Are you planning a trip around Croatia and don’t know where to start? I’ve got you. This two-week Croatia itinerary is a great introduction to the country. Plus, you can stretch it further if you have more time!
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I have traveled to Croatia twice now, and it’s one of my favorite European countries. On my first trip, I planned an intense 3-week itinerary that included stops all over the country, as well as a brief venture into Bosnia and Herzegovina to the lovely city of Mostar.
My travel plans required me to travel up and down the country, which, as you can imagine, adds a lot of extra travel time. But that allowed me to explore also some lesser-known places and learn from my mistakes, so I could create this better and more sustainable two-week Croatia itinerary for you.
It’s still a packed itinerary, and I highly recommend staying longer in Croatia if you can. But this itinerary includes all the must-see spots, with a balanced mix of cities, islands, other beach destinations, and natural parks. But before getting into it, let me give you some useful information for navigating Croatia.
Your 2-Week Croatia Itinerary
Travel Tips for Croatia
- Always carry cash: While you can pay by card in most places, cash is still needed in smaller towns across Croatia, especially on islands. It’s not uncommon to find places that only accept cash payments, even now after the switch to the Euro. So remember to always have some cash on hand.
- Buses over trains: Yes, you could catch the train in some parts of Croatia, but it’s not the most convenient solution. Buses are cheap, frequent, and comfortable. Especially if you follow this itinerary, traveling around by bus is the best solution.
- Pack smart: Old towns in Croatia have narrow cobbled alleys and stairways. Keep that in mind when choosing your bag type. I always opt for a backpack for this exact reason. Dragging a trolley bag on cobblestones can be a pain! But it’s, of course, up to you; just consider these potential downsides if you prefer carrying a trolley bag.
- Book ahead: If you travel in the peak summer months, you must book everything ahead of time. By that, I mean your accommodation, transportation, and attraction tickets. I recommend doing the same during the shoulder season to save time and money, but it’s usually okay to buy transportation or entry tickets last-minute.
- Stay connected: If you live in Europe, your SIM card will work in Croatia as long as you have data roaming active. You may, however, have limited data, depending on your SIM provider. But if you come from outside Europe, I recommend getting an eSIM before landing in Croatia. I usually use either Airalo or Saily.
- Useful Apps: Bolt and Uber (for ride sharing, including tuk-tuks), Google Maps, Maps-Me (for hiking trails), Booking.com, Omio and Flixbus (for transportation between cities/islands), Airalo or Saily (for eSIMs).
Best Time to Visit Croatia
You’re probably wondering when to visit Croatia to get the most out of your trip. After all, Croatia is a well-known summer destination, but we all want to avoid the peak tourist months with unbearable heat and huge crowds.
Unfortunately, if you want to enjoy good weather, you will also have to deal with some crowds, particularly in the most popular spots, like Dubrovnik or Split. There’s just no way around it. But if you want to avoid the most crowded periods, don’t travel to Croatia in the summer months. Between June and early September, Croatia is extremely popular, like most seaside destinations in Europe.
I was in Dubrovnik in June, and it was incredibly hot and crowded. I was also there in mid-September, and it was still somewhat crowded, but more bearable and with nicer weather. I believe the shoulder seasons are great for a balance of nice weather and fewer crowds. Plus, it’s a little cheaper.
Winter can also be great if you want to save even more money and don’t mind the colder temperatures. Winters are typically mild along the coast and colder in the mountainous areas. You could also witness Plitvice covered in snow, if you enjoy the winter fairytale vibes. But I do believe Croatia shows its best colors when the sun is shining and the landscapes are lush.
Budget Summary
Croatia is not cheap, so if you’re looking for a budget trip in Europe, this country is not the best choice. It used to be much cheaper, but with growing tourism comes higher prices. It’s still not as expensive as other popular destinations, like Italy or France, but it’s quite high up there.
You can save money by staying in hostels, buying groceries instead of eating out daily, and limiting paid activities. But if you want to truly experience at least the highlights, I recommend setting aside a budget of at least 70€ per day, on average, for a budget-conscious trip. You may spend less on some days and more on others, depending on the location.
If you also want to stay in private rooms, join occasional group tours, visit museums, and delve deeper into the local cuisine, 130€ per day on average is a good starting point. Your daily costs will increase if you want to stay in nicer hotels and try specific activities, like wine tours and boat rides.
