Trip Report: 8-Day Croatia Itinerary with Coastal Highlights & Hidden Gems

Panoramic view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town rooftops with terracotta tiles, historic bell towers, and domed churches overlooking the Adriatic Sea under a clear sky.

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In June, Ally and I met up with my family for a trip through Croatia. It was one of the most stunning and diverse countries we’ve ever visited. Over eight days, we road-tripped from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes and wandered the coastal towns of Split and Hvar. We chartered boats to remote islands and ended our eight day Croatia itinerary in the historic walled city of Dubrovnik.

This post shares our full Croatia itinerary, broken down day by day. You’ll find food highlights, scenic drives, hidden gems, and even a few surprises—like a bear sighting and a country-wide blackout. Whether you’re planning your first visit to Croatia or just daydreaming, we hope this trip report inspires you.

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Getting There

This trip to Croatia was a special one. Ally and I met my family in Croatia to spend a week traveling around the country. We kicked things off with a red-eye flight to Munich, landing around noon. With a five-hour layover ahead of us, we decided to make the most of it. We grabbed a taxi to Freising, a charming Bavarian town just north of the airport. There, we enjoyed a relaxed lunch and beer tasting at the historic Weihenstephan brewery, the oldest brewery in the world. Then, we spent the rest of the afternoon strolling through the cobblestone streets and soaking in the small-town charm.

Exterior view of the historic Weihenstephan Brewery in Freising, Germany—the world’s oldest brewery—featuring traditional Bavarian architecture, ivy-covered brick walls, and a scenic hilltop location under a blue sky.

From Munich, we boarded a late evening flight to Zagreb and touched down just after 9:00 PM. After a long day of travel, we made our way into the city and checked into Angel Main Square. Our family had already arrived at this centrally located rental apartment, and were waiting to greet us.

Day 1: Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes

We started our first full day in Croatia with a stroll through Zagreb’s lively Dolac Market. There, we wandered the stalls, picking out fresh fruit and flaky pastries for the road. After breakfast, we picked up our rental car, luckily scoring a brand new BMW 3 Series. Excited for the day ahead, we set off toward Plitvice Lakes National Park. On the way, we stopped in the picturesque village of Rastoke for lunch. In this cute town, wooden bridges crisscross over waterfalls and watermills line the riverbanks. It was the perfect preview of the natural beauty to come.

Woman smiling at Zagreb's Dolac Market in Croatia, surrounded by flower stalls featuring vibrant bouquets and red market umbrellas on a sunny day—capturing the charm of local European street markets.

Couple standing in front of a charming waterfall and traditional wooden houses in the village of Rastoke, Croatia—known for its scenic riverside views, historic mills, and fairytale-like ambiance.

At Plitvice, we spent the afternoon hiking through the park’s iconic boardwalk trails, winding past turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls. The water was unbelievably clear, and the entire landscape felt like something out of a dream. After reaching the far end of the trail, we caught a peaceful ferry ride back to our starting point, soaking in the views one last time. Plitvice is truly a must-visit in Croatia, and guided tours of the park are widely available. Many tours also offer transportation from Zagreb if you’re not renting a car.

Dramatic vertical view of the Great Waterfall (Veliki Slap) at Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, with powerful streams cascading down a forested cliffside—framed by lush greenery and a subtle rainbow mist near the base.

Woman walking along a wooden boardwalk at Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls in the background—capturing the natural beauty and serenity of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

For dinner, we found a small local restaurant called Vila Velebita in the nearby town of Rudanovac. There, we ate traditional Croatian dishes, sipped local beers, and made friends with the resident cat who wandered between tables. We spent the night at Cozy House Ania, which included a private sauna and hot tub. The night ended with an unforgettable moment. While walking from the sauna back to the house, I spotted a brown bear just across the fence. I called my family, and they came running downstairs just in time to see the bear in our neighbor’s yard.

White and calico street cat standing on a stone-paved walkway in Croatia, gazing off to the side—capturing the charm of everyday moments and the local feline population found in historic coastal towns.

