Dazzling sunshine, sensational sea breezes, mesmerizing architecture and delectable cuisine are just a few of the reasons why travelers find Croatia desirable.
The country is a phenomenal place to take a weeklong vacation. Our one-week trip ideas will help you plan your perfect Croatia 7 Day Itinerary!
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Croatia is diverse and has something for everyone. We know; we’ve been visiting Croatia regularly since 2011. With each return, we discover something new and fall a bit harder. With the Best 7 Day Croatia Itinerary, we believe you will be smitten, too!
How To Plan a Croatia 7 Day Itinerary
Croatia travel itinerary planning can feel overwhelming. Top destinations dot the landscape from the alluring coastline to idyllic islands to inland gems.
The sheer number of places to visit creates a challenge for travelers planning a 1-Week Vacation in Croatia. Those planning a 7-Day Trip to Croatia need to carefully choose where to go.
Once you pick your route, read our complete guide to Planning a Trip to Croatia. It will also be beneficial to check out our recommendations for the Best Croatian Cities to Visit.
Organize a 7 Days Croatia Itinerary
As you begin to plan your Croatia vacation, staying organized is essential! We suggest using our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the important details.
Best 7 Day Croatia Itinerary
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all 7 Day Travel Croatia Itinerary. Instead of proposing just one way to spend a week in Croatia, we have created multiple itineraries that feature fun 7-day adventures!
We also provide a route map for each Croatia sample itinerary. Later, we share more advice – like how to get there, where to stay and what to pack – to help you plan your best trip to Croatia!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Croatia Travel Itineraries for your amazing vacation!
#1 Best of Dalmatia Croatia Itinerary 7 Days
A classic travel route through Dalmatia, this Southern Croatia Itinerary features four incredible destinations: Split, Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik.
Actually, this served as our ‘First Trip to Croatia Itinerary’, and we still feel it’s an ideal way to see the stunningly beautiful coastline and epic Adriatic Islands.
DAY 1: Split
Arrive in Split, get settled in your accommodation and switch to full vacation mode! Take a Self-Guided Split Walking Tour and then go below the impressive remains of Diocletian’s Palace. In the evening, dine at one of the Best Restaurants in Split.
DAY 2: Split Day Trip
Take a journey to see the thundering waterfalls at Krka National Park. This highly rated tour also includes a local lunch and a stop in the nearby city of Sibenik. You’ll arrive back in time to bounce around some fun Split Craft Beer Bars!
DAY 3: Hvar Island
Take a highspeed catamaran to hip Hvar Town. Check into your hotel, then hike up to the Spanish Fortress for spectacular. Next, enjoy a refreshing swim in the Adriatic Sea and relish a seafood dinner al fresco.
DAY 4: Hvar Exploration
Embark on a coastal walk to secluded beaches or hike up higher to Napoleon Fortress. Alternatively, explore by boat on a tour or rent your own! We share all the options in our guide to Hvar Town.
DAY 5: Korcula Island
Hop the morning ferry to Korcula and stay at a hotel in the Old Town. Tour the historic center, go for a swim and visit Lumbarda, where the local Grk wine is produced.
For dinner, go to the village of Zrnovo and eat the island’s special pasta dish at Bistro La Tache. Use our list of Korcula Things To Do to maximize your short stay.
DAY 6: Dubrovnik
You’re off again on a fast-ferry for Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic. After checking into your hotel, discover the city on our Dubrovnik Self-Guided Walk.
In the afternoon, go to the top of Mount Srd – one of several absolutely amazing Dubrovnik Viewpoints. If there’s time left in the day, choose one of the activities from our guide of What To Do in Dubrovnik.
DAY 7: Dubrovnik Exploration
Begin your final day in Croatia walking the Dubrovnik Walls first thing in the morning. If you have time before you depart, enjoy a refreshing swim at a beautiful Dubrovnik Beach.
Map of the Best Croatia Itinerary for Southern Dalmatia
Use this Google Map for an online version of the map below.
#2 North to South 7 Day Croatia Itinerary
This North South Croatia Itinerary 1 Week Trip Plan provides an excellent example of just how diverse the landscapes are.
Featuring some of the best destinations – Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split and Dubrovnik – the route offers a sweeping overview of Croatia in 7 days.
DAY 1: Zagreb Exploration
Check into your hotel and get right to it by setting off on a Self-Guided Zagreb Walk. Stroll through the Old Town, marvel at St. Mark’s Church and peruse the goods at Dolac Market. In the evening, have a beverage on the café lined Tkalciceva Street and eat savory strukli at La Struk.
DAY 2: Zagreb
Discover more of the Best Things To Do in Zagreb on Day 2. Start with Burek – a must-eat Balkan pastry – and then visit Mirogoj Cemetery.
