How to spend 10 days in Croatia

Croatia, with its Adriatic coast, historic towns, and varied landscapes, gives you a genuine taste of the Mediterranean. Over this 10 days Croatia itinerary, you’ll travel from Rovinj’s Venetian-influenced streets to the walled city of Dubrovnik, with some interesting stops along the way. It mixes cultural encounters, nature exploration, and local food, and includes practical tips on accommodations for different travel styles and budgets.

10 days in Croatia overview

If you're planning a trip to Croatia and want to make the most of 10 days, this itinerary packs in the best places to visit in Croatia — from coastal towns and islands to national parks and historic cities. It’s designed as a road trip, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but it’s flexible enough to adapt for buses, ferries or even a mix of both.

Short on time? No problem. You can easily trim this into a Croatia itinerary for 7 days without missing the best bits.

• Day 1: Explore Rovinj
• Day 2: Stroll Rovinj, sunset sail
• Day 3: Countryside truffle hunt
• Day 4: Opatija walk, Plitvice lakes
• Day 5: Plitvice visit, drive to Zadar
• Day 6: Zadar historic exploration
• Day 7: Krka falls, Split arrival
• Day 8: Split food tour
• Day 9: Drive, Ston stop, Dubrovnik
• Day 10: Monastery visit, depart Dubrovnik

The best time to visit Croatia is typically May to June or September to October, when you'll find pleasant weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, and still-warm water for swimming along the Adriatic coast.

Day 1: A day in Rovinj

Your journey in Croatia starts as you arrive at Pula airport in Istria (more on that in our guide to getting to Croatia). From there, it’s about a 40-minute drive to Rovinj, a coastal town with red-roofed buildings lining the Adriatic Sea. After you check into your hotel, take a walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. While here, you may see fishermen mending nets as they've done for centuries. For dinner, try a local restaurant serving Istrian specialties like fuži pasta with truffles or fresh seafood (Konoba Veli Jože is a favorite).  

Best areas to stay in Rovinj

Rovinj has several neighborhoods, each with its own character depending on your preferences, budget, and travel style.

Old Town: Best for first-time visitors

Staying in the Old Town puts you right in the center of everything. This pedestrian-only area has narrow, winding cobblestone streets that lead up to St. Euphemia Church. You will find local shops, small galleries, and intimate restaurants 

Lone Bay: Best for families

About a 15-minute walk along the coast south of the Old Town is Lone Bay, a popular choice for families. This neighborhood features family-friendly resorts with spacious rooms, kids’ clubs, and several swimming pools nestled among pine forests, which help keep things cool in the summer. The nearby beaches, including Mulini Beach and Lone Bay Beach, have calm and shallow waters that are suitable for children.

Monte Mulini: Best for luxury seekers

For those looking for an upscale stay, the Monte Mulini area is known for its high-end accommodations. This neighborhood is home to five-star properties, spas, infinity pools with views of the Adriatic, and restaurants that serve high-quality Istrian cuisine, all set within architecture that fits naturally with the surroundings.

Day 2: Rovinj at Leisure

Spend your second day of this Croatia 10 days itinerary exploring Rovinj's Old Town. This historic area used to be an island until 1763, and you can still see its past in the narrow streets and charming piazzas that follow a Venetian layout. A walk up to the Church of St. Euphemia is well worth the climb for the panoramic views of the town and the sea. Near the harbor, you’ll find a mix of traditional fishing boats and modern yachts. The town’s Italian roots are clear from its bilingual signage and the Mediterranean vibe that permeates the area. 

In the evening, I highly recommend taking a small boat for a sunset sailing trip where you might spot bottlenose dolphins, the only resident dolphin species in the Adriatic Sea. This is one of the best things to do in Croatia.

How to book a sunset sailing trip

Sunset sailing trips run daily from Rovinj harbor between April and October. You can book through your hotel concierge, visit the Rovinj Tourist Board office on Obala Pino Budicin, or contact operators like Nautilus Rovinj or Dolphin Watching Agency directly. It's best to reserve your spot at least a day in advance. The trips last around two to three hours, cost about €40-60 per person, and will usually include a welcome drink. Keep in mind that evenings can be cooler, so wearing light layers is a good idea. For more travel tips see our Croatia travel tips.