Below is an indicative daily breakdown. I added some pretty wide ranges, as your expenses can vary a lot depending on each location. The prices are in Euro, Croatia’s currency since January 2023. On my first visit in 2021, the country still used the kuna.
- Daily Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation: €20–50 (hostels or basic private rooms); €60-100 (mid-range private rooms/studios)
- Food: €10–€50 per day (depending on the city and type of food, from buying groceries and baked goods to casual restaurants)
- Transportation: €5-30 per day (buses and trains are cheaper, but ferry rides can get expensive)
- Activities: €5–35 per day (you can do lots of free activities, but some attractions have hefty entrance fees)
Day-by-Day Croatia Itinerary
Days 1-2: Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and, though often overlooked in favor of the coastal cities, it’s a beautiful start to any Croatia itinerary. Being inland and quite far from the sea, Zagreb is not as popular, so it’s naturally less crowded. But that doesn’t make it any less worthy of exploring.
Boasting cool museums, beautiful churches, cozy cafés, and an overall laid-back atmosphere, Zagreb makes for the perfect city escape. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes, because you’ll walk a lot!
Flying into Zagreb
Croatia has nine international airports, the most popular ones being Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. If you fly to Zagreb, you’ll land at Franjo Tuđman Airport, the country’s busiest airport. The airport is roughly 10 kilometers outside of Zagreb.
I recommend flying into Zagreb as it’s an ideal first stop for a trip around Croatia, which would end in Dubrovnik. You can also do it the other way around, depending on what’s next for you. I think this option is ideal for early fall, while the other way around may be best for late Spring.
Your itinerary will also depend on when you travel to Croatia. As mentioned above, I think early fall is an ideal time to visit Croatia. If you land in Zagreb around mid-September, by the time you reach the popular Dubrovnik, it will already be the end of September or early October. That means you’ll find it slightly less crowded but still offering lovely weather.
How to get from the airport to Zagreb
You have a few options for traveling from the airport to Zagreb city center. The cheapest is bus 290, which takes under one hour to reach the city center and costs roughly 1€ (a little less if you purchase at the kiosk and slightly more if you buy on board). This is a public bus with many stops along the way.
A faster and possibly more convenient option is the shuttle bus going straight to the city center for 8€ for a one-way ride. You can also buy your tickets online.
You can also catch a taxi, which costs just under 35€ to the city center. You can find all the flat fares for rides to Zagreb and the surrounding areas on the airport website. Alternatively, both Bolt and Uber operate in Zagreb and typically have lower rates.
Lastly, you can rent a car at Zagreb airport if you prefer doing this itinerary as a road trip. I always check rental options on DiscoverCars. You can easily rent a car at Zagreb airport and drop it off at Dubrovnik airport if you follow this exact itinerary. However, know that this itinerary is totally doable with public transportation too; it just takes a bit more time and planning.
Things to do in Zagreb
Since this itinerary is aimed at exploring the entire country in two weeks, you will only have time for the highlights in each stop. I recommend ensuring you have at least a full day in Zagreb, so you can explore the main attractions in the city center. Here are my top recommendations for things to do in Zagreb:
Zagreb Free Walking Tours
A great way to explore Zagreb when you have limited time is by joining a free walking tour. GuruWalk allows you to book tours online. Just remember to give a tip to your guide! Here are a few great options:
Where to eat in Zagreb
When in Croatia, you must try some local delicacies, like pašticada (slow-cooked beef stew), čevapi (grilled minced meat sausages), burek (savory pastry with various fillings), black risotto (with cuttlefish or squid), štrukli (cottage cheese-filled pastry), and sarma (cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice).
However, Zagreb also offers a variety of international cuisines, so you can easily find something for your taste. Below are a few of my recommendations for restaurants and cafés in Zagreb:
Accommodation in Zagreb
Zagreb offers a huge variety of accommodation options, from lively hostels to cozy studio apartments. I recommend staying in the Upper Town or Lower Town to be near the main attractions. Here are a few centrally located options.
Days 2-3: Zagreb & Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Croatia, covering a vast forested area boasting beautiful rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. It’s no surprise that this national park is among the top tourist destinations in Croatia, so you must plan your visit carefully.