Midday, visit one of Zagreb’s popular institutions (the Museum of Broken Relationships is a top pick), then waltz around the 8 interconnected parks that create the Green Horseshoe.
DAY 3: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Get an early start and go see the famous Plitvice Lakes Waterfalls. Spend the entire day soaking in the splendid nature.
Consider staying in one of the Plitvice Hotels or nearby guesthouses or continue the journey on to Split. Note: Plitvice Lakes can be reached by car, tour, public bus or private guide.
DAY 4: Split
Get settled in and quickly get acquainted with Split on a walk through the Old Town (DIY or tour). Then hike up Marjan Hill for epic views.
In the afternoon, take a dip in the Adriatic at one of the Top Beaches in Split. Read our guide of the Best Things To Do in Split for more ideas!
DAY 5: Trip from Split
Journey beyond the city on one of the exciting Day Trips from Split. Spend the day at sea on the incredibly popular blue cave tour or plan your own excursion to Hvar Town. Alternatively, go north to quaint Trogir or south to Omis for a rafting tour on the gorgeous Cetina River.
DAY 6: Explore Dubrovnik
Travel from Split to Dubrovnik – the famous fortified city perched on the sea – by car, bus or fast boat. Check into your Old Town Hotel, then discover Dubrovnik on foot (DIY or tour). Watch a wonderful sunset from the cliffside Buza Bar.
DAY 7: Dubrovnik
Experience two top attractions: the mighty Dubrovnik Walls and the modern cable car (and save with a combo ticket). At the top of Mt. Srd, enjoy a fine meal with a unbelievable view at Panorama Restaurant to cap off your 7 Days in Croatia!
North to South Route Planner Croatia Map
Use this link to Google for an interactive version of the route below.
#3 Northern Croatia 7 Days Itinerary
When creating a Croatia Vacation Itinerary, many travelers bypass the north in favor of the Dalmatian Coast. We always enjoy our time in Zagreb and with pastel-painted coastal villages and gorgeous hilltop towns, Istria is an absolute gem!
DAY 1: Zagreb
Arrive in Zagreb and start your exploration by touring the Old Town sights on foot. Experience some of the off-beat Zagreb attractions, like the 1980s Museum, Gric Tunnel and creative street art. Find more details on our complete list of Zagreb Things To Do.
DAY 2: Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes
On the second day of your one-week Croatia trip, tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site Plitvice Lakes National Park. You can plan your own journey by driving or bus, but excursions – like this one – include a local guide and a stop in the quaint village of Rastoke.
DAY 3: Rovinj, Croatia
Travel to charming Rovinj on the Istrian Peninsula. Stay at a hotel in the heart of town and immediately begin discovering magical Rovinj. Make your way up to St. Euphemia Church and be back on the waterfront for radiant Rovinj Sunset.
DAY 4: Explore More of Rovinj
Start your day with Rovinj Bike Ride through the rural Istrian countryside, passing family-owned vineyards and crumbling churches.
Cool off mid-day with a swim and spend the afternoon sampling Rovinj Wines. For more ideas, read our Top Things To Do in Rovinj.
DAY 5: Istria Day Trip
The region surrounding Rovinj is an intriguing place to discover – and you can see it all on a Day Trip Across Istria.
With hilltop towns, brandy distilleries, truffle farms and magnificent churches, spend an entire day savoring the highlights of the area.
DAY 6: Pula, Croatia
Travel to Pula and check into a top-rated hotel, either on the seafront or in the city center. Spend the day seeing the ancient sights – from the 1st century Pula Amphitheater to the columned Temple of Augustus. Use our list of Things To Do in Pula to create your ideal route.
DAY 7: Pula Activities
On the last day of your 1 Week in Croatia Holiday, soak in the sunshine and the warm sea breezes. Spend the day relaxing at beach near Pula or enjoy an active morning on the water with a kayak tour.
North Croatia Route Planner Map
For an interactive map, use this link to Google.
#4 Seven Days Croatia Itinerary for North Dalmatia
Boasting an incredibly long shoreline, there are numerous ways to create an ideal Croatia Coast Itinerary. One of our favorite regions is the Central and Northern Dalmatia Coast.
DAY 1: Sibenik, Croatia
Start your 1 Week Croatia Itinerary in the town of Sibenik. Featuring mighty fortresses, a majestic cathedral and an Old Town of twisting cobblestone lanes, Sibenik is a fun city to explore.
So, get checked into your Sibenik hotel and get to it! We share have all you need to know in our guide to Sibenik.
DAY 2: Sibenik Islands
Journey to one (or more) of the islands in the Sibenik Archipelago. Car-free Kaprije is notable for its serene bays and walking paths. It’s reached by ferry, which also stops at Zlarin and Zirje, making it possible to spend the day island hopping.