Group of friends enjoying drinks in an illuminated outdoor hot tub at night in Croatia, holding Kozel beer and wine under the stars—capturing a cozy, relaxing moment during a European summer getaway.

Day 2: Split and Old Town Exploration

On Day two, we hit the road early for the drive from Plitvice to the coastal city of Split. In town, our first stop was St. Burek, a local spot featured on Ally’s favorite show, Somebody Feed Phil. Burek is a beloved Balkan pastry made with thin layers of dough and savory fillings. We grabbed a few hot, flaky bureks—one filled with meat and the other with spinach and cheese. Both bureks were delicious and completely lived up to the hype.

Hand holding a savory meat burek from St Burek in Split, Croatia, wrapped in branded paper with a leafy park in the background—capturing a classic Balkan street food moment on a sunny day in Dalmatia.

Ben and Ally standing beneath a stone archway in the historic center of Split, Croatia, surrounded by ancient limestone walls and cobblestone streets—capturing the charm and history of Diocletian’s Palace on a sunny summer day.

After fueling up, we spent the afternoon wandering through Split’s Old Town, where Roman ruins blend with bustling cafés. There, we climbed to the top of the bell tower at the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. After climbing 200 steps, we were rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops, harbor, and sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Close-up view of the bell tower of Saint Domnius Cathedral in Split, Croatia, framed between narrow stone alleyways and traditional terracotta rooftops—highlighting the Romanesque architecture and historic charm of Diocletian’s Palace.

Panoramic view of Split, Croatia, featuring the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea lined with yachts and palm trees, and Marjan Hill rising in the background—captured from the top of Saint Domnius bell tower.

To beat the afternoon heat, we cooled off with a cone from Gelateria Emiliana. The gelato was creamy, refreshing, and exactly what we needed. After a quick break back at our villa, we headed out for dinner at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar. This restaurant is a stylish and lively spot in the heart of Old Town, and was one of the best meals we ate in Croatia. The cocktails were spot on, the local orange wine was a hit, and every dish was bursting with flavor.

Four hands holding cones of artisan gelato in front of Gelateria Emiliana in Split, Croatia—showcasing creamy scoops in flavors like pistachio, stracciatella, and berry, perfect for a summer treat in the Old Town.

After dinner, we walked along the harbor, marveling at the lineup of massive yachts glinting under the evening lights. We capped off the night with a cocktail at Gourmet Bar Basta, a stylish spot with a relaxed vibe and a great view of the waterfront. That night, we stayed in a charming villa nestled between Old Town and the beach. This location was ideal, giving us the perfect base to explore Split by foot.

Saint Domnius bell tower glowing in the warm golden hour light above the Riva promenade in Split, Croatia, with palm trees, historic buildings, and crowds lining the waterfront as the sun sets over the Adriatic.

Luxury superyacht docked in Split, Croatia at twilight, glowing with warm onboard lighting against the deep blue evening sky—highlighting the city’s upscale waterfront and glamorous maritime culture.

Day 3: Island-Hopping Adventure

We kicked off Day 3 with something special: a private boat charter to explore the nearby islands and coastal gems. Our first stop was the historic town of Trogir. Here, we grabbed a quick coffee and wandered through the island’s charming streets. Some of the family toured Saint Lawrence’s Cathedral, while others of us climbed the towers of Kamerlengo Castle.

Aerial view of the Trogir waterfront promenade in Croatia, lined with palm trees, yachts, and medieval stone buildings with red-tiled roofs—set against a backdrop of mountains and the Adriatic Sea on a clear summer day.

Next up was the Blue Lagoon, a dreamy snorkeling spot with crystal-clear water. We dove in for a refreshing swim, spotting fish beneath the surface and floating under the sun. While anchored, we were approached by the famous “mojito guy”—a social media legend known for cruising around in a tiny boat and making fresh cocktails on the spot. Naturally, we couldn’t resist trying one (or two) before continuing on to the next stop.