I visited Plitvice Lakes in early September, and the weather was ideal. September is still quite a busy month, but luckily, the park is spread out and has several trails covering a total of 36 kilometers. You have many opportunities to head off the beaten path. Nevertheless, the most popular stops may still be crowded.
When traveling to Plitvice Lakes from Zagreb, you have a couple of options. Either head there in the morning or in the early afternoon so you can immediately enter the park, or go in the evening so you can enter early the following morning. Plitvice Lakes also offers 2-day tickets if you want to explore the park more thoroughly.
I also wrote an article comparing Plitvice Lakes to Krka National Park, where you can find more information about both parks. However, I included both in this itinerary. For more up-to-date information about entry fees and more, check out the official Plitvice Lakes website.
How to get from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes
While most people opt to drive to Plitvice Lakes, it’s fairly easy to reach it by public transportation. I traveled there from Zagreb by bus, and it all went smoothly. You can find bus rides on Omio or Flixbus. You can also check Traveling (formerly GetByBus) for more bus options.
The bus departs from Zagreb Central Bus Station and arrives in Plitvička Jezera. You can get off at Entrance 1 or Entrance 2, depending on where your accommodation is. The stop is along the main road, and typically the bus continues onward, so pay attention and request the stop. The ride takes between 2 and 2.5 hours.
Visiting Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes has two entrances, and the available trails vary depending on which one you choose. You can still reach the top attractions regardless of where you enter from. The park offers detailed information about the various programs, which take between two and eight hours.
Tickets are available at the park entrances, but it’s highly recommended to purchase them online. This way, you don’t risk finding them sold out, and it’s faster to access the park.
Regardless of the programs you choose, there are a few spots and activities I think you shouldn’t miss:
Guided Plitvice Lakes Tours
If you’d rather avoid the stress of planning your visit to Plitvice Lakes, you can also join a guided tour. There are plenty of options available. Below are some top-rated tours:
Where to eat near Plitvice Lakes
The food options in the park and immediate surroundings are not great. As with every highly touristy destination, you mostly find overpriced and just okay food. If you can, head to a supermarket in Zagreb and pack some snacks for the park visit. There is also a small grocery store in Plitvička Jezera called Market Hladovina.
As for restaurants, here are a few decent options:
Accommodation near Plitvice Lakes
Day 4: Zadar
Zadar was one of my favorite stops along the Croatian coast. This lively seaside city has a lovely old town and incredible sunset views over the sea, probably my favorite part. I mean, even Alfred Hitchcock said Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world.
I also loved Zadar because, among the coastal cities, it was one of the least crowded and most relaxed. While there’s plenty to do around, it has a more laid-back atmosphere, while still boasting a lively old town like most Croatian cities.
Zadar is also conveniently located nearly halfway along the coast and close to other popular destinations like Krka National Park and Split. Plus, there are several islands within a short boat ride that you could visit if you have enough time. That is one of my goals for my next visit to this part of Croatia.
I recommend heading to Zadar in the evening after your visit to Plitvice and spending the following full day in the city. Then you can decide if you head to your next destination on the evening of the fourth day or the morning of the fifth day.
How to get from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar
Though there are no trains connecting these two locations, you can easily travel from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar by bus. There are several daily departures, and you can catch the bus at one of the stops outside the national park entrances (Entrance 1 or Entrance 2). You can book your tickets through Flixbus or Traveling.
Things to do in Zadar
Zadar Old Town is the main area you’ll want to focus on, given the small amount of time you have here. Below is a list of my favorite things to do in Zadar, but whatever you choose to do, make sure you don’t skip sunset at the Sea Organ!
Boat Tours in Zadar
Joining a boat tour is another great way to explore the coastline in Zadar. Check out these half-day tours:
Where to eat in Zadar
Zadar is a great place to dive into traditional Croatian cuisine, but you can also find a few other options if you’re looking for international cuisines. Here are my favorite options in the city:
Accommodation in Zadar
Zadar offers a great range of hostels, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. I recommend staying in the old town pr within walking distance, so you’re close to all attractions. However, the old town is quite small, so you won’t have any trouble getting everywhere on foot.
