7 Day Croatia Itinerary: ULTIMATE Croatia Itinerary for First Timers

Are you dreaming of exploring the stunning landscapes, rich history, and crystal-clear waters of Croatia? This 7 Day Croatia Itinerary for first-timers covers all of this and more!

Croatia, nestled in the heart of Europe along the Adriatic Sea, boasts a mesmerizing blend of old-world charm and breathtaking natural beauty, from ancient walled cities steeped in history to sun-drenched islands with pristine beaches.

In this blog post, I provide my perfect 7-day Croatia itinerary that maximizes your time in this enchanting country. During these 7 days, you’ll base yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Dubrovnik and Split, with an optional night on the island of Hvar. I’ll cover how to get around Croatia once you’re in the country and all the incredible things to do during your first time in Croatia!

So, get ready to immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine, and captivating landscapes of Croatia and dive into this 7 day itinerary!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you! 

7 Days in Croatia: The Ultimate 7 Day Croatia Itinerary for First Timers

Map of Croatia

To make your planning as easy as possible, I’ve put together the below map that includes all of the spots mentioned in this 7 day Croatia itinerary! From bars to restaurants to attractions, you’ll find everything you need pinned in this map.

Getting to Croatia

Flying is the most common and convenient way to reach Croatia, especially if you’re traveling from outside Europe.

Croatia is served by several international airports, making it easily accessible from major cities around the world. The two main airports are Zagreb Airport (ZAG) in the capital city of Zagreb and Split Airport (SPU) on the Dalmatian Coast. Other popular airports include Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) in the south and Zadar Airport (ZAD) in the north.

If possible, booking one-way flights to and from Croatia is the best option, as it allows for more time in your travel itinerary and reduces the need for backtracking. However, this itinerary will assume you are flying round-trip out of Dubrovnik, which is what I personally had to do!

If you are able to book one-way flights, I recommend flying into Split and out of Dubrovnik for this itinerary. This will save 3-4 hours on your first day and leave more time for exploring Split!

As you can see on the map above, Croatia is a very long country, so driving back and forth, up and down can be a beating!

P.S. Planning to visit other places in Europe? Make sure to check out my other Europe itineraries!
3 Days in Nice, France: Ultimate Nice Itinerary
The Perfect 3 Day Paris Itinerary for First Timers
Ultimate One Week Greece Island Hopping Itinerary
Incredible One Week in Munich & Bavaria

Getting around Croatia

Once you’ve arrived in Croatia, you’ll need to decide how you are going to get around the country. Unfortunately, trains are not as prevalent in Croatia as they are in other European countries, which really surprised me!

Below are the main options for getting around Croatia. We will focus how to travel between Split and Dubrovnik, since those are the main stops in this itinerary. If you are visiting other parts of the country like Zagreb and Zadar, I highly recommend renting a car!

Taking a Flight Between Dubrovnik and Split

If you are short on time, flying between Dubrovnik and Split is a great option. Both cities have major airports, and the flight between the two is typically less than an hour.

However, the amount of direct flights each day between the two is somewhat limited. Or at least, less than I expected. So, there’s a chance you won’t be able to find direct flights that work in your favor. Make sure to check and see depending on your arrival times!

Taking a Ferry Between Dubrovnik And Split

One of the most scenic ways to travel between Split and Dubrovnik is by ferry. The Adriatic Sea is dotted with picturesque islands, and a ferry ride offers breathtaking views of the coastline along the way. However, most ferries in the Adriatic only operate in peak season, between June and September.

Jadrolinija is the main ferry operator in Croatia, offering service between Split and Dubrovnik, as well as stops at various islands along the route. Ferry travel is comfortable and convenient, with options for both foot passengers and those traveling with vehicles. However, it is not the quickest method to travel between Dubrovnik and Split, taking between 5 and 6 hours on average.

Renting a Car

For travelers seeking the ultimate flexibility and freedom to explore Croatia at their own pace, renting a car is an excellent option. With a network of well-maintained roads and highways, navigating the country by car is convenient and enjoyable.

In addition, renting a car allows you to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that may not be accessible by public transportation! Just be sure to familiarize yourself with local driving laws and regulations in Croatia before starting your journey.

There are numerous car rental companies to choose from in Split and Dubrovnik, and the easiest option is to pick up your car directly at the airport.

The only downside to renting a car is that you won’t need it when you arrive in Dubrovnik and Split. In fact, both areas have “Old Towns” that are extremely walkable, and in some areas, cars are prohibited. In addition, parking garages/lots around the city can be challenging to find and expensive.

So, if you are just visiting Dubrovnik and Split, I recommend skipping the rental car and going with private transportation, which brings us to our next section!

Booking Private Transportation

The last option for getting between between Split and Dubrovnik is booking a private transportation service. While this is normally the most expensive option, it’s also the most convenient and stress-free way to experience this 7 Day Croatia itinerary.

