2 Weeks in Croatia: 3 Itineraries

by

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

So, I just came back from Croatia and I feel like this post could use a good update. Originally, this was written and 2023 and now in 2024 – I have a lot of significant information to add.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

There are many options for outdoor adventure as it contains 8 national parks. Here, you can visit some of Game of Thrones’ top locations to recreate pictures of your favourite scenes.

The Adriatic Sea, the northernmost branch of the Mediterranean Sea, is near Croatia, which is located within Central and Eastern Europe. In addition, it shares maritime borders with Hungary and Slovenia in the North, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the East, Italy in the West, and Montenegro in the South.

This article about 2 weeks in Croatia features three different itineraries for you to choose from. One that is suitable for visiting Croatia for the first time, a travel itinerary if you prefer to go hiking, and another if you want to avoid the tourist trail.

>> CHECK-OUT: 2 Weeks in Italy – 4 itineraries or 2 weeks in Spain – 4 itineraries

TABLE OF CONTENTS show

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING CROATIA

4 images - Dunrovnik, Zagreb Old Town, Plitvice Lakes, Split in Croatia - 2 Weeks in Croatia Itinerary

If you’re planning to travel for two weeks in Croatia but are unsure what to expect, you may want to familiarize yourself with these fundamental travel tips.

From how to navigate cities and islands to the preferred method of payment, when coming to this beautiful and diverse country, it’s always necessary to be prepared. Here are some essential aspects to be aware of before touring Croatia.

When is the best time to go to Croatia

The Adriatic Sea’s warm waves entice countless tourists during Croatia’s peak season (July-August). During this time, numerous medieval fairs, boat parties, and yachters crowded the more upscale resorts.

The shoulder season (September-October) is ideal for outdoor activities like sailing, hiking, and visiting national parks since those months are still sunny but free of big crowds.

You might want to avoid coming here during the winter (November-April) since the weather can get freezing and ferries aren’t operating. But, if you’re here for culture and food, you can still have a good time, especially since accommodation prices are at their lowest.

Are 2 weeks enough for Croatia

14 days in Croatia is a good amount, although it could be too short depending on the places you want to see and how you plan to get there. It’s always better to create some sort of travel itinerary. It doesn’t have to be a day-to-day plan, but a small guide is a good start.

From there, you can see the distance between places and the options for getting from one point to another. You can expect to visit at least 3-4 cities if you have 2 weeks in Croatia with good planning.

Getting around

Nearly everywhere in Croatia is connected by the bus network, which is an excellent option for travellers on a budget.

In addition, you can board ferries to travel to mainland cities and islands while exploring the coast. You can also easily travel between Zagreb and the beach by plane and train.

The train system is limited, and they’re frequently slower than buses. However, it’s not a wrong choice if you’re travelling between Zagreb and coastal locations or seeing inland Croatia.

If you’re travelling with a group or family or want to see multiple places faster, renting a vehicle might be better. Especially if those locations aren’t well-served by public transportation, car rental is an excellent choice.

I’ve met a lot of people in Split who are travelling by car rental which they took from Zagreb. You can also take the car to Dubrovnik via a car ferry. But since it’s kind of separated through Bosnia and Herzegovina, it might be better to fly into Dubrovnik.

Language and currency

Croatia’s official language is standard Croatian. Since English is also widely spoken in Croatia, you won’t have to worry as much about travelling across the country or its surrounding regions.

Since 2023, the euro has been the official currency of Croatia (the former currency was kuna). This is part of the application Croatia submitted to be a member of the Schengen States.

Paying with a card (contactless, tap your card) is all over Croatia. But in smaller towns, cash is still required. Best to pay card when you can and still have cash with you for emergencies.

Visa

Croatia is part of the Schengen States, so you can only stay in this region for 90 days in 180 calendar days. Let’s say you spent 30 days in Spain, 20 days in France, 20 days in Italy. And then Croatia is your last destination, and then you can only stay in Croatia for 20 days or less.

Passports issued by the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and many countries in Latin America, you can enter and stay in Croatia for 90 days. If you hold an EU passport, you have freedom of movement.

If your country is not on the list, you must apply for a Schengen tourist visa in advance. You can submit your application as early as six months before your planned trip.

What is the average cost for 2 weeks in Croatia

In general, Croatia is an affordable destination. With the exception of Dubrovnik and Split – which are both popular cruise ship stop making tourism costs more expensive.

If you are on a budget and plan to stay in a budget hostel or hotel, you can expect to spend around $1,000 for two weeks in Croatia. You can eat street food and check if you can make some meals at your hostel.