Smiling man giving a thumbs up from a floating cocktail boat at the Blue Lagoon near Split, Croatia, with bottles of liquor and pineapples arranged on deck—offering fresh mojitos on the turquoise Adriatic Sea.

Close-up of a hand holding a fresh mojito in a plastic cup with blue and yellow striped straws, set against the turquoise waters and anchored boats of the Blue Lagoon near Split, Croatia, on a sunny summer day.

For lunch, we docked in Šolta and grabbed a table at a relaxed seaside restaurant. The grilled calamari was especially good—simple, fresh, and full of flavor. After lunch, we stopped at a few more snorkeling spots with calm, clear water and plenty of fish to spot. With drinks in hand and the late afternoon sun glinting off the water, we slowly made our way back to Split, savoring every last moment on the boat.

Group of friends and family enjoying drinks and lunch at a waterfront restaurant on Šolta Island, Croatia—seated under a large umbrella with boats docked behind them and colorful stone houses lining the harbor on a sunny summer day.

Back in Split, we got dressed up for dinner at Portofino to celebrate my brother-in-law’s birthday. The setting was elegant, the food top-notch, and the celebration full of laughter and clinking glasses. After dinner, we treated ourselves to more gelato, because one cone a day clearly isn’t enough. We ended the night with drinks at Marvlv’s Library Bar, a cozy and eclectic spot with great cocktails and an old-world vibe. It was the perfect place to toast to another incredible day on the Dalmatian Coast.

Ben smiling with a glass of orange wine at an outdoor table at Portofino restaurant in Split, Croatia, surrounded by stone walls and cozy alleyway ambiance—capturing the charm of a summer evening dining experience in the Old Town.

Luke smiling as a sparkling birthday candle lights up his dessert plate at a cozy outdoor restaurant in Split, Croatia—capturing a joyful moment during a summer evening celebration with friends.

Day 4: Day Trip to Hvar

On Day 4, we boarded a ferry to the sun-soaked island of Hvar for a full day of exploring. When we arrived, we rented 4-wheelers, and headed out to see the island. This proved to be a thrilling and breathtaking way to experience the island’s rolling hills, hidden coves, and sea views. Our first major stop was the Fortica Fortress, perched high above the town of Hvar. The views from the top were nothing short of stunning, with the rooftops of Old Town and the surrounding Pakleni Islands stretching out below us.

Two travelers riding a red ATV through the countryside of Hvar, Croatia, wearing helmets and sunglasses on a sunny summer day—capturing the thrill of off-road exploration on one of the Dalmatian Coast’s most scenic islands.

Panoramic view from the Fortica Fortress overlooking Hvar Town, Croatia, with yachts and sailboats scattered across the Adriatic Sea and the Pakleni Islands visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

For lunch, we headed inland to the small village of Zelca, where we enjoyed a meal away from the crowds. Later in the afternoon, we made our way down to Zarace Beach, a quiet and beautiful stretch of coastline with clear water and dramatic rock formations. Here, we killed a few hours sunbathing, swimming, and skipping rocks, before heading back to Hvar town.

Man skipping rocks into the clear blue water at Zaraće Beach on Hvar Island, Croatia, with a sailboat anchored near rocky outcrops in the background—capturing a peaceful summer moment along the Adriatic coast.

Inflatable boats floating beside a rocky shoreline at Zaraće on Hvar Island, Croatia, with jagged limestone cliffs and calm Adriatic waters under a clear blue sky—showcasing the rugged beauty of the Dalmatian coast.

Back in town, we had dinner at Lola Bar, a trendy spot known for its Asian fusion street food. Afterward, we couldn’t resist stopping by aRoma Gelato for dessert—the pistachio flavor was absolutely to die for. After dinner, we caught the evening ferry back to Split, tired but happy after a packed day of island exploration. Hvar was the perfect blend of adventure, views, and incredible food—a definite highlight of the trip.

Craft beer and a citrus cocktail served at Lola Bar in Hvar, Croatia, with a Brewville Neretva Valley beer glass and a flower-garnished drink set on a black table along a charming stone alleyway filled with diners.

