The Ultimate Croatia Itinerary 8 Days: Your Perfect Road Trip is designed to help you make the most of your time exploring this beautiful country.
Embark on a Croatian road trip following this Croatia itinerary from Rovinj down the coast to Dubrovnik, exploring iconic islands before heading to the awe-inspiring waterfalls of Plitvice and Krka. This journey offers something for everyone: swim in the stunning Cetina River spring, go rafting or canyoning in the south, or enjoy hiking, beautiful cityscapes, and delicious wine tasting along the way.
Must have on this trip: Hiking shoes, snorkelling mask, water shoes, comfy clothing, sunscreen, hat.
Overview
Croatia itinerary
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Highlights





Day 1
Summary: Arrive in Rovinj, look at the amazing views, relax and unwind on the beach, and walk through the streets of Pula.
Sights and activities:
Lim Fjord Panorama
Lim Fjord is part of the 35 km long Lim Valley (Draga), which stretches almost to the centre of Istria, to the town of Pazin. The Fiord itself is a little bit longer than 10 km, it is 30 meters deep, and its widest part is around 600 meters wide. From both sides, very steep mountains rise, in some parts even up to 100 meters.
The water in the bay is partly brackish because of its underwater sources of sweet water, and it is thus suitable for the growth of plant and animal life. It is also a well-known fish and oyster farm (oysters, mussels, gilthead, sea bass).

Šuma Zlatni RT/Beach Zlatni Rt
Golden Cape is ideal for various sporting activities such as running, cycling, and gymnastics. The old quarry has been transformed into a paradise for lovers of free climbing. The park is perfect for a stroll. The whole area is closed to traffic from motor vehicles.
The beaches of Punta Corrente are worth a visit. As in the rest of the coast, there are rocky capes and pebble bays suitable for children. In several places along the coast, there are beach bars where you can refresh.
Pula/Pula Arena
The Pula Arena is a Roman amphitheatre located in Pula, Croatia. It is the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers entirely preserved. It was constructed between 27 BC and AD 68 and is among the world’s six largest surviving Roman arenas. The arena is also the country’s best-preserved ancient monument.
Pula is the largest city and cultural, economic, and tourist centre of the Istrian region in the Republic of Croatia. With its 3000-year-old history, Pula is one of the few cities in the world that features remains of many ancient Roman buildings. Every part of town is a reminder of past times, especially the Roman era.


Day 2
Summary: Hike in the extraordinary Krka National Park and explore the beautiful waterfalls.
Sights and activities:
Krka Waterfalls
Many national parks have to be satisfied with being home to a single set of waterfalls, but the Krka National Park has several areas that feature this stunning geological attraction: Skradinski buk is considered to be the most beautiful set of calcium carbonate waterfalls in Europe, thanks to the play of light on the whirlpools and the variety of vegetation in the area. It is the lowest of the three waterfalls along the Krka River and comprises 17 different falls in total. Hiking through Krka National Park can take a full day.



Day 3
Summary: Visit the biggest lake in Croatia, and explore the streets of Split.
Sights and activities:
Vransko Jezero
If you’re into camping, you can stay the night at Vraansko Jezero Campsite. There is everything you need for your stay: toilets, showers, a lake for swimming, hiking trails, and much more. You pay for the spot in different lines, closer and further from the lake. You can even book a small cabin for your stay, but in summer the campsite may be full, so book in advance.
Vrana Lakes Nature Park stretches over a vast area of around 57 km² and sits just a 5-minute drive from the beach resort village of Pakoštane. You can enter the park from either one of the three entrances to the lakes, which are Crkvine, Kamenjak, or Prosika Harbour.
The most ideal way to reach the lake, no matter which entrance you choose, is to come by car or pre-arrange transport or tour. Once here, you have an abundance of things to keep you busy.

Split
Thanks to its many former rulers (Roman, Austrian, and Yugoslav, to name a few), Split is a European city unlike any other. What you get is a truly unique mix of architecture and history on every cobblestoned corner: ancient ruins, open-air flea markets, centuries-old cathedrals—it’s a city seemingly frozen in time. And just beyond you’ll find the Adriatic Sea, home to picturesque beaches and tranquil turquoise waters. Relax at Kašjuni or Bačvice Beaches, or use it as a launching-off point to other nearby islands.
Day 4
Summary: Go on a full-day Island tour from Split on a motorboat, taste wine, and explore the islands as you go.
Sights and activities:
Islands Tour From Split
Head on an adventurous small-group or private 5-island tour by speedboat, including snorkelling in pristine blue waters, a visit to the charming village of Komiža, and sightseeing in Hvar.
See the highlights of islands on 1 handy day trip, wander through the traditional fishing village of Komiža, have time to snorkel and swim in the pristine blue waters, and go sightseeing in the Old Town of Hvar.
You can choose from either a small-group or private guided experience.