Day 3: Istrian countryside & truffle hunting

Travel time: Approximately 45-60 minutes by car

On day 3 of this Croatia 10 day itinerary, you’ll explore the Istrian interior, often dubbed "Croatia's Tuscany" thanks to its rolling hills and charming medieval villages. Your destination is Motovun, which sits at 908 feet (277 meters) above the Mirna River valley. This region is known for its large white truffles, including a record-breaking specimen weighing 2.89 lbs (1.31 kg) that even made it into the Guinness Book of World Records.

While here, you can join local experts for a truffle hunting trip in the Motovun Forest. You can book your experience through your accommodation, the Istria Tourist Board website, or directly with local truffle hunting families online. With the help of well-trained dogs, you'll learn how these underground treasures are found, with some truffles selling for thousands of euros per kilogram.
After your truffle hunt, take a walk along Motovun's 13th-century walls and enjoy the views across vineyards and nearby forests before returning to Rovinj.

See our guide to European city breaks.

Day 4: Opatija & Plitvice Lakes

Travel time: Rovinj to Opatija: approximately 1.5 hours (90 km); Opatija to Plitvice Lakes: approximately 2 hours (160 km)

After breakfast, pick up your rental car and leave Istria behind as you head into Croatia's interior. Your first stop is Opatija, a coastal town that was once a favorite of the Austro-Hungarian elite. Enjoy a walk along the Lungomare, a 7.5-mile (12 km) seafront promenade built in 1889. Along the way, you’ll see Habsburg-era villas and neat gardens, and you might notice the well-known statue of the Girl with the Seagull.

Next, continue your drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's oldest and largest national park, established in 1949. The route changes from the coastal Mediterranean vibe to a more mountainous, karst landscape. Be sure to fill up your gas tank in a larger town, as stations can be few once you’re in the rural areas. 

Best areas to stay in Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park has several options for staying close by, so you can choose a place that fits your travel style.

Entrance Zone: Best for first-timers

Staying near the park entrances (especially Entrances 1 and 2) means you’re just a short walk from the gates. This makes it easy to get there early in the morning and enjoy the park before many day-trippers arrive, which is useful if you enjoy photography or a quieter start to your day.

Rakovica: Best for families

Rakovica is a small village about 6 miles (10 km) north of the park. It has more spacious accommodations, including apartments and holiday homes with multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces where kids can play. Some places even include a swimming pool—a nice change after a long day on foot in the park.

Korenica: Best for budget

Korenica is a working town located about 9 miles (15 km) south of the park. Here you can find affordable guesthouses, family-run B&Bs, and private stays that let you experience local life away from the larger tourist spots.

Day 5: Plitvice Lakes & Zadar

Travel time: Around 1.5 hours

On Day 5, you’ll visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, where water has slowly shaped 16 terraced lakes and more than 90 waterfalls over time. The mineral-rich water adds layers of travertine that change the lakes’ appearance bit by bit. Walking on the wooden paths, you see turquoise waters and nearby cascades set in beech and pine forests that are home to wildlife like European brown bears and wolves, though they usually keep their distance from visitors. 

The park covers 114 square miles (296 km²) and ranges in altitude from about 1,247 to 4,199 feet (380 to 1,280 m), creating a variety of microclimates. 

After spending some time there, you can drive for about 1.5 hours to Zadar, a city with 3,000 years of history where ancient Roman ruins mix with modern art installations. Be sure to check out the Sea Organ—a unique setup where ocean waves create natural music through underwater pipes—and the nearby Sun Salutation, a solar-powered light display with a 72-foot (22-meter) diameter that comes alive at sunset.  

Where to stay in Zadar

Zadar has a range of accommodation choices depending on the kind of experience you’re after. If you have more time, you could easily extend your trip to spend more time here, as there are many reasons to visit  to Zadar.

Old Town Peninsula: Best for first-timers

Staying on the Old Town peninsula is a good choice if it’s your first visit. You’ll be surrounded by ancient Roman ruins, medieval churches, and Renaissance buildings, with all the main attractions just a short walk away.