Boats docked along the Hvar harbor in Croatia, with palm trees, historic stone buildings, and the bell tower of the Franciscan Monastery rising in the background—capturing the relaxed charm of this Dalmatian island town at dusk.

Day 5: Dubrovnik Arrival and Oceanfront Villa

On Day 5, we hit the road once again, this time heading south along the coast to Dubrovnik. After a scenic drive, we checked into our home for the next few days, Villa Dubrovnik Secret Escape—one of our favorite finds from researching the best places to stay in Dubrovnik. This stunning villa perched above the sea had it all: comfortable rooms, sweeping ocean views, and a private infinity pool. It even had a path that led down to the rocks where we could jump straight into the Adriatic.

Shaded terrace with white wicker lounge chairs overlooking a serene infinity pool and the Adriatic coastline near Dubrovnik.

Woman relaxing in an infinity pool with a glass of wine, overlooking the Adriatic Sea at a luxury villa near Dubrovnik.

The afternoon was all about relaxing. My brother and I set up a chessboard and played a few rounds by the pool. Meanwhile, my dad settled in with his book nearby and my mom relaxed on one of the villa’s daybeds. Below us, my sister and her husband swam in the ocean, carefully avoiding the sea urchins on the rocks below. For the rest of the afternoon, we alternated between sunbathing and swimming in the villa’s infinity pool. After a string of packed days, it felt amazing to just soak up the sun and enjoy the peaceful setting.

Two men playing chess on a shaded terrace at a luxury villa in Dubrovnik, overlooking the sea.

Couple standing on a stone platform over the clear turquoise waters of the Adriatic, preparing for a swim.

For dinner, we ventured to Gverović Orsan, another spot made famous by the show Somebody Feed Phil. Nestled right on the water, the restaurant offered the perfect atmosphere to end the day. We feasted on a selection of fresh seafoods and pastas. The gnocchi in particular was unforgettable—pillowy, rich, and packed with flavor.

Couple posing along a rocky shoreline in front of the charming coastal village near Gverović-Orsan restaurant.

Woman smiling with a glass of white wine at a waterfront table at Gverović-Orsan restaurant near Dubrovnik.

Day 6: Elaphiti Islands & Dubrovnik Old Town

Elaphiti Islands by Boat

Day 6 began with another adventure at sea, this time exploring the Elaphiti Islands by boat. In the morning, we cruised along the rugged coastline and visited a series of sea caves. We admired the cliffs, caves, and beaches from the boat before anchoring for a refreshing swim in the sea. Then, we stretched out on the deck to sunbathe, enjoying the warmth of the Croatian summer.

Couple enjoying a boat ride off the coast of Dubrovnik, relaxing with drinks as the boat speeds away from the shoreline.

White speedboat anchored by dramatic cliffs and sea caves along the Elaphiti Islands’ rugged coastline.

After working up an appetite, we continued on to Lopud, where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch at a beachfront restaurant. Our server presented a selection of freshly caught fish for us to choose from, and we decided on the scorpionfish. It was first displayed to us whole before being expertly cooked and filleted. After lunch, we walked along the beach, explored the serene paths of Đorđić Mayneri Park, and grabbed some gelato before boarding the boat once more.

Family enjoying lunch together at a seaside restaurant on Lopud Island with turquoise waters and sailboats nearby.

Our final stop was Kolocep, home to a stunning blue cave tucked into the rocky coastline. Because we arrived during high tide, we had to dive underwater to swim into the cave. Fortunately, we are all confident swimmers! Inside, the cave opened up to a magical, glowing interior where we were able to climb the rocky walls and jump into the water. Just outside the cave’s mouth, we found an excellent cliff jumping spot. Here, we took turns climbing up and jumping back into the water. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we cracked open drinks and relaxed as our skipper steered us back to Dubrovnik.

Adventurers swimming and climbing cliffs near the Blue Cave on Croatia’s Elaphiti Islands.

Couple standing barefoot on a boat deck, smiling with drinks in hand, surrounded by anchored yachts near the Elaphiti Islands.

