Discover 3 options for the perfect 7 days in Croatia itinerary! Learn which cities to visit, how many days to spend in each, logistics, what to do, and more!
Just getting started on creating your 7 days in Croatia itinerary? This post will give you a jump start! I'll share three ideas on how to break down your trip.
These itineraries are perfect if you’ve never been to the country before. The destinations I’ve included are the most memorable places and are sure to leave an impression.
Before we get started, let's take a moment to discuss how many places you should visit with just 7 days in Croatia.
Zagreb - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
focus on two cities/regions for your 7 days in croatia Itinerary
One week in Croatia is just enough time to explore two cities/regions. Croatia’s top cities are fairly spread out. The country is quite long and boasts over 3,066 miles of coastline.
This means it might not be as easy to jump around on a short itinerary as other countries in Europe.
Also, the train systems here are not like what you find in Italy and Spain (which are fast, plentiful, and cheap). You’ll most likely be using planes, ferries, or a rental car to travel between destinations.
I'll also to note that part of the culture in Croatia is to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. Visit some markets, chill on the beach, join a few tours, boat around the islands, and enjoy lengthy dinners paired with evening strolls.
This is not the place to have a hurried and rushed vacation.
As tempting as it may be to squeeze more than 2 destinations on your 7 day Croatia itinerary, please resist. Assume you'll be back to explore what you missed the first go around.
Plus, the destinations I chose for these Croatia itineraries have multiple day trip options nearby!
Enough of the preamble. Let’s dive into these three itineraries and discover how to spend 7 days in Croatia!
Dubrovnik City Walls - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
Dubrovnik Stradun - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
Croatia Itinerary #1: 4 nights Dubrovnik, 3 nights Hvar
Enjoy the perfect mix of islands, coastline, beaches, and medieval towns with this 7 day Croatia itinerary
This is a great Croatia itinerary if you’re visiting during the warmer months of May through October.
Hvar offers beautiful beaches, a quaint harbor, and a party/club scene.
Dubrovnik, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Adriatic", oozes Medieval charm, luxury oceanside resorts, stunning views, and plenty of day trip options.
Logistically, this is one of the easiest Croatia itineraries as you won’t need a rental car and will travel via ferry.
**Hotel Recommendations**
Dubrovnik Hotels near Old Town
Luxury
- Hotel Excelsior - LOVED my stay here
- Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik - a little dated and expensive for what it is, but very convenient location close to Old Town
- Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik - nice beachside location, 20 minute walk to Old Town
Midrange
- St. Joseph's - cute little hotel IN Old Town
- Hotel Kazbek - 15 minute drive to Old Town
- Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel - nice beachside location, 15 minute drive to Old Town
HVAR OLD TOWN HOTELS
Luxury
Midrange
Travel between Dubrovnik and Hvar
High-speed ferries whisk you between Dubrovnik and Hvar in 3 to 3.5 hours. The two main ferry companies are Krilo and Jadrolinija. Book your tickets in advance as they do sell out.
If you’re staying in Old Town Hvar (which I recommend), you’ll be able to walk to the ferry.
In Dubrovnik, most ferries arrive in Port Gruz. It’s a 10 minute drive to reach most hotels around Old Town Dubrovnik. Uber operates in Croatia, which is what I recommend using.
Dubrovnik City Walls - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
4 Nights DUBROVNIK
4 nights is the perfect amount of time in Dubrovnik. Spend one day focusing on Old Town. Walk the city walls, stroll the Stradun, ride the cable car up to Mount Srd for sweeping views, snap a million photos, take ample coffee and gelato breaks, and enjoy a lengthy meal or two.
Old Town was made for wandering and soaking it all in, so bake in time for that. It really is picturesque.
No wonder Game of Thrones used Old Town Dubrovnik as Kings Landing! It looks like a movie set and it's remarkable how preserved it is.
On your second day, fit in some activities surrounding Old Town. Maybe a sunset kayak tour or a half day winery tour.
Join one or two walking tours. Game of Thrones walking tours are the most popular, but there are also history and ghost tours as well.
Day two could also be your day to enjoy the beach or pool. Many of the hotels are on the water. Sun chairs are perched on the rocks and ladders, steps, and diving ledges can be found for “easy” access to the sea.
See my 2 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary for a detailed look at how to spend your time.
Use your third and fourth days for day trips to another country:
- Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Kravice Waterfalls and Mostar, (private tour option)
- Montenegro (splurge for the private tour on this one).
Yes, you’ll be spending a good amount of time in the car/bus…but this is a great opportunity to explore not just one but two countries.
