CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

 Croatia is now open to travelers from both Europe and the United States.

Those arriving in Croatia will be given a pamphlet of rules to follow for 14 days which includes quarantines. The cost of the quarantine is at the expense of the traveler. Travelers will also need to present confirmation of paid accommodations.

Read more about Countries Reopening for Tourism

Croatia is a beautiful country from its historical coastal cities to its seemingly endless natural countryside. With a country so diverse and unique, it is important to capture the essence of Croatia and all it has to offer. These Itineraries highlight Croatia’s top attractions and prove just why Croatia is a must-see for any European vacation.

One Week Croatia Itinerary

Destinations: Dubrovnik>Korčula>Hvar>Brač>Split

Overview: A one week Croatia vacation consists of enjoying the southwest part of the country called Dalmatia. This region of Croatia mainly consists of Adriatic islands, all of which are in close proximity to one another. Aside from being on the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, these islands are rich in culture, history, and architecture. This itinerary also includes two prominent port towns on the mainland.

Top Attractions in Dubrovnik: 

Banje Beach, Old Town, Walls of Dubrovnik, Lovrijenac, Rector's Palace, and Dubrovnik Cathedral

Fly into the port town of Dubrovnik. This town is a great introduction of Croatia with its historical, cultural, and geographical significance. Its restaurants serve fresh and local seafood from its nearby port. Dubrovnik’s Old Town dates back to the Renaissance and is a display of medieval infrastructure. Banje Beach is located near its Old Town and overlooks the stunning Adriatic Sea. 

The historic Walls of Dubrovnik are a key filming locations for the HBO show Game of Thrones. As a matter of fact, Dubrovnik’s Old Town was used to represent the show’s King’s Landing and Qarth. Aside from its pop culture reference, Dubrovnik is a great starting point since it is at the southernmost region of Croatia.

Top Attractions in Korčula: 

Vela Spila, Korcula Town Museum, Pupnatska Luka, Žitna, and Korcula’s Old Town

Moving further north on the Dalmatian coast, you will reach the island of Korčula. It is about a three hour catamaran ride from Dubrovnik. This Croatian island has scenic beaches, charming villages, and delicious local food. The rocky shores of Bacva Beach, Pupnatska Luka, and Zakerjan Beach are some of the most popular attractions in Korčula. The main town on the island is Korčula Town. Its Old Town has antique shops, great restaurants and historic buildings.

Top Attractions in Hvar:

Fortress Fortica, Theatre of Hvar, Cathedral of Hvar, Biokovo, Malo Grablje, and Vrboska

Hvar is another popular island on the Adriatic Sea. It is about a two and a half hour catamaran ride from Korčula. Hvar has a very unique terrain, which makes it an ideal location for its various activities. On its coastlines, Hvar has numerous beaches and bays that overlook the surrounding clear blue waters. Hvar town is known for its bustling nightlife and Town Square. 

Sucuraj is also a historic port town but offers a more quaint experience. Inland, Hvar’s hillsides have a seemingly endless displays of lavender, olive trees, and vineyards. It is also a close boat ride from the Blue Grotto in Biševo, which is known for its neon blue waters due to the refraction of sunlight.

Top Attractions in Brač : 

Zlatni Rat, Blaca Hermitage, Vidova Gora, and Lovrecina Bay

Brač is about a 40 min catamaran ride from Hvar. Bol and Supetar are the most popular towns on the island. Bol’s historic buildings, which date back to the Republic of Venice, are mixed in with charming shops and restaurants. Near the town of Bol is Zlatni rat. This beautiful beach is known for the lush greenery that meets its white sandy coastline. Vidova Gora is also near Bol. 

Vidova Gora is the highest peak out of all the Adriatic islands and makes a great day excursion. Supetar is slightly bigger than Bol. Its historic buildings and churches are a great representation of Baroque architecture. Supetar also offers picturesque beaches and delicious local food.

Top Attractions in Split:

Diocletian's Palace, Cathedral of Saint Domnius, Park Marjan, and Žnjan City Beach

The last day of this one week itinerary will be spent back on the mainland. Split is about an hour and 45 min ferry ride from Brač. Split’s Old Town consists mainly of Diocletian's Palace, a 4th century Roman palace and popular tourist attraction in Croatia. 

Diocletian's Palace is basically a centre with its surrounding Roman structures like Peristil square, Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and Jupiter's temple. Split also has numerous art and history museums like Ivan Meštrović Gallery, Meštrovićeve Crikvine-Kaštilac, Museum of the City, Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, Gallery of Fine Arts, and the Split Archaeological Museum. 