Borik: Best for families

Located about 2.5 mi (4 km) northwest of the Old Town, Borik is popular with families. This area has large hotel complexes with multiple swimming pools, shallow sections for children, and organized kids' activities. The Blue Flag beaches here are family-friendly, with a gentle slope into the Adriatic and a fine, pebbly texture that works well for young kids.

Diklo: Best for relaxation seekers

A bit beyond Borik is the coastal neighborhood of Diklo, which has a relaxed vibe that feels like a genuine slice of Croatian life without straying too far from the action. Once a small fishing village, Diklo now has a quiet seaside promenade lined with pine trees for shade and a selection of smaller, family-run guesthouses and private apartments that bring a personal touch to your stay.

Day 6: A full day in Zadar

Start your sixth day wandering through Zadar's historic peninsula, where you can see a mix of Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Austrian influences. For many, exploring Zadar is one of the reasons to visit Croatia. The Roman Forum, built between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD, is impressively well preserved after 2,000 years.

Not far away, you'll find the unique pre-Romanesque St. Donatus Church, which was built using recycled materials from the forum.
For a great view of the city, climb the bell tower of the cathedral before heading to lunch at Restaurant Fošа. This elegant spot inside the city walls serves modern twists on traditional Dalmatian dishes. Their seafood dishes—especially the octopus carpaccio and fresh fish selection—highlight the best of the morning’s catch, all enjoyed on a charming stone terrace overlooking the harbor and the 16th-century Venetian walls.

In the afternoon, take a bike ride along the coastline and make a few stops at the pine-shaded beaches. As the day winds down, head to The Garden Lounge on the city walls. Here, you can try Dalmatian specialties along with a taste of Maraschino liqueur—a cherry-based spirit made from a recipe dating back to a 16th-century Dominican monastery—all while soaking in the sunset views.

Day 7: Krka National Park & Split

Travel time: 1 hour from Zadar to Krka National Park, 1 hour from the park to Split

For your seventh day of this Croatia 10 days itinerary, drive south from Zadar to the town of Skradin, located where the Krka River meets the Adriatic. This small town, with its stone houses and red tile roofs, serves as the gateway to Krka National Park. Inside the park, you’ll find seven travertine waterfalls cascading through a canyon carved by the river. The main attraction is Skradinski Buk—a series of 17 steps stretching 2,625 feet (800 meters) in length with a total drop of 148 feet (45 meters). Unlike Plitvice Lakes, you can take a swim in designated areas below the falls during the summer months. The park is also home to over 860 plant species, including the local Dalmatian sage. After spending time in the park, continue to Split, a city that began as the retirement palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian in 305 AD. 

Where to stay in Split

Split has a range of places to stay, from atmospheric rooms set within ancient walls to modern seaside resorts that cater to different needs. For more details, check out our guide to the best area to stay in Croatia.

Diocletian's Palace: Best for first-timers

Diocletian's Palace is at the heart of Split and is a good base for those visiting for the first time. Staying within these 1,700-year-old Roman walls means waking up among ancient limestone buildings. The rooms tend to be on the smaller side—many have been adapted from historic spaces—and there can be some stairs that might be a challenge.

Bačvice: Best for families

Located just east of the historic center, Bačvice provides easy access to the city and is centered around Split’s well-known beach. This mainly residential neighborhood has spacious family apartments and small hotels with separate bedrooms, kitchenettes, and modern conveniences that you might not find in the Old Town. The highlight here is Bačvice Beach—a sandy Blue Flag beach with shallow waters extending nearly 328 feet (100 meters) offshore.

Meje: Best for luxury

For a quieter, upscale experience, consider the neighborhood of Meje. Nestled on the pine-covered slopes of Marjan Hill to the west of the city center, this area features exclusive accommodations with views across the Adriatic toward the Dalmatian islands. It’s a peaceful setting, just a 15–20 minute walk from the historic center. Many places in Meje include private swimming pools, well-kept Mediterranean gardens, and terraces that are great for watching the sunset.