As mentioned above, once you arrive in Split and Dubrovnik, you won’t need your own car, so this option is the best of both worlds. In addition, you don’t have to worry about driving after a long flight or navigating roads in a foreign country.

We booked our private transportation through Octopus Transfers and Croatia Private Tours. They were both extremely organized, friendly, and professional. So, if you can afford it, I highly recommend this option!

Day 1: Arrive in Croatia

As mentioned above, this 7 Day Croatia itinerary assumes you have to book roundtrip flights out of Dubrovnik airport. This is the worst-case, so I wanted to cover what it would look like!

While the itinerary is based on flying in and out of Dubrovnik, if you find cheaper flights out of Split, you can simply reverse the itinerary.

Upon arriving in Dubrovnik, you’ll grab your bags and meet your private driver for transportation to Split. This drive is absolutely stunning, especially as you pass by Dubrovnik!

Once you arrive in Split, drop your bags at your accommodation and head out to get a feel for Old Town Split! If you need a recommendation on where to stay, I highly recommend our Airbnb!! It was perfectly located in the center of Old Town between the Riva and the Palace.

For more advice on where to stay in Split, make sure to check out my 3 Day Split Itinerary!

Old Town is built around the famous Diocletian’s Palace and is almost entirely pedestrian. Spend your first evening wandering through the charming alleys and narrow, cobblestone streets. The atmosphere in Old Town Split is a total vibe!

Day 2: Marjan Hill & Diocletian’s Palace

You’ll spend your first full day in Split getting to know this charming city. First, grab breakfast at one of the many coffee shops in Old Town – we loved D16 coffee!

Then, walk along the famous Riva, a seafront promenade known for its outdoor restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Head west along the harbor and make your way towards Marjan Hill.

You can find the location on the map above, but it’s very easy to find! Just follow the bend in the road then look for the stairs and sign. After a short, easy climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views of Split!

There’s also a restaurant at the top of the hill that makes the perfect lunch spot – Teraca Vidilica. We actually sat here for a few hours, enjoying the views and Aperol spritzes on our first full day in Croatia!

Once you’ve had your fill, head down the hill and back towards Old Town Split. In the afternoon, explore the iconic Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This sprawling complex dates back to the 4th century and is a testament to the city’s rich history. Here, you can wander through the ancient ruins, admire the impressive architecture, and don’t miss the chance to visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the Peristyle Square!

P.S. If you are a Game of Thrones lover, this is one of the only filming locations in Split! For more information make sure to check out my Ultimate Game of Thrones Croatia Guide!

Day 3: Krka National Park or Beach Day + Watching the Sunset

On day 3 of this 7 day Croatia itinerary, you have two different options!

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, the first option is to take a short day trip to Krka National Park. Located just over an hour from of Split, Krka offers the opportunity to get out of the city and experience cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests.

There are plenty of tour companies that offer day trips from Split to Krka, so don’t worry if you don’t have a car. You can book half day trips for as low as $20 USD. Some of the longer tours include other stops at local wineries and the coastal town of Skradin.

If visiting the National Park isn’t your speed, I recommend spending the day lounging on one of the beautiful beaches around Split. One of the most popular beaches is Bacvice Beach right outside the port area. However, I recommend grabbing a cab or Uber and visiting Mistral Beach Club at the Raddison Blu Hotel!

Whether you choose the beach or the National Park, spend your evening at the beautiful Kasjuni Beach. Located on the far west side of Marjan Hill, this beach offers swimming and incredible views of the sunset.

There’s even a beach club here, Joe’s Beach Lounge and Bar, where you can rent a cabana and grab dinner as you watch the sun sink into the sea.

Day 4: 5 Island Boat Day (Optional Overnight in Hvar)

On your last full day in Split, you’ll be taking to the seas to explore some neighboring islands along the Adriatic! This was one of my favorite days during our 7 days in Croatia, but just know, it is action-packed!

In order to visit as many islands as possible, you’ll be booking a tour for today, which will last around 11 hours. We did this 5-Island Boat Tour with GetYourGuide and absolutely loved it!

I’m working on a full blog post about this tour, but in the meantime, here are the highlights of the day!

• Ride on a tiny boat to the famous Blue Cave
• Explore the town of Komiža on Vis, where Mamma Mia 2 was filmed
• Swim in the water of Stiniva Cove
• Grab lunch on the stunning Pakleni Islands
• Wander around the beautiful Hvar Island

An additional add-on to this itinerary is to spend the night on the island of Hvar. We loved the island of Hvar, but unfortunately only had a few hours to enjoy it on the tour! Staying the night here will give you more time to explore the island before heading to Dubrovnik tomorrow!

Day 5: Transfer to Dubrovnik + Dinner at Banje Beach

On day 5 of this 7 day Croatia itinerary, it’s time to bid farewell to Split and make your way to the stunning Dubrovnik!

