7 Days Croatia Itinerary
This 7-day itinerary takes you on a journey through Croatia's most iconic cities, Dubrovnik and Split. Explore historic landmarks, indulge in local cuisine, and soak up the sun on the beautiful Adriatic coast, all within a moderate budget.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
May, June, September, and October offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer months
Activities
41
Daily Avg
$150/day
Cities
Croatia (2d), Split (5d)
Pace
Fast
Croatia offers a stunning blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient walled cities to crystal-clear waters and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, it's a diverse destination perfect for a memorable trip.
Your itinerary covers 14 of 15 must-have experiences
City Walls
Day 1: Walk the City Walls
Historic Palace
Day 1: Visit the Rector's Palace
Coastal Town
Day 3: Bus from Dubrovnik to Split
Adriatic Beach
Day 4: Relax at Kasjuni Beach
Local Market
Day 6: Visit the Green Market (Pazar)
Seafood Restaurant
Day 1: Lunch at Proto Fish Restaurant
Island Visit
Day 2: Kayaking to Lokrum Island
Harbor View
Day 3: Explore Riva Promenade
Sunset Spot
Day 1: Sunset at Mount Srd
Cathedral
Day 5: Visit St. Lawrence Cathedral
Fortress
Day 5: Explore Kamerlengo Fortress
Hilltop View
Day 1: Sunset at Mount Srd
Ice Cream
Day 4: Brunch at Luka Ice Cream & Cakes
Local Wine
Day 6: Farewell Dinner at Zinfandel Food & Wine bar
Picigin
Day 6: Relax at Bacvice Beach
Croatian cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences, featuring fresh seafood along the coast and hearty meat dishes inland. Expect olive oil, garlic, and locally grown produce to be prevalent in many dishes, creating a vibrant and flavorful culinary experience. Don't miss out on trying the local wines and olive oils that complement the food perfectly.
Must-Try Dishes
Meat (lamb, veal, or octopus) and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid covered in embers. The meat is incredibly tender and infused with smoky flavors.
📍 Konobas (traditional taverns) in rural areas or coastal towns, especially in Dalmatia.
Risotto made with cuttlefish or squid ink, giving it a distinctive black color and a rich, slightly salty seafood flavor.
📍 Seafood restaurants along the Adriatic coast, particularly in Istria and Dalmatia.
A baked or boiled pastry filled with cottage cheese and sour cream, often served as a savory or sweet dish. A specialty of the Zagorje region.
📍 Restaurants and bakeries in the Zagorje region or in Zagreb.
A slow-cooked beef stew marinated in wine, vinegar, and spices, typically served with gnocchi or pasta. A Dalmatian classic.
📍 Restaurants and konobas in Dalmatia, especially in Split.
Food Neighborhoods
Fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional Croatian products.
Bustling street with numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines.
Waterfront promenade with seafood restaurants and cafes overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Known for its oysters and seafood restaurants.
Vegetarian options are becoming more widely available, especially in tourist areas, but it's still helpful to learn how to say 'I am vegetarian' (Ja sam vegetarijanac/vegetarijanka). Vegan options are less common, so it's best to inquire specifically about ingredients. Halal food can be found in larger cities, particularly in Zagreb. Gluten-free options are increasingly available, but it's advisable to check with restaurants beforehand regarding cross-contamination.
It's customary to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Tipping is appreciated, usually around 10-15% for good service. When drinking wine or rakija, it's polite to offer a toast before taking a sip. Dress codes are generally casual, but smart casual attire is appropriate for nicer restaurants.
Ultra Europe
Major electronic music festival in the stunning Croatian coastal setting.
Note: Book 3 months ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in Old Town, walk to Pile Gate entrance to the City Walls.$40
9:00 AM - Walk the City Walls
Explore Dubrovnik's iconic city walls, offering breathtaking views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and heat. The entire loop takes about 2-3 hours.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Pile Gate to Proto Fish Restaurant (approx. 5 minutes).$25
12:00 PM - Lunch at Proto Fish Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at Proto, a renowned restaurant in the Old Town. Try the grilled fish or the black risotto.
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- 🚶Proto Fish Restaurant is located on Stradun, so you can explore it after lunch.FREE
2:00 PM - Explore the Stradun
Wander down the Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street, lined with shops, cafes, and historical buildings. Take your time to soak in the atmosphere.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Stradun to Rector's Palace (approx. 2 minutes).$18
4:00 PM - Visit the Rector's Palace
Explore the Rector's Palace, a beautifully preserved Gothic-Renaissance palace that once served as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take a taxi or cable car from Rector's Palace to Mount Srd.$30 (cable car)
6:00 PM - Sunset at Mount Srd
Take the cable car up Mount Srd for panoramic sunset views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. The cable car ride is short but offers stunning vistas. Consider having drinks at the restaurant on top.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take a taxi or walk from Mount Srd back to Konoba Lokanda Peskarija (approx. 5 minutes).$20
8:30 PM - Dinner at Konoba Lokanda Peskarija
Enjoy a casual and affordable dinner at Konoba Lokanda Peskarija, known for its fresh seafood and local specialties. Try the mussels or the grilled calamari.
