How to plan a 2-week Croatia road trip
Spend your first week exploring the historical cities and national parks of the north, then head south along the Dalmatian coast for island hopping. Renting a car is essential for flexibility, but rely on ferries when moving between islands.
- Budget
- 135 dollars per day
- Duration
- 14 days recommended
- Best Time
- June or September to avoid peak summer crowds
- Visa Required
- Depends; check your country's status with the Schengen Area.
Step by step
Start in Zagreb
Fly into Zagreb and spend 2 days exploring the Upper Town and local markets. Rent your car here to avoid one-way drop-off fees.
Head to the parks
Drive 2.5 hours to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arrive at the gates by 7:00 AM to beat the tour buses. Spend 1 night nearby.
Transition to the coast
Drive 3 hours to Zadar. Spend 2 days here to see the Sea Organ and the Roman Forum before heading south.
Choose your islands
Drop the car in Split and use the Jadrolinija ferry system to visit Hvar or Vis. Spend 4 days island hopping.
Finish in Dubrovnik
Take the ferry or a bus to Dubrovnik. Spend your final 3 days walking the walls and taking the cable car.
Questions people ask
Do I need a car for the whole trip?
No. You need a car for the mainland (Zagreb to Split), but you should drop it off before heading to the islands as parking is difficult and ferries are expensive for vehicles.
Is Croatia expensive?
It has become more expensive since joining the Eurozone. Dubrovnik and Hvar are significantly pricier than Zagreb or Zadar.
- Daily Spend
- 120-150 dollars
- Accommodation
- 60-80 dollars
- Food and Drink
- 50-60 dollars
- Activities and Transport
- 30-40 dollars
Packing
- Sturdy water shoes for rocky beaches
- Lightweight linen clothing for high humidity
- European 2-pin power adapter
- Dry bag for boat trips
Itinerary
- 1 — Dinner at a local tavern in Tkalčićeva street. — Arrive in Zagreb, drop bags. — Walk the Upper Town (Gornji Grad). — Use the funicular to save your legs.
- 2 — Explore the vibrant cafe culture in the city center. — Museum of Broken Relationships. — St. Mark's Church and surrounding plazas. — Most museums close by 8:00 PM.
- 3 — Stay in a guesthouse in Mukinje. — Drive to Plitvice Lakes (2.5 hours). — Hike the lower and upper lakes (Route K). — Buy park tickets online weeks in advance.
- 4 — Watch the sunset at the Sea Organ. — Drive to Zadar (2 hours). — Explore the Old Town and Roman Forum. — Parking is easiest outside the old town walls.
- 5 — Dinner in Zadar. — Day trip to Krka National Park. — Swim at Skradinski Buk waterfall. — You need water shoes for the rocky riverbeds.
- 6 — Walk the Riva promenade. — Drive to Split (2 hours). — Explore Diocletian’s Palace. — Drop your rental car at the airport or train station.
- 7 — Dinner in the harbor. — Ferry to Hvar Town. — Hike up to the Spanjola Fortress. — Book ferry tickets via the Jadrolinija app.
- 8 — Enjoy the nightlife in Hvar Town. — Boat trip to the Pakleni Islands. — Swimming and snorkeling in hidden coves. — Water taxis run every hour from the port.
- 9 — Wine tasting of local Grk wine. — Ferry to Korcula. — Explore the fortified Old Town. — Korcula is known as 'Little Dubrovnik'.
- 10 — Seafood dinner by the water. — Cycle around the island's vineyards. — Relax at Lumbarda beach. — Bike rentals are available near the ferry dock.
- 11 — Sunset cocktails on the Buža Bar cliffs. — Ferry to Dubrovnik. — Check in and walk the Old Town streets. — Dubrovnik is very steep; bring comfortable shoes.
- 12 — Explore the Jesuit Staircase. — Walk the city walls at 8:00 AM. — Take the cable car to Mount Srđ. — The walls get crowded by 10:00 AM.
- 13 — Farewell dinner in the Old Town. — Day trip to Lokrum Island. — Swim in the salt lake (Dead Sea). — Ferries to Lokrum depart every 30 minutes.
- 14 — Fly home. — Last minute souvenir shopping. — Transfer to DBV airport. — Airport bus leaves 90 minutes before flights.