Croatia is a dream European road trip destination, brimming with incredible nature, history, and things to do. We spent 3 weeks exploring the very best of the country, like the century-old plazas in the walled city of Dubrovnik and powerful falls in the famed Plitvice National Park. In this complete Croatia itinerary, we share exactly what we did, where to stay, and how to get around.
3 Weeks in Croatia
A Croatia road trip was a summer activity high on our bucket list, as there’s so much to discover. Nothing tops journeying through Croatia’s diverse landscapes, following the winding roads to new adventures!
Got less time? Follow our 10-day Croatia itinerary instead!
Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik
We started our epic road trip around Croatia in beautiful Dubrovnik! Since it’s a port city, many large tour groups arrive off the cruise ships, so we recommend starting the day early to enjoy quieter streets.
In Dubrovnik:
- Get a Dubrovnik Pass, which includes entrances to all sites.
- Explore the ancient city walls: the best viewpoint in Dubrovnik to look over the sea and the medieval city’s roofs.
- Visit the Onofrio Fountain, the hidden Franciscan monastery, the clock tower, and the Rector’s Palace (Game of Thrones fans, don’t skip this last one!)
- At dusk, head to West Harbor for a drink or two at one of the lovely beach barsโour favorite was Beach Bar Dodo.
Where to stay: For the most authentic experience, stay within the city walls, close to all the main sites (we stayed in this hotel in the old town).
Day 2: Banje Beach and Kayak Tour
After a busy first day, we got away from the city and visited the beautiful Banje Beach. It lies directly in front of the Ploce Gate (a 10-minute walk from the Old Town). With fantastic city and sea views, itโs the perfect way to start your 3-week Croatia itinerary.
Want a unique perspective of the city? Try seeing it from a kayak on a private tour. We think this is a great way to learn a bit more about the city, too!
Tip: Bring water shoes, as most beaches in Croatia are pebbles instead of sand. Plus, they protect against sea urchins, haha.
Day 3: Hvar (Highlight of our Croatia Road Trip)
The spectacular island of Hvar is a must on any Croatia road trip! From Dubrovnik, it’s a 4-hour ferry (45 EUR, depending on the season). Book your tickets in advance here. Once you get to the island:
- Explore the upmarket town of Hvar (the epicenter of the island).
- Visit the Spanish Fortress for panoramic views.
- Enjoy the famous nightlife by grabbing drinks on a terrace.
Where to stay: We recommend staying in Hvar Town during your 3 weeks in Croatia. It’s lively and has many accommodation and restaurant options (but is a bit more expensive). For a quieter option, base yourself in Stari Grad.
Day 4 + 5: Explore Hvar Island
Explore Hvar Island on a road trip loop that starts in Malo Grablje. On your way, stop in Milna, Plaลพa Dubovica, Stari Grad, Stari Grad Plains, Vrboska, Beach Vitarnja, Jelsa, and Brusje.
We recommend to rent a car in Croatia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Stari Grad
This is the second biggest town on the island and the oldest town in Croatia.
- Roam through town, admiring the architecture.
- Visit the Fortress Petar Hektorovic.
- Visit the Stari Grad Plain, a stunning landscape between ancient stone walls, on a cycling tour. The plain has been there since the 4th century BC!
Day 5: Island Hopping Boat Tour in Hvar
One of the highlights of Hvar is taking an island-hopping boat tour. If you opt for the tour we did, youโll be treated to fun 80s music, maybe even a turn at driving the boat yourself!
You’ll visit stunning secluded beaches and be able to swim and snorkel in the crystal blue waters of the Budikovac Lagoon, Blue Cave, Pakleni Islands, Vis Island, and Stiniva Beach.
Day 6: Travel to Brac Island
From Hvar Town, take a 50-minute ferry (browse tickets here) to the island of Braฤ. This larger island shows a more authentic, slower side to Croatian life and is perfect to add to your road trip.
Alternatively, you can book a day tour to Brac from Split or Trogir. However, we really enjoyed exploring the island for at least a few days!
Where to stay: If youโre looking to be more amongst the people, stay in the popular towns of Bol or Supetar. For a bit quieter and more local vibe, choose to stay in locations like Splitska.
Day 7: Explore Brac
On a full day on Brac Island, take the time to:
- Explore its many charming fishing villages along the coast.
- Enjoy some peaceful nature trails that weave up to Vidova Gora, the highest mountain peak.
- Lounge in secluded bays or on large beaches like the famous Zlatni Rat.
- Kayak along the crystal-clear waters.
- Indulge in local delicacies at quaint seaside taverns.
Discover all the best things to do in Brac, Croatia
Day 8: Split
Split is one of the loviest places on your Croatia road trip, despite being the country’s 2nd-largest city! Getting there: We took the 50-minute ferry from Bol (on Brac) to Split. We recommend getting your ticket online.
In Split:
- Stroll around the ancient buildings, art galleries, and boutiques.