If you don't feel like sitting in the car/bus for hours, then stick closer to Dubrovnik and the surrounding area:
- The best Elaphite Islands day cruise with lunch by Regina Maris
- Dubrovnik Speed Boat Private Tour - (secrets of Elaphiti Islands)
- Private boat tours in Dubrovnik: Hidden Beauties of Elaphiti Islands
- Wine Lover's Tour of Peljesac Peninsula
- Full Day Kayaking and Snorkeling to Green Cave with GoPro photos
Or use your third and fourth days to continue soaking up the atmosphere of Dubrovnik and exploring every corner of Old Town.
Hvar Old Town - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
Hvar Old Town - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
3 Nights Hvar
Don’t let Hvar’s reputation of being the party island deter you from visiting if the club scene isn’t your thing. Like Mykonos, Hvar has more to offer than its famed party atmosphere.
Its harbor is right out of a storybook. The sidewalk restaurants squeezed in the narrow lanes of Old Town are cute as can be. And don’t forget the white pebble beaches and clear turquoise waters!
Hvar can be a wonderful escape and you can really make it whatever you wish. Whether that be a vacation scheduled around beach clubs or a nature escape to enjoy the beaches, neighboring islands, good food, and exquisite scenery.
Hvar is also a great place to base yourself for trips to neighboring islands and day long boat excursions.
Pro Tip: If you’re having a hard time finding affordable accommodations in Hvar, Split is a great alternative. Split is a quick one-hour ferry from Hvar and makes for a great base to explore the islands as many tour operators depart from both Split and Hvar.
I prefer to stay in Hvar as the evening atmosphere oozes old-world charm and is delightful for enjoying long dinners and evening cocktails after dark…and after the day trippers have departed.
August is peak party season in Hvar. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway you may want to base yourself on the sleepy island of Korcula. However, not as many tours depart from there.
Spend your first day in Hvar enjoying Old Town. Hike up to the Fortress in the morning for sweeping views of the harbor and Old Town below.
Wander the streets of Old Town, pick a beach or two to catch some rays, and stroll along the path west of Old Town to arrive at Hula Hula bar for a sunset cocktail before dinner.
Boar tour from Hvar - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
Days two and three can be used as day trips.
I highly recommend setting one day aside for an all-day boat tour. I did a tour that included the green cave, blue cave (better than the blue grotto in Capri), Vis, and other Pakleni islands.
It was fantastic and I would do it again with the same company in a heartbeat.
Other options for half and full-day tours:
- Twice the Wine - Two wineries half-day tour, with delicacies
- Cycle Hvar Tour
- Private Tour of Red rocks, Pakleni Islands and Hvar's Southern Beaches
There are several day trips you could easily do on your own.
Take the 1 hour ferry and spend the day exploring Split. Tour Diocletian’s Palace, sip an espresso freddo on the Riva promenade, visit a museum, and/or hike the Marjan peninsula. Split also has some great biking tours if you want to cover a lot of ground and see it all.
Korcula Island is also a 1 hour ferry ride away. Similar to Hvar, there’s a medieval Old Town, a beautiful mountain backdrop, and a scattering of beaches…just a bit more laid back and less touristy than Hvar.
Hire a boat and hike around the island of Palmizana. This is a great half-day adventure for those looking for peace and quiet.
Dubrovnik Old Town - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
Croatia Itinerary #2: 4 nights Dubrovnik, 3 nights Zagreb
Pair a fairytale hotspot with a thriving, working capital on this Croatia 7 day itinerary
Dubrovnik is a must with its medieval Old Town and spectacular ocean views. I've been to few places that have felt so perfectly preserved and transport you to another world.
Dubrovnik has also been "discovered" and is the #1 tourist destination in Croatia. With that comes crowds and the loss of the local vibe.
On the other side of the spectrum, Zagreb feels real. It has the hustle and bustle of a working, thriving city. Unlike Dubrovnik and other cities along the coast, you'll find more locals here than tourists.
That's why I love this itinerary. Zagreb offers the perfect contrast to Dubrovnik.
Zagreb might not be as picture-perfect as Dubrovnik, but its culture, people watching, and "realness", more than make up for it.
**Hotel Recommendations**
Dubrovnik Hotels near Old Town
Luxury
- Hotel Excelsior - LOVED my stay here
- Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik - a little dated and expensive for what it is, but very convenient location close to Old Town
- Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik - nice beachside location, 20 minute walk to Old Town
Midrange
- St. Joseph's - cute little hotel IN Old Town
- Hotel Kazbek - 15 minute drive to Old Town
- Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel - nice beachside location, 15 minute drive to Old Town
Zagreb city center HOTELS
Luxury
Midrange
Travel between Dubrovnik and Zagreb
This itinerary is easy logistically. You’ll travel between Dubrovnik and Zagreb via plane.
Croatia Airlines operates at least five non-stop flights a day for around $60. Flight duration is less than an hour.
Both airports are 25 minutes from the city center and Uber is readily available.
You won’t need a rental car for this itinerary for Croatia.