Dubrovnik at Night

By the time we returned to our villa, most of my family was wiped out from the sun and excitement. However, Ally and I still had some energy to burn and set out to explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town by night. Our first stop was Buza Bar, the cliffside watering hole famous for its sunset views. Sadly, the bar portion was closed during our trip, but we didn’t let that stop us from enjoying the views with a drink in hand. First, we grabbed “Shame Mojitos” from a little window bar along the Jesuit Staircase (of Game of Thrones fame). Then, we headed to Buza Bar to watch the sun set. Finally, we walked to Restaurant Marco Polo for dinner, a Michelin-recommended gem tucked into a quiet alley. It was a perfect, romantic way to wrap up the evening.

Couple enjoying sunset cocktails at Buža Bar, perched on the cliffs outside Dubrovnik’s city walls with views of Lokrum Island.

Dubrovnik Cathedral glowing at dusk, with statues and baroque details illuminated against the evening sky.

Day 7: Exploring Dubrovnik Without the Crowds

We purposely saved our deep dive into Dubrovnik for this day. No cruise ships were scheduled in port, meaning fewer crowds and more room to explore. We started the day with a walk around Dubrovnik’s iconic city walls, taking in sweeping views of the terracotta rooftops, the Adriatic, and all the narrow alleys below.

Cluster of traditional stone buildings and orange rooftops seen from the Dubrovnik city walls under a clear blue sky.

Scenic view of Dubrovnik Cathedral and bell tower rising above terracotta rooftops with the Adriatic Sea in the background.

Afterward, we spent time wandering Old Town, revisiting some of our favorite spots like the Jesuit Staircase and exploring new places like the Franciscan Monastery. Next, we had planned to ride the Mount Srdj Cable Car for a view from above. However, just as we were walking there, all of Croatia experienced a countrywide power outage. Instead, we made the most of it by popping into a quirky souvenir shop and doing a bit of browsing by natural light.

Two friends posing playfully on the historic Jesuit Staircase in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Bell tower of the Franciscan Monastery framed by palm fronds and stone architecture in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Afterwards, we stopped at Cave Bar More, carved into the cliffs just outside the Old Town. Here, I ordered what I thought was a local beer, only to realize, after a few sips, that I’d accidentally chosen a zero-proof brew. Later, for our final dinner in Dubrovnik, we ate at Taj Mahal, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant serving up delicious Bosnian cuisine. It was the perfect way to end our last full day in Croatia—with hearty food, good wine, and great company.

Underground setting of Cave Bar More in Dubrovnik, featuring a natural rock interior and stylish multi-level seating.

Platter of grilled meat skewers, roasted potatoes, and colorful sauces served at Taj Mahal restaurant in Dubrovnik.

Day 8: Zagreb Encore

Day 8 began with an early morning flight back to Zagreb. Once we landed in Zagreb, we dropped off our bags and spent the day exploring Zagreb’s Upper Town. Here, we visited the quirky and poignant Museum of Broken Relationships—definitely one of the more unique museums we’ve ever been to. Afterwards, we wandered through the city’s charming cobblestone streets, exploring its boutiques and vintage shops. I ended up buying a vintage watch that will forever remind me of this trip. Later in the afternoon, Ally and I said goodbye to the rest of my family, as they headed to the airport to catch their flights home.

St. Mark’s Church in Zagreb, Croatia, featuring its iconic colorful tiled roof and medieval Gothic architecture under a clear blue sky

Equestrian statue of St. George slaying the dragon in Zagreb, Croatia, set against a lush ivy-covered building and vibrant yellow flowers on a sunny day

For dinner, we ate at Izakaya, a Michelin Bib Gourmand Japanese restaurant where we enjoyed fresh sushi and flavorful small plates. After the higher prices of Dubrovnik and Split, the affordability of Zagreb’s dining scene was a welcome change. We stayed the night at The Westin Zagreb, resting up before our early flight home the next morning. It was the perfect low-key ending to an unforgettable adventure through Croatia.

