An Epic 7-Day Croatia Road Trip Itinerary
Updated: Sep 23
After coming back from our trip to Croatia, I can confidently say that it is one of the most underrated European destinations. The country is filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious food - making it the perfect spot for an adventurous road trip. Each city we visited had its own unique charm, and the roads in between were equally as beautiful. This itinerary is perfect for taking in a little bit of each city, but I've included basically a mini guide for each of the major cities we went - be sure to download my Ultimate Croatian Bucketlist and mark off everything you get to do! Otherwise, if you're ready for a week-long adventure through this stunning country, here's our 7-day Croatia road trip itinerary!
Best Time to Visit Croatia
If you're like me and crave that perfect blend of sunshine and adventure, the best time to embark on a Croatian road trip is during the late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these months, you'll experience mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and a vivid display of natural beauty. It's the ideal time to explore the coastal cities and take in the breathtaking views without the sweltering heat of summer. I went in September, where it was still plenty hot during the day, which was perfect for lounging by the beach and exploring the towns in the early morning and evenings.
Driving in Croatia
Driving in Croatia is an absolute joy - the roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate, with breathtaking views around every corner. It reminded me a lot of driving up the coast of California - granted, I did not do much driving in the old town city centers. Plus, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and make spontaneous stops along the way. We rented through Sixt from the airport and returned it at the Dubrovnik airport before we flew out of Croatia to Greece. Driving south through the country was perfect since all of the pull offs and scenic views were only on the right side, which made it hard for people driving the opposite way to stop. Just make sure that if you're not a part of the EU, to get your International Driving Permit (IDP) beforehand. For Americans, just stop in to your local AAA Travel Office and they can take care of it for about $30, or bring your own passport photos (2) to save $10.
Day 1: Zagreb
Start your trip in the vibrant and lively capital city of Croatia - Zagreb. This city is located in the northern part of the country and is often overlooked by tourists, making it a perfect spot to kick off your journey. We recommend having a full day to explore Zagreb, or spending a couple days here if you want to settle in a big and adjust from the jetlag before packing in everything.
Where to Stay in Zagreb: This super modern downtown gem is the perfect Airbnb and has a super comfy queen sized bed for getting a good night's sleep after traveling, fantastic location 5 minutes away from Jelačić square, and comes with free parking. It also has 2 separate beds so you can have up to 4 guests!
If you want something a little more budget friendly, this apartment also is super close to the city center and has great reviews!
What to Do in Zagreb: Spend a day exploring the town and learning about it's wildly interesting history. Visit the historic Upper Town which is home to St. Mark's Church and Lotrščak Tower, two of Zagreb's most iconic landmarks. Then head over to the Lower Town for a stroll through parks, museums, and bustling markets. Make sure to take in the beautiful street art scattered throughout the city as well as explore the tunnels that connect the city - Tunel Grič. At night, check out Tkalčićeva street for delicious food, live music, and vibrant nightlife.
St. Mark's Church: Located in the Upper Town, this stunning church is a must-visit for its colorful tiled roof and intricate details.
Lotrščak Tower: Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Zagreb. Plus, you'll get to experience the famous "Grič cannon" which fires every day at noon.
Tunel Grič: Explore the underground tunnels that connect Upper and Lower Town, featuring art installations and exhibitions.
Tkalčićeva street: This pedestrian street is full of charming cafes, restaurants, and bars - perfect for a night out on the town.
Museum of Broken Relationships: This unique museum showcases donated items from past relationships and the stories behind them - definitely worth a visit for its emotional and thought-provoking exhibits.
Where to Eat in Zagreb: We like to start off with trying the most traditional food we can get our hands on, and then start to branch out into new things once we have a feel for the country. So in Croatia that meant ordering Cevapi (pronounced "che-vah-pee") which is a grilled dish of minced meat served with lepinja bread, onions, and ajvar (a red pepper spread). Don't forget to try some local beers such as Ožujsko or Karlovačko. Here are a few popular spots for Croatian fare:
Batak Tkalčićeva: Gorgeous outdoor patio restaurant with incredible cevapi, Croatian dishes, and cheap beers
Konoba Didov San - Gornji Grad: A cozy restaurant serving traditional Croatian dishes in a rustic atmosphere.