For a mid-range budget, $2,000 could get you a private room and expect to eat out most of the time. For $3,500, you’ll be able to stay in luxury hotels and travel more comfortably. These prices are for a single person, you can save a little bit if you are two people who could share a room.

Other basic travel tips

If you plan to travel during peak season, booking your accommodation in advance is best. The affordable ones with great locations and high reviews often get booked out way in advance. There’s a list below of my favourite travel sites.

Don’t worry, many of these offer flexible cancellations in case you change your plan or your plans.

HOTELS
VISA
CAR RENT
TOURS
FLIGHTS
BUS (EU/US/CA)
TRAINS (EUROPE)
TRAIN/BUS (ASIA)
BOOKED TOURS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TOURS (ASIA)
HOSTELS
AIRPORT PICK UP
ESIM
BIKE RENTAL

PINNED MAP OF TOP THINGS TO SEE IN CROATIA

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN CROATIA ITINERARY

Croatia fits all the requirements for a Mediterranean vision, including warm days on sandy beaches and views of ancient city walls.

To save you valuable time, I’ve created this complete travel guide that you can utilize to navigate around popular tourist attractions, off-the-beaten-path locations, and hiking paths.

The locations you can visit on specific days are shown below. To ensure you get the most out of your two weeks in Croatia, I also included a section on what you can do in each city.

I’ve put together 3 travel itineraries that you can adjust to match your 14 days in Croatia to help you customize your own.

ALSO READ: How to spend 2 weeks in South Europe and where to go

Itinerary #1: First-time (Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik)

This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors of Croatia. It highlights all the top cities to visit and not-to-miss attractions.

You can do this itinerary by bus, air, or renting a car. It can also be done in reverse. Instead of starting Zagreb, you can begin your 2 weeks in Croatia in Dubrovnik and make your way back to the capital city.

Zagreb for 3 days

Gornji Grad, Zagreb’s Upper Town, which has gorgeous cobblestone lanes and houses with red-tiled roofs, is a lovely site to start a sightseeing tour in Croatia.

The beautiful Tkalciceva Street, home to numerous sidewalk cafes, boutique stores, and restaurants, are also nearby.

Make sure to visit St. Mark’s Church to see the stunning interior, which features murals painted by Jozo Kljakovic and statues by renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic.

In addition to the numerous museums dedicated to fine art and history, Zagreb has several quirky museums that are definitely worth seeing.

The Museum of Broken Relationships, which features unique collections of donated personal items and relics from former lovers worldwide, is at the top of the list.

2 images - Lotrscak Tower and Mirogoj Cemetery - 2 Weeks in Croatia Itinerary

Plitvice Lakes for 2 days

The Plitvice Lakes National Park has well-marked trails ranging from a stroll to a challenging trek around waterfalls and bridges. It is one of my favourite outdoor destinations here because it has an easy-to-navigate boardwalk.

The short Trail A, which takes around 2 hours to complete and passes by a series of waterfalls and the famed Kozjaka Bridge, is arguably one of the most incredible trails in the park.

A quick boat journey across Kozjak Lake can connect the path to other trails on the other side. If you’re planning to hike here without a guide, reserve your tickets in advance since it’s a popular tourist attraction that receives tons of visitors a year.

You can expect the trip from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, which spans 130 km (81 miles), by driving to take 1 hr 52 min through E65/E71 and D1 routes. Alternatively, you can take a 2 hr 30 min bus ride.

IMPORTANT INFO: If you want to save time even further, you can do a day trip to Plitvice Lakes instead of making your way there. You can do a tour departing Zagreb, Zadar, and Split.

Split and Hvar for 5 days

Split, the second-largest city in Croatia after Zagreb, was built inside the massive Diocletian’s Palace, perched above the Adriatic Sea and originally a Roman fortress.

The exquisite Peristyle inside the walls, where the Cathedral of St. Domnius is located, is among the sights to be seen.

Many visitors come to Croatia to see the Dalmatian Islands, the most popular of which is Hvar. Yachters, tourists, and celebrities flock to this location to enjoy its seafood restaurants, beaches, and water activities.

The quickest bus travel time from Plitvice Lakes to Split is around 3 hr 30 min with a distance of 257 km (169 miles). On the other hand, the distance from Split to Hvar is 60 km (37 miles), and you can reach it by a 50-minute ferry ride.

Dubrovnik for 4 days

Due to its appearance in the popular TV series Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls are one of its most well-known attractions. If you’re looking for that Instagrammable shot, head to Minceta Tower since it features lovely orange rooftops at the northern end of the wall system.

