Make the Most of Your Time in Croatia

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How Many Days to Spend in Croatia

Whether you have two days or two weeks, you'll have a great time in Croatia with a little planning. Get to know Dubrovnik during a quick weekend trip, explore islands along the Dalmatian coast on a five-day itinerary, venture up the coast to Istria if you have a week, or, with ten days to spare, tour the national parks. Read on for advice on how many days to spend in Croatia—and what to do once you're there.

Exploring the coast of Hvar Island
Map of 5 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Five days makes a quick trip to Croatia, but it's enough time to focus on a single region like coastal Dalmatia or Istria in the north. You can cover country-wide highlights if you don't mind a fast pace and flying open-jaw—thanks to the frequency of international flights to both Zagreb and Dubrovnik, you can start your trip in the north and work your way to the southern coast. Learn more with these fun itineraries.

Istria makes for one of the best self-drive regions of Croatia
Map of 6 Days in Croatia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
6 Days in Croatia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Six days in Croatia might be a quick trip but it is plenty of time to explore the best of the country. Consider focusing on a single region like the Dalmatian coast or the northern peninsula of Istria. Or, if you don't mind a fast pace and flying open-jaw—thanks to the frequency of international flights to both Zagreb and Dubrovnik, you can start your trip in the north and work your way to the southern coast. Get a sense of what's possible with the following itineraries.

Include Korčula in a Croatia highlights tour or a focused exploration of the Dalmatian Coast
Map of 1 Week in Croatia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Croatia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Croatia, you can travel right across the country—from Zagreb to Dubrovnik—on a highlights tour or narrow your focus to one region. The idyllic Dalmatian Coast is perfect for those seeking time on the water, and you can choose between a thrilling sailing excursion, a foodie tour, and a classic trip that includes Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik. Other options are an active itinerary featuring Croatia's national parks and a road trip through the Istrian peninsula.

On a luxury getaway to the Istrian Peninsula, you'll stay at the Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa (photo courtesy of Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa)
Map of 1 Week in Croatia - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Croatia - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Croatia, you can embark on a luxury-forward journey featuring rich cuisine, serene islands, and storied villages. Cruise between Brac, Hvar, Korcula, and Dubrovnik on a luxury island-hopping adventure, or swap in Split to discover more of the Dalmatian Coast's historical highlights. Zagreb is an excellent starting point for lovers of nature and the finer things in life, while the Istrian Peninsula calls to those who dream of extravagant meals and tucked-away wineries.

Explore the Croatian gem of Motovun on a one-week trip in the Balkans
Map of 1 Week in the Balkans - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in the Balkans - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

One week in the Balkans is an excellent amount of time to experience the history and culture of two or three countries. A highlights tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro is perfect for first-time travelers, while those seeking a relaxed excursion can opt for a coastal trip along the Dalmatian Coast. Alternatively, swap in Slovenia to visit the charming town of Bled or focus on the region's natural beauty on a trip from Ljubljana to Sarajevo.

Travel to Croatia with the whole family
Map of 1 Week in Croatia - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Croatia - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

In a week, you can cover three to five destinations, opting for an adventurous itinerary for the whole family that encompasses an ATV excursion in Split, a visit to Krka National Park, and a day at a local farm from Dubrovnik. Swap out city exploration for active tours such as sailing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and swimming to and around Hvar Island. Families looking for a culture and history-focused trip will relish visiting one of Zagreb's many museums and exploring the Istrian Peninsula.

Check out St. Mark's Church in Zagreb on a "best of" itinerary
Map of 8 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
8 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Eight days is a great amount of time for an introductory trip to Croatia. You can focus on a single region like the Dalmatian coast or the Istrian peninsula or you can cover country-wide highlights if you don't mind a fast-paced trip. Thanks to the country's relatively small size and international flight options to Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, you can start your trip in the north and work your way to the south. Learn more with these exciting itineraries below.

