It’s time to pack your bags and experience Croatia, a country where turquoise waters, breath taking nature parks, well-preserved historic cities, and vibrant culture come together. While many may think of Dubrovnik as Croatia’s main highlight, this incredible destination offers so much more beyond its famous city walls. Below, you’ll find a carefully crafted 10-day itinerary from our journey, starting in Zadar and making our way down to Dubrovnik, showcasing the best of Croatia’s hidden gems, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.
Zadar – Day 1 and 2
We had a 1.5 days in Zadar and this was a great amount of time to explore the city, experience the culture, local atmosphere and food.
Must sees:
- A stroll through Zadar’s Old Town. Walk the narrow streets, have an ice-cream and visit the Church of St. Donatus, a beautiful 9th-century structure.
- If you enjoy history head to the Roman Forum, where you can walk through ancient ruins and soak in the history.
- Don’t miss the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation. These two unique attractions use the sea and sunlight to create music and light shows (see photo of the Sun Salutation above).
- For dinner, try a local seafood restaurant and enjoy the view of the sunset – Zadar is famous for its stunning sunsets!
- In the evening, climb the Bell Tower of St. Anastasia’s Cathedral for a panoramic view of the city and the Adriatic Sea. – We experienced this in the day time but heard the best time to go is evening.
- Wine tasting – We found an excellent wine bar WineGarden Zadar – Drink and Eat Like a Local Serving a range of local wines in a beautiful courtyard of the former church of St Roko just off from the main market, the wines are reasonably priced within a relaxed atmosphere.
Where to stay in Zadar
Budget – The Hostel, Zadar – Very clean and quiet at the gate of the Old Town, a small walk away from the centre and the bus station also a 15 minute walk.
Mid – Range – Classy Design Accommodation – Entire studio apartment right in the centre of Old Town. Brand new and modern design also equipped with living area.
Luxury – Apartments and Rooms Mareta Exclusive – Right in the centre of Old Town, the apartment is less than 100 metres away from the sights. The modern apartments include kitchen, dining and seating area with some rooms having balcony’s.
Sibenik – Day 3 and 4
We spent 2 days in Sibenik, we felt this was a beautiful city where the locals were very friendly. Here we spent the first day exploring and the second in Krka National Park.
Must sees in Sibenik:
- St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire its stunning stone architecture and unique details.
- Šibenik’s Old Town, with its narrow, cobblestone streets, charming squares, and old stone buildings.
- St. Michael’s Fortress for panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.
- Visit St. Nicholas Fortress, another UNESCO site that guards the entrance to the Šibenik channel.
- Have dinner at a waterfront restaurant while watching the sunset over the sea. We enjoyed lovely seafood dishes from a local restaurant Bristro Luce and Brigita
Where to stay in Sibenik
Mid-range – Medulic Palace Rooms, we only paid £45 per night here but this beat all expectations. Around the corner from the main square, above a lovely cafe and the host was very helpful and was available by whatsapp when needed, the room was also very clean and modern.
Krka National Park
Just a 20-minute drive from Šibenik, Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s most breath taking natural wonders. Known for its stunning waterfalls, lush landscapes, and peaceful walking trails, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers. The park covers an area of over 142 square kilometres, with the Krka River running through it, creating a series of waterfalls, cascades, and pools.
Getting There:
If you’re based in Šibenik, getting to Krka National Park is easy. You can drive or take a bus directly from the city to the park’s main entrance at Skradin or Lozovac. We bought our bus tickets at the station on the day which was advised from our hotel host, explaining this was the cheapest option although we did have a walk down the day before to check frequency of buses. From Skradin, you can enjoy a scenic boat ride that takes you to the base of the park’s most famous waterfall, Skradinski Buk.
Adult entry tickets also range from 20-40 euro dependant on time of year (in or off season)
Tips for Visiting:
- Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during the summer.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Pack water and snacks, though there are cafes inside the park.
Day 5 – Split
We were only able to spend the day in Split so didn’t get to make the most out of seeing all Split has to offer but I have put together some must-sees for you:
- Diocletian’s Palace, the heart of Split and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore ancient Roman ruins, and check out hidden gems like the Peristyle Square and Vestibule.
- Climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius Cathedral for a stunning panoramic view of Split and the surrounding coastline.
- Don’t miss the Basement Halls, where you can learn more about the palace’s history.
- Walk the Riva Promenade, a beautiful waterfront walkway lined with palm trees, cafes, and restaurants.
Where to stay in Split
Budget – Cosy Apartment – An apartment including fully equipped kitchen and a walk away from Split’s main attractions. The host was very helpful via whatsapp when getting lost on the way.
Bol – Day 6 and 7
We had 2 days in Bol, one of our favourite places in Croatia unfortunately it rained throughout our time here so time on the beautiful beach was quite limited haha.