I did the Game of Thrones tour and it was very well-done. However, most of the locations are right in the Old Town. There are a lot of stairs, so if you have mobility issues, you might have to skip this one.

The Stradun, one of Dubrovnik’s most scenic pedestrian thoroughfares, is an excellent site to end your journey as it offers a lot of cafés, restaurants, and shops.

The bus journey from Split to Dubrovnik is around 4 hr, covering a distance of 230 km (143 miles). Another option is to ride a 3 hr 30 min private transfer via taxi.

2 images - Dubrovnik and Rector's Palace - 2 Weeks in Croatia Itinerary

Itinerary #2: Away from Tourist (Zagreb, Istria Peninsula, Zadar, Primošten)

Beyond the capital, famous cities, and beach resorts, Croatia can provide those who choose to venture off the beaten path with extraordinary experiences in lesser-known but equally beautiful locations.

There are still areas, islands, and beaches where the crowds are fewer, and the mood is more laid back. This travel plan is ideal for those who want to explore Croatia but want to skip the touristy part.

Zagreb for 2 days

Since you only have 2 days here, the idea to simply arrive, catch up with sleep, and get your bearings before you start your trip.

Before visiting the off-the-beaten-paths areas, you can spend a day or two to arrange the necessary preparations, such as purchasing tickets, renting a car, stocking up on cash, and obtaining a local sim card.

But if you want to maximise your time, you can do a walking tour for Zagreb and learn its best features.

Istria Peninsula for 4 days

Rovinj (main town in Istria Peninsula) is a stunning medieval town where the Cathedral of St. Euphemia has a massive bell tower that stands at the highest point in the city.

If you wish to spend some time at the beach, head to the small town of Rabac and stop by Girandella Beach.

Another destination to include is Motovun, a beautiful, old-walled town noted for hosting a film festival each summer and for its creative spirit and fairy-tale good looks.

Travelling from Zagreb to Istria Peninsula by car rental would be ideal as it usually takes roughly 2 hr 35 min. However, if you prefer a more comfortable transfer, I recommend booking a nonstop flight with Croatia Airlines since it would only take around 40 min.

2 images - Pula Arena and Medieval Rovinj - 2 Weeks in Croatia Itinerary

Zadar for 4 days

Cosmopolitan and artsy, Zadar is Northern Dalmatia’s largest city but still flies under the tourist radar. Among its major historical attractions is the Church of St. Donatus, one of the most significant masterpieces of Byzantine architecture.

Another must-see attraction in the city is the iconic Sea Organ, which was placed on the coastline in 2005. The main city beach, Kolovare Beach, is a mixture of sand and clear blue sea that offers relaxation and is a crowd favourite for picnics.

It takes an average of 3 hr 48 min to arrive from Istria Peninsula to Zadar by driving a total distance of 355 km (221 miles) along route E71. However, the fastest way to get to Zadar from the Istria Peninsula is by plane with Croatia Airlines, which takes around 35 min.

Primošten for 3 days

I recommend ending your 2 weeks in Croatia trip in the charming tiny town of Primosten, also referred to as the “town of beaches.”

If you prefer fewer crowds while taking in the views from the Adriatic Sea and unwinding on its pebble beaches, I advise travelling here rather than Split.

You can also explore Zlarin Island, often referred to as the “golden island” due to its pine forests, sandy beaches, and picture-perfect coves.

One of the Croatian islands without any cars is Kaprije, where you can freely take in the unspoiled scenery and the sounds of the waves and ocean.

Another choice is to go to Zirje Island, a popular spot for diving and snorkelling. You can either travel to Dubrovnik, where you can also board an international aircraft, or return to Zagreb to catch a trip home.

The quickest bus travel time from Zadar to Primosten is around 1 hr 40 min with a distance of 112 km (70 miles). Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive for 1 hr 23 min to reach Primosten along route E61/E71.

Itinerary #3: Hiking (Zagreb, Park Prirode Učka, Zadar, Krka National Park

Croatia is recognized for its island-dotted coastline but offers excellent trekking options. Croatia should be at the top of your list if you intend to go on a hiking journey in Europe.

It provides a wide variety of hiking paths for everyone, whether you are a novice or an experienced hiker.

But with so many stunning hikes to choose from in Croatia, I understand that it might be challenging to narrow down your options. But don’t worry.

Below is a hiking itinerary for those who are looking to do exactly this. This travel plan will take a closer look at the most stunning trails in Croatia.

Zagreb for 5 days

Before venturing outdoors, reserve a hotel in the exciting city of Zagreb, where you can find accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. While here, you can also look at renting camping materials.

Once it’s settled, you can head to the Lonja Field, the most extensive wetland in the Danube basin protected as a Nature Park.