Two Week Croatia Itinerary

Destinations: Dubrovnik>Korčula>Split>Skradin> Zadar>Plitvice Lakes National Park>Karlovac>Zagreb

Overview: A two week Croatia vacation is packed with a diverse range of activities and attractions. Croatia is notable for its beautiful national parks, historical cities, and charming coastal towns. Starting at Croatia’s coastline, this itinerary will visit Adriatic islands, medieval sites, and stunning waterfall cascades.

Top Attractions in Dubrovnik:

Banje Beach, Old Town, Walls of Dubrovnik, Lovrijenac, Rector's Palace, and Dubrovnik Cathedral

Fly into the port town of Dubrovnik. Located at the southernmost point of Croatia, Dubrovnik has historical buildings, museums, shop, restaurants, beaches, and the Adriatic Sea. Its Old Town is surrounded by the historic Walls of Dubrovnik and is a key filming locations for the HBO show Game of Thrones. Banje Beach is a coastal resort located near its Old Town.

Top Attractions in Korčula:

Vela Spila, Korcula Town Museum, Pupnatska Luka, Žitna, and Korcula’s Old Town

Moving up the Korčula. This island is about a three hour catamaran ride from Dubrovnik. Most of the island can be reached on foot, although cycling has become a popular tourist activity in the recent years. This Adriatic island has stunning beaches, quaint villages, and delicious food. The rocky shores of Bacva Beach, Pupnatska Luka, and Zakerjan Beach are some of the most popular attractions in Korčula. The main town on the island is Korčula Town. Its medical Old Town is a great place to visit for its numerous shops, restaurants and historic buildings. The island is also known for its great local cuisines.

Top Attractions in Split:

Diocletian's Palace, Cathedral of Saint Domnius, Park Marjan, and Žnjan City Beach

Traveling back to Croatia’s mainland, Split is about a two hour catamaran ride from Korčula. Split’s Old Town consists mainly of Diocletian's Palace, a 4th century Roman palace and popular tourist attraction in Croatia. Diocletian's Palace is basically a centre with its surrounding Roman structures like Peristil square, Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and Jupiter's temple. Split also has numerous museums and galleries that exhibit Croatia’s history and culture.

Top Attractions in Skradin: 

Krka National Park, Lake Prokljan, Sladic Winery, Parish House and the Skradin Town Museum 

Skradin is about an hour and 15 min bus ride from Split. It is the main town near Krka National Park. This national reserve is located on the Krka River and is known for its seven series waterfall called Slapovi Krke. The park also has many activities like hiking, riverboating, and visiting historic monasteries. The town of Skradin has a quaint town centre where you can explore its local shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Top Attractions in Zadar:

People's Square, Duke's Palace, Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral and Sea Organ

Zadar is about an hour bus ride from Skradin. The historic coastal city of Zadar has Roman and Valencian ruins. It also has several notable churches like St. Mary's church, The Cathedral of St. Anastasia, Church of St. Donatus, and Church of St. Chrysogonus. Many of its churches and other historic sites can be found in Zadar’s Old Town. Aside from its rich history, Zadar also has a sea organ that uses waves to play musical notes.

Top Attractions in Plitvice Lakes National Park: 

Korana, Drežnik ruins, Lower Lakes, Veliki Slap, Mala Kapela and Upper Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park is about two hours inland from Zadar. Being the oldest national park in Croatia, it is both historically and geographically significant. Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its beautiful waterfalls, cascades, wildlife, lakes, and greenery. The park offers camping, hiking, rafting, and cycling excursions.

Top Attractions in Karlovac: 

Aquatika, Old Town Dubovac, Karlovac Brewery and Star

Karlovac is about an hour and fifteen mins away from Plitvice Lakes National Park. Often called, the “City on Four Rivers,” Karlovac is where urban meets country. Its four rivers, Kupa, Dobra Korana, and Mrežnica, offer water sports and other related activities. Within the village, you can walk through its streets and visit local shops and cafes. Old Town Dubovac, a fifteenth century fortress, is right outside the city. But Karlovac is arguably most notable for its breweries.