Trilogija - Vino & Kuhinja: Featuring an ever-changing menu of seasonal and local ingredients, this restaurant offers great traditional Croatian cuisine with an extensive wine list.
Vinodol: Located in the Upper Town, this fine dining restaurant offers traditional Croatian cuisine and modern european food. They're a bit pricier but have large portions and a great atmosphere.
Day 2 : Plitvice Lakes National Park to Zadar
Wake up early and grad a quick cup of coffee and pastries from a local Pekara - a Croatian bakery. Then head to Plitvice Lakes National Park which is about 2 hours away from Zagreb. This park and UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its 16 terraced lakes, incredible waterfalls, and stunning hiking trails. Spend the day exploring the park and be sure to bring your camera to capture all the breathtaking views. Plitvice Lakes is a massive National park, and with that comes some very intense hikes, some that are 10 miles roundtrip. Here are some great hikes to do in Plitvice, just make sure you have comfortable shoes, clothes, some snacks and water.
Plitvice Upper and Lower Lakes: This 4-5hour hike takes you through the most popular parts of the park, including the upper lakes with views of waterfalls and the lower lakes with wooden walkways over turquoise waters.
Plitvice K Route (Green Trail): This route is also quite challenging and takes approximately 5 hours to complete and covers some of the most scenic parts of the park, with stunning views of the cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. You'll be able to soak in the serene beauty of the lush greenery while strolling along the various wooden pathways that weave through this natural wonderland. Be sure to pause and enjoy the picturesque vistas at every turn!
Kozjak Lake: A shorter hike that takes you to the largest and most famous waterfall in the park, Veliki Slap. This hike is perfect for those looking for a less strenuous option.
If you're staying the whole day and you're looking for place to eat, there are a few restaraunts within the park itself along with places in the nearby villages of Grabovac and Rakovica. Check out this guide from Timeout for spots to eat near the park. After your day at Plitvice Lakes, head about an hour and a half South to Zadar - a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning sunsets.
Where to Stay in Zadar:
This Beachfront apartment is ideal for those looking to be close to the action, with stunning views and easy access to local beaches. Or opt for a cozy condo in the Old Town, perfect for exploring the city's historical sights.
What to Do in Zadar:
Zadar is known for its charming Old Town, Roman ruins, and breathtaking sunsets. If arriving in the evening, I recommend checking into your hotel/airbnb and going to the Old Town and Meerpromenade and catching the sunset over the water, and then stopping for a bite to eat and grabbing some gelato afterwards. Here are some must-see stops and activities during your visit:
Stroll along the Riva: This picturesque waterfront promenade is lined with cafes, restaurants, and beautiful views - making it the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Roman Forum: Explore the ruins of this ancient Roman forum, which dates back to the first century BC.
Sea Organ and Sun Salutation: These unique art installations are located on the waterfront and make for a beautiful and interactive experience. The Sea Organ creates music from the waves while the Sun Salutation lights up with different colors at night.
Old Town: Wander through Zadar's charming Old Town, filled with narrow streets, small squares, and historical buildings like the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, Saint Donatus Church, and the Church of St. Chrysogonus.
Visit the Many Beaches: Zadar has numerous beautiful beaches to choose from, including Kolovare Beach, Karma Beach, and Borik Beach. Spend a few hours lounging in the sun or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
Sailboat Tour to Kukljica, Hidden Bay, and Kali: Experience the Adriatic Sea on a sailboat tour, visiting hidden bays and charming villages along the way. This 4 hour experience if an amazingly affordable way to get on the water and see the other islands, has a morning and afternoon option, and comes with unlimited croatian wine! If you skipped Plitvice lakes, I would definately recommend doing this in the afternoon, or in the next morning.