- Visit Diocletian’s Palace and its cellars. The latter was used as one of the film sets for Game of Thrones in Croatia. We visited on a tour which was so worth it!
- Dive into the food scene at one of the many fantastic bars and restaurants.
Where to stay: For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in the Old Town around Diocletianโs Palace. It’s close to all the best things to do in Split!
Day 9: Beach Day
Start day 9 of your Croatia road trip with a delicious breakfast downtown before hiking up Marjan Hill, Splitโs neighboring lush peninsula. Here you can:
- Visit its best viewpoints, like Telegrin Viewpoint at the very top.
- Lounge at one of the nearby beaches, like Kasjuni Beach (45 minutes walking), or Bacvice Beach (right next to the city but busier).
Day 10: Day Trip to Trogir
After exploring Split and its surrounding nature, take a day trip to visit Trogir, Croatiaโs โLittle Veniceโ. This fascinating island is connected to Split by two bridges. We loved wandering the narrow streets of the Old Town and sipping coffee on a sunny terrace.
Read on: our favorite things to do in Trogir, Croatia
Klis Fortress
Combine your visit to Trogir with a few hours at the imposing Klis Fortress and the stunning family-owned estate Stella Croatica. Both are included in the same ticket (book it here).
Day 11: Krka National Park
On day 11 of your Croatia road trip, set out from Split (or Trogir) to discover the natural wonders of Krka National Park. Getting there: 1.5-hour drive away. Alternatively, hop on the local bus or book a guided tour to Krka.
At Krka, stroll along the wooden pathways to the park’s highlight, Skradinski Buk โ a breathtaking series of waterfalls. We spent our day exploring the different trails and taking a boat trip to Visovac Island.
Where to stay: It’s possible to do a day trip from Split, but we recommend staying in Skradin or Sibenik instead, small towns just outside the entrance.
Day 12: Plitvice Lakes (a must-visit on your Croatia Road Trip)
Perhaps the most impressive site we saw on our 3-week Croatia itinerary was Plitvice Lakes. It’s the country’s oldest and largest national park, so give yourself a full day to explore. Tip: We recommend purchasing your entrance tickets in advance via the park’s e-ticket system.
Getting there: If you’ve returned to Split after Krka, it’s about a 3-hour drive along fairly good roads. From Sibenik it’s slightly less. Alternatively, you can visit on an organized tour.
Once inside the park, we explored it via the beautiful wooden walkways. Alternatively, you can rent a small rowing boat on Kozjak Lake (13 EUR per hour). Please note: No swimming is allowed to protect the environment.
On your way to (or from) Plitvice, take a few hours and explore Rastoke, known as โthe Small Lakes of Plitviceโ. It’s one of the best waterfalls in Croatia!
Where to stay in Plitvice Lakes: You can return to Split at the end of the day, but you can also stay inside the park! We stayed here right next to the park entrance. :)
Day 13 + 14: Explore the Villages of Istria
Continue north to the scenic landscapes of Istria to explore hidden gems tucked away in the hinterland that, to us, felt stuck in the Middle Ages (in the best way possible!). Don’t skip:
- Groznjan, one of the cutest artist villages worth a half-day visit on your Croatia road trip. We had dinner here at Restaurant aModoMio. We also saw that you can visit the town by booking this popular wine tour.
- Motovun: a small hilltop village overlooking the surrounding rolling landscapes. We loved its medieval stone streets, castle walls, and incredible views. Oh, and if youโre a lover of all things truffle, this is the place for you!
- The village of Hum: the smallest town in the world.
- Kotli Watermill.
We recommend to rent a car in Croatia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Day 15 + 16: Pula – Highlight of your Croatia Road Trip
We then drove to Istria’s principal city, Pula โ one of the more undiscovered places in Croatia!
- Start the day at the Pula Arena, one of the biggest amphitheaters in the world.
- Peruse the local farmer’s market and the Old Town streets.
- Visit the industrial harbor that has some incredible buildings, such as the Temple of Augustus.
Read: best things to do in Pula, Croatia (our top tips!)
On day 16, venture beyond Pula to discover its diverse surroundings. Options:
- Visit medieval villages like Vodnjan (they’ve got such colorful houses and rich olive oil heritage).
- Hike the Pazin Canyon.
Where to stay: The city center is best for first-timers as itโs close to all the landmarks and has many bars and restaurants. Verudela is the best area for beaches with big resorts.
Day 17: Day Trip to Kamenjak National Park
This beautiful national park in Croatiaโs Istria sits at the southern tip of the region and is a must on a 3-week Croatia road trip. We spent the day cliff jumping, snorkeling, and relaxing by the water. Tip: Pop in at one of the beach bars, like Debeljak Beach Bar or Skoljic Beach Bar.
Alternatively, follow one of the trails (by bike or foot) that loop along the cliff tops. Once youโre done exploring, head back north to end the day in Rovinj.
How to get there: From Pula, itโs only a 30-40 minute drive away. We found this one of the best places to cool off during the hot summer months.
