You are ready for the trip of a lifetime. You want sun, history, and clear blue water. Croatia is the perfect place for you. This country has a coastline that stretches for miles and over 1,000 islands to see. You will find that a Croatia Itinerary 10 Days is the best way to see the main hits. Many people ask if a croatia itinerary 7 days is enough time. It is a good start, but ten days allows you to breathe. You can even stretch it to a croatia itinerary 12 days if you want more beach time. First of all, you must plan your route carefully. Most travelers start in the south and move north. Therefore, this guide will follow that path. It is simple. It is beautiful. Ready?
Day 1: Welcome to the Pearl of the Adriatic
You land at the airport in Dubrovnik. A private driver or a shuttle will take you to the city. You will immediately see why they call this the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. The stone walls are massive. They rise 75 feet (23 m) high in some spots. You should check into your hotel and drop your bags. If you want luxury, look at Apartments Sv. Jakov, which costs about €145 a night but offers the best views.
You should take a slow walk down the Stradun. This is the main street made of white marble. It shines under the sun. You will see the Onofrio’s Fountain and the Rector’s Palace. Though the city is old, it feels alive. You can grab a drink at Buza Bar. This spot is literally on the rocks outside the city walls. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the sea. Later, you can have a quiet dinner at a local spot. You do not need to rush. You have plenty of time.
Day 2: Walls, Views, and Iron Thrones
You wake up early to beat the heat. You must walk the City Walls. The ticket costs between €15 and €35 depending on the season. You will see the red roofs of the houses against the blue sea. It is a dream, really. Additionally, you can take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd. The ride is short but the view is huge. You can see for 37 miles (67 km) on a clear day.
Are you a fan of the show Game of Thrones? You are in the right place. Dubrovnik was the filming site for King’s Landing. You can visit the Jesuit Stairs, where the famous “Walk of Shame” happened. You can also visit Fort Lovrijenac, which stood in for the Red Keep. On top of that, you can take a short 15-minute ferry to Lokrum Island. You will find a Visitor Center there with a real Iron Throne you can sit on. Peacocks and rabbits roam free on the island. It is a peaceful escape from the city crowds.
Day 3: The Island of Marco Polo
You head to the port today. You will take a scenic two-hour catamaran ferry to the island of Korcula. This island is the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. The town looks like a mini version of Dubrovnik. First of all, you should settle into your hotel. You will find that Korcula Town is the best place to stay for convenience.
Later, you should join a wine tour in the Lumbarda region. This area is famous for the Grk grape. This grape only grows in the sandy soil here. You will taste white wines that are crisp and fresh. Similarly, you can try the Plavac Mali red wine. Finally, you can enjoy a dinner at a konoba. A konoba is a traditional local tavern. You will eat fresh fish and drink local wine as the sun sets. It is a relaxed Mediterranean way of life.
Day 4: Nature and Salt Lakes
You are off to a new island today. You will take a 30-minute ferry to Mljet Island. This island is a green paradise. Over one-third of the island is a protected National Park. You will see two saltwater lakes called Veliko and Malo. You can take a boat to St. Mary’s Island in the middle of the big lake. There is a 12th-century monastery there.
You can spend your afternoon hiking or cycling through the pine forests. The air smells like salt and pine. It is very healing. Gradually, you will feel your stress melt away. You can swim in the lakes or the sea. Then, you take the ferry back to Korcula in the late afternoon. You will feel refreshed and ready for more.
Day 5: Lavender Fields and Hidden Inlets
You say goodbye to Korcula and take a 90-minute ferry to Hvar. This is the most popular island in the area. It is famous for its mild weather and beautiful landscapes. You should check into your hotel in Hvar Town. However, if you want to avoid the main party scene, you can look at the Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel.
You should rent a bike or a scooter. This is a great way to see the island. You will see lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards. You can cycle through the Stari Grad Plain, which dates back to the Ancient Greeks. Plus, you can visit the fishing village of Vrboska. People call it a “little Venice” because of its many bridges. You will find many small, quiet bays where you can swim alone. It is a great stop for a croatia itinerary 10 days with family because everyone loves the water.
Day 6: Speedboats and Blue Caves
You start your day with a thrill. You will take a speedboat excursion from Hvar. You will head to the island of Bisevo. There, you will find the famous Blue Cave. The light reflects off the white sand on the bottom to make the water look neon blue. It is a magical sight. Additionally, you can visit the Green Cave on the island of Ravnik.
Later, you will stop at Stiniva Bay on the island of Vis. This bay has huge limestone walls and a tiny entrance from the sea. You can swim to a beautiful pebble beach inside. Gradually, you will move to the village of Komiza for a seafood lunch. You will try octopus salad or black risotto made with squid ink. Therefore, you should bring your camera. The colors of the water and the food are incredible.
Day 7: The Palace of an Emperor
You take a two-hour ferry back to the mainland to the city of Split. This is a busy, working city. It was founded 1,700 years ago by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The Diocletian’s Palace is the heart of the city. It is not just a museum. People still live and work inside the palace walls. You will see shops, cafes, and homes built into the ancient stone.
