Don’t be deceived by its size — Croatia is renowned for its stunning cities, rich history, and vibrant culture. Read on for our take on how to explore this beautiful country in 10 days!
The December holidays are just around the corner, which also means that many of us should be planning our year-end trek to the various corners of the globe. And while prancing about a winter wonderland sounds amazing in theory, us, tropical folk may not always be able to withstand the freezing temperatures — making Croatia a great entry point, thanks to its Mediterranean climate which features slightly more pleasant temperatures compared to its neighbours.
Nestled in the heart of Europe and a part of the Balkans, Croatia boasts a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and a cultural vibrancy that’ll ignite your wanderlust like never before. From the charming streets of Zagreb to the historic Dubrovnik, read on as we take you on a 10-day journey through some of the most captivating cities this Mediterranean paradise has to offer! 👇
💜 Stay Up To Date:
– Everything You Need To Know About Seeing The Northern Lights In Finland
– How To Easily Top Up Your Virtual Suica Card In Japan Via Apple Pay With YouTrip
– Did You Know You Could Add Your YouTrip Card To Alipay And WeChat?
10 Days In Croatia Itinerary:
Day 1: Zagreb
Image Credits: Reddit
It’s only fitting to start your road trip in the heart of Croatia! Zagreb functions as its capital and is steeped in so much culture. Start your day at the iconic Ben Jelacic, a popular meeting spot located in the contemporary and hip lower town. Grab a traditional Croatian breakfast while you’re at it, and watch as the city slowly comes to life.
Image Credits: Visit Zagreb
Then, take a stroll towards the upper town, a.k.a. old town, home to narrow and winding streets filled with 17th and 18th-century buildings. Visit *St. Mark’s Church and check out its vibrant, multi-coloured roof featuring a mediaeval coat of arms and the emblem of Zagreb. A short stroll away is the Stone Gate, a symbol of protection in Croatia’s history.
❗The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Do note that St. Mark’s Church is temporarily closed until further notice due to earthquake damage. Stay updated here and have a visit when it reopens!
Image Credits: Trip.com
Spend the rest of your day in Zagreb’s Museum Quarter, home to a treasure trove of art and culture. While popular places include the Croatian Museum of Naive Art with its showcase of works by Croatian self-taught artists, we recommend the Museum of Broken Relationships instead, for a poignant yet hilariously relatable series of stories about love lost and found.
As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Lotrscak Tower and watch the gorgeous city bathed in a warm, golden glow from up above. If you find yourself in the area earlier in the day, don’t miss the daily firing of its cannon!
To celebrate the start of your adventures, visit Vinodol, one of Zagreb’s established dining spots for an authentic taste of Croatia.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Check out the best museums you’ll want to visit in Zagreb here
Day 2: Zagreb
Image credits: Unsplash
Live as the locals do and start your morning at the vibrant and bustling Dolac Market, a popular spot for fresh produce, cheeses, and a variety of handmade crafts. Grab yourself some delicious local treats, and make a day trip out to the Plitvice Lakes, located about two hours away from the city.
At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll be greeted by shimmering emerald-green lakes and the sheer serenity of nature — a prelude to what’s to come in the next few days.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Image credits: Timeout
After a day of exploring all that the park has to offer, make your way back to the city and cap things off with a hearty house-made burger, and a pint or two at the Garden Brewery, home to a refreshing and unique variety of beers and sours.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Day 3: Zadar
Image credits: Lonely Planet
After a quick cultural lesson and a taste of the natural landscapes Croatia has to offer, make a trip down to the city of Zadar, located along the stunning Dalmatian coast and known for its picturesque waterfront, historic old town, and unique attractions.
Upon arrival, you know the drill: Settle in at your accommodation and make your way out. Chances are, you’ll likely arrive just in time for lunch. So head to a local konoba, or tavern, for traditional Dalmatian fare. While there are plenty of places to choose from, we’d recommend Konoba Rafaelo for something a little more laid-back.
Then, head down to the Roman Forum and dive into Zadar’s unique history. Here, ancient columns and ruins paint a vivid and intriguing picture of the city’s past. As in Roman times, the Forum stands as the centre of civil and religious life — with St. Donatus Church, an early Byzantine masterpiece, located right next to it.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Image credits: Lonely Planet
And if you’re a fan of stunning architecture, explore the area and maybe even pay a visit to the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, where you’ll find more Romanesque buildings.
What’s a trip to Croatia without savouring the freshest seafood? Make your way to one of the many seafood restaurants along the waterfront promenade, and enjoy dinner with a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Day 4: Zadar
Pack your sunscreen and fill your bag with snacks — we’re starting our day bright and early because it’s island hopping time!
Image credits: Artists & Climate Change
Spend your day exploring the Kornati Islands, a beautiful archipelago known for its rugged landscapes and clear waters. Boat tours are dime a dozen, so pick the one that takes you to the highlights that work best for you — whether you’re in it for an action-packed afternoon, or for a chill island-hopping adventure.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Check out adventure activities in Zadar here
Image credits: The Rocky Safari
Arrive back to the mainland just before sunset, and head over to the iconic Sea Organ. As its name suggests, the Sea Organ harnesses the power of the sea to produce a series of melodious sounds. Watch the sunset before marvelling at the Sun Salutation, an urban, solar-powered installation that offers an ethereal experience with the soothing sounds of the Sea Organ in the background.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Day 5: Krka National Park
On your way down to Split, we’d recommend making a quick little detour to Krka National Park, known for its series of seven waterfalls.