Day 5
Summary: Drive to Dubrovnik on a scenic coastal road, while stopping to take in some beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Cetina River, and go to the beach in Dubrovnik.
Sights and activities:
Crkva Sv. Juraj (43°27’41.9″N 16°41’43.8″E)
On Your way to Dubrovnik, You can see many beautiful views, but You should stop here (43°27’41.9″N 16°41’43.8″ E), if You follow these coordinates You will find a little parking spot by the road, stop by, and jump out of Your car and go walk a little, once You’ll find a trail, follow it and it’ll take You to Crkva Sv. Juraj, and the amazing view of the coastline city Omiš, the Cetina river, and Babnjača hill, altogether these views make a beautiful wide view. Take a moment to feel and see it all; it’s also a great spot for some interesting and beautiful photos.


Plaža Bellevue
Secluded pebble beach that one can get to via steps that lead along the side of Hotel Rixos Libertas.
The beach is nestled in a deep, picturesque bay surrounded by steep cliffs and a large cave. There is a cafe bar/restaurant in the near vicinity, handy for drinks and snacks.
Bellevue is popular with locals as a swimming and cliff-jumping beach spot, while the whole area serves as a local water polo enthusiast’s paradise.
Due to its location, facing southeast, there is plenty of shade on the beach from the early afternoon, so it is a great spot to go swimming if you like to avoid the strong summer heat. Alternatively, if you are after the sun, the best time to enjoy this beach is in the early morning. During the windy days, the waters here can be pretty rough, so make sure you stay safe.
Day 6
Summary: Go on a day trip to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik port, explore the Island, and walk through Dubrovnik Old Town.
Sights and activities:
Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island, home to a botanical garden, salt lake, and Benedictine monastery dating back at least to 1023, is a great escape from the bustle of Dubrovnik. Travellers and locals alike visit this island for its idyllic walking paths, natural swimming pools, and colourful peacocks. It’s also popular among Game of Thrones fans as the filming location for Qarth.
A perfect day trip, boats regularly leave from Dubrovnik’s Old Town port and take just 15 minutes to get to Lokrum. An additional entrance fee is required on the island. Lokrum is busiest in the summer vacation months of July and August.



Lokrum Main Beach
“Lokrum Main” is the best beach on Lokrum Island for jumping and diving. But if cliff jumping isn’t your thing, don’t worry, there are plenty of gentle sloping areas to wade into the sea. Just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for sharks in the Adriatic Sea!
If you fancy a clothing-optional beach paradise, you’ll find the Lokrum Island nude beach on the southeastern part of the island. The large rocks that surround the beach create a natural, secluded bay for additional privacy. You can find this beach by searching “FKK Beach” in Google Maps.
Before heading to the beach, get the perfect Instagram shot at this naturally occurring rock formation. Traverse over the rocks and boulders at Buža na Lokrumu, and explore all the beautiful nooks and crannies.
Day 7
Summary: Go for a rafting trip on the Cetina River, but later visit The Eye Of The Earth – Cetina River Spring. Then make your way to Plitvice.
Sights and activities:
Rafting Cetina
You can’t visit Croatia without rafting in the Cetina River, this is the day for that. As You head back up from Dubrovnik around Split and Omiš You’ll find plenty of agencies providing rafting tours and it’s worth taking one, especially if You’re a lover of epic adventures, then this is the thing You have to do. Make sure to book this experience in advance because it’s a very popular activity in this area in summer, and you may not get a guide because they’ll be already booked. You can even choose different levels of whitewater rafting.
Izvor Cetine – The Eye Of The Earth
The very beginning of the Cetina River, ice cold water ranging from 4°C to 7°C, and stunning view from above – The Eye Of The Earth…
It is an incredible karst spring located at the foothills of the Dinara mountain range in Croatia.
It has plenty of underwater caves and is an extreme paradise for divers. The Cetina River spring may be deeper than 100 meters and full of cave systems, where divers may be lucky if they make it out of there without getting lost. You may not imagine that, but the spring is full of rubbish that you can’t see from above.


Day 8
Summary: Go on a day hike in Plitvice Lakes.
Sights and activities:
Plitvička Jezera
Plitvice Lakes is probably the most iconic place in Croatia. You know about it, and imagine it when hearing Croatia. So this is the peak of Your way through Croatia, but believe it or not, in summer it is not as good as You would imagine, not talking about views – views are incredible, but the people and crowds of people will be there and You’ll have to step on the other people heels to get forward if You don’t go early in the morning, anyway’s there will be crowds even in the morning, especially at the beginning of the trail, but it’s recommended to take the longest trail (Route K ) because eventually You’ll get rid of all the crowds and it will be a very enjoyable hike.
It’s recommended to start from Entrance 1, especially if you get here first thing in the morning. By starting from Entrance 1, you are walking slightly uphill most of the way, but you are walking towards the waterfalls on the lower lakes. That means that you always get to see them in front of you.
If you walk in the opposite direction, you will actually walk past some of the waterfalls and have to keep turning around to look at them.
Reserve your tickets in advance, one or two days before, to get there in the morning. You’ll have to wait till noon or the afternoon and stand in long lines to just get in there.
Boat and bus shuttles work throughout the day and are mostly included in the ticket, but make sure that they’re included because it will be easier to navigate through Plitvice Lakes by using some of the shuttles.



