There are a few ways to make the most out of your travel through Croatia. First landing in Nord and flying out from South. This route can include Zagreb, the national park Plitvice, Split, Korcula, and Dubrovnik. The other route will be south only. This route is preferable in summer during beach time. Landing in Split, going to Hvar, Korcula, a day trip to National park Mljet, and Dubrovnik. It is all manageable in 7 days.

You can start by renting a car once you land at one of the major Croatian airports, such as Zagreb, Split, Zadar, or Dubrovnik. We recommend booking a car through Booking to arrange a pickup service straight at the airport.

Presuming you have landed in Zagreb, rented a car, and are heading toward the Dalmatian south, here are our top sites and places to visit.

 1. Zagreb

what to do in zagreb, accommodation zagrebCroatia’s capital is excellent to explore on foot or by its tram web, visit numerous galleries, go out clubbing, sip coffee in Tkalčićeva, or (window) shopping. Lots of history and culture. Things not to miss: Dolac market, events in Zagreb, Mirogoj cemetery, galleries and museums, St. Mark’s Church, the Cathedral and Upper Town, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and the Funicular railway. Just to name a few things and sites.

2.Plitvice Lakes

  1. Croatia’s most famous and first national park was proclaimed on 8 April 1949. The process of tufa formation, which builds the tufa (travertine) barriers and creates the lakes, is the outstanding universal value for which the Plitvice Lakes were internationally recognized on 26 October 1979 with their inscription onto the UNESCO World Heritage List.

    3. Split

    Our favorite Mediterranean port and town, bustling with life, is home to Ultra Europe Festival. The Diocletian Palace, a UNESCO-protected site, is amazing to explore on foot, and the famed Riva. In this place, you can sit soaking up the Dalmatian sun, sipping coffee at a leisurely pace during the day. Visit nearby Bačvice beach and watch a game of throwing around by local men. Food in Split is reasonably priced and generally very good and tasty. For lunch, try Fifa, and for dinner, especially if you do not mind splurging a bit, Restaurant Re Di Mare. Bakeries in Split are also great. Try traditional soparnik, a famous specialty, a savory pie with a filling of Swiss chard.

    Life is concentrated on the Riva and in bars within the walls of Diocletian’s palace until 2 AM, when the partying flock migrates to the nearby Bačvice beach and its numerous bars. Backpackers spot on Bačvice is Charlie bar.

    Split is close and well connected to other sites you may want to visit, such as the Cetina River Canyon for rafting, Trogir, Krka waterfalls, Salona, and Klis. Just take it easy, as the Dalmatians themselves. As for accommodation, try Goli&Bosi Design Hostel and Split Hostel.

    ISLAND HOPPING

After Split, it’s time to do some island hopping and visit some of Croatia’s most interesting islands.

4. Hvar

things to do on hvar, how to get to pakleni islands, cheap accommodation hvar

Known as the jet-setting, partying island and the island of lavender, Hvar is an hour’s ride by catamaran or ferry. Check Jadrolinija.hr for timetables. As Hvar is known as the partying island, the two most famous party spots are Carpe Diem and Hoola Hoola Beach Bar. Those interested in nature and beaches will also not be short of spots such as the Pakleni Islands, reachable by regular water taxis from Hvar’s waterfront, or beaches such as Dubovica, Lucisca, or the sandy beach Grebisce. Foodie spots: Konoba Manego,  Fig Caffe Bar, and cheap eats at Dalmatino&Mamato. Book accommodation at Green Lizard and Orange Hostel.

5. Korčula

how to get to korcula, what to do on korcula island

The rumors, with some scientific backing, are that the world’s most famous and somewhat notorious traveler, Marco Polo, was born here. The island, named by the Greeks after a beautiful nymph, Korkyra, is as mysterious as Marco Polo’s travels and beloved by many tourists and guests who keep returning again and again after their first visit. The island is reached by ferry or catamaran from Split or Hvar, or by ferry from the Pelješac peninsula (a beautiful 15-minute ride). Make Korcula and Dragan’s Den your base for at least 4 or 5 days, where you will reserve time just for yourself to chill and explore the island and nearby spots such as National park Mljet, enjoy emerald jewels in the form of numerous secluded bays and sandy beaches such as Pržina bay and Bilin Žal. Food-wise, Korčula’s main promenade around the Old Town is filled with top-class restaurants competing to make the next best dish. If you’re seeking outstanding Mediterranean cuisine on your Dalmatian route, Korčula definitely ranks very high! And do not be fooled. Korčula has its big partying moments too! Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are all about partying in Korcula, at venues such as Boogie Jungle Club, Dos Locos, and numerous other bars with live music.  Things to do in Korcula

6. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Day Tour from Split or Trogir - Split, Croatia | GetYourGuide

Sugar comes at the end. Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic. King’s Landing. One of a kind. Apart from exploring the Old Town, you may want to visit the Elafiti Islands in the vicinity, Lokrum Island, and Mlini in Župa Dubrovačka, and have lunch or dinner at Spaghetteria Toni Dubrovnik, Bistro Kamenice Dubrovnik, Nishta Restaurant, or Taj Mahal restaurant.

Enjoy!