Are you dreaming of spending one week in Croatia and want to see the very best this beautiful country has to offer? Then you’re in the right place! This carefully crafted Croatia 7 day itinerary is based on my own unforgettable experience exploring the country by car, and it’s designed to help you make the most of your trip.
Croatia had been on my radar for years. Not because of Game of Thrones (even though many scenes were filmed here), but because I couldn’t stop staring at photos of the crystal-clear Adriatic waters, the fairytale-like towns, and the stunning waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
When I finally planned my Croatia road trip, I knew I wanted to see it all: from the cool capital of Zagreb to some of the Croatian islands like Hvar.
This blog post is your complete guide to spending 7 days in Croatia by car, built on firsthand experience and packed with insights to help you craft the ideal adventure.
If you’re wondering what to see in Croatia in 7 days, this itinerary takes all the guesswork out of planning. It includes iconic destinations to lesser-known spots that truly capture the essence of the country.
You’ll get a thoughtfully organized Croatia 7 day itinerary from Zagreb that includes practical travel tips, scenic driving routes, hotel and restaurant suggestions, and a day-by-day breakdown to help you make the most of your journey.
Ready to fall in love with Croatia too? Let’s dive in.
In a hurry? Plan your trip to Croatia now!
Don’t have time to read the whole guide? Here are my top recommendations for making the most of your visit to Croatia
📍Top sights: Zagreb | Zadar | Plitvice Lakes | Split | Krka National Park | Dubrovnik
🚗 Getting around: Renting a car offers the most flexibility to explore Croatia’s diverse landscapes. I recommend using Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best rental deals for your Croatia road trip.
⌛ How many days in Croatia: 7 days for the essential highlights. 10 to 14 days for a more relaxed pace and more time at the beach
📸 Most popular tours in Croatia
1. Blue Lagoon Half-day Tour
2. Split/Trogir: Blue Cave, Mamma Mia, Hvar and 5 Island Tour
3. Split: Krka Waterfalls Trip with Boat Cruise and Swimming
4. From Zagreb: Plitvice & Rastoke Guided Day Trip with Ticket
😴 Where to stay in Croatia
Zagreb – Smile&Love Republic Zagreb Center
Plitvice Lakes – Camping Plitvice
Zadar – Demar Residence
Rijeka – Teatro Suite & Rooms
Hvar – Apartments Jakic
🚌 Where to look for buses – My favourite option is 12go but you can also look for Flixbus options
💊 Best travel insurance for Croatia – I recommend Heymondo for its excellent balance between affordability and quality.
🛜 Best way to stay connected in Croatia – If your smartphone allows an eSIM, I recommend using Airalo (MARIAN4315 = 3$ off)..
What is the best time of year to visit Croatia?
The weather in Croatia, especially in the coastal area, is quite nice.
If you are not interested in going to the beach, then the best months to visit Croatia are April, May, September and October. The temperatures are already quite pleasant at this time of year and there are also fewer crowds.
However, the truth is that one of Croatia’s main tourist attractions is its extensive coastline on the Adriatic Sea and its islands, with water that is very inviting for swimming. In this case, June to September are the best months to visit Croatia if you plan to explore Croatia’s beaches. The days are warmer, and the water is noticeably more inviting.
For example, I visited the country in early June and, despite the high temperatures both day and night, the sea was still a bit chilly for swimming.
How many days in Croatia?
Although Croatia isn’t a particularly large country, it’s packed with incredible places to explore, many of which are spread out across different regions.
That’s why, for a first visit, I recommend spending at least 7 days to truly experience its highlights. If you have the flexibility to stretch your Croatia itinerary to 10 days, even better. I’m sure you won’t regret it 😉.
With a bit of extra time, you’ll be able to enjoy the trip at a more relaxed pace, explore a few more beautiful beaches, and maybe even hop over to an additional island or two.
How to get to Croatia?
The easiest way to plan a trip to Croatia is by air, with several international airports offering convenient access to different regions of the country. The main entry points are Zagreb, Pula, Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar.
In my case, I flew in and out of Zagreb, which is somewhat distant from the other stops on this itinerary.