Day 5: Krka NP
Krka National Park is, along with Plitvice Lakes, one of Croatia’s most popular national parks. Though significantly smaller than Plitvice Lakes, this park also boasts beautiful walking trails, stunning waterfalls, and pleasant boat rides. Again, don’t forget to check out my Plitvice Lakes vs Krka NP article for more details.
If you’re spending at least two weeks in Croatia, I think it’s worth dedicating a day to this beautiful park. This national park is also quite a popular attraction, especially given its proximity to the coast and to both Zadar and Split. It’s the perfect nature escape between these two coastal cities.
If you want to get an early start to your visit, you can head to Krka National Park the previous evening and enter the park first thing in the morning. Alternatively, you can catch an early bus in the morning and head straight to the park. You just might need to find a solution to store your bags.
I arrived in Skradin around noon and entered the park around 1 pm. It was quite a good option, as it wasn’t too crowded and I stayed until closing time. I even enjoyed the main waterfalls without the crowds before exiting the park. But it was a short visit, and I would have liked to spend more time hiking around.
I only took one short boat ride to Visovac Island, but there’s much more you can do in a full day! Check out all the boat rides, hiking trails, and other visitor info on the official Krka NP website.
How to get from Zadar to Krka NP
Krka National Park is just a one-hour drive from Zadar. You can choose from four or five daily departures from Zadar Bus Terminal to Skradin. There may be more in the high season. The tickets are available for sale on Flixbus, but a Croatian company operates the rides. Alternatively, book them through Traveling.
Tickets may sell out in the high season, so I recommend buying them a few days before. Unfortunately, there are no other options to reach the park, aside from renting a car.
Visiting Krka National Park
Though not as big as Plitvice Lakes, Krka NP is also quite vast, so there’s a lot you can do. If you want to make the most of your visit, I recommend entering the park in the morning and staying the full day. Here are a few spots and excursions I enjoyed and recommend checking out:
Where to eat near Krka NP
There are a few restaurants inside the national park, but be careful which ones you choose, as some offer vastly overpriced food. Your best choice is to pack your lunch and enjoy a picnic somewhere in the park. It’s what most people do.
You can still enjoy a nice dinner in Skradin at the end of the day. Below are a few options, including some inside the park, if you want to treat yourself to lunch with a view. But be sure to bring cash!
Accommodation near Krka NP
As for your accommodation near Krka NP, the best choice is the small town of Skradin, where I stayed. This town is connected to Zadar by bus and is right next to the entrance to the national park. Lozovac is another option with several accommodations, but it’s most suitable if you rent a car.
Below are some accommodation options in Skradin.
Note: You can also keep your accommodation in Zadar and visit Krka NP as a day trip. In that case, you can also join a guided tour.
Krka NP Tours from Zadar
Here are some popular Krka National Park guided tours from Zadar:
Day 6: Split
Split is among the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia, and you’ll notice that as soon as you set foot in the city. Boasting a long and crowded seaside promenade, Split is the place to go for stunning Roman architecture, great restaurants, lovely nightlife, and proximity to some popular islands.
Split is a great place to base yourself for a few nights, and I recommend it if you follow this itinerary. There’s a lot to do in the city and many opportunities for exploring the surrounding area. You can head to Split in the evening after you visit Krka NP and spend three nights in the city. This allows you enough time to visit the main attractions and take a half-day trip, which I will discuss next.
I really enjoyed Split and its lively atmosphere. I loved that there’s a variety of activities, from short hiking trails to historical sites and great restaurants. Although it’s on the more expensive side, you can also find cool things to do for free or for a small fee.
How to get from Krka NP to Split
Krka NP, and specifically Skradin, is even better connected to Split than to Zadar. You can catch one of the many daily buses that take roughly 1.5 hours to reach Split. You can book your tickets in advance on Omio or Flixbus.
As for Zadar, Split is only connected to Krka NP via bus. In fact, the railway is rarely a convenient option in Croatia given the poor infrastructure and old trains. Trust me, I tried. So, unless you want to rent a car, the bus is your only option. But it’s super convenient and fast!
Things to do in Split
Split is home to some of the coolest Roman remains in Croatia, alongside Dubrovnik. Walking around the old town almost feels like traveling back in time, if it weren’t for the tourists snapping pictures with their smartphones. In between cobbled streets, wide squares, and Roman-era ruins, you’ll find lively markets, restaurants, and museums.
