Croatia - far behond Dubrovnik
Croatia is a small country but with great cultural and natural wealth.
With a coastline bathed by the Adriatic Sea, the country is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, medieval cities, national parks, and nature reserves.
Located in southern Europe, on the Balkan peninsula, the country has a coastline of 1,778 kilometers. White sand beaches, crystal blue sea, and paradisiacal islands.
If you are planning a trip to Croatia, this post is for you. Here, we will present a 15-day itinerary around the country, which includes the main tourist destinations. Come explore Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, and Plitvice Lakes!
15-day itinerary through Croatia
Zagreb: 2 days - capital of Croatia, charming medieval old town with Austro-Hungarian architecture dotted with cafés
Main tourist attractions:
Zagreb Cathedral
The Ban Palace
The Dolac Market
The Zrinjevac Park
Plitvice Lakes: 1 day - Plitvice Lakes are a national park located in the interior of Croatia. The park is known for its lakes with crystal clear waters, connected by waterfalls and gorges.
Here are some of the main tourist attractions in Plitvice Lakes:
The Veliki Slap Falls
Kozjak Lake
Prošćansko Lake
Arrive early and take one of the countless walks around 16 blue/green lakes, waterfalls, and natural pools.
Zadar: 2 days – lose yourself in the atmosphere of its narrow streets, visit the churches, the Roman forum, and the University - one of the oldest in Europe.
Do not miss the spectacular sea organ, with its 35 tubes that produce sounds when the waves meet them and where the sunset is of unparalleled beauty.
Sibenick: passage - founded by Croatians, has a Mediterranean climate and a beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy relaxing on a bench facing the sea or in countless restaurants/cafes.
Visit St James Cathedral, on the UNESCO Heritage List, and ST Nicholas Fortress right at the entrance to the harbor.
Trogir: 1 night: county of Split-Dalmatia, founded by Greek colonists and became a major port in Roman times. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with palaces, churches, towers, and fortresses.
Split: 1 night - Split is the second largest city in Croatia and is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The well-known Roman ruins are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Main tourist attractions:
Diocletian's Palace
The Temple of Jupiter
The Split Market
The Flu Fortress
It is the starting point of the Jadrolinija ferry to Hvar.
Hvar: 3 nights - Croatia has more than 1,200 islands. All popular tourist destinations. Here are some of the most visited islands in Croatia:
Hvar
Korčula
Brac
Vis
We recommend staying on Hvar, the sunniest Croatian island. It has nightlife, good cuisine, and boutiques. From there, take boat trips to the neighboring islands.
Markaska: 1 night – town known for its promenade with restaurants, cafes, shops, and harbor views. Enjoy the sunset sitting in one of the restaurants.
Dubrovnik: 3 days - in the extreme south of Dalmatia, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, surrounded by walls and fortifications. It mixes medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture and the Adriatic landscape.
Here are some of Dubrovnik's top tourist attractions:
The walls of Dubrovnik
The Old City
Luža Square
Dubrovnik Cathedral
Take the opportunity to look for a tour at a local tourism agency to Montenegro (1 full day) and get to know Budva and Kotor.
Best time to visit Croatia
Croatia can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is spring (April-June) or autumn (September-October) when temperatures are milder.
Rent a car, bicycle, or motorbike and go down (or up) the coast to enjoy the beautiful landscape.
Whether exploring the charming cobblestone streets of its cities or basking in the sun on its beautiful beaches, Croatia promises a journey of discovery and delight.
So, pack your bags, set your spirit of adventure free, and come create your own Croatian story. Remember, every journey is a treasure trove of memories waiting to be discovered. Let's make every moment count! Have a perfect trip!
Where to stay: Hotels
Below the hotels we stayed and recommend. If one city is missing is because we stayed in a hotel that we cannot recommend.
Zagreb: Hotel Esplanade Zagreb. Check availability here
Zadar: Almayer Art& heritage. Check availability here
Hvar, Hotel Adriana. Very cozy and super well-located. Check availability here
Dubrovnick: Hotel Bellevue. Check availability here
For other options, try hotels.com. Excellent tool to compare and book! Read our tips on how to book a perfect hotel.
Rent a Car
One of the best sites to compare prices and book your car rental is Rentalcars.com.
You may want to read, Rent a Car to explore the World.
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