Man smiling at a modern Asian fusion restaurant in Zagreb with bao buns, croquettes, and white wine on the table

Woman in a stylish backless dress and red sunglasses posing in front of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb on a sunny summer afternoon

Final Thoughts on Our Croatia Itinerary

Looking back on our time in Croatia, it’s hard to believe how much we packed into just over a week. From the lush waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes to the ancient alleyways of Split, the island adventures off Hvar and the Elaphiti coast, and the historic charm of Dubrovnik, every day brought something new and unforgettable. Traveling with family made the trip even more meaningful. We shared meals, stories, sunsets, and mojitos.

Smiling couple posing beneath vibrant bougainvillea at a romantic villa in Dubrovnik.

The Dominican Monastery’s stone bell tower rises against the hillside backdrop of Dubrovnik.

Croatia surprised and delighted us at every turn with its hospitality, natural beauty, and incredible food. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or planning your return, there’s something magical about Croatia that stays with you long after the trip ends. We left with full hearts, satisfied appetites, and more than a few new memories to treasure. Until next time!

Fort Bokar’s rounded stone walls overlook the sea, framed by blooming flowers along Dubrovnik’s city walls.

Couple standing on a seaside terrace with panoramic views of the Adriatic from a luxury villa near Dubrovnik.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Croatia

1. What’s the best time to visit Croatia?
Late May through early October is ideal time to follow our Croatia itinerary, with June and September offering the best balance of warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are peak tourist season.

2. Is Croatia expensive?
Croatia is more affordable than Western Europe but not a budget destination. Expect mid-range prices, with Zagreb being cheaper than Split or Dubrovnik. Ferries and national parks are relatively affordable.

3. How do you get around Croatia?
For flexibility, renting a car is the best way to see Croatia. Buses and ferries are also reliable, especially between major cities and islands.

4. What are Croatia’s must-see destinations?
Top stops include Plitvice Lakes, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Zagreb. Lesser-known gems like Rastoke, Šolta, and the Elaphiti Islands offer incredible experiences without the crowds.

5. Do I need cash or can I use cards?
Croatia uses the euro (€) and while cards are widely accepted in cities, carry some cash for smaller towns and local restaurants.

Woman smiling on stone steps leading to the sea near Buža Bar, with the Adriatic sparkling behind her.

Know Before You Go: Travel Tips for Your Croatia Itinerary

Start inland, end coastal: Begin in Zagreb or Plitvice and wind your way to the sea for a satisfying finish.
Avoid cruise ship crowds: Check cruise ship schedules for Dubrovnik and plan accordingly.
Try local dishes: Don’t miss burek, fresh Adriatic seafood, and regional wines—Croatia is an underrated foodie destination.
Book ferries and boats early in summer: High season fills up fast.
Stay flexible: Leave room in your Croatia itinerary for the unplanned, like a mojito from a guy in a boat.
Don’t skip travel insurance: Things don’t always go according to plan, especially when adventuring outdoors. We recommend World Nomads for flexible, reliable coverage that’s perfect for travelers.

Charming stone building in Split, Croatia, featuring a weathered balcony with potted plants and green wooden shutters on all windows.

Rustic stone buildings and terracotta rooftops surround a garden blooming with pink flowers in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Conclusion: Why Croatia Belongs on Your Bucket List

From sipping orange wines in Split to watching the sun dip behind the cliffs of Dubrovnik, Croatia stole our hearts. It’s not just the jaw-dropping landscapes or historic cities—it’s the relaxed pace, the friendly locals, and the moments you never see coming. If you’re dreaming of a trip like this and want help planning your own unforgettable Croatia itinerary, we offer custom travel-planning services tailored to your style and interests.

Crowd gathered along the Split, Croatia waterfront at sunset, with Croatian flags waving and sailboats docked in the background under a colorful evening sky.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifth, Croatia delivers a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and seaside serenity. With a little planning—and an openness to detour—you’ll discover a country that feels both wildly untamed and warmly welcoming. Just don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, hiking shoes, and appetite.

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