Where to Eat in Zadar:
Seafood is a must when coming to Zadar, especially the local specialties like black risotto or grilled squid. Don't forget to end your meal with a glass (or bottle) of Croatian wine.
Providur Restaurant & Wine Bar: A cozy restaurant located in the Old Town, serving up delicious seafood dishes and a wide selection of Croatian wines. Definitely get the beef cheeks if you eat meat!
Kapric Restaurant & Bar: This dinner spot is nested away in one of the side streets of old town and makes a great steak along with mediterranean dishes.
Restoran Bruschetta: This charming restaurant has a romantic outdoor seating area and serves up delicious seafood dishes, including the famous black risotto. Make sure to make a reservation in advance as it can get quite busy.
Coffee & Cake - Kavana CENTAR: Stop by this little cafe for a delicious coffee and breakfast before exploring the city.
Gelato: No trip to Zadar is complete without trying some gelato! Head to one of the many gelaterias in the Old Town and indulge in flavors like lavender and rosemary or traditional favorites like chocolate and pistachio.
Day 3: Krka National Park and Split
If you didn't go to Plitvice Lakes, I highly recommend at least stopping in Krka National Park on the way to Split. Its a much smaller National Park but it has amazing waterfalls and takes much less hiking. We did the Lozovac - Skradinski Buk Waterfall hike and it was a pretty easy 3 mile loop trail with crazy views of multiple waterfalls. If you're looking for a bite to eat around Krka, Konoba Vinko is a great little Croatian tavern just South of the park and has amazing risotto.
Otherwise, grab breakfast in Zadar, and make your way to Split - another beautiful coastal city that's about an hour and a half drive down the coast. Driving in split was pretty easy, and parking was pretty easy to find in all the places we went. It's really a free for all on the street, and you kind of just follow what everyone else does.
Where to Stay in Split: We stayed at this Historic Stone Studio in the center of Split and we loved it. It's a bit confusing to get to since where are a lot of small pedestrian roads, but the host met us and took us to a parking spot that she saved for us and helped walk our luggage to the airbnb. And she had a handy book of all the beaches and her recommendations, along with beach towels we could use and laundry supplies which was well needed! If you're looking to splurge a little more for a place with a view and a pool - I'd check out The Whitestone which gives off private beach villa vibes.
What to Do in Split:
Diocletian's Palace: This ancient palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the perfect place to explore on foot. It also happens to be the filming location for Daenerys' throne room in Game of Thrones.
Saint Domnius Cathedral: Located within Diocletian's Palace, this cathedral is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world in it's original structure.
Marjan Hill: Take a hike or bike ride up Marjan Hill and enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding islands. If you like stray cats, there are plenty around this area, and most of them are pretty friendly and will come up to you for a pet. There are actually a few saved on Google maps that tourists post photos of.
Split Riva: Walk along the waterfront promenade, lined with cafes, restaurants, and street performers. It's especially beautiful at sunset, and comes alive at night with people. We were shocked at how busy it was on a regular Tuesday at midnight.
Shop at the Street Markets: Split has some great street markets where you can find everything from souvenirs to fresh produce. Don't forget to haggle for a good deal!
Beaches: Split has several beaches to choose from, including Bacvice Beach - known for its clear water, shallow shores, and beach club. Or check out one of the other beaches, like Third water beach, Kupaliste Bene, Kasjuni Beach, or Kavala Beach (more rocky than sandy). Make sure you watch out for sea urchins which are at some of the beaches.
Klis Fortress: For Game of Thrones fans, this is a must-see as it was used as the city of Meereen in the show. But it's also a beautiful fortress full of history and panoramic views of split from up the hill.
Where to Eat in Split:
4 Coffee: This specialty coffee bar is just a little window bar basically but makes such a good double espresso and is the perfect place to grab a quick coffee before exploring the old town.
Šug Restaurant: Beautiful restaurant that does a modern take on Dalmatian cuisine, with really nice outdoor seating if you can get a reservation!