While that worked for me, it’s worth considering flying into one airport (like Zagreb) and out of another (such as Split or Dubrovnik). This can save you several hours of driving, giving you more time to enjoy the journey rather than spend it on the road.
Just be aware that dropping off a rental car at a different location can sometimes come with added costs, so it’s important to compare rental car prices before making a decision.
I highly recommend checking different flight routes and dates to see what fits best with your schedule and budget. A bit of flexibility can go a long way in shaping the most efficient and enjoyable Croatian adventure!
What is the best way to visit Croatia?
If you’re planning one of those unforgettable Croatia travel itineraries, the best way to get around, hands down, is by car. For my own 7 day Croatia road trip, I rented a car through OK Mobility! with pick-up and drop-off at Zagreb Airport. It was the ideal way to explore at my own pace and make the most of my time on the road.
Croatia’s highway system, especially along the coast, is in excellent condition, making it easy and comfortable to drive between cities and top attractions. Renting a car gave me the freedom to fully enjoy 7 days in Croatia by car without being tied to rigid schedules or missing out on more remote gems.
To find the best car rental deals, I highly recommend using Discover Cars. It lets you compare prices across multiple providers, often offers better rates than booking directly, and includes free cancellation for extra peace of mind.
Explore the rental options for your travel dates below 👇.
💡 EXTRA TIP: Most motorways in Croatia require tolls. You’ll collect a ticket at the entrance and pay (by card or cash) when exiting. It’s super simple and quick.
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget or during high season (when rental prices can be steep), public buses are a great alternative. Companies like Flixbus and platforms such as 12go offer affordable and reliable connections between major cities and tourist hotspots, making it possible to follow a great itinerary even without a car.
💼 TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unexpected events happen anywhere in the world, so I always recommend getting travel insurance. I regularly use Heymondo, which offers some of the highest coverages on the market at very competitive prices. As well as covering medical expenses, Heymondo’s insurance also covers the loss or theft of luggage, electronic equipment and more. They also have a 24/7 customer service through their App. As A Ticket to Take Off reader, you get a 5% discount when purchasing Heymondo insurance. The purchase must be made using this link, and the price shown on the website already includes the discount.
Accommodation in Croatia
If you’re following this Croatia 7 day itinerary, chances are you’re planning to explore multiple cities across the country.
While Croatia isn’t huge, the key points of interest are often several hours apart. To make the most of your time and avoid unnecessary backtracking, I recommend switching accommodations as you go. this way, you’ll spend more time enjoying and less time on the road.
Accommodation costs in Croatia vary depending on the type of lodging and, of course, the season. I visited in early June (technically high season), but still managed to save by choosing locally-run stays and apartments instead of hotels. These often offer great value, more character, and a more personal experience.
Throughout this post, I’ll share specific tips and recommendations for where to stay in each location. But if you want to start browsing now, go ahead and check out some great options below.
Croatia Itinerary Map
To help you visualize the journey, here’s a detailed Croatia road trip map outlining the full route covered in this guide.
This Croatia travel itinerary includes all the key stops, from the best-known cities to coastal gems, making it easy to follow along and plan your own unforgettable adventure.
📌HOW TO USE THE MAP: Click on the top left corner to access the various layers of the map. You can select the layers you’re interested in and also find out more about each point of interest by clicking on it in the left-hand sidebar or on the pin on the map. Add the map to your Google Maps by clicking on the star next to the title. To access the map, simply go to Google Maps ‘Saved’ and click on ‘Maps’!
Croatia 7 Day Itinerary: What to visit in Croatia
It’s worth mentioning that this itinerary does not account for your arrival and departure days in Zagreb. It’s structured with the assumption that you’ll arrive in Zagreb the day before Day 1 and depart the day after Day 7, giving you a full seven days to explore the country.
If you’re wondering what to do in Croatia for a week, this plan offers a rich mix of historical cities, stunning natural beauty, and idyllic island escapes.
Since I only had 7 days, I chose to skip Dubrovnik. However, if Dubrovnik is high on your list of must-see places in Croatia, here’s a suggestion: consider skipping the first day in Rijeka, Pula, and Rovinj, and instead use that time to visit Dubrovnik after your stay in Hvar, just before heading back to Zagreb!