Day 8: Split food tour

Today you’ll explore Split's culinary scene. Start at the Green Market, locally called Pazar, where farmers from the Dalmatian hinterland have been selling fresh produce since 1891. After that, take a stroll through Diocletian's Palace—a UNESCO site that still serves as a home to around 3,000 residents within its ancient walls. 

Later, enjoy some handmade pasta at Konoba Fetivi, a traditional tavern where recipes have been passed down through the years. Continue your day at Villa Spiza, where you can taste soparnik—a pastry filled with Swiss chard from the Poljica region, which has EU protected designation status and is a classic of Croatian food culture. The day wraps up at Bobis, Split's oldest pastry shop, where you can try traditional rafioli and paradižot desserts, a sweet ending that shows just how diverse Croatian food can be.

A fun fact to note: the basement halls of Split were used as Daenerys Targaryen's dragon dungeon in Game of Thrones. See our guide to the top Game of Thrones film locations around the world.

Day 9: Drive to Dubrovnik

Travel time: about 4 hours

For day 9 of this 10-day Croatia itinerary, head south along the Dalmatian coast for a beautiful four-hour drive. Along the way, take a break in the charming town of Ston, famous for its enormous defensive walls built in 1333. These 3.4 mile (5.5 km) fortifications were once used to protect the valuable salt pans that produced “white gold”—salt so prized in the Dubrovnik Republic that it was nearly as valuable as gold by weight. The salt works here have been in operation since Roman times and still use traditional methods today.

Once you arrive in Dubrovnik, sometimes called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” you can start exploring its well-preserved medieval center. Take a walk from Onofrio’s Fountain, built in 1438 as part of the city’s water system, along the limestone-paved Stradun. Even after a major earthquake in 1667 and conflicts in the 1990s, Dubrovnik’s timeless charm is unmistakable.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has several different areas with their own character. Check our guide to where to stay in Dubrovnik for more details. Here are some quick picks:

Old Town: Best for first-timers

Staying in Dubrovnik's UNESCO-protected Old Town gives you a real sense of the city's medieval history. Inside the impressive 82-foot (25-meter) walls, you’ll find accommodations in centuries-old stone buildings that have been updated with modern comforts while keeping a historical feel.

Lapad: Best for families

The leafy peninsula of Lapad, about 2 miles (3 km) northwest of the Old Town, is popular with families. This mainly residential area includes spacious family rooms in resort hotels and fully equipped apartments with separate bedrooms and kitchens. Lapad Bay is a hit with families thanks to its sheltered cove, car-free promenade, playgrounds, ice cream stands, and casual eateries with kid-friendly menus at more reasonable prices than those in the Old Town.

Ploče: Best for luxury

The Ploče neighborhood, just east of the Old Town, is known for its upscale vibe. Set on a hillside, it has luxury hotels and private villas built on steep terrain down to the Adriatic. Many of these properties provide panoramic views of the medieval walled city and Lokrum Island, with infinity pools that seem to float between the sky and the sea, plus private beach access to quiet coves.

Day 10: Departure day

On your final morning, you can visit the Franciscan Monastery, which is home to one of Europe’s oldest operating pharmacies, and one of the best things to do in Dubrovik. Established in 1317 originally to serve the monks, it later opened its doors to the public and still offers natural creams made from ancient recipes. Right next door, the Rector’s Palace provides a glimpse into how Dubrovnik’s elected leader lived during the Republic’s golden age—a role designed with a one-month term to keep power in check. The building’s blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles perfectly captures Dubrovnik’s unique position between East and West. Before you leave, take a moment to spot the stone carving of Dubrovnik’s patron Saint Blaise, which can be found throughout the city. Locals say he once saved them from a Venetian invasion when he appeared in a vision to a local priest. Finally, as you drive to the airport, enjoy those last stunning views of the Adriatic coastline

Ready to see Croatia? 

Ready to explore? If you're mapping out your itinerary, you might wonder where to begin or how to plan your trip to Croatia.
We can help by handling all the planning and booking so you can focus on your journey. Our tailor-made vacations are created by local travel experts who know the area well and can be adjusted to suit your interests. Or see our Croatia itineraries for more inspiration.