To visit Croatia in a week, there are several tips to keep in mind:
- Croatia is a long country, so it's best tovisit from south to north, or vice versa,
- Ideally, you shouldland and take off from two different airports, one in the north, the other in the south,
- It's best to book accommodation in advance, as the Croatian coast is a popular summer destination,
- You can travel to Croatia by car, but also by public transport, which is very efficient.
Our program for visiting Croatia in a week includes the marvellous landscapes of the Adriatic, a thousand years of historical heritage and discoveries off the beaten track in Croatia.
Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik
Land at Dubrovnik airport (DBV), visit its historic center and sleep in the city. It's a flight of less than 3 hours from Paris.
If you're traveling in the Balkans without a plane, you can also start our itinerary at the end, i.e. from the north. Croatia is an excellent destination in the sun without a plane, as public transport is very well developed.
Visit the historic center
As soon as you arrive, dive into Dubrovnik's spectacular historic center, one of Croatia's must-sees. The best way to discover Dubrovnik straight from the plane is simply to lose yourself in its maze of streets, such as the Stradun, without any particular plan.
Climb the ramparts
The ideal way to get a feel for this extraordinary city, nicknamed the Pearl of the Adriatic, is to climb the ramparts, one of Dubrovnik's must-sees, on your very first day. The best time of day is sunset, to make the most of the extraordinary panorama of the Adriatic.
Afterwards, run off to a konoba, a traditional Croatian inn, for a taste of Dalmatian cuisine, including Pašticada, braised meat in a sweet-and-sour sauce.
Day 2: Visit Dubrovnik
Spend a second night in Dubrovnik, after continuing to explore the thousand-year-old city.
Hop out of bed for a hike to Mount Srđ
When you wake up and it's still cool, hop on the cable car to Mount Srđ, 405 m above sea level. Perched up there, you'll not only have a view of the Adriatic, but also of the mountains of Bosnia-Herzegovina!
Sunbathe on one of Croatia's most beautiful beaches
Visiting Croatia in 1 week doesn't mean you have to run everywhere, and it would be a shame to miss out on Dubrovnik's beaches, which are among the most beautiful in Croatia for a bit of idleness. Try Sveti Jakov, Banje or Betina cave.
Continue exploring the historic center
In the late afternoon, when the heat has died down, continue your exploration of the city center. Visit the 13th-century Rector's Palace, where the governor of Ragusa, Dubrovnik's former name, sat when it was still an independent republic.
Day 3: Split
In the morning, take the car to Split, a 2 hr. 50 min. drive. Flixbus and Nomago also offer 4-hour bus services. Then explore the historic city, before spending the night.
Visit Diocletian's Palace
When visiting Croatia in 1 week, don't miss this must-see Roman palace in Split. Diocletian's Palace, 2000 years old and spread over 21 hectares, is home to the Croatian inhabitants.
Eat by the sea on the Riva
The riva is Split's seafront promenade. This marina is lined with terraces where you can enjoy lunch facing the sea. It's always lively, summer and winter alike.
Climb Marjan Hill
Marjan Hill is Split's green lung. The area is carpeted with pine trees and other Mediterranean species. At the end of the day, treat yourself to a pleasant stroll along the hill's paths, admiring the suns et from its summit.
Day 4: Krka National Park and Šibenik
Head first for Krka National Park, a 1-hour drive away. There are also 1 h 15 Flixbus services to Skradin. Then visit Šibenik, 15 minutes further on, before returning to Split for the night.
Visit Krka National Park
Spread over 109 km2, Krka National Park protects the valley of the Krka River. In the heart of this mossy forest, the river tumbles down in waterfalls worthy of the most beautiful tropical landscapes!
Visit Šibenik
Close to the park, Šibenik is a town built around the Krka River delta. Head to the town for lunch and a visit. Half a day lost in its maze of streets is enough. Don't miss the Cathedral of St. James, the result of the skills of Venetian, Florentine and Dalmatian master builders, and the St. Nicholas Fortress, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 5: Sailing on the island of Hvar
From Split, take a ferry to Hvar, which takes 1 hour 20 minutes and is perfect for slow travelers. Visit the island, then return to Split for the night.
Visit the town of Hvar
Hvar is not only one of Croatia's most beautiful islands, but also its sunniest, with 2,700 hours of sunshine a year. Your ferry will take you to the capital of the same name, which you can visit straight away. The town combines a rich historical heritage, such as the Spanish fortress, with numerous beaches, earning the island the nickname of Croatia's Saint-Tropez.
Visit the town of Stari Grad
Stari Grad, Croatia's oldest town, is just 20 minutes away by car or bus. Founded by the Greeks in 384 BC, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To return to Split, take a ferry directly from Stari Grad.
Day 6: Visit Zadar
Continue north to Zadar, a 1 hr. 40 min. drive from Split. Many companies, such as Flixbus, offer direct bus services, with a journey time of around 2 hours 20 minutes. Visit Zadar and spend the night.
Visit the historic center
Pass through the city gates, carved with Venetian lions, into Zadar's historic center, with its 1st-century Roman remains. Don't miss the Basilica of St. Donatus, of Byzantine origin, and the Cathedral of St. Anastasia.
Stroll along the waterfront
Zadar's waterfront is packed with restaurants, where you can feast on delicious seafood. The Zadar marina is also famous for two contemporary works by local artist Nikola Bašić: Organ on the Sea (2005), and Salute to the Sun, (2008). Finish the day by admiring the sunset over the Adriatic, a must when visiting Croatia in 1 week, as Zadar is renowned for offering the most beautiful sunset in the country.
Day 7: Exploring the Plitvice Lakes National Park
To round off your 1-week visit to Croatia in style, spend the day or half-day at Plitvice Lakes National Park, depending on your flight schedule. For your return flight, there are several options, most of which offer flights to France in under 2 hours : Zadar, Rijeka or Zagreb airports.
Explore the upper lakes
The Plitvice lakes, superb Unesco-listed natural gems, are divided in two. First, visit the upper lakes via entrance no. 2. Follow trail K as it takes you from waterfall to waterfall.
Discover the lower lakes
After a picnic lunch, explore the lower lakes, including Veliki Slap, the national park's main waterfall. In fine weather, you can also visit the Šupljara cave, one of the secrets of the Plitvice lakes.
