Crystal-clear water, beautiful historic towns, stunning national parks, tasty food, and warm welcoming locals make Croatia a dream destination. For a European country, Croatia is quite budget-friendly. As for when to visit: I recommend going in May/June, or September/October when the weather is still warm but the major summer crowds have dispersed. This itinerary will help you plan and decide how to spend 2 weeks in Croatia starting in Dubrovnik and ending in Zagreb.
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Dubrovnik
Start your trip in the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved medieval cities. Located right on the Adriatic Sea, with tons of historical attractions to see. Flights to Dubrovnik are usually affordable, which makes it a great starting location. Not to mention it is located at the very southern tip of Croatia, therefore allowing you to explore your way up the entire country.
Read More: Experience Dubrovnik
CROATIAN ISLANDS:
The next few stop options are Islands. I recommend picking two to three of the islands to visit. Check the ferry routes to see what works best with your schedule and which islands you want to explore. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of them. When I traveled to Croatia I spent time on Mljet, Korcula, Hvar, and Brac. They were all lovely, but Mljet and Korcula were my absolute favorites. But I am more of a nature goer, if you are looking for more nightlife Hvar is the place for you! Let me know which Islands you pick in the comments below.
FERRY SYSTEM IN CROATIA:
Luckily, I never experienced an issue with the ferries in Croatia. They were all on time and well organized. That being said, booking can be overwhelming at first. I HIGHLY recommend booking prior to visiting, especially if you plan on visiting in the summer months, as the ferries do book up quickly. I reserved all of the ferry tickets online a few months before arriving in Croatia. Also, make sure to print and have your physical ticket on you. A lot of the boats do not accept an emailed receipt on your phone. I also linked the ferries I took below to help you!
Mljet Island National Park
With its green trees and vivid aqua water, Mljet is one of the most picturesque places in Croatia. Escape the city and take the quick ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Mljet. Spend the afternoon exploring the National Park and enjoy a romantic quaint dinner overlooking the sunset.
Ferry: Dubrovnik → Polace Mljet on the TP Line
Mel’s Note: Keep in mind there are different ferry routes to take, I am sharing the ones I took with my schedule. To see all times and ferry lines check out Croatia Ferries. If you have any questions regarding the ferry please send me a message on Instagram or comment below.
Read More: Visit Mljet National Park
Korcula Island
Take an early afternoon ferry from Mljet over to the Emerald Isle of Korcula. Aside from soaking up the beauty, there are tons of other activities you can do while staying on the island. Wine tours, visiting many beaches via scooter, nature hikes, and bike rides, or discovering the island’s history of Marco Polo in the Old Town.
Ferry: Polace Mljet → Old Town Korcula on the TP Line
Hvar Island
Hvar is the most lively and visited island. It offers a good balance between relaxing on beautiful beaches and enjoying the buzzing nightlight. That being said, you do not have to be a party-goer to enjoy Hvar. There are still many quieter areas of the island that are perfect for a romantic getaway.
Ferry: Old Town Korcula → Old Town Hvar on the Jadrolinija Line
Vis Island
Vis has a wonderful laid-back beach vibe but is harder to get to giving the island a more exclusive feel. It has a slow pace atmosphere, with traditional villages, stunning beaches, and hiking trails for those who want to explore more. Depending on the time of year you go, the ferry schedule can be limited.
Ferry:
Hvar → Vis hire a private catamaran
Split → Vis on the Jadrolinija Line
(for a more economical route you will need to ferry over to Split first to then go to Vis)
Split
This stunning historic town has a lively atmosphere full of bars, restaurants, and cute shops. Split has incredible architecture and historic sites as well. Spend time here exploring the bustling streets and make sure you pay a visit to Diocletian’s Palace.
Pick up your rental car in Split, the rest of the itinerary is a road trip through Croatia!