Neverna Tavern: A little further down from the coast from the beaches is this quaint little seafood restaurant that has an amazing seafood pasta pot. It was our first time having a little crustacean that the waiter said was called Noah's ark.
Honestly there's so many amazing little seafood spots, all you have to do is walk in and tell them to bring you whatever the catch of the day is and 10 out of 10 times it'll be amazing. Kobnoba Fetivi, Portofino, DeListes, and Zlantna Ribica all looked so good.
Adriatic Sushi & Oyster Bar: If you're feeling a bit tired of Croatian food and want a break, this sushi and oyster spot has some of the freshest tasting fish and hits the spot.
Pizzeria Sette Sorelle: Of course we had to snag a late night pizza and compare it to Italian pizza, and I honestly couldn't tell you which country's pizza is better after having the margarita at this place.
Day 4: Day Trip to Hvar
For your second day in Split, I would suggest doing a day or at least a half day trip to Hvar. Another option is to book a day of island hopping, which you can either prebook a tour or talk to any of the people at the booths on the Split Riva that are all selling popular tours. If we had an extra day, we would probably have done the full day 3 island tour with unlimited drinks and snorkeling equipment, but since we were already planning on doing some of that in Santorini, Hvar made a lot more sense for us.
Getting to Hvar is easy, its about an hour long ferry ride, and you can either buy your tickets online from Ferryhopper, or go to one of the kiosks as the actual ferry port. Just make sure you arrive a little early to figure out where to be, since there are multiple ports and walking from one end to the other can take you upwards of ten minutes. Krilo and Jadrolina are two popular ferries that go to Hvar and run every hour or so in the busy season.
Things to Do in Hvar:
Rent an E-Bike/Moped: Hvar has many rental shops where you can rent e-bikes or Mopeds and explore the island on your own. There are also organized group tours available. We rented an e-bike for the day, but it is quite a lot of work if you're not used to biking. Keep in mind that most rental shops close at 7pm, so you'd have to return the rental by then, which works perfectly to get some dinner and catch sunset in the city before you head back to Split. We rented through Antonio Rent and liked them!
Explore the Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of Hvar's old town, filled with quaint cafes, shops, and historic buildings.
Fortica Fortress: This medieval fortress offers stunning views of the town and surrounding islands. It's a steep hike up, but definitely worth it for the view. You can also purchase tickets for entry into the castle at the bottom.
Stari Grad: Take a 20 minute bus ride to this picturesque town on the northern side of Hvar island. It's known for its beautiful beaches and olive oil production.
Brusje and the Lavendar Fields: This small village is known for its production of lavender, and you can even see the fields.
Go Beach Hopping: Hvar has several beautiful beaches to choose from, including Dubovica Beach, Zarace Beach, Lucisca Bay, Jagodna, and Pokonji Dol.
Where to Eat in Hvar:
Hvar Brewing Co: This craft brewery offers a great selection of locally brewed beers and delicious food. The outdoor seating is lovely, with views of the old town.
Val Marina Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner with a view at this restaurant located on the waterfront promenade.
Restaurant Don Quijote: This fine dining Mediterranean restaurant offers a creative and delicious menu, with options for both meat-lovers and vegetarians.
Code 11: Head to this restaurant with a mediterranean menu and cocktails. They are also in charge of renting out the beach loungers at Plaza Lucica, and will bring the food to you if you want to sit there. We got their mama's cake and some wine and watched the sunset.
Day 5: Omis and Makarska
For adventure junkies, Omis is the perfect place to spend a day. Just a 30-minute drive from Split, this small coastal town offers beautiful beaches and opportunities for outdoor activities like white water rafting, zip-lining, and hiking. You can also visit the old town and its fortress, which has an amazing view of the city. I would recommend booking an activity and getting a late lunch afterwards depending on how long it is.
Things to Do in Omis:
Zip Lining: Omis Canyon Zip Line offers the longest ziplines in Croatia with stunning views of the Cetina River canyon.
