the impressive Stari Most a stone arch bridge with two medieval towers over the river which is the most important landmark in the town and the whole country.

After admiring the beautiful Old Bridge, spend some time in Mostar’s legendary Old Bazar with its oriental structured streets and buildings.

Here, soak in the laid-back atmosphere, hunt for some gorgeous souvenirs, and indulge in some delicious street food.

Not far from the bridge, you can visit Koski-Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque and the small medieval village of Pocitelj, built on a rocky cliff on the Neretva River.

If you still have some free time, take a local taxi for a short visit to the Koćuša Waterfall, another gorgeous landmark in town, right after, head back to the center of town to board your bus back to Split.

Of course, there are also affordable organized day trips to Mostar that cover all the mentioned stops and a few more surprises along the way.

And if your time is up in Split, it’s good to know that it’s also possible to take this day trip from Dubrovnik.

 

 

Days 7: Dubrovnik

The last leg of this ten-day Croatia itinerary arrives with your final stop, Dubrovnik, the most popular destination in Croatia and certainly the place with more things to visit, so get ready for four days full of activities and experiences.

The most popular thing to do upon arrival is to head directly to the old town, especially if you are a big Game of Thrones fan and want to experience the most famous locations where some iconic scenes were filmed.

There are some extremely popular Game of Thrones tours that for just a few dollars will show you secret locations and tell you every insight you want to know.

In the afternoon, rent a bike and explore the rest of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, check out the high protective walls and stone towers that surround the city, which account for one of the safest protective systems in Europe in the Middle Ages.

In the center of town, check out the Fountain of Onofrio, a complex engineering system channeling water from a close-by aqueduct.

 

 

Day 8: Dubrovnik & Island Hopping

Start your second day in Dubrovnik early and head to the port to board a boat.

Today you will be island-hopping around the gorgeous Elaphite Islands and spend a fantastic day swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun.

You can choose to visit just one of them or opt for an organized tour that takes care of your food as well, and that takes you on a trip to Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep islands.

 

 

Day 9: Dubrovnik and Montenegro?

Surely Dubrovnik has a lot to offer, and you can spend the last day of your trip, before heading back to Zagreb, visiting the endless cafeterias and restaurants in the old town, having a great time at the marina, or kayaking in the sea.

Or, if you want to squeeze in one more interesting destination, you could even take a day trip to neighbor Montenegro, one of the lesser-known countries in the Balkans, quite a stunning destination.

You can have the time of your life renting a car and driving along the southern Dalmatian Coast, along the way you can experience what life is like in some gorgeous, small Adriatic villages and towns making Kotor, your final destination.

The UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor is Europe’s southernmost fjord, opening to a spectacular bay offering a jaw-dropping landscape to admire.

During your trip to the area, you can visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rock situated on a small island on the bay that is accessible by a short boat ride.

You can also visit the Kotor Old Town on your own with its picturesque narrow streets and churches.

If you have the luxury of a little extra time on the road, check out Budva, a gorgeous Montenegrin town perfect for a trip to the beach before heading back to Dubrovnik.

If driving is not in your plans, you can get to Montenegro by bus or even join an organized trip to Montenegro like this one.

Day 10: Dubrovnik Food Tour & Travel to Zagreb

Devote your last day to last-minute shopping for souvenirs in Dubrovnik’s Old Town before starting your trip back to Zagreb if your plane back home departs from the capital.

Alternatively, enjoy your last hours in town by joining a Dubrovnik food tour or explore the Peljesac Peninsula, about an hour north of the city.

Here you will find interesting wineries producing some of the best wines in the country.

You can reach the peninsula by car or taxi since there is no public transportation. It’s a good idea to book a wine tasting tour to avoid drinking and driving.

Final Thoughts on Croatia 10-Day Itinerary

Croatia is an amazing country, safe for solo travelers, where there is so much to do that your days will be full of amazing experiences and interesting visits.

The weather is stable and warm from spring to autumn, allowing you to make the most of your Balkan adventure!