Day 1: Rovinj & Pula
This first day is dedicated to exploring the beautiful Istria region and does not include the drive from Zagreb to Rijeka the previous day (approximately 2 hours).
While the itinerary officially begins in Rijeka (making it a convenient spot for an overnight stay), the Day 1 activities focus solely on visiting Rovinj and Pula.
- 🚗 Driving time: 3h30 (240 km); Rijeka – Rovinj – Pula – Rijeka
- 😴 Where to sleep: Rijeka (my recommendation: Teatro Suite & Rooms)
» Rovinj
Start your 7-day Croatia itinerary in Rovinj – a postcard town!
Rovinj is a small coastal town and probably one of the loveliest in Croatia. It’s not the most obvious spot, but well worth adding to your list of places to visit in Croatia!
💡 EXTRA TIP: The historic centre area is entirely pedestrianised, so if you are travelling by car, you should leave it outside the historic centre. There are several car parks available.
Start your tour by walking along Carrera street (one of the main streets in town) while admiring the colourful facades of the houses. From this street to the port of Rovinj, it is only a few meters walking!
🎫 Want to dive deeper into the charm and history of Rovinj? This Rovinj Guided Walking Tour is the perfect way to discover the city’s hidden corners and fascinating past with a knowledgeable local.
From there, you can head towards another cute street (Grisia Street), passing by the Balbi Arch. This was undoubtedly my favourite street in the city.
Continue the route towards the Cathedral of St Euphemia, where it is possible to climb the bell tower. From there, we return to the starting point by passing another must-see street in Rovinj – Bregovita Street.
💡 EXTRA TIP: If you have some extra time, you can also choose to visit Monte beach (one of the closest to the historic centre) or the Punta Corrente forest park.
» Pula
Next, I recommend visiting what is probably the most well-known town in the Istria region – Pula. Like Rovinj, Pula is also relatively compact, with just a handful of key attractions to explore, making it perfect for a relaxed half-day visit.
The ex-libris of Pula is its Arena, which is probably the most interesting part of the city. Although it is possible to visit Pula’s Arena inside, in my opinion, it is not worth it, because we can see the inside of the arena quite well even without going inside.
🎫 If you’re spending time in Pula and want to make the most of your visit, this Pula Essentials Evening Tour is a fantastic way to explore the city’s highlights with a local guide.
Pula is a historic port town, and while it certainly has its charm, it didn’t quite make it to the top of my list of favorite places in Croatia, perhaps because of its industrial feel or simply personal taste.
Anyway, apart from the Arena, Pula’s main points of interest include:
- Hercules Gate
- Arch of Sergii
- Forum (main square) and Temple of Augustus
- Monastery of St Francis
- Fort Kaštel
- Town Hall
Accommodation in Rijeka
During my stay in Rijeka, I chose Teatro Suite & Rooms. Perfectly located near the Croatian National Theatre Ivan Zajc, this accommodation impressed me with its attention to detail and stylish atmosphere.
The flats are located in a historical building and are very spacious and comfortable. The decoration of the space is modern and welcoming. In addition, the room had a privileged view of the famous Theatre 😊.
Just below the building, we also find a lounge bar which is open all day and where we can have breakfast. Expect a creamy cappuccino, fresh orange juice, and perfectly flaky mini croissants to start your morning right.
Restaurants in Rijeka
I only had the opportunity to try one restaurant in Rijeka – Mornar (€€). With a lovely outdoor seating area perfect for warm Croatian summer evenings, we ordered the cuttlefish risotto and a mixed plate of fried fish. Both dishes were delicious, and the portions were generous. While the service started off a bit slow, it improved as the evening went on.
Day 2: Rijeka & Zadar
- 🚗 Driving time: 3h (290 km); Rijeka – Zadar
- 😴 Where to sleep: Zadar (my recommendation: Demar Residence)
» Rijeka
We kick off the second day of these 7 days in Croatia with a visit to another charming small town in Northern Croatia—Rijeka. While a stroll along the city’s lively main street, Korzo, is a must, there are a few other highlights you definitely shouldn’t miss:
- St Vitus Cathedral
- World War I Pedestrian Tunnel (free visit)
- Roman Arch
- Central Market
- Capuchin Church
- Croatian National Theatre Ivan Zajc
Rijeka pleasantly surprised me in the best way. Despite its small size, the streets were full of life. Also, the architecture and buildings’ colours reminded me of my time in Budapest (which I loved so much!) 😊.