DAY 3: St. Nicholas Sea Fort and St. Anthony Channel
The 16th century St. Nicholas Fort, part of Sibenik’s ancient defensive system, sits at the far entrance of the narrow St. Anthony Canal.
Spend the day visiting the fortress (only open by tour) or take a long walk along the St. Anthony Canal, exploring old bunkers, natural caves and an abandoned submarine tunnel!
DAY 4: Krka NP Waterfalls and Skradin
Get an early start and travel the short distance from Sibenik to the village of Skradin. Check into your hotel and hop on the next boat to Krka National Park.
Take your time exploring the paths that wind through the aqueous wonderland. In the afternoon, see the handful of sights in Skradin and then indulge in a meal of Skradin Risotto.
DAY 5: Zadar Ancient Sights
Go up the Dalmatian Coast to the historic town of Zadar. Drop your bags at your Old Town Zadar Hotel and then traipse around the top sights on our Self-Guided Zadar Walking Tour. The once-walled town boasts grand architecture, spacious squares and Roman ruins.
DAY 6: Day Trip from Zadar
The Zadar Archipelago, which is comprised of 140 islands, is a popular Zadar Day Trip. Visitors can join organized boat trips to Kornati National Park for an adventure-filled day of snorkeling and hiking.
Alternatively, independent explorers can simply hop over to the islands of Uglijan and Dugi Otok for a budget day trip on the local ferries.
DAY 7: Relax in Zadar
Wrap up your 1-Week Croatia Trip by spending a leisurely day in Zadar. Visit the intriguing Ancient Glass Museum or go to the Illusion Museum. Spend your last moments listening to the soothing sounds of the Zadar Sea Organ along the Adriatic.
Central and Northern Dalmatia Croatia Map of Destinations
For an online version of this Croatia Vacation Plan use this Google Map.
#5 Ultimate Itinerary for Croatia Islands
Touring the Adriatic Islands is a fabulous way to see Croatia in one week. There are two main options for planning a Croatia Islands Itinerary.
Either join a cruise or rent a private sailboat (with or without a skipper) and create your own weeklong Island Hopping Croatia Itinerary.
For our one week tour of the islands, we opted to join a 7 Day Croatia Cruise. The Sail Croatia Explorer Cruise is aimed at adventurous travelers but not the rowdy party crowd.
With most cruises, you can choose two directions, as well. Either depart from Dubrovnik and arrive in Split or vice versa. If you rent your own boat, it’s basically all up to you!
While the public ferries are useful for getting from the mainland to the islands, they are not particularly efficient for stringing together a Croatia Island Itinerary.
Typical 7 Day Dubrovnik to Split Sail Croatia Itinerary
- Dubrovnik to Mljet
- Mljet to Korcula Town
- Korcula Town to Vela Luka
- Vela Luka to Vis Town
- Vis Town to Hvar Town
- Hvar Town to Stari Grad
- Stari Grad to Split
7 Day Sailing Itinerary Croatia Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Croatia Island Cruise route map.
#6 Active Croatia Travel Itinerary
Croatia is a wonderland of active attractions – and the destinations of Omis, Makarska and Brac Island offer some great adventures.
From hiking to biking to rafting to ziplining, we are sharing our Croatia 7 Day Itinerary for active travelers!
DAY 1: Omis Hiking
Drop your bags at your hotel, lace up your shoes and hit the trails – it’s one of the Best Things To Do in Omis!
The top hike in Omis is a challenging trek from the Old Town up to the 15th century Starigrad Fortress. Along the route – and from the fort – you will be treated to unsurpassed panoramic views!
DAY 2: Omis Adventure Activity
Omis sits right on the coast where the Cetina River spills into the sea – and Cetina Canyon offers some of the most thrilling adventures in Croatia.
You can fly high on a zipline, go canyoning with a professional guide or splash along the rapids on an epic river rafting journey.
DAY 3: Makarska, Croatia
Now travel south along the Dalmatian Coast to the town of Makarska. Known for its long stretch of beaches and forested coastline, Makarska sits under the towering Biokovo Mountains, the second-tallest range in Croatia.
After getting checked into your hotel, take a leisurely trek through the Osejava Forest Park to hidden beaches and secluded coves.
DAY 4: Makarska Hiking
Now it’s time to set your sights on Biokovo. Experienced hikers can attempt the 7-hour, one-way climb from Makarska to St. Jure – the tallest peak.
Alternatively, you can join a fantastic tour that spends a full day in Nature Park Biokovo, including the glass Skywalk, a guided hike and traditional Croatian snacks.