Here are my favorite things to do in the city:
Split Free Walking Tours
Again, if you want to optimize your time in Split and learn about the city’s rich history, you can join one of the many free walking tours:
Where to eat in Split
Split offers a diverse range of cuisines, from traditional Croatian food, especially fish and seafood, to healthy vegetarian and vegan spots, tasty fast food, and international cuisines. The traditional black risotto, pašticada, and grilled fish are among the most popular local delicacies. Here are a few must-try restaurants and cafés:
Accommodation in Split
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, after Zagreb, so you can expect a huge variety of accommodations. However, that also means you need to pay attention to the area, so you don’t end up staying to far from the Old Town. While staying right in the Old Town can be more expensive, there are plenty of nearby areas that are great and within walking distance. Below are a few choices.
Day 7: Split & Šibenik
After getting a feel for Split on the previous day, you can divide day 7 between exploring more of the city and enjoying a half-day trip to nearby Šibenik. I recommend heading to Šibenik in the morning and leaving the rest of the activities in Split for the afternoon and evening. But if you can stretch this itinerary longer than two weeks, it’s worth spending a night in Šibenik to visit even more places.
Šibenik is such an amazing hidden gem in Croatia. Not a lot of people stop here, so it’s way less touristy than nearby hotspots but just as beautiful. Nestled in a natural harbor on the coast between Zadar and Split, Šibenik is a small town with a lovely old town, a hilltop fortress with sweeping views, and the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James.
The old town area is quite small, so it’s an easy half-day trip from Split. You can get there in the morning, wander around, visit a few sites, and have a quick lunch before heading back to Split. Spend the rest of the day either visiting more places in Split or enjoying one of the nearby beaches.
How to get from Split to Šibenik
If you choose to do the half-day trip from Split to Šibenik, you can easily get there by bus in around 1.5 hours. Although there is a railway between these two cities, I don’t recommend it, since you need to change trains in Perkovic, and the whole trip takes two hours or more. You can book your bus rides on Omio.
Things to do in Šibenik
Okay, maybe half a day is not enough to do all the activities listed below, but I wanted to give you enough choice in case you want to stay longer in the city. If you’re only there for half a day, prioritize activities in the old town and make sure to visit one fortress.
Šibenik Tours
If you want to explore Šibenik on a guided tour or try cool activities like kayaking, here are my top three recommendations:
Where to eat in Šibenik
If you’re only visiting Šibenik for a half day, you’ll probably only have time for a meal. However, I wanted to give you a few options for food and coffee.
More things to do in Split
If you’ve gone through the initial list of things to do in Split, here are a few more activities for your second day in the city.
Days 8-9: Hvar
It’s finally time to visit some Croatian islands. Hvar is one of the most popular island escapes from Split, also dubbed Croatia’s sunniest island. Although it has a reputation for being quite the party island, Hvar has something for every type of traveler.
From beautiful beaches and lavender fields to hiking trails and the obvious nightlife scene, you can choose whether you want to relax in the sun, go on a nature adventure, or hit the dance floor. Although the island can get crowded in the summer, which is also when the lavender blooms, the good news is that Hvar is one of the sunniest places in Croatia, so even late spring and early autumn are great seasons to visit.
I was in Hvar around mid-September, and the weather was great. It was almost too hot! I spent my time between Hvar town and Stari Grad, enjoying the beach and going on short hikes close to town. But the island is quite big, and I could have easily spent a few more days there.
The only downside is the limited public transportation, which only allows you to reach the main towns like Stari Grad, Jelsa, Vrboska, and Sućuraj. Taxis are quite expensive, too, but luckily, there’s a lot you can do in between Hvar Town and Stari Grad, which are quite close to each other. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter or bicycle to explore more of the island.
How to get from Split to Hvar
Many ferry companies connect Split to Hvar, offering several rides throughout the day, especially in the high season. Most ferries arrive in Hvar Town, but you can also go to Jelsa or Vira Pier, depending on your choice of accommodation.
I chose to stay in Hvar Town, so I took a ferry straight there (though I did not travel from Split, I did this the other way around). Ferry prices range from 9€ to 25€ one way, depending on the company you choose. You can book ferry tickets through Omio too.