Ferry:
Hvar → Split on the Kapetan Luka Krilo Line
Vis → Split on the Jadrolinija Line
Rental Car: Sixt Rental Car downtown Split
Brac Island
Begin your Croatian road trip to the Island of Brac. A short car ferry boat ride from Split, Brac is the longest and most elevated island in central Dalmatia, therefore you will need a car when visiting. It is best known for its white-pebble beach shaped like a horn, called Zlatni Rat. Brac is less touristy compared to the other islands. For that reason, you are able to experience authentic Croatian island life.
Ferry: Split→ Brac Supetar on the Jadrolinija Line (make sure it is a car ferry)
Makarska / Omis
One of the highlights of Croatia is the road trip from Brac to Omis. Drive along some of the most spectacular roads in Europe, stopping to take part in adventure sports on the mighty Cetina river. If you have time, spend a night or two in Omis at the famous Hotel Villa Dvor. The views from this hotel will not disappoint.
Ferry: Brac Sumartin → Makarska on the Jadrolinija Line (make sure it is a car ferry)
Drive Route: Option A (Drive time: 1 hour with tolls)
Drive Route: Option B (Drive time: 1 hour and no tolls)
Sibenik & Krka National Park
Once you have enjoyed a few hours in Omis {if you did not stay the night}, continue your drive further north to Sibenik. The historical hillside town is an absolute gem! Sibenik is tucked along the coast under three fortresses. Stay a night or two here and tour the city and historical sites for a day. However, do not stay up too late, you will have an early morning to tour Krka National Park.
Krka National Park is the most popular park in Croatia and is well worth the trip. Here you will find seven waterfalls, many lakes, a Monastery, and traditional watermills all easily walkable.
Drive Route: Option A (Drive time: 1 hour with tolls, avoids Split and Trogir)
Drive Route: Option B (Drive time: 2 hours with tolls, goes through Split and Trogir)
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Ready to visit an even more grand national park? Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fairy tale and is one of the most spectacular places in Croatia. With over 1.1 million visitors a year, 16 lakes, and over 90 waterfalls, make sure you allow yourself at least 2 nights to explore the area and relax in nature.
Drive Route: Option A (Drive time: 2 hours, 30 minutes no tolls, the route takes you through the mountains)
Drive Route: Option B (Drive time: 3 hours, with tolls, goes along the coast stopping in Zadar)
Opatija
Add world-famous luxury to your Croatian vacation by staying in Opatija. This charming coastal town is boasting with rich history, culture, and glamorous villas famed for housing celebrities and political figures.
Drive Route: Option A (Drive time: 2.5 hours, through the mountains with tolls)
Drive Route: Option B (Drive time: 2.5 hours, more along the coast)
Rovinj
Rovinj is an absolute dream. It is a romantic coastal town, with narrow cobblestone streets filled with pastel-colored houses, flowers, and elegant ancient buildings. Rovinj also has a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere, with its street art, markets, and many restaurants sitting along the edge of the coast.
Drive Route: Option A (Drive time: 2.5 hours, along the coast stopping in Pula)
Drive Route: Option B (Drive time: 1 hour, inland stopping in Pazin)
Motovun
Welcome to the medieval area of Croatia! Motovun is one of the most stunning areas you will come across on your travels through the Istria Peninsula. Drive through the Motovun marveling over the stunning views across rolling hills and vineyards, before exploring the charming cobblestone streets filled with traditional shops and restaurants. Make sure to go wine tasting!
Drive Route: Option A (Drive time: 2 hours, with tolls stopping in Dvigrad Ruins, Grožnjan, Završje, and Oprtalj)
Zagreb
No Croatia travel route would be complete without a visit to the capital city of Zagreb. Not only does the capital have pretty historic sites, but there is a lively atmosphere and plenty of tasty restaurants all within walking distance. Zagreb International Airport is only a 20-minute drive from the town itself, making it a perfect spot to end your trip. Drop off your rental car and sadly depart back home full of amazing memories of your perfect Croatian trip.
Drive Route: Option A (Drive time: 3 hours with tolls)
I hope this guide helps prepare you for your own 2 weeks in Croatia! If you need any help planning or have any questions, please reach out or message me on my contact page! I would love to hear about how your trip went as well. Tell me in the comments below.