Must sees:
- A wander around Bol’s Old Town. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with stone houses, local shops, and cafes. Visit the Dominican Monastery, which houses a small museum and offers stunning views of the coastline.
- Stop by the Bol Marina, where you can watch the boats and enjoy a coffee (or cocktails!) by the water.
- Head to Zlatni Rat Beach, one of Croatia’s most famous beaches, known for its unique shape and crystal-clear waters. Unlike us, I hope you can spend the rest of your time swimming, sunbathing, or trying out water sports.
- Take an afternoon hike or bike ride to Vidova Gora, the highest peak on the Adriatic islands. The trail takes about 2 hours to the top, but the panoramic view of Bol, Zlatni Rat, and the surrounding islands is worth the effort.
- If you also enjoy artwork, for the 12th year in a row now Bol hosts an international graffiti festival, Graffiti Na Gradele so go for a walk and view all of the creativity. If you see the photo above, the talent was outstanding!
- The prawn risotto and the pizzas were some of the best food throughout our journey at Pumparela Restaurant
Where to stay in Bol
Budget – Old Town Accommodation – This was our favourite hotel especially at less than £40 per night, we felt like part of the family here and would love to go back! The views from the chairs outside were stunning looking over the sea and this was around the corner from the harbour. The room was basic and classic but this is all you need for a short stay!
Hvar – Day 8, 9 and 10
Hvar is a really stunning Croatian Island which gave me an Italian vibe and is known for its vibrant nightlife, narrow cobblestone streets, crystal-clear waters, and historic charm. Visitors can explore hidden coves, enjoy sailing, or relax at chic seaside bars. Popular among travellers offering modern luxury, Hvar is a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure, offering breath taking scenery and a lively cultural scene.
Discover Hvar Town and Historic Sites
- Start your trip in Hvar Town, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Exploring Hvar Fortress, which sits above the town and watch the stunning views of the harbour and nearby islands.
- Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Pjaca Square, where you can admire the old stone buildings and go to one of the lively cafes.
- Walk to the Spanish Fortress. The walk takes about 20-30 minutes and rewards you with panoramic views of the town, harbor, and Pakleni Islands.
Sunset and Evening:
- Spend time at one of the popular beach clubs like Hula Hula or Bonj Les Bains. Here, you can relax, swim in the clear Adriatic waters, and enjoy cocktails with a view. You can also have stunning views of the sunset from here.
- Another perfect end to your day, head to Hvar’s Riva Promenade to watch the sunset. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, there are many restaurants you will struggle to decide.
- Hvar’s nightlife is famous, so if you’re in the mood, hit a bar or club like Carpe Diem for drinks and dancing. We also enjoyed Lola Street Food and Bar, a down to earth street bar.
Day trip to the Pakleni Islands
- We visited Jerolim, which was stunning, only a handful of people on the island and the beach was beautiful and visited Makinkovac (the party island) this island was very expensive and reminded me of Ibiza in season. Make sure you make the boat back!
Where to stay in Hvar
Mid-Range – Agata House Hvar – Very modern and we were able to get a very good deal with booking.com, the host explained that this accommodation is used regularly for weddings. It is right in the centre, a whole apartment with kitchen facilities and a flat screen TV.
Dubrovnik – Day 11
We had a day and a half finishing off our trip in Dubrovnik, we did explore the centre, the city walls but focused on winding down before going back home but I know Dubrovnik has so much more to offer so I have listed more of an extensive must see list.
- Walking the City Walls, one of Dubrovnik’s most famous attractions. The walls stretch nearly 2 kilometers around the Old Town, offering breathtaking views of the city’s red-roofed buildings and the Adriatic Sea. It’s best to go early to avoid the crowds and the midday heat.
Late Morning: Explore the Old Town
- Exploring the Old Town – the main street, lined with shops, cafes, and historic landmarks so enjoy a delicious ice cream! Visit Sponza Palace, Orlando’s Column, and Rector’s Palace, if you are into history!
- Stop by St. Blaise’s Church and Onofrio’s Fountain, which has been supplying water to the city since the 15th century.
- Walk to Fort Lovrijenac, located just outside the city walls. Known as “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar,” this impressive fort offers incredible views of the city walls and the sea. It’s a popular spot for Game of Thrones fans as it was featured in the show.
- Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car to the top of Mount Srđ for a panoramic view of Dubrovnik, the surrounding islands, and the coastline. It’s the perfect spot to capture photos of the city from above.
- Sunset by the sea – visit a cliffside bar where you can enjoy a drink with stunning views of the sea. It’s an ideal spot to relax and watch the sunset.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
Mid-Range – Black n’ White – At £57 per night we stayed up the road from Rixos Beach Hotel at over 5x the price. We had a whole apartment, including kitchenette and balcony which were very modern. The host was also very helpful.
Want to know more about Croatia, click on Getting around Croatia – Best ways travel Croatia