Zagreb is a good starting place for hikes into the Zumberak Samoborsko Gorje, a network of mountains connecting the towering Alps summits.

The 1 1/2-hour ascent from Soiceva Kuca to Japetić, the highest peak in the Samobor Mountains and an established paragliding location, is another popular trip.

Park Prirode Učka (Istria) for 3 days

The entire Uka and portions of Cicarija, the two tallest mountains in Istria, are contained in the protected Ucka Nature Park. Only a few miles from the Adriatic Seaside, it is recognized for its stunning scenery, varied animals, and living heritage.

The park has 50 named mountains, with Vojak being the tallest and most notable. The Vela Draga Canyon, a dramatic natural canyon with spectacular landscapes and several limestone towers, is located nearby.

Travelling from Zagreb to Park Prirode Ucka by car rental would be ideal as it usually takes roughly 2 hr 12 min, covering a distance of 186 km (116 miles). At the same time, a bus ride would take an average of 4 hr 32 min.

2 images - Church of St. Donatus and Zadar Old Town in Croatia

Zadar for 6 days

While Croatia is legendary for its coastal area, you’ll find many beautiful hiking destinations, whether you visit Paklenica National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park, or Krka National Park. Many picturesque routes in the Paklenica National Park provide breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

Additionally, you may go hiking in Croatia’s largest national park, the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which spans nearly 30,000 hectares.

Even though Skradinski Buk, the park’s most well-known network of waterfalls, is reason enough to visit, Krka National Park also has six different waterfalls, fascinating historical monuments, and tranquil landscapes that you’ll adore.

I recommend travelling by car from Park Prirode Ucka to Zadar since it will only take 3 hr 23 min, over an estimated 314 km (195 miles) from route E71.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Now, let’s discuss the must-see places in Croatia, including tours you can check out. These are all categorised for each city so you can see them more easily. You can also go back to the interactive map above, which you can make a copy of for yourself.

Zagreb

Plitvice Lakes

2 images - Church of St. Donatus and Zadar Old Town in Croatia

Zadar

Split and Hvar

2 images - Krka Waterfalls and Split coastline in Croatia

Dubrovnik

Istria Peninsula

Primošten

  • Plaža Rosi
  • Beach Mala Raduča Beach
  • Plaža Velika Raduča
  • Plaža Dagna
  • Dolac
  • The Wall of Oštrica (Bedem Grebastica)
  • Lighthouse in Rogoznica area
  • Blue Bay

MUST-TRY CROATIAN DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS

One thing is for sure, you have to try Croatian dishes during your visit. This country might be known for its cuisine. But after you find the one you like the most, you’ll start to realise that there’s a lack of Croatian restaurants worldwide.

Below is a list of fantastic Croatian cuisine, from main dishes and snacks, to drinks:

  • Cevapi – grilled minced meat sausage
  • Pasta Fazol – bean and pasta soup
  • Pasticada – a slow-cooked beef dish
  • Croatian Pašticada – a traditional Dalmatian dish made with beef
  • Black risotto – a seafood dish
  • Peka – a traditional baked dish with meat and vegetables
  • Rožat – a Croatian version of creme caramel
  • Croatian strudel – A flaky pastry
  • Ritule – small fried doughnuts
  • Kremna rezina – A layered dessert
  • Sir – a traditional Croatian cheese
  • Croatian pandesal -a sweet bread roll
  • Croatian Wine
  • Croatian Beer
  • Rakia – a traditional Croatian spirit
  • Croatian Coffee and Tea

ACCOMMODATIONS

Here’s a quick list to help you find a place to stay in Croatia, depending on your budget.

Zagreb

Plitvice Lakes

Zadar

Split and Hvar

Dubrovnik

Istria Peninsula

Primošten

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN CROATIA

It is simple to understand why Croatia is a popular tourist destination for most people with its lovely towns, historical attractions, dazzling coastlines, and beautiful islands. Additionally, it offers a wealth of stunning treks and routes, making it a favourite choice for hikers and backpackers.

The best galleries, museums, restaurants, and stores in the nation can be found in Zagreb, a dynamic capital city. Wherever you wander in Croatia, whether on or off the main path, you’ll definitely have a blast on your vacation.

TO SAVE THIS ITINERARY, PIN THIS IMAGE BELOW:

A 2-week Croatia itinerary includes exploring Dubrovnik's Old Town, visiting Split's Diocletian's Palace, and sailing the Dalmatian Coast. Discover the beauty of Plitvice Lakes, relax on Hvar's beaches, and experience Zagreb's vibrant culture. via @twoweektraveller