Best Croatia Itinerary – 8 Days

Croatia boasts a plethora of stunning attractions waiting to be explored, from picturesque islands and breathtaking coastal roads to awe-inspiring waterfalls like Krka and Plitvice. And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the captivating Cetina River spring, a natural wonder that is both stunning to look at and refreshing to swim in. For adrenaline junkies, the southern region of Croatia offers the perfect setting for thrilling activities such as rafting and canyoning.

Starting from Rovinj and heading all the way down to Dubrovnik, this road trip will take you on a journey through some of Croatia’s biggest and most iconic islands. And when it’s time to head back, you’ll travel from Dubrovnik all the way up to Plitvice, taking in all the sights and sounds that this beautiful country has to offer. Whether you’re a lover of hiking, swimming, or just enjoying stunning views and cityscapes, this trip promises to offer something special and extraordinary for everyone, including the chance to indulge in some delicious vine tasting along the way.

Must have on this trip: Hiking shoes, snorkeling mask, water shoes, comfy clothing, sunscreen, hat

Overview

8 Days
Croatia
Rovinj
Plitvica selo

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Croatia itinerary

Day 1: Lim Fjord Panorama, Rovinj, Park Forest Zlatni Rt, Pula
Day 2: Krka National Park
Day 3: Vransko Jezero and Split
Day 4: Islands tour from Split
Day 5: Crkva sv.Juraj viewpoint and Dubrovnik
Day 6: Lokrum island and Dubrovnik
Day 7: Cetina River rafting tour and Izvor Cetine
Day 8: Plitvice Lakes National Park

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 Fiord is part of the 35 km long Lim Valley (Draga), that stretches almost to the center 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, giltheads, sea basses.).

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 leisurely 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 amphitheater located in Pula, Croatia. It is the only remaining Roman amphitheater 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 center 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 an 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 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. Hike 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 many 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 Harbor.

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 motor boat, taste vine, 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 snorkeling 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 Cetina River, 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 coast side city Omiš, 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. Travelers and locals alike visit this island for its idyllic walking paths, natural swimming pools, and colorful 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 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 an extreme paradise for divers, 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 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 or You’ll have to wait till noon or afternoon and stand in long lines to just get in there.

Boat and bus shuttles work throughout the day and mostly are 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.


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