White Water Rafting: The Cetina River is also popular for white water rafting. There are many companies that offer guided tours and equipment rental, and include time to swim and cliff jump. Croatia Rafting and Rafting Pirate Omis are a popular companies that offer tours everyday from Omis.
Rock Climbing/Canyoning: For the more adventurous, you can also go rock climbing or canyoning in the Cetina River Canyon with tours and instruction provided by Adventure Omis.
Where to Eat in Omis:
Restoran Ultimo: After all the adventure, head to this restaurant for delicious seafood and great views of the town and river. Their pistachio laval cake is amazing.
Bastion: For a more traditional Croatian meal, try this restaurant located right by the sea serving fresh seafood and Dalmatian specialties.
After Omis, take a short one hour drive to Makarska, another popular coastal town known for its stunning beaches and nightlife. It's a great place to relax and soak in some sun before heading to Dubrovnik.
Where to Stay in Makarska: This luxury apartment has a beautiful view of Markarska, easy free parking, and an amazing hot tub out on the terrace with lounge chairs, the perfect way to relax after a fun adventure filled morning in Omis.
What to Do in Makarska:
Park Suma Sveti Petar Viewpoint: A beautiful hike that offers a panoramic view of the whole town, Makarska beach, and the islands.
Relax at the Beach: Makarska has many beautiful beaches, including Central Beach, Nugal Beach, Tucepi Beach, and Punta Rata. Spend some time soaking up the sun or swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
Explore Old Town: Wander through the picturesque streets of Makarska's old town and check out its charming cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Skywalk Biokovo: Take a 20 minute drive to the Biokovo Mountain National Park and walk along this glass-floored observation deck for stunning views of the Makarska Riviera.
Where to Eat in Makarska:
Ješka Fine Bistro: If there's one place you eat in Makarska, let it be this cute little bistro. It's run by a young couple and it was one of the best meals I had on the entire trip!
Fyaka Coffee: For a quick coffee break, head to this unique cafe for delicious pastries and amazing coffee.
Tempera Streetfood & Bar: This restaurant offers delicious burgers, wraps, and salads with a great atmosphere and outdoor seating.
Day 6-7: Dubrovnik
The perfect ending to Croatia - Dubrovnik was actually my favorite city that we stayed in, I just loved the vibe and historic old town. On your two and a half hour drive there from Makarska, you can pull off and stop at one of the many beaches. We stopped at Beach Nugal and it was so cool, just follow the worn path next to the billboard. Deak Wines Rest Stop is also on the way and is a perfect spot for coffee or a glass of wine with a view.
Where to Stay: We stayed at this apartment that had the most breathtaking view to wake up to. It was super clean, the bed was comfortable, and the host was so nice helping me with the parking spot and walking us through the apartment. He also provided us with big water bottles in the fridge and two small bottles of wine. It was also right next to stairs that led straight down to the entrance into the historic old town. It's perfect for a couple, but if you're wanting a bigger space, you can also book the other apartment that he also manages.
What to Do:
Explore the Old City: On your first day in Dubrovnik, I highly recommend waking up early and walking through the historic old town. I loved getting to explore the shops, cafes, and historic sites without the crowds. We booked a photographer to capture photos of us that we could remember the trip by, and I loved our photographer Nino. The photos we got from him were simply amazing and he was so kind.
Oyster Farm + Winery Tour: Another experience we loved was this tour of the Oyster farms in Hodilje and a winery tasting. We got some time to explore the town of Ston and the traditional sea salt farm, then we got to take a boat out to a family run Oyster farm in Hodilje where we got to eat the freshest oysters and mussels, with wine that never seemed to end. Then we popped over to Škurla Winery for some more wine and some snacks before heading back.
Take a Cable Car Ride: For stunning panoramic views of Dubrovnik from above, take a cable car ride up to Mount Srđ. It also has a restaurant at the top if you want to have lunch with a view.