Banje Beach - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
4 nights Dubrovnik
4 nights is the perfect amount of time in Dubrovnik. Spend one day focusing on Old Town. Walk the city walls, stroll the Stradun, ride the cable car up to Mount Srd for sweeping views, snap a million photos, take ample coffee and gelato breaks, and enjoy a lengthy meal or two.
Old Town was made for wandering and soaking it all in, so bake in time for that. It really is picturesque.
No wonder Game of Thrones used Old Town Dubrovnik as Kings Landing! It looks like a movie set and it's remarkable how preserved it is.
On your second day, fit in some activities surrounding Old Town. Maybe a sunset kayak tour or a half day winery tour.
Join one or two walking tours. Game of Thrones walking tours are the most popular, but there are also history and ghost tours as well.
Day two could also be your day to enjoy the beach or pool. Many of the hotels are on the water. Sun chairs are perched on the rocks and ladders, steps, and diving ledges can be found for “easy” access to the sea.
Use your third and fourth days for day trips to another country:
- Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Kravice Waterfalls and Mostar, (private tour option)
- Montenegro (splurge for the private tour on this one).
Yes, you’ll be spending a good amount of time in the car/bus…but this is a great opportunity to explore not just one but two countries.
If you don't feel like sitting in the car/bus for hours, then stick closer to Dubrovnik and the surrounding area:
- The best Elaphite Islands day cruise with lunch by Regina Maris
- Dubrovnik Speed Boat Private Tour - (secrets of Elaphiti Islands)
- Private boat tours in Dubrovnik: Hidden Beauties of Elaphiti Islands
- Wine Lover's Tour of Peljesac Peninsula
- Full Day Kayaking and Snorkeling to Green Cave with GoPro photos
Or use your third and fourth days to continue soaking up the atmosphere of Dubrovnik and exploring every corner of Old Town.
SEE ALSO:
THE BEST DAY TRIP FROM DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
WALKING THE WALLS OF DUBROVNIK – GUIDE, TIPS, PHOTOS
BUZA BAR DUBROVNIK – CLIFF JUMPING & SUNSET VIEWS
Zagreb - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
Zagreb - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
3 nights Zagreb
Zagreb is highly underrated in my opinion. Most tourists head straight to the coastal towns and never venture beyond the turquoise blue sea.
Zagreb offers a completely different vibe than Dubrovnik, Split, and the islands. It is the capital of Croatia after all.
You’ll find fewer tourists here and lower prices. Zagreb is a lively urban city similar in look and feel to its Eastern European neighbors…Vienna, Prague, and Budapest…just more laidback and less glamorous.
I love adding Zagreb to any itinerary for Croatia because it gives a well-rounded look at Croatia. Croatia has more to offer than its oceanfront views!
Zagreb is the place the shop, people watch, museum hop, and take part in the around-the-clock cafe culture.
Spend one day exploring all that Zagreb has to offer.
Laugh at the witty Museum of Broken Relationships, take the “world’s shortest funicular” up to Gradec where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city below, and take a peek at the Church of St. Mark with its brightly tiled roof. Light a candle and say a prayer at Stone Gate, sample fresh fruit at the market, tour the Cathedral, sample the local dish of strukli at La Struk, and finish your day at Tkalciceva Street to sip a cocktail while watching the locals stroll by.
Plitvice Lakes - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
Plitvice Lakes - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
Visit the Plitvice Lakes on day two. This is a must and one of the most unique natural wonders complete with 16 lakes.
I did the Plitvice Lakes with Ticket & Rastoke Small Group Tour from Zagreb to keep things simple and was happy with my decision.
It’s about 2.5 hours to reach the national park. I appreciated having an expert lead the way and make sure we saw the best parts of the park.
Cross the border to Slovenia on day 3. Spend the day exploring the capital of Ljubljana and Lake Bled. You can take the bus and do your own thing or join this Ljubljana and Bled Lake - small group - day tour from Zagreb
Zagreb - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
Croatia Itinerary #3: 3 nights Zagreb, 4 nights Istria
Experience a mix of cultures with this Croatia 7 day itinerary. Zagreb offers Eastern European vibes while the Istria Peninsula is distinctly Italian.
If your 7 day Croatia itinerary takes place over summer and you’d prefer to avoid the crowds in Dubrovnik, then this Croatia itinerary might be best for you.
Save Dubrovnik for when you visit Croatia during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
**Hotel Recommendations**
Zagreb city center HOTELS
Luxury
Midrange
Rovinj HOTELS
Luxury
- Grand Park Hotel Rovinj by Maistra Collection - walking distance to the center of Old Town and with gorgeous views of Old Town.
- Lone Hotel by Maistra Collection - really large hotel that feels a bit corporate, but is still very nice and a 20 minute walk from Old Town.
