Dreaming of Croatia? Here’s the Perfect 8-Day Itinerary!
We all know Croatia boasts stunning beaches and charming old towns, but with just 8 days to explore, where do you start? Here’s a foolproof itinerary that gives you a taste of everything—beaches, mountains, and historic sites.
This plan focuses on central Croatia, steering clear of the crowded Dubrovnik (which deserves at least a 3-day trip on its own).
Why get a car instead of using Public transport?
My itinerary
Suggested itinerary after my experience
Prices
Best places visited
My small backpack
Tips for a budget trip
Why Get a Car Instead of Using Public Transport?
Croatia’s stunning landscapes and hidden gems are best explored by car. While public transport is reliable in major cities, having a car offers the freedom to venture off the beaten path, access remote locations, and travel on your schedule. It allows for spontaneous stops and detours to discover lesser-known spots that might be missed when adhering to bus or train timetables. The flexibility and convenience of a road trip ensure you experience Croatia’s diverse beauty to its fullest.
My Itinerary
1. Zadar – 2 nights
Start your journey in the historic city of Zadar, a whole day is enough to see the main attractions and enjoy the beaches. this town is known for its Roman and Venetian ruins, vibrant nightlife, and the unique Sea Organ, an architectural sound art object that plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps. Don’t miss the Sunset and the nightlife along the main street.
2. Lake Plitvice – One night
From Zadar, head inland to Lake Plitvice National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site). The longest path takes 8 hours, and the park closes at 8 pm in summer. The 6-hour trail will give you a good taste of these 16 terraced lakes and numerous waterfalls. Stay overnight to fully relax and enjoy the serene surroundings, many guest houses offer traditional dinners.
Tip: All the areas near the lakes are mainly hospitality places, so if you fancy feeling more the real life, stay near a town where you would have more choice in terms of restaurants.
3. Krka Park – Skradin Stop
Driving inland is an exciting experience, the beauty and the good conditions of these roads make the journey a pleasure time. Continue to Krka National Park, we didn’t see it, because the price was also too high just for a small stop, so we decided to have a refreshing swim in the charming town of Skradin, a gateway to the park. From Skradin, you can also take a boat ride to Skradinski Buk, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park.
4. Split – 2 nights
Drive south along the coast to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city. The landscape from the mountains is beautiful, then pass near Trogir and maybe stop for a quick swim somewhere.
Once you get to Split, get lost in the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments. Enjoy the lively waterfront and vibrant nightlife.
5. Split plus Bol – half a day each
If you fancy waking up early and going to the cathedral Before 8 am, you can enjoy free entry with no tourist people inside, then pay to climb the beautiful tower and enjoy the view from the top.
From Split, take a ferry to the island of Brač and visit Bol, home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach, known for its distinctive shape that changes with the wind and tides. The clear blue waters are perfect for swimming, windsurfing, and sunbathing. Along the way to this famous beach, there are many other beaches less tourist and astonishing.
6. Hvar island – 2 nights
The first thing to do is ask locals to pronounce the name of this island, you will be surprised.
Get the tickets for the ferry, and head to the island of Hvar, renowned for its lavender fields, vineyards, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you prefer to sleep in Hvar or in other towns, driving around doesn’t take long. I fully recommend spending time visiting the wild beaches and the different towns on the island. Don’t stop only in Hvar!
7. Modro Lake – day trip
Back on the mainland, visit Modro Lake (Blue Lake) in Imotski. But don’t miss the coastline drive, and pass through Omis, it is a wonderful view that you deserve to observe.
Before starting your descent to the lake, make sure you have a hat and plenty of liquids, then you can enjoy the lake and its natural phenomenon.
The lake’s colour varies from blue to green depending on the time of day and weather conditions. It’s a great spot for a refreshing swim.
8. Šibenik – one night
Conclude your trip in Šibenik, one hour from Zadar Airport was a perfect stop for the night. it is a historic city known for its medieval architecture and the impressive St. James Cathedral, It is not so touristy so, perfect for enjoying the labyrinth town.
Tips from My Experience
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- Extend Your Island Stay: Instead of hopping between islands, spend three nights on one. Each island is beautiful, and frequent ferry rides can be time-consuming and pricey.
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- Add a Day Trip to Trogir: From Split, Trogir’s medieval architecture is a must-see.
Prices
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- Car Rental: Approximately €150 per week (July price) min.
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- Fuel: Around €1.54 per litre.
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- Accommodation: Ranges from €50-100 per night for mid-range hotels or Airbnb for a double room
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- Food: Budget around €20 for a main course.
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- Entrance Fees: Lake Plitvice (€-40 Summer), Krka National Park (€20-40 summer), and various museums and attractions (€5-10 each).
Best Places Visited
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- Lake Plitvice National Park: The stunning lakes and waterfalls are a highlight of any trip to Croatia.
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- Lake Modro this hidden gem is my second favourite place, mainly because you can swim in wonderful blue water and it is still so wild.
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- Zadar’s Sea Organ and Sun Salutation: Unique experiences that blend nature and human creativity.
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- Vrbosca Town and Beach: Hvar town might be vibrant and beautiful, but this little town, has a unique and calm atmosphere that I love. This beach is one of the best ones, and swimming at 8 am without anybody there was favoured.
My Small Backpack
Packing light is essential for a smooth road trip. I recommend a small backpack with:
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- Lightweight clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen and hat
- Basic toiletries
- Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
- Self-tripod stand for camera and phone, buy it here
- GoPro
- Travel documents and a small first-aid kit
- Beach towel (microfibre)
- Water shoes
Tips for a Budget Trip
Travel Off-Season: Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-June, September-October) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
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- Book in Advance if it is high season: Secure accommodation and car rentals early to get the best rates.
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- Cook Your Meals: Stay in places with kitchen facilities to save on dining out.
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- Use Local Markets: Buy fresh produce and snacks from local markets for budget-friendly meals.
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- Walk and Bike: Explore cities on foot or rent bikes to save on transportation costs.
Ready to hit the road and experience Croatia like never before? Let’s make this trip one for the books!