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Old Town
Staying in the Old Town provides easy access to all the major attractions and a vibrant atmosphere.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May, June, September, and October offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer months.
The shoulder season in Croatia offers sunny days with comfortable temperatures, perfect for exploring the coast and islands. Rainfall is less frequent than in other months, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
May, June, September, and October offer a sweet spot with pleasant weather, fewer tourists than the peak summer months, and generally lower prices.
Check for local holidays as they may affect opening hours and transportation schedules.
Getting Around
Buses are the main intercity transport; ferries along coast
FlixBus and local buses connect cities. Jadrolinija ferries serve the islands.
Travel
$150-300 (ferry, buses, local transport)Accommodation
$280-420 (7 nights in budget-friendly hotels/guesthouses, ~$40-60/night)Food
$210-350 ($30-50/day)Activities
$60-130 (entrance fees, tours)Eat at local 'konobas' (traditional taverns) or 'buregdžinicas' (burek shops) for authentic and more affordable meals compared to tourist-trap restaurants along the main promenades.
Utilize local buses for intercity travel and public transport within cities rather than relying on taxis. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October) for significantly lower prices on accommodation and tours.
Invest in a full-day boat excursion or a private island-hopping tour to explore Croatia's stunning coastline and hidden coves, often including swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
Treat yourself to a memorable seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant in a scenic location like Hvar, Rovinj, or Dubrovnik, paired with excellent local Croatian wine.
Visit local 'pijacas' (markets) in the mornings for fresh, seasonal produce, cheeses, and local delicacies at better prices than supermarkets, allowing you to create your own affordable picnics.
- Learn a few basic Croatian phrases (hello, thank you, etc.).
- Download offline maps for navigation.
- Take advantage of local buses for affordable transportation.
- Drink tap water, it's safe and saves you money.
- Bargain at local markets, but be respectful.
- Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
- Try the local wine and olive oil.
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated (around 10%).
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Swimsuit
- 3Sunscreen
- 4Hat
- 5Sunglasses
- 6Light jacket or sweater (for evenings)
- 7Reusable water bottle
- 8Travel adapter
- 9Small backpack
- 10Basic first-aid kit
Flights
Book international and domestic flights 3-6 months in advance, especially for summer travel, to secure better prices and availability.
Accommodation
Book hotels or apartments 3-6 months ahead for popular destinations (Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar) during peak season; 1-3 months for shoulder season.
Ferry Tickets (especially car ferries)
For car ferries to popular islands (e.g., Hvar, Korčula), book well in advance (1-3 months) for summer travel. Passenger-only ferries are generally less critical but worth checking.
Car Rental
If planning to rent a car, book 2-4 months ahead, especially for automatic transmission vehicles and during peak season, as availability can be limited.
Plitvice Lakes National Park Timed Entry
Absolutely essential to book online in advance (at least a few weeks, often months for peak season) to guarantee entry, as tickets are for specific time slots.
Popular Tours & Excursions
Tours like Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik, Blue Cave tours, or sailing trips can sell out, so book 2-4 weeks in advance, more for peak season.
Travel Insurance
Arrange comprehensive travel insurance immediately after booking your first trip components to cover unforeseen circumstances like cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Hrvatski Telekom stores at airports and in major cities.
📍 A1 stores at airports and in major cities.
📍 Online booking with airport pickup or delivery to your accommodation.
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Many cities also offer free WiFi hotspots in public areas. However, the speed and reliability of public WiFi can vary.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM for convenience and immediate connectivity upon arrival. Check the roaming charges from your home country before your trip. Download offline maps and translation packs for areas with limited connectivity. Be aware of potential data roaming charges when crossing borders into neighboring countries.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10% or round up
Round up
€1 per bag
Tipping is appreciated. Croatia uses the euro (since 2023).
Safety & Travel Advisories
Croatia is generally a safe country for tourists. Exercise normal precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
192
194
193
112 for all emergencies
Payments
Cash useful at smaller restaurants and markets
Widely accepted in tourist areas
Available at larger establishments
Croatia switched to EUR in 2023. Cards accepted at most tourist spots.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Croatia is during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, and October) for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Summer (July and August) is the peak season with the hottest weather and the most tourists.
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