- Monte Mulini Adults Exclusive Hotel by Maistra Collection - next to Lone Hotel.
Midrange
- Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico (Adults Only) - IN Old Town
- Maistra Select Family Hotel Amarin - best for families and a 10 minute drive from Rovinj
Travel between Zagreb and the Istria peninsula
The best option is to rent a car and make the 2-3 hour drive from Zagreb to Istria. Where you stay on the peninsula will determine how long the drive is.
You’ll want a car in Istria anyway, so it makes sense to skip the 4+ hour bus in favor of having your own car.
Zagreb - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
3 nights Zagreb
Zagreb is highly underrated in my opinion. Most tourists head straight to the coastal towns and never venture beyond the turquoise blue sea.
Zagreb offers a completely different vibe than Dubrovnik, Split, and the islands. It is the capital of Croatia after all.
You’ll find fewer tourists here and lower prices. Zagreb is a lively urban city similar in look and feel to its Eastern European neighbors…Vienna, Prague, and Budapest…just more laidback and less glamorous.
I love adding Zagreb to any itinerary for Croatia because it gives a well-rounded look at Croatia. Croatia has more to offer than its oceanfront views!
Zagreb is the place the shop, people watch, museum hop, and take part in the around-the-clock cafe culture.
Spend one day exploring all that Zagreb has to offer.
Laugh at the witty Museum of Broken Relationships, take the “world’s shortest funicular” up to Gradec where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city below, and take a peek at the Church of St. Mark with its brightly tiled roof. Light a candle and say a prayer at Stone Gate, sample fresh fruit at the market, tour the Cathedral, sample the local dish of strukli at La Struk, and finish your day at Tkalciceva Street to sip a cocktail while watching the locals stroll by.
Visit the Plitvice Lakes on day two. This is a must and one of the most unique natural wonders complete with 16 lakes.
I did the Plitvice Lakes with Ticket & Rastoke Small Group Tour from Zagreb to keep things simple and was happy with my decision.
It’s about 2.5 hours to reach the national park. I appreciated having an expert lead the way and make sure we saw the best parts of the park.
Cross the border to Slovenia on day 3. Spend the day exploring the capital of Ljubljana and Lake Bled. You can take the bus and do your own thing or join this Ljubljana and Bled Lake - small group - day tour from Zagreb
Istria Peninsula - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
4 nights Istria
Istria is a beautiful mix of Italian and Croatian culture. You’ll notice that street signs are in both Italian and Croatian and many locals speak both languages.
Located at the northwestern tip of Croatia and just across from Venice, the peninsula is known for its medieval hill towns, wine, gastronomy, and coastal villages.
If you’re a foodie, this region is a must. The Istria Peninsula produces many flavors and ingredients you expect to see in Italy. It’s a major wine growing region and produces some of the best olive oil and truffles.
The most popular town in Istria is Rovinj. Many argue it’s the most romantic place in Croatia. Similar to Dubrovnik with its narrow winding streets and old-world charm…just without the city walls.
Rovinj - 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary
Since you’ll have a car you can explore the peninsula at your leisure.
Some popular things to do and places to visit are:
- olive oil tasting
- Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle from Rovinj - amazing cave experience
- truffle hunting
- wine tasting
- kayak tours
- Roman ruins and amphitheater at Pula
- wandering Rovinj
- shop the outdoor markets
- visiting the hill towns of Buje, Groznjan, and Motovun
- beach time
- biking around Brijuni island
- food tours
It’s not uncommon for visitors to spend a week here, so you will be plenty busy over four days.
Option to add Dubrovnik
If you have more than 7 days in Croatia or are ok rushing things, you could easily add Dubrovnik. Start this itinerary for Croatia in Istria, drive to Zagreb, and then fly to Dubrovnik.
Croatia Airlines operates at least five non-stop flights a day for around $60. Flight duration is less than an hour.
In this scenario, I would recommend 2 nights Istria, 2 nights Zagreb, and 3 nights Dubrovnik. This will be a whirlwind trip and is very rushed, but you’ll see the top spots.
Ideally, I would recommend 10 days for this itinerary (4 nights Istria, 2 nights Zagreb, and 4 nights Dubrovnik).
In summary
I hope this points you in the right direction in creating your itinerary for Croatia. With 7 days in Croatia you should pick two cities to base yourself in and then add some day trips from there.
If you want to focus on the coast and add a few islands, do Dubrovnik and Hvar.
Visit Zagreb and Dubrovnik to experience two very different cities. Authentic Zagreb offers an Eastern European feel that contrasts nicely with Dubrovnik's medieval Old Town and coastal views.
Or, bypass Dubrovnik altogether and combine Zagreb with the Italian charm of the Istria Peninsula.
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Itinerary for Croatia | 7 Days | 3 Itineraries
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