Croatia’s captivating blend of ancient history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant culture makes it an irresistible destination for travellers. From the bustling streets of Zagreb to the sun-drenched islands of the Adriatic, this enchanting country offers a wealth of experiences. A well-planned 7-day itinerary allows you to savour Croatia’s diverse landscapes, immerse yourself in its rich heritage, and create lasting memories. Let’s embark on a journey through Croatia’s most iconic destinations, uncovering hidden gems and must-see attractions along the way.
Exploring zagreb: croatia’s capital and cultural hub
Begin your Croatian adventure in Zagreb, the country’s dynamic capital and cultural epicentre. This vibrant city seamlessly blends its Austro-Hungarian heritage with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Start your exploration in the historic Upper Town, where cobblestone streets wind their way past baroque buildings and medieval churches.
The iconic St. Mark’s Church, with its colourful tiled roof depicting the coat of arms of Zagreb, is a must-visit landmark. Nearby, the Zagreb Cathedral stands tall as the city’s most prominent architectural feature, its neo-Gothic spires visible from various vantage points.
For a unique perspective on Zagreb’s history, venture into the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships. This unconventional museum showcases personal objects and stories from failed relationships, offering a poignant and often humorous look at human connections.
As evening approaches, head to Tkalčićeva Street, the city’s bustling thoroughfare lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars. Here, you can experience Zagreb’s vibrant café culture and sample local delicacies like štrukli , a traditional pastry filled with cheese and cream.
Coastal splendour: split and diocletian’s palace
From Zagreb, journey south to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city and home to the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site forms the heart of Split’s Old Town and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Roman past.
Architectural marvels of diocletian’s palace
Step through the ancient gates of Diocletian’s Palace and find yourself transported back in time. This sprawling complex, built in the 4th century AD as a retirement residence for Roman Emperor Diocletian, now forms the bustling core of Split’s historic centre.
Wander through the maze-like streets, where centuries-old buildings house trendy boutiques, cosy cafes, and local artisans’ workshops. The Palace’s central square, the Peristyle, showcases an impressive collection of Roman architecture, including the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, originally built as Diocletian’s mausoleum.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Palace’s underground chambers, where you can marvel at the well-preserved Roman architecture and imagine life in ancient times. These subterranean halls also played a crucial role in Game of Thrones , serving as the backdrop for Daenerys’ dragon den scenes.
Riva promenade and marjan hill panoramas
After immersing yourself in Split’s ancient history, take a leisurely stroll along the Riva promenade. This palm-lined waterfront offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a coffee at one of the many outdoor cafes while watching the world go by.
For panoramic views of Split and the surrounding islands, hike up Marjan Hill. This lush peninsula, often referred to as the “lungs of Split,” provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city centre. The hill is dotted with hiking trails, viewpoints, and even hidden beaches, making it the perfect spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Game of thrones filming locations in split
Fans of the hit TV series Game of Thrones will be delighted to discover that Split served as a key filming location. In addition to the underground chambers of Diocletian’s Palace, several other spots around the city were featured in the show.
The narrow streets of the Old Town doubled as the fictional city of Meereen, while the nearby Klis Fortress, perched dramatically atop a rocky outcrop, stood in for the city of Meereen in long shots. Consider joining a Game of Thrones themed tour to fully appreciate the city’s role in bringing George R.R. Martin’s fantasy world to life.
Island hopping: hvar and korčula
No Croatian itinerary is complete without exploring some of the country’s stunning islands. From Split, embark on a journey to two of the most captivating islands in the Adriatic: Hvar and Korčula.
Hvar town’s venetian architecture and španjola fortress
Begin your island adventure on Hvar, often referred to as the “Queen of the Dalmatian Islands.” Hvar Town, the island’s main settlement, boasts a picturesque harbour lined with elegant Venetian-style buildings and swaying palm trees.
Explore the town’s winding stone streets, making your way up to the imposing Španjola Fortress. This 16th-century citadel offers breathtaking views over Hvar Town and the nearby Pakleni Islands. As the sun begins to set, join the locals for a traditional aperitif in St. Stephen’s Square, the heart of Hvar’s social scene.
Lavender fields and stari grad plain UNESCO site
Venture inland to discover Hvar’s famous lavender fields, which blanket the island’s interior in a sea of purple during the summer months. The intoxicating scent of lavender fills the air, creating a truly sensory experience.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This agricultural landscape has remained virtually unchanged since it was first colonised by the ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC. The intricate system of stone walls and parcels showcases the ingenuity of early Mediterranean farming techniques.
Korčula old town and marco polo’s alleged birthplace
From Hvar, continue your island-hopping adventure to Korčula, known for its dense forests and charming Old Town. Often called “Little Dubrovnik,” Korčula Town’s medieval architecture and strategic coastal location evoke a sense of bygone eras.
Wander through the town’s narrow streets, laid out in a herringbone pattern to provide protection from strong winds while allowing sea breezes to circulate. Visit the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo, now a museum dedicated to the famous explorer’s life and travels.
As evening falls, climb the steps of the Bell Tower at St. Mark’s Cathedral for panoramic views of the Adriatic. Then, settle in for a dinner of fresh seafood at one of the town’s excellent restaurants, perhaps accompanied by a glass of the local white wine, Pošip .