Image Credits: Unsplash
Must-visits include the Skradinski Buk Falls, as well as the Visovac Island, and the Roski Slap Waterfall — all of which can be easily accessed with a relaxing boat trip!
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Image Credits: My Luxoria
While there isn’t any accommodation available in the National Park, your closest option would be the town of Skradin, where there are plenty of options to stay and eat.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Day 6: Split
No trip to Croatia would be complete without a visit to Split! While many travellers would recommend spending at least three to four days here, we reckon that first-time travellers would want to conquer as much of Croatia as possible!
Image Credits: Lonely Planet
After checking into your accommodation, the first order of business is to visit one of Croatia’s biggest historical marvels — Diocletian’s Palace. This World UNESCO Heritage Site forms the backbone of the Old Town and was once a residential villa built for the Roman emperor Diocletian. Today, it offers tourists a peek into the late Roman antiquity with its ancient alleys and gorgeously crafted peristyle. While here, don’t forget to visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, where stellar views await from its bell tower.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Image Credits: Renegade Travels
Stop by for lunch at one of the many establishments in this area or grab something to-go, because we’re headed up to Marjan Hill to catch scenic views. If you’re lucky, you might be able to channel that main character energy with the occasional ABBA song coming from the passing Mamma Mia tour boats!
If you’re in the mood for more beach time, visit Kasjuni Beach, a unique pebble beach nestled at the foot of Marjan Hill. If the weather isn’t too chilly, go take a dip in the waters.
After basking in the stillness of it all, make your way through the charming streets of the old town, soaking in the ambience that comes alive at night.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Day 7: Split
Start your day at the Green Market, also known as Pazar, a local haunt that features a wide variety of fresh produce and local snacks. Opened daily from 6:30 AM to late in the evening, you can get your hands on pretty much everything and anything — from flowers for your boo, to artisanal treats for the foodie in you.
Image Credits: Wikipedia
Spend the afternoon at the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery, which showcases the works of Croatia’s most famous sculptor. If history and the arts is your thing, another must-visit would be the Split Archaeological Museum, established in 1820 and stands as the oldest museum in Croatia!
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Image Credits: Tourist.hr
Go back to the city centre, and make your way to the Riva, Split’s waterfront promenade. Enjoy your dinner with a view, and grab a tipple or two to cap off the night.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Day 8: Hvar
After basking in nature and culture, it’s time to get the party going! With a reputation of being a party island, you can expect to find anything that tickles your fancy — from casual day bars to the more boujee island clubs.
Image Credits: Our Escape Clause
Take a ferry out from Split, and begin your day in Hvar Town, where you can explore the cobbled streets and quaint shops and cathedrals.
If time permits, hike up to the Fortica, or Hvar Fortress for panoramic views of the town and its islands. Otherwise, get your drink on by the beach (after all, it’s 5 PM somewhere, right?) and get ready to dance the night away!
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Day 9: Dubrovnik
It’s only fitting that we end our 10-day trip in the most popular place in Croatia. After all, this city was catapulted to international attention as being the iconic King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, as is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic.
Image Credits: Outdoor Tara
Upon arrival, make your way to the Old Town, which sits nicely on the Adriatic Sea. As a pedestrian-only town, you’ll have the chance to explore every nook and cranny. If getting lost on your own terms is not something you enjoy, there are plenty of walking tours available! We’d recommend checking out the Game of Thrones tours if you want to see the iconic film spots in the flesh.
Otherwise, opt to walk the City Walls, where you get to enjoy panoramic views of the well-preserved mediaeval architecture and of course, the Adriatic Sea.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Image Credits: Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour
After descending from the walls, explore Rector’s Palace, a beautiful Gothic-Renaissance building that used to house the Republic of Ragusa’s rulers.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to grab lunch! Head over to Bura Bistro & Bar for delicious cocktails and some of the freshest seasonal produce, served in traditional Croatian style.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Image Credits: Just Dubrovnik
Stroll along Stradun, the main street of the Old Town, lined with shops, cafes, and other historic buildings, like Orlando’s Column and the Sponza Palace!
Not to be missed is the Dubrovnik Cathedral, an architectural gem that features impressive sculptures and art.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Day 10: Dubrovnik
On our final day of the ultimate Croatia road trip, we’re going all in! Enjoy a quick breakfast, before catching a ferry to Lokrum Island, a tranquil paradise just a short 10-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik.
Image Credits: Embrace Someplace
Go on to explore the botanical gardens, visit the monastery originally built in the 11th century, and check out the Dead Sea (which is actually a salt lake), located inland on the south of the island. If the weather permits, go on and bathe in the calm and peaceful waters!
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Image Credits: Visit Croatia
After spending your afternoon basking in nature, head back to Dubrovnik and continue relaxing at Banje Beach, one of the many beautiful beaches available, with its crystal clear waters and views of the city walls.
Then, catch one final sunset in the charming city by taking a cable car up to Mount Srd (if you’re game, you can choose to hike up too!), where you can enjoy views straight out of a postcard.
The Ultimate 10 Days In Croatia Itinerary 2023: Find out more here
Your Croatian Adventure Awaits!
While there are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Croatia, we hope that this 10-days-in Croatia itinerary has been useful in learning more about the country’s diverse cities, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. And as you embark on an epic Mediterranean adventure, remember to make use of your YouTrip card to enjoy the best rates all day, because every cent counts!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with promo code <YTBLOG5> to get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜
Bon voyage!
Related Articles
The Ultimate 10 Days In France Itinerary 2023
The Ultimate 7-Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary 2023
The Ultimate 7-Day Greece Itinerary