Local fishing boats off the coast of Old Town Sibenik
Map of 9 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
9 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Nine days is a great amount of time for an introductory trip to Croatia. Focus on a single region like Dalmatia or Istria for an in-depth stay or cover country-wide highlights for a faster-paced trip. Thanks to the international flight options to Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, you can start your trip in the north and work your way south down the coast. Learn more with these incredible itineraries below.

Mother and son looking at Dubrovnik, Croatia
Map of 10 Days in Croatia - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Croatia - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Croatia, you can explore the family-friendly beaches and enchanting Old Towns of the Dalmatian Coast on a highlights tour or opt for an island-hopping trip of Hvar, Korčula, and Vis that's perfect for older children and teens. If you're looking to spend your evenings in charming small towns while ticking off bucket list day trips to Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park, a family adventure to Trogir, Stari Grad, and Cavtat will delight parents and children alike.

Uncover the hidden details of Diocletian's Palace on an essential, food and wine, or national parks itinerary
Map of 10 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Croatia, you can hop between the dynamic cities of Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik and the islands of Hvar and Korcula on a highlights tour. Or, for a slower-paced trip, narrow your focus to the Dalmatian Coast and pick between an island-hopping adventure and an itinerary crafted for foodies. If you're seeking an active adventure, bounce between the country's pristine national parks, while those eager to delve into history can spend time amid the medieval villages and Roman ruins of Istria.

Explore Croatia's Istrian peninsula on a 10-day trip in the Balkans
Map of 10 Days in the Balkans - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Balkans - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in the Balkans, you can check out the must-sees of Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro on a fast-paced highlights tour. Or, narrow your focus to two countries, which allows for an itinerary catered to your interests. Foodies will find Sarajevo and the Dalmatian Coast perfect destinations to indulge in the Balkans' famed seafood, while adventure seekers hike, zipline, and island hop during a trip between Kotor and Split.

Your luxury island escape awaits on an itinerary that includes Hvar (photo courtesy of Maslina Resort)
Map of 10 Days in Croatia - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Croatia - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Croatia, you can sink into ultimate luxury while exploring from north to south on a fast-paced highlights tour. Or, slow down and hop between the Istrian Peninsula's storied villages and offshore islands. Other more focused itineraries include an island hopping adventure brimming with active excursions, an upscale cuisine and culture trip along the Dalmatian Coast, and a nature and culture tour featuring national parks and a detour into Slovenia.

Saint Nicholas fortress in the bay of Sibenik
Map of 11 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
11 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Eleven days is a great introductory trip to Croatia, especially if you focus on multiple cities in a single region like Istria or Dalmatia. You can cover country-wide highlights if you don't mind a fast-paced trip too. Thanks to the international flight options to Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, you can start your trip in the north and work your way south along the coast. Learn more with these inspiring itineraries, below.

Island of Krapanj, near Šibenik
Map of 12 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
12 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Twelve days is enough time to cover multiple regions in Croatia—such as the Dalmatian coast and the Istrian peninsula—at a reasonable pace. You can take in the main highlights and include some adventure activities by flying open-jaw, thanks to the international airports in Zagreb and Dubrovnik. Learn more with these great itineraries, below!

Small villages dot the idyllic countryside of Istria in north-western Croatia
Map of 13 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
13 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Thirteen days in Croatia allows you to cover multiple regions—you can visit the Dalmatian coast, the Istrian peninsula, and even Montenegro in one trip. You can see more highlights at a reasonable pace by flying open-jaw, thanks to the international flight options to Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. Learn more with these well-planned itineraries, below.

Explore the Croatian capital of Zagreb on a two-week tour of the Balkans
Map of 2 Weeks in the Balkans - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in the Balkans - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in the Balkans is enough time to discover the natural and cultural wonders of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro on a fast-paced highlights tour. Or, if you're seeking a more relaxed excursion, venture to the Dalmatian Coast and its dreamy islands. Other more focused itineraries include a foodie adventure featuring cooking classes and culinary tours and an active trip looping through Croatia's national parks and the Slovenian mountains.