Dubrovnik: pearl of the adriatic
Your Croatian journey culminates in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and arguably the country’s most famous destination. This ancient city, with its imposing stone walls and terracotta rooftops, has captivated visitors for centuries and more recently served as a key filming location for Game of Thrones .
Walking dubrovnik’s ancient city walls
Begin your exploration of Dubrovnik with a walk along its iconic city walls. These massive fortifications, dating back to the 13th century, encircle the Old Town and offer unparalleled views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. The full circuit spans approximately 2 kilometres and takes about two hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
As you walk, you’ll encounter numerous towers, forts, and bastions, each with its own unique history. Keep an eye out for Minčeta Tower, the highest point of the walls, which provides a stunning 360-degree panorama of Dubrovnik and its surroundings.
Stradun promenade and rector’s palace
Descend from the walls and make your way to Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main promenade and the beating heart of the Old Town. This limestone-paved street stretches from Pile Gate to the Old Port and is lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
At the eastern end of Stradun, you’ll find the Rector’s Palace, a stunning example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Once the seat of Dubrovnik’s government, the palace now houses a museum showcasing period furniture, paintings, and artefacts that offer insight into the city’s rich history.
Cable car ride to mount srđ
For a bird’s-eye view of Dubrovnik and the surrounding coastline, take a ride on the cable car to the top of Mount Srđ. The journey takes just under four minutes and rewards you with breathtaking vistas of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and the nearby islands.
At the summit, visit the Homeland War Museum, housed in the Imperial Fortress. This museum provides a sobering look at Dubrovnik’s role in Croatia’s War of Independence in the 1990s. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a meal at the panoramic restaurant while watching the Old Town’s lights twinkle to life below.
Lokrum island nature reserve
On your final day in Dubrovnik, take a short boat ride to Lokrum Island, a lush nature reserve just off the coast. This small island offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling Old Town and is home to beautiful gardens, rocky beaches, and even a colony of peacocks.
Explore the ruins of the Benedictine monastery, visit the small salt lake known as the “Dead Sea,” and hike to the highest point of the island for panoramic views. Lokrum is also home to a Game of Thrones visitor centre, where fans can sit on a replica Iron Throne.
Plitvice lakes national park: cascading waterfalls
While not on the coast, no trip to Croatia would be complete without a visit to the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its series of 16 terraced lakes, interconnected by waterfalls and surrounded by lush forests.
Spend a day exploring the park’s well-maintained wooden walkways and hiking trails, which wind their way around, over, and sometimes under the cascading waterfalls. The lakes’ colours range from azure to green, grey, and blue, depending on the mineral content and lighting conditions.
For the best experience, arrive early to beat the crowds and consider taking one of the park’s boat tours to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the lake system. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera to capture the park’s natural wonders.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a testament to the raw beauty of Croatia’s inland regions, offering a stark contrast to the coastal areas and providing visitors with an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Zadar: roman ruins and modern marvels
As your Croatian adventure nears its end, make time for a stop in Zadar, a coastal city that beautifully blends ancient history with cutting-edge art installations. This often-overlooked gem offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Dubrovnik or Split, making it the perfect place to wind down your trip.
Sea organ and greeting to the sun installation
Zadar’s most famous attractions are two innovative art installations located on its seafront promenade. The Sea Organ, designed by architect Nikola Bašić, is a series of marble steps with pipes underneath that create haunting, melodic sounds as the waves push air through them.
Nearby, the Greeting to the Sun is a large circular installation consisting of 300 multi-layered glass plates that collect solar energy during the day and produce a spectacular light show at night. These two installations have become symbols of Zadar’s embrace of modern art and sustainable technology.
St. donatus church and roman forum
Step back in time as you explore Zadar’s historic centre, home to numerous Roman and medieval structures. The imposing St. Donatus Church, a 9th-century Byzantine building, is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Its unique circular design and use of stones from the nearby Roman forum make it a fascinating architectural study.
Adjacent to the church lies the Roman Forum, the largest on the eastern side of the Adriatic. Although only a fraction of the original structure remains, you can still see remnants of temples, colonnades, and an ancient street grid, offering a glimpse into Zadar’s Roman past.
Sunset views from zadar’s waterfront
As your Croatian journey draws to a close, take time to experience what Alfred Hitchcock once described as “the most beautiful sunset in the world.” Find a spot along Zadar’s waterfront promenade, perhaps near the Sea Organ, and watch as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a spectacular array of colours.
This magical moment, accompanied by the gentle melodies of the Sea Organ and the twinkling lights of the Greeting to the Sun, provides a fitting end to your exploration of Croatia’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Zadar’s unique blend of ancient history and modern artistry encapsulates the essence of Croatia – a country that honours its past while boldly embracing the future.
As you reflect on your 7-day journey through Croatia, you’ll undoubtedly be struck by the country’s remarkable diversity. From the bustling streets of Zagreb to the tranquil beauty of Plitvice Lakes, from the historic walls of Dubrovnik to the innovative art installations of Zadar, Croatia offers a wealth of experiences that cater to every type of traveller. This carefully crafted itinerary provides a taste of Croatia’s highlights, leaving you with unforgettable memories and, quite possibly, a desire to return and explore even more of this captivating country.