DAY 5: Brac Island
Travel by ferry from Makarska to Sumartin on the island Brac, then on to the town of Bol. After you’ve gotten settled into your preferred hotel, head straight for Zlatni Rat – the famous Golden Horn Beach of Croatia.
Swim in the stunning blue water and relax a bit on the pebble beach. Then go for an exhilarating experience by renting jet skis or perhaps parasailing!
DAY 6: Vidova Gora
Brac is also known for having the tallest mountain on the Adriatic Islands: Vidova Gora. Lace up and take the trek from Bol along the moderately difficult trail up to the summit.
Make your Hike to Vidova Gora a full day outing and bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top while surveying the stunning views.
DAY 7: Split, Croatia
Take an early catamaran from Bol (or Supetar in the off season) to Split. Back on the Croatian mainland, stow your luggage and set off to Hike Marjan Hill and then Explore Split.
In the afternoon, rent a bike on your own or join a tour that showcases more of the best Split sights.
Active Croatia Trip Plan Map
Use this Google Map for an online version of our active Croatia 7 day route.
#7 Croatia One Week Itinerary Single Destination
We have provided our top 1 Week in Croatia Itinerary suggestions for multiple destinations. However, those who would rather base themselves in one city – and explore Croatia via day trips – can do that, too!
We are sharing some ideas about how to plan a one-destination trip to two top Croatian cities: Dubrovnik and Split.
Dubrovnik Travel Itinerary 7 Days
Dubrovnik can be a great place to spend a week in Croatia! In addition to seeing the splendid sights in the city, visitors can plan 3 incredible trips from Dubrovnik.
Our top picks would be to set sail on a 3-Island Elafiti Boat Tour, take a day trip to Montenegro and join an organized tour to Mostar, Bosnia.
Split, Croatia 1 Week Itinerary
Split is a fantastic city to use as a base for a weeklong vacation to Croatia! It’s well-connected to coastal towns via bus and islands via ferry. Plus, there are heaps of Fun Day Trips from Split to join.
Start with our 3-Day Split Itinerary, which already includes a day at Krka Waterfalls. Add on a trip to Hvar Town (or Stari Grad), an adventurous outing to Omis (for river rafting or ziplining), a RIB trip to the Blue Cave (or Blue Lagoon), and a half day to Trogir!
Tips for One Week Croatia Travel Plan
Now that you are starting to formulate a plan for how to spend your time in Croatia for a week, we have some more helpful advice.
Creating the Perfect Croatia Itinerary
We didn’t share just one sample Croatia itinerary, because there are a multitude of ways to create your perfect trip. We believe the best Croatia Vacation Itinerary is one that fits your travel style and interests!
Therefore, we recommend putting quite a bit of thought into creating your Croatia Trip Planner Itinerary. Specific sights, ease of travel, budget, crowds and relaxation are top things to consider.
How To Get to Croatia
The best way for most international travelers to get to Croatia is by plane. Croatia has multiple international airports, including a seasonal direct flight from New York (Newark). Outside of summer, getting to Croatia can be a bit tricky.
The main airport in Croatia is Zagreb (ZAG). However, the robust seasonal service at Split (SPU) has actually seen it pull ahead of Zagreb over the summer.
Dubrovnik (DBV), Zadar (ZAD) or Pula (PUY) may also be convenient, depending on the first destination of your 1 Week Croatia Vacation.
Skyscanner is our go-to resource on finding flights anywhere – before you begin, read our Top Tips for Cheap Fares.
Where To Stay in Croatia for 1 Week
In these outlined itineraries for visiting Croatia, we shared our recommended hotels – but we have a few more tips.
Stay in hotels for ease of check in/check out and consistent amenities. In general, we advise finding a place in the city center to make the most of your short stay. Also, many hotels in Croatia can only be reached on foot and may not have an elevator.
Additionally, during the summertime in Croatia, places book up quickly. In order to snag a prime room at a great price, it is best to book early! Read our hacks on How To Find Top Hotels.
What To Pack For 1 Week in Croatia
Ok, it’s time to talk about packing up your backpack or suitcase. So, grab our FREE Checklist and let’s get you to Croatia!
Durable Shoes
Stone steps are common in Croatia and can be slippery and cobblestone streets are often uneven. Make sure to pack a good pair of travel shoes for exploring Croatia comfortably!
Day Pack
With long days of sightseeing or sunning at the beach, you will want a functional day bag to stow all of your everyday travel items. Read our reviews for help choosing a Great Day Pack.
Travel Camera
The land and seascapes of Croatia are absolutely astounding. Capture the beauty with a real travel camera. We use this Canon along with an upgraded lens.
European Travel Insurance
Regardless of how well you plan your Croatia weeklong trip, things beyond your control can happen. Flights can get canceled, luggage can get lost, travelers can get sick – and trip insurance might help cover costs.
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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