Day 18: Rovinj
In Rovinj:
- Browse the old town streets with small bars, boutique shops, churches, and beautiful buildings that feel like Cinque Terre in Italy.
- Chill on the small beaches and go for a swim.
Where to stay: We really liked the Old Town โ super scenic and offers a wide range of accommodations. It can be noisy, however, as itโs home to many bars and restaurants. We stayed in this hotel.
Day 19: Visit Bale
The village of Bale may be tiny, but it’s one of the best things to do in Istria. We found it really nice to walk around in the late afternoon or early evening as the sun goes down. Getting there: It’s a 20-minute drive (25 by bus).
Reserve a table at Restaurant La Grisa for dinner. This restaurant has a wonderful outdoor terrace overlooking the valley and pretty village rooftops โ we highly recommend it!
Fun fact: Unsurprisingly, with Istria being so close to Italy, Bale is a bilingual town and is also known as Valle in Italian!
Day 20: Travel to Zadar
Although we haven’t been here ourselves, we’ve heard many good things about Zadar. So, on day 20 of your Croatia road trip, spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the country’s oldest city.
Getting there: It’s a long drive (4,5 hours) from Rovinj, so give yourself time. Alternatively, if you don’t have a car, take the passenger ferry from Rovinj โ Pula โ Zadar.
In Zadar:
- Roam the Old Town with Roman and Venetian ruins.
- See Five Wells Square (encircled by the western Medieval wall and Captain’s Tower).
- Visit the world-famous Sea Organ.
- Explore the great restaurant scene (many are cash only!)
Where to stay: We heard good things about staying in Zadar Old Town, which has many options, from luxury hotels to budget apartments and hostels.
Day 21: Fly out of Zadar
And then, just like that, itโs the last day of your incredible 3 weeks in Croatia. If you have the time, savor a breakfast at one of the charming seaside restaurants, taking in the last views of the sparkling Adriatic. Then, it’s time to head home.
To get to the airport, take the regular bus from Zadar Old Bus Terminal (tickets cost around 3.50 EUR). Alternatively, an Uber ride to the airport costs around 10 EUR.
How to Visit Croatia in 3 Weeks
Our 3-week road trip in Croatia starts in Dubrovnik and ends in Zadar, both of which have airports.
By Car: For the best road trip experience, you can rent a car from one airport and drop it off at the other. However, please note that this is more expensive than dropping it off at the same airport where you collected it.
By train: Many trains arrive in Croatia from other European cities.
By Boat: Ferries depart from several ports in Italy (including Venice) and travel to Dubrovnik and Split, among other Croatian destinations.
Getting Around Croatia
For the ultimate freedom, we like renting a car. It gives the flexibility to do this Croatia road trip at your own pace. Roads are good, but car access is limited in town centers.
Alternatively, public transport is an option. There are plenty of interconnected buses (and ferries) between the main towns/destinations. (Book your tickets in advance online)
Our Favorite Accommodations
There are many great accommodations in Croatia, from exclusive hotels and seaside apartments to lively hostels or even camping. Here are our favorites:
- Dubrovnik: Villa Filaus, Guest House 44, Liberty Rooms
- Hvar: Apartments and Rooms Bonkan Hvar, Apartments Haracic, Novak Guesthouse
- Stari Grad: Heritage Villa, Town House Rosario, Apartments Vukovic
- Brac: Megi Apartman, Villa Tereza, Labranda Velaris Village
- Split: Makarun Heritage Rooms, Apartment Marija, Villa Galla
- Plitvice Lakes: Pansion Danica, Etno Garden, Villa Sumrak
- Zadar: Dezign Apartments, Mrak Exclusive, Angie Central Rooms
- Sibenik: Apartments Nanut, Arya Apartment, Sebenico Luxury Rooms
- Pula: Park Plaza Arena, Studio Vita, Casa Dei Fiori
- Rovinj: Mariva Apartment, Spirito Santo, Residence Porta
- Motovun: Guesthouse Villa Marija, Villa Borgo BnB, Guest House Valentino
Tip: Tap water quality in Croatia is excellent, so bring your reusable water bottle. Itโs a great way to save on single-use plastic and travel plastic-free!
How Much Does 3 Weeks in Croatia Cost?
Croatia has become more popular and expensive in recent years, but there are always ways to budget. We like to visit outside peak season, buy local food from the supermarkets, and have picnics for lunch (or stay in self-catering accommodations).
Tip: Many things are still paid in cash.
Best Time to visit Croatia
We think the shoulder seasons, May/June or September/October, are great months to visit, when crowds are manageable, but the weather is still great!
- Visit in spring for full waterfalls and lakes in Croatia’s National Parks.
- Looking for a party scene? Go in July when nightlife destinations like Hvar, Dubrovnik, and Split are booming!
Is Croatia Safe to Travel?
Street crimes such as pickpocketing are uncommon in Croatia. But, like anywhere, there is always a small risk of crime, particularly at popular tourist spots. Take extra care if you are exploring alone or after dark, and always keep your valuables secure.
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