Rector's Palace: Explore this beautiful palace-turned-museum that showcases the history of Dubrovnik and its former rulers.
Visit Lokrum Island: Just a short ferry ride away from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is an oasis filled with beautiful gardens, native peacocks, and secluded beaches. You can also hike up to the fort for a great view of Dubrovnik.
Walk the City Walls: Walk around the old town walls for stunning views of the city and sea. Viewpoint Dubrovnik has one of the more picturesque landscapes of the water and the city.
Culture Club Revelin: If you're looking for a fun night out in a revamped old school fortress, head to Culture Club Revelin for a great party. It's truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Where to Eat:
Taj Majal: If you want to try some traditional Bosnian cuisine, head to this restaurant for delicious cevapi and pljeskavica.
Buza Bar: This hidden gem is located on the cliffs outside of Dubrovnik's city walls and offers a unique experience with stunning views. Enjoy a cocktail on the literal coast of Croatia and watch cliff divers jump off the side.
Restaurant Ezza: This restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Croatian dishes with a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the city walls. It's a bit pricier but well worth it.
Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant: Located inside the city walls, this restaurant offers delicious seafood and a romantic atmosphere. Make sure to make a reservation in advance as it is very popular!!
Restaurant 360: If you're willing to splurge, this Michelin starred restaurant offers a stunning view of the old town from within the actual fortress and a delicious tasting menu as well as a la carte option. They also have a great selection of wines. As we're big foodies and love experiencing the height of gastronomy in other cultures, it was well worth the money for our last dinner.
Tips for Traveling to Croatia
Pack Light: As you don't want to be lugging around heavy suitcases and constantly repacking on a roadtrip, pack lightly. We managed to fit everything we needed into a small carryon suitcase and left space for souvenirs. Since we book airbnbs, it also allows us to do a couple loads of laundry throughout the trip. I usually bring a few laundry soap sheets with me. If you plan on heading to the beach, I suggest bringing a light beach towel and also some ziploc bags - it's just an easy way to keep sand and water out of your phone, camera, and other belongings.
Plan Accommodations in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, secure your stays early. A lot of restaurants may need you to call to book or submit a reservation request that they will respond to through email since they don't have an online booking program.
Bring Comfortable Shoes: There is a lot of walking, hiking, and a LOT of stairs involved in exploring Croatia, make sure to bring comfortable shoes. My favorite are my Tevas! But I've also heard that the Dr. Scholl's Time Off Sneakers are the ultimate euro summer shoe because of it's comfortability.
Pack Sunscreen: The sun is strong in Croatia, especially during the summer months, and interestingly enough, a lot of the stores only sell tanning oil OR really expensive €30+ bottles of SPF. Make sure to pack sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. I like carrying a sunscreen stick and my favorite powder SPF with me to reapply throughout the day.
Carry Local Currency: Although most places take credit cards now, there are still some shops and plenty of street vendors that don't accept credit cards. What we found was that going to a local ATM (avoid the tourist targeted ATM's that are bright yellow/are automatically in English) and withdrawing money in Euros without the transaction rate was the best. It basically was just a flat fee of about 6 Euros to take out whatever amount. Don't feel the need to get Euro's at the airport exchanges!
Be Mindful of Speed Traps: Watch out for speed traps along the roads. They should always have a sign before the actual camera, and they also show up on Google Maps. Our host also told us that the majority of the cameras are empty, and the locals know which ones
Water Safety: Be mindful of the strong currents and rocky beaches. There are some great spots to swim, just be careful and read up on local warnings before jumping in. Also, it is recommended to wait at least 24-48 hours after long plane rides before doing activities like snorkeling since your blood oxygen level is lower.
As with any travel experience, make sure to research thoroughly beforehand and always stay safe while exploring this beautiful country! Croatia is truly a gem in Europe and I cannot recommend it enough - this was hands down one of my favorite trips yet! For all of my Croatia rec's in an easy to read map, check out my Dubrovnik and Split lists on Flaire!
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