Top Attractions in Zagreb:

St. Mark's Church, Grič Tunnel, Strossmayer šetalište, Old Town Gate, and Ban Jelačić Square

 Zagreb is about an hour away from Karlovac. As the capital of Croatia, Zagreb is always a bustling city. It appeals to a wide-range of travelers for its diverse attractions and activities. Zagreb’s lower town is home to numerous museums and art galleries that capture the heart of Croatia. It also has local shops, cafes, and restaurants situated throughout its charming square.  

The upper town is where most of its historical and religious site reside. Old Zagreb is significant for its medieval buildings and churches. St. Mark's Church, Old Town Gate, and its Cathedral are great examples of this. The city also has a prominent nightlife from live music to nightclubs. 

With towering mountains, endless miles of beaches, and acres of olive trees, Croatia is an ideal place to spend an active holiday walking the countless trails across this stunning landscape.

Day 1, Travel: Make your way to Dubrovnik and get ready to start your adventure.

Day 2, Strazisce Peak: Spend the morning hiking the mountain trail from the village of Gornji Obod to Strazisce Peak for an amazing view of Dubrovnik before heading back for the afternoon to explore the city’s romantic streets.

Day 3, Biokovo Mountains: Transfer to your next hiking adventure through the Biokovo Mountains and then catch a ferry in the evening to the island of Brac.

Day 4, Brac: Hike to the top of Vidova Gora, the tallest peak on Brac for a 360-degree view of the island and catch one of the most famous postcard views of Croatia, Zlatni Rat.

Day 5, Split and Krka National Park: Get ready for a full day of walking as you stroll through the Old Town of Split in the morning and hike through the natural ecosystem of Krka National Park in the afternoon.

Day 6, Paklenica National Park: Visit Paklenica National Park with its world-famous vertical canyons and stunning views.

Day 7, Paklenica National Park: Spend another full day exploring the beauty of the park as you visit a natural wonder of limestone before enjoying a swim in the afternoon.

Day 8, Travel: Return home.

One of the best ways to see Croatia is by the sea. There are numerous tour operators that feature cruises up and down the Dalmatian Coast with plenty of stops along the way to get out and explore.

Day 1, Dubrovnik: Start out in the “Pearl of the Adriatic” exploring the historic streets before boarding your boat and making your way out to the hidden Elafiti Islands.

Day 2-7, Sailing the Dalmatian Coast: For the next five days you will hop between many of Croatia’s picturesque islands - naturally beautiful Mljet, historic Korcula, wine-filled Hvar, remote Vis, and sunny Brac - before landing in the bustling city of Split.

Day 8, Split: Enjoy your last day exploring the soul of the Dalmatian Coast by walking through the ancient old town and enjoying a gelato on the Riva Boardwalk by the harbor.

Many people who visit Croatia also choose to include other Balkan countries in their travels. Luckily, many tour operators have itineraries taking you through two or more of the rich countries along the Adriatic Sea.

Day 1, Zagreb, Croatia: Arrive in Zagreb and meet your fellow travelers.

Day 2, Zagreb: Take your first day to explore the medieval parts of the city and enjoy a traditional dinner.

Day 3, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Travel to Sarajevo to learn about this historically important city not only in the Medieval Ages, but in recent years as well.

Day 4, Sarajevo: Spend the next morning with a local guide learning about the Sarajevo Siege and Ottoman markets. In the afternoon, stroll the market visiting the many shops or sit down and relax with a coffee in one of the cafes.

Day 5, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Head over to Mostar, an Ottoman village during the Middle Ages with ancient streets and shops and a picturesque Stari Most (bridge) towering over the teal river.

Day 6, Dubrovnik, Croatia: Make the short drive to one of the Balkans most famous cities. Enjoy a personal tour of the most famous sites in the Old Town - Rector’s Palace, old walls, and Onofrio’s Fountain.

Day 7, Kotor, Montenegro: Take a day trip to Kotor to explore the Venetian old town and hike up the storied steps to St. John’s Fortress overlooking the old town and Bay of Kotor.

Day 8, Split, Croatia: Transfer to Split and visit the Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, Jupiter’s Temple, and the Peristyle.

Day 9, Free Day: Enjoy your free day by further exploring Split or taking a day cruise out to one of the nearby Dalmatian Islands.

Day 10, Trogir, Croatia: Spend the day visiting the Roman and Baroque inspired city of Trogir before you leave the coast to explore Croatia’s inland sites.

Day 11, Plitvice National Park: You’ll explore the teal waterways and pathways of this quite national park before heading back to Zagreb.

Day 12, Departure: Say goodbye to your fellow travelers.