Things to do in Hvar
If you’re going to follow this itinerary, it means you should have two full days to spend on the island. I think it’s easier if you stay in one place, ideally Hvar Town, and travel around if you choose to do so. Below are my favorite activities and a few extras that I didn’t get to try, but I would love to on my next trip to the island.
Hvar Activities
Some of the abovementioned activities are easier to do on a guided tour. Here are some top-rated options:
Where to eat in Hvar
Hvar is the perfect place to sample Croatian cuisine, especially fresh seafood. However, you can also find international cuisine and health food spots. Just bear in mind that dining out in Hvar is more expensive than in most places in mainland Croatia.
Accommodation in Hvar
As I briefly mentioned above, I think your best choice is to base yourself in Hvar Town. However, given that it’s the go-to base for most visitors, it can be a bit more expensive. Stari Grad is a great alternative if you want to save money and explore a more laid-back part of the island. Below are some options in both Hvar Old Town and Stari Grad.
Days 10-11: Korčula
Korčula is the ideal island to relax and enjoy some beach time after the buzzing Hvar. Though it’s also known as Little Dubrovnik, Korčula has nothing of the chaos that has grabbed hold of Croatia’s most popular city post-GoT.
The nickname is due to the resemblance of the two old towns with their cobbled streets and Venetian architecture. Let’s just say Korčula is a much smaller and quieter Dubrovnik with all of the GoT vibes and none of the madness.
I think it’s safe to say Korčula takes the podium of my favorite places in Croatia. This little island was probably the best discovery of the trip, and I had no idea it even existed before I started planning and researching nearby islands. I would have happily stayed there for a full week, just enjoying the beaches and the delightful old town. If you need to pick only one island to visit in Croatia, I say go to Korčula. (Btw, it’s pronounced Kor-chew-la)
How to get from Hvar to Korčula
There are quite a few ferry rides connecting Hvar to Korčula daily. The prices range from 9€ to 28€ depending on the time of day, company, and port of arrival in Korčula. Most ferries arrive at the KorčulaPort near the Old Town. But a few arrive at Prigradica, which is around 25 kilometers from Korčula Old Town.
I wouldn’t recommend catching the ferry to Prigradica as the town is not that well connected to Korčula Old Town, and taxis can be quite expensive. It’s worth paying more for the ferry and getting straight to Korčula Old Town. As usual you can buy ferry tickets through Omio.
Things to do in Korčula
Korčula is the ideal destination for a mix of cultural activities and chill beach time. It’s also much less crowded than other more popular islands, so you can enjoy nearly deserted beaches, pleasant nature walks, and cool activities in the old town. Below are some of my favorite things to do in Korčula.
Korčula Activities
Below is a selection of activities you can try in between beach time and sightseeing:
Where to eat in Korčula
Korčula has less variety in terms of cuisines, but it’s a great place to enjoy delicious Croatian dishes. It’s also a bit less pricy than Hvar, with cute little restaurants in the old town and overlooking the sea. I had one of the best meals in Croatia here.
Accommodation in Korčula
I highly recommend finding accommodation in Korčula Old Town. It’s the livelies place on the island, and the starting point for most activities and day trips. Also, it’s just a really beautiful town.
Days 12-14: Dubrovnik
Finally, this two-week Croatia itinerary ends in the one and only King’s Landing. I mean Dubrovnik. And no, you don’t need to be a GoT fan to appreciate the beauty of Dubrovnik’s Venetian architecture and charming little alleys or the iconic Fort Lovrijenac overlooking the deep-blue Adriatic Sea.
Yes, Dubrovnik is extremely popular and can get overwhelmingly crowded, especially in the high season. But there’s a reason why everyone visits: it’s incredibly beautiful. The city really feels like a movie set, with a picturesque old town, beautiful beaches, incredible hikes, and sweeping views from Srđ Mountain.
I visited Dubrovnik twice and loved it, despite the crowds. It is more expensive than the rest of Croatia, and you need to plan your visit to the main attractions, but I believe it’s worth the trouble. Plus, although the old town is always packed, there are many places where you can escape the crowds.
How to get from Korčula to Dubrovnik
If you’ll be following this itinerary, you can reach Dubrovnik directly from Korčula via ferry. It’s a slightly longer ride, around two hours, but you’ll enjoy amazing views of the Croatian coastline.