Relax and revive at Zagreb's opulent Esplanade Hotel (photo courtesy of Esplanade Zagreb)
Map of 2 Weeks in Croatia - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Croatia - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Elevate your two weeks in Croatia with a luxury itinerary that covers 5-6 destinations, from north to south on a classic highlights tour. Or, if you're eager to spoil yourself with fine wine and secluded beaches, focus on the dreamy islands off the Dalmatian Coast. Other more focused itineraries include an upscale foodie adventure, a nature-immersed journey that includes time in Slovenia, and a fast-paced trip brimming with immersive activities and unique day trips.

Follow wooden paths and dirt trails through the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Map of 2 Weeks in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Croatia, you can embark on a well-rounded highlights tour that features Zagreb, the Dalmatian Coast, and Istria. Or, take the wheel on an ultimate road trip and spend more time on charming islands and detour to Montenegro. Alternatively, visit neighboring Slovenia and its capital of Ljubljana before zipping down the Dalmatian Coast on a self-drive itinerary, or pick up the pace and hike, raft, kayak, zipline, and cruise your way through the country on a multi-sport adventure.

Take to the water with the family on a fun stand up paddleboard excursion in Croatia
Map of 2 Weeks in Croatia - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Croatia - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Croatia allows you to spend time in three to five destinations, opting for a family-friendly itinerary that includes a visit to Zagreb's museums, a day in Plitvice Lakes, and a truffle hunting expedition from Split. Swap Split for Hvar Island and the coastal city of Trogir, and add another country to your itinerary on a day trip to Montenegro. Tour the caves on Vis Island, kayak around the Pakleni Islands, and relax on Brac Island. See the Old Town of Dubrovnik and incorporate a trip to Krka National Park or the small island of Krapanj for an off-the-beaten-path destination.

City walls and cliffs of "Old Town" Dubrovnik
Map of 15 Days in Croatia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
15 Days in Croatia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With fifteen days in Croatia, you'll have plenty of time to explore more of the country. Choose a classic itinerary that hits Zagreb, the castle-laden hills of the Zagorje, and the Adriatic Coast, or go for an outdoorsy adventure that combines hiking, kayaking, rafting, and scuba diving your way through the country. Check out the following itineraries for more inspiration.

Krka National Park
Map of 16 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
16 Days in Croatia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Sixteen days gives you plenty of time to see the best that Croatia has to offer. Drive along the Dalmatian Coast and hit all the highlights between Zagreb and Dubrovnik, opt for an adventurous itinerary that includes hiking, biking, and canyoning on Cetina River, or fulfill your foodie dreams of truffle hunting and fine dining in Rovinj. Another option is to combine your trip to Croatia with a visit to Slovenia to see Lake Bled and the Julian Alps. Learn more with the following unique itinerary ideas.

With three weeks at your disposal, you can mix Balkan capitals like Zagreb with off-the-beaten-path nature and coastline
Map of 3 Weeks in the Balkans - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
3 Weeks in the Balkans - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Three weeks in the Balkans is an excellent amount of time to spend between Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Check out each country's must-sees on an ultimate highlights tour, or if you enjoy staying active while traveling, dedicate your time to hiking, kayaking, and rafting. Alternatively, hop between charming taverns, cooking classes, and markets on a culinary adventure, or soak up the Balkans' rich culture on an itinerary that features capital cities and historic villages.

Spend at least two days discovering Dubrovnik, Croatia's star attraction
How Many Days to Spend in Dubrovnik

Croatia is a fun and beautiful destination to explore whether you have two days or two weeks. Dubrovnik, also known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is easily the most popular city to visit in the country. With a bit of planning, you'll have a fantastic time and some unexpected experiences too. Whether you have one day or three, you'll not run out of things to do in and around Dubrovnik. Keep reading for advice on how many days to spend in Dubrovnik—and what to do while you're there.

Aerial view of Zagreb
How Many Days to Spend in Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia's capital, is known for its culture, art, and foodie appeal. Its compact historic center, dotted with small museums and churches, can be seen in just a few days. However, those who stay for longer will have the opportunity to get beneath the surface, relax, and enjoy the flavors of the city. Read on for advice on how long to stay in Zagreb.