Again, to maximize your time in this itinerary, I recommend booking private transportation from Split to Dubrovnik. We booked this leg with Croatia Private Tours, as their transfer included a stop at a local winery in the town of Ston. This helped break up the drive and was an amazing addition to the trip!

P.S. If you are a Game of Thrones, I highly recommend asking your driver to stop at the Trsteno Arboretum on the way from Split to Dubrovnik. This beautiful location is is where the Tyrell garden scenes were filmed!

Once you arrive in Dubrovnik, drop your bags off at your accommodation and get to exploring. I recommend wandering through the Old City to get a feel for the area. Then, head to Banje Beach for dinner and sunset!

P.S. If you need a recommendation for where to stay in Dubrovnik, our Airbnb was AMAZING, especially for Game of Thrones fans! It was located right off the West Harbor, just outside the old City Walls.

Day 6: Game of Thrones Tour + Lokrum Island

Today starts the second half of this 7 day Croatia itinerary with your first full day in Dubrovnik! This was probably my favorite day during our trip to Croatia, since it involves lots of Game of Thrones locations!

Whether or not you’re a Game of Thrones fan, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the world of Westeros by taking a guided Game of Thrones tour. On these tours, you’ll visit iconic film locations around the city while learning about the show’s production and history.

Game of Thrones had a significant impact on the Dubrovnik community (mostly in a good way!), and we loved learning about the filming from a local’s perspective.

P.S. If you’re a Game of Thrones lover, make sure to check out my complete Game of Thrones Guide to Dubrovnik. In this post, I break down all the filming locations in Dubrovnik, plus what episodes to watch, tour options, and more!

Even if you aren’t a fan of the show, this is a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city! However, if you really have no interest in this type of tour, you can always book a historic walking tour!

After your morning tour, make your way to the beautiful Lokrum Island, a tranquil nature reserve that takes 10 minutes to reach by ferry. Some Game of Thrones tours include a trip to Lokrum Island, since it is also a filming location!

However, even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, Lokrum Island is still worth a visit! Here, you can explore lush botanical gardens, visit the medieval ruins, and relax on the rocky beaches. We spent a few hours just swimming in the sea off the island and had a blast! The water was so clear and warm – it was paradise!

After your afternoon at Lokrum Island, grab the ferry back to Dubrovnik and head straight to Buza Bar. Hidden in the city walls, Buza Bar and Buza Bar II are both perched on cliffs overlooking the sea.

Here, you can grab a drink, watch the sunset, and even do some cliff-jumping or swimming if you’re feeling brave!

Day 7: Walk the City Walls, Cable Car + Optional Kayaking

Your last day of this 7 Day Croatia itinerary is action-packed, and I recommend waking up early to capitalize on a full day!

Spend your morning exploring the iconic Dubrovnik city walls, which offer panoramic views of Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. You’ll need to buy tickets to access the walls, which you can do at several spots in Old Town for ~35 euros.

You can also purchase the Dubrovnik Card, which is the same price and gets you entrance into other attractions throughout the city.

Make sure to wear comfy shoes for this activity, as there are quite a few stairs along the walls. In addition, I recommend bringing some water with you, although there are a few places to stop for drinks along the way (but not many).

Walking around the entire length of the walls should take between 1-3 hours, depending on how many times you stop. There are tons of incredible viewpoints along the way, so make sure to bring a camera!

For more details about walking the walls and other activities in this itinerary, make sure to check out my blog post on how to spend 2 days in Dubrovnik!

Once you’re done exploring the walls, it’s time for even more iconic views! Head up the Dubrovnik Cable Car and grab lunch the Panorama Restaurant at the top.

I recommend making reservations in advance, especially if you want a seat along the edge. Round-trip cable car tickets for adults start at 27 euros and can be purchased online or right at the cable car station.

After you finish lunch and descend back down to Dubrovnik, you may just want to relax and catch your breath! If that’s the case, head back to the West Harbor, grab a drink at the restaurant right on the water’s edge, Orhan, and go for a swim in the bay.

If you’re looking for even more adventure on your last evening, consider booking a sunset kayaking tour. These tours typically last a few hours and include snorkeling in a nearby cave before watching the sunset from the sea! Some even include a glass of wine when you return to shore.

For those looking for a more luxurious and relaxing evening, you can’t miss dining at the exquisite Nautika Restaurant. Offering unparalleled views of the harbor and Fort Lovrijenac, Nautika is one of the most renowned dining experiences in Dubrovnik.

Here, you’ll experience exquisite seafood in the most elegant setting, one of the best ways to conclude your trip to Croatia!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there’s tons of activities to enjoy when visiting Croatia for one week! 7 days in Croatia barely scratches the surface of what this captivating country has in store.

If you have more time in your itinerary, I recommend adding 1 night in Hvar and an overnight stay in the North so you can visit Plitvice Lakes National Park!

Whether you’re drawn to Croatia in search of its historical wonders, sparkling water, or vibrant city life, there’s something for everyone in this amazing country.

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!