Ferries depart from the port outside Korčula Old Town and arrive at Dubrovnik Port in the Gruž neighborhood. Tickets range from 14€ to 28€, depending on the company. If you can, catch an early morning ferry and sit outside to enjoy the view. You know the drill; tickets are available through Omio. You can also book them on the ferry websites. I just love having one app that I can use for all transportation.
Things to do in Dubrovnik
There are many things to do in Dubrovnik and, to be honest, I think two days are hardly enough to see and do everything. But it’s a good start for a 2-week itinerary all over Croatia.
Many people visit Dubrovnik specifically for the Game of Thrones filming locations, so if you’re a fan, you can even join themed guided tours. But even if you’ve never seen GoT, these places are absolutely worth the visit.
But there’s so much more to Dubrovnik aside from these incredible landmarks. Here are some of the activities I think you shouldn’t miss when visiting Croatia’s most popular city:
GoT Inspired Dubrovnik Tours
In case you’re a GoT fan, here are a few walking tours that include visits to the filming locations:
Where to eat in Dubrovnik
Being such a popular tourist destination, Dubrovnik offers a wide array of cuisines, from traditional restaurants to fusion and international cuisines. Whether you’re craving a burger or want to discover more Croatian dishes, you won’t be disappointed. But be sure not to stick just to the Old Town. There are plenty of nice restaurants in other neighborhoods, too.
Accommodation in Dubrovnik
Staying in Old Town Dubrovnik can get really expensive, unless you’re staying in a hostel. But if you book well ahead of your trip, you can find some gems. Alternatively, there are several great options just outsite the city walls. Below are a few:
This Croatia itinerary ends in Dubrovnik. If you can stay longer, Dubrovnik is a great city to base yourself also for other day trips and activities. And once you’re done, you can head to nearby Montenegro and visit the stunning Kotor Bay. This is one of my absolute favorite place in Europe! Check out my guide to the top things to do in Kotor and the surroundings.
If you have at least three weeks to spend in Croatia, I recommend adding Istria to your itinerary. This peninsula in northern Croatia includes some truly incredible hidden gems. My favorite places in the area are Rovinj, Pula, Opatija, and Poreč. And while you’re in the area, add Rijeka to your list. You can explore this area after Zagreb or Plitvice Lakes, then head down the coast and continue with this itinerary. A dedicated Istria blog is coming soon. Sign up to my newsletter to be the first to know when it’s live.
Lastly, if you’re planning a bigger trip through the Balkans, check out my other guides:
Travel Resources
I’ll leave you with a recap of the travel resources I mentioned throughout the blog, and a few more:
| Website/App | Category | Description | Book Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking.com | Accommodation | My favorite website for great accommodations for different budgets. | Find a Place |
| Kiwi.com | Flights | My new favorite platform for finding affordable flights. | Find Flights |
| Omio | Transportation | You can book everything from buses and trains to ferry rides. | Transportation |
| Traveling | Buses | One of the websites I use to book bus rides in the Balkans. | Bus Rides |
| SafetyWing | Insurance | One of the best travel medical insurances for frequent travelers. | Get Insured |
| Manawa | Activities | A great platform to book activities and adventures with local hosts. | Find Activities |
| GetYourGuide | Activities | My favorite platform for tours and experiences with lots of options. | Experiences |
| Viator | Activities | Another great platform to book activities and adventures globally. | Find Activities |
| DiscoverCars | Car rental | My go-to platform for car rental anywhere in the world. | Rent a Car |
| GuruWalk | Free tours | A great platform for free walking tours (tipping is recommended). | Book a tour |
| Airalo | eSIM | My favorite app for buying digital SIM cards when traveling abroad. | Get an eSIM |
| Saily | eSIM | A great alternative to Airalo, with cheaper plans in some destinations. | Get an eSIM |
| Uber | Ride hailing | Uber works great in many locations across the Balkans. | Book a ride |
| Bolt | Ride hailing | A great alternative to Uber in some countries in the Balkans. | Book a ride |
| Xe | Currency | A currency converter showing real-time rates. Website or app. | Get Xe App |
| Maps.Me | Navigation | My favorite navigation app for hiking trails and remote areas. | Get Maps |
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