You should take a walking tour. You will see the Peristyle, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Temple of Jupiter. On the contrary to Dubrovnik, Split feels more like a “real” city. On top of that, you can walk to Marjan Forest Park. This park is roughly the size of Central Park in New York. You can hike up the steps to Telegrin for a view of the whole city. Finally, you can walk along the Riva promenade at night. It is a great place to people-watch.
Day 8: Fairytale Waterfalls
You wake up early for a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is a 3-hour drive from Split. You should buy your tickets well in advance. This is the oldest and largest park in Croatia. You will find 16 lakes that all flow into each other with waterfalls. The water is so clear it looks like “melted Jolly Rancher”.
You will walk on wooden paths over the water. You can take an electric boat across the largest lake. Though the park is beautiful, you can not swim here. You must stay on the paths. Therefore, you should wear good walking shoes. You will likely walk over 10,000 steps today. Additionally, you can stop at Rastoke Village on your way north. It is a tiny village with working watermills and its own small waterfalls. It looks like a scene from a storybook.
Day 9: The Capital City
You arrive in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. This city is often underrated. It has a different feel than the coast. It is full of Austro-Hungarian architecture and green parks. You should explore the Upper Town. You can take the shortest funicular in the world to get to the top of the hill.
You will see the St. Mark’s Church with its colorful tiled roof. You should also visit the Museum of Broken Relationships. It is a unique place that tells the stories of people from all over the world. The entrance fee is about €7. Later, you can walk through the Dolac Market to see fresh local food. Also, you can visit the Museum of Illusions or the Technical Museum if you have kids. Finally, you can have a great meal on Tkalciceva Street. This street is full of restaurants and bars.
Day 10: Castles and Goodbyes
You have one last day to enjoy. You can take a trip to Trakoscan Castle. This is a beautiful fairytale castle on a hill with a lake. It is one of the most famous castles in Croatia. You can walk through the rooms and see old armor and furniture. Similarly, you can visit the town of Varazdin, which people call “Little Vienna” because of its beauty.
Gradually, it is time to head to the airport for your flight home. You will receive a small gift if you are on a tour, but the memories are the best gift. You have seen the best of the coast and the inland. You might already be planning a croatia itinerary 14 days for your next visit. You could also think about a croatia itinerary 5 days for a quick city break. Croatia stays in your heart.
Important Details for Your Trip
Transportation in Croatia
You have many ways to get around. You can rent a car, which gives you the most freedom. You drive on the right side of the road. You should know that motorways have tolls. You can also use the bus system. Buses are modern, clean, and often have Wi-Fi and power plugs. A bus from Dubrovnik to Split costs about €22.
However, ferries are the best way to see the islands. You can use Jadrolinija or Krilo catamarans. You should book these in advance during the summer. Additionally, you can take a sailing tour for a week if you have a big budget. This can cost around €1,500 per person for a week on a yacht.
Money and Costs
You must know that Croatia uses the Euro now. You can expect to spend about €133.50 per day on a mid-range budget. This includes your room, food, and activities. First of all, food prices vary. A pizza might cost €8-15, while a steak dinner is €20-30.
On top of that, you can save money by eating at konobas or buying food at markets. Tap water is free and safe to drink in Croatia. You do not need to buy bottled water. Therefore, you can save quite a bit of money over ten days. Finally, tipping is welcome but not required. You can leave 10-15% at a nice restaurant if you liked the service.
Best Time to Visit
You should visit in the shoulder season. This means May, June, September, or October. The weather is warm enough to swim, but the crowds are smaller. In contrast, July and August are very busy and hot. Prices for hotels go up a lot during these months. Later, in the winter, many coastal places close down. However, Zagreb is great in December because of its famous Christmas Market.
FAQ
Is 10 days too much in Croatia?
No. It is a perfect amount of time. You can see the major cities and have time to relax on the islands. A 10-day croatia itinerary from dubrovnik allows you to see the coast and the national parks without rushing.
Is Split or Dubrovnik better?
It depends on what you like. Dubrovnik is like a museum and very pretty. Split feels more like a real, living city. Many people prefer Dubrovnik for the history and Split for the island-hopping. You should visit both if you can.
How much money for 10 days in Croatia?
A mid-range traveler spends about €1,335 for ten days. This covers a shared room, transport, food, and tours. You can spend less if you stay in hostels or more if you want luxury hotels.
How many days is ideal for Croatia?
Ten days is ideal for a first trip. If you have less time, an croatia itinerary 8 days can cover the coast. If you have more time, a croatia itinerary 14 days lets you see Istria in the north and the southern islands.
Concluding Words
Your Croatia Itinerary 10 Days will take you from the ancient walls of Dubrovnik to the waterfalls of Plitvice and the busy streets of Zagreb. You will swim in clear blue bays and eat some of the best seafood in the world. You will walk through history every single day. Croatia is a safe and beautiful country that is perfect for mature travelers. You will leave with a full heart and many photos. It is the Ultimate Travel Guide for 2026 for a reason.
