From coast to capital

CROTIA IN ONE WEEK

Ready to fall in love with Croatia? From the sun-soaked shores of the Adriatic to charming old towns and lush national parks, this one-week itinerary takes you on a journey through some of the country’s most unforgettable landscapes.

In just 6 days, you’ll explore ancient coastal cities like Split and Zadar, swim in turquoise waters, discover hidden islands, hike through Krka and Plitvice national parks, and end your trip in the vibrant capital, Zagreb.

This guide is designed for travelers who want a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation—with just the right pace. Let’s dive into the perfect Croatian week!

📍 Day 1 – Split: Ancient Stones & Seaside Vibes

Start your Croatian journey in Split, where history and daily life blend seamlessly inside Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO treasure and one of the most remarkable Roman structures still standing.

What to see:

  • 🏛️ Golden Gate – Enter the palace through its grand northern gate.

  • 🕍 Cathedral of Saint Domnius – Climb the bell tower for stunning views.

  • 🍅 Green Market (Pazar) – Mingle with locals and snack on fresh figs or cheese.

  • 🏰 Diocletian’s Palace – Wander ancient streets and hidden courtyards.

  • ⛲ Peristil Square – Soak in the energy of this architectural gem.

  • 🚪 Bronze Gate – Leads you straight to the Riva promenade.

  • 🐍 Jupiter’s Temple – A small but powerful piece of Roman mythology.

  • ⚔️ Iron Gate – Yet another gateway into this living ruin.

  • 🌊 Riva Promenade – End the day here with a cocktail and a sea breeze.

👉 Tips: -Stay overnight near the Old Town for the full atmosphere.

-If you want to catch the sunset from a higher viewpoint, take a walk through the old neighborhood of Varoš and up to Marjan Hill for a stunning panoramic view over the city and the sea.

🚤 Day 2 – Island-Hopping by Speedboat

One of the most unforgettable experiences from Split is heading out to sea. Hop on a day-long speedboat adventure to discover Croatia’s dazzling coastline and its hidden island treasures.

Your dreamy boat itinerary:

  • 🌌 Blue Cave – A surreal, glowing sea cave.

  • 🏝️ Komiža – A charming fishing village on Mamma Mia Island.

  • 🏖️ Stiniva Cove – A hidden beach surrounded by cliffs.

  • 🌊 Srebrena Beach – Smooth white rocks and crystal-clear water.

  • 🐠 Blue Lagoon (Budikovac) – Perfect for a swim or snorkel stop.

  • 🍷 Hvar Town – Stroll, sip, and shop in this stylish island hub.

  • ⚓ Matejuška Port – Return to Split just in time for sunset.

👉 What to bring: Swim shoes, sunscreen, towel, and a waterproof bag.

🏛️ Day 3 – Zadar: Roman Roots & Seaside Sounds

Hop north to Zadar, a city where Roman ruins and Venetian gates meet experimental architecture and one of the most magical sunsets in Europe.

Highlights of Zadar:

  • 🏰 Land Gate – Your official welcome to the Old Town.

  • 💧 Five Wells Square – A peaceful historic stop.

  • 🏺 Museum of Ancient Glass – See live glassblowing in action.

  • ☕ People’s Square (Narodni trg) – Stop for coffee and people-watching.

  • 🕍 Cathedral of Saint Anastasia – Climb for coastal views.

  • ⛪ Saint Donatus Church – A 9th-century beauty in the Roman Forum.

  • 🏛️ Roman Forum – Walk through ancient public space turned open-air museum.

  • 🌿 St. Francis Monastery – Quiet cloister, historic charm.

  • 🌊 Sea Organ – Sit by the water and listen to waves making music.

  • ☀️ Greeting to the Sun – A solar light show that comes alive after dusk.

👉 Stay the night in Zadar’s old town to enjoy its calm evening charm.

🌿 Day 4 – Nature Escape: Krka National Park

Trade towns for waterfalls. Just 1.5 hours from Zadar (or Split), Krka National Park is a lush, green oasis famous for its cascades.

Must-do:

  • Walk the wooden boardwalks around Skradinski Buk

  • Take a boat ride to Visovac Island

  • Explore old water mills and nature trails

👉 Pack: Water, walking shoes, and snacks.

🌲 Day 5 – Plitvice Lakes National Park

It’s time for one of Croatia’s greatest natural wonders: Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO-listed park of cascading lakes, lush forests, and turquoise waters.

Plan:

  • Choose Route C or H for a half-day loop with boats and viewpoints

  • Visit early (opening time!) to beat the crowds

  • Don’t skip the Upper Lakes—they’re quieter and just as stunning

👉 No swimming here—Plitvice is protected. Enjoy the views and respect the paths.

🏙️ Day 6 – Zagreb: Capital Culture & Cool Streets

End your week in Zagreb, a lively city blending Austro-Hungarian elegance, quirky museums, and a laid-back café culture.

Top things to do:

  • 🥬 Dolac Market – Grab a local breakfast among flower stalls.

  • 🔥 Stone Gate – A tucked-away chapel with candles and legends.

  • 🏰 St. Mark’s Church – Snap a photo of the colorful tiled roof.

  • 🚇 Grič Tunnel – A fun underground passageway with rotating exhibits.

  • 🌆 Strossmayer Promenade – Ride the funicular and enjoy the view.

  • 🛍️ Oktogon Passage – Hidden beauty and boutiques.

  • 📍 Ban Jelačić Square – Zagreb’s beating heart.

  • 🕍 Zagreb Cathedral – Majestic and still being restored.

  • 💔 Museum of Broken Relationships – Unique, funny, emotional.

  • ☕ Tkalčićeva Street – Buzzing cafés and bars, perfect for your last evening.

  • 🌸 Botanical Garden – A quiet green escape in the city.

✨ Final Thoughts

In just six days, Croatia offers you a taste of everything: Roman ruins, sparkling seas, lush national parks, and historic city charm. This itinerary is your perfect mix of culture, nature, and relaxation—with enough flexibility to make it your own.

Tip: If you can, extend your trip with a stop in Slovenia or spend more time exploring the Croatian islands at a slower pace. You could also visit the famous city of Dubrovnik—just try to avoid peak summer months, as it can get very crowded.

📍Up next: a 2–3 day itinerary to discover the charm of Slovenia, from the fairytale streets of Ljubljana to the magic of Lake Bled. Stay tuned!