Another must-see place in Rijeka is the Trsat castle, as well as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Trsat.
Visiting the castle is free, and from there you can get one of the best views of the city. Although it is possible to walk to the castle (the 538-step staircase that makes up the route is even a place of pilgrimage), I recommend using a car or public transport to get there.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Both bus no. 2 and no. 8 take about 20 minutes from the centre of Rijeka to Trsat Castle.
» Zadar
Continue your journey towards Zadar. Zadar is a much bigger city than all the others we have visited so far on this Croatia itinerary.
The best way to explore Zadar is to get lost in its ancient streets. However, some places are a must-visit in Zadar, such as:
- Santa Anastasia Cathedral
- San Donatus Church
- Sea Organ
- Roman Forum
🎫 To truly appreciate Zadar’s rich history and stunning views, consider joining this Zadar Guided City Walking Tour. It’s a great way to explore the city’s highlights with a knowledgeable local.
But this list of what to see in Zadar is just the beginning!
I enjoyed my time in Zadar so much that I dedicated an entire blog post to it, packed with tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.
If you’re planning to explore this beautiful coastal city, be sure to check out the full guide to discover the best of Zadar.
Accommodation in Zadar
In Zadar, I opted to stay a bit further from the city centre at Demar Residence. Located in a quieter area of Zadar, it offers a more upscale experience with spacious, well-designed flats perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Guests can enjoy panoramic views over the historic center and the Adriatic Sea from their rooms, along with access to a beautifully maintained outdoor space featuring a swimming pool.
Day 3: Split & Blue Lagoon
Day three of this itinerary is going to be one of the most memorable days of this Croatia itinerary. Wake up early to make sure you make the most of it 😊.
- 🚗 Driving time: 1h40 (160 km); Zadar – Split – Blue Lagoon
- 😴 Where to sleep: Split (my recommendation: Marana Rooms)
» Split
Split is probably one of the most famous cities in Croatia, along with Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Zadar. Like Zadar, the city streets here also take us back in time.
I suggest starting your Split visit on its promenade (riva), even before entering the real historic centre that has made the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From there, you should head to Braće Radić square (Fruit Square) and Peristil Square. Be prepared for the crowds at this square, as this is one of the main points of interest in Split.
At Peristil Square, you will find other points of interest in the city, such as the Saint Domnius Cathedral, or the Diocletian’s Palace.
💡 EXTRA TIP: It is possible to climb to the top of the cathedral’s bell tower, from where we get one of the best views in Split. The ticket costs 7€.
Leaving through the Golden Gate of the walled city, we find the giant statue of Grgur Ninski and the Arnir bell tower and chapel.
🎫 Want to uncover the fascinating history behind Split’s ancient streets? This Split Walking Tour offers a deep dive into the city’s Roman roots and culture, all led by an expert local guide.
The next point on the itinerary through Split is People’s Square (Pjaca), where you can find the Town Hall building. Finally, I also recommend a walk along Marmontova Street and Republic Square.
However, although these are the main points of interest in Split’s historic centre, there are still two additional places worth visiting in Split. They are:
- Mount Marjan viewpoint, from where we get some of the best views over Split
- Fortress Klis – especially magical at sunset
💡 EXTRA TIP: Split is beautifully framed by rugged mountains, giving the city a naturally photogenic backdrop (just take a look at the photo below!). For this stunning perspective, head down to the Split port area—where ferries depart for nearby islands—and enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the city.
Finally, I should also mention Split’s beaches. Although the most popular is Bacvice beach (because of its proximity to the historic centre), there are many others that you can visit:
- Trstenik
- Kaštelet
- Kašjuni
- Bene
- Ovčice
Accommodation in Split
For my stay in Split, I booked Marana Rooms. It’s a simple and budget-friendly option right in the city center. I arrived quite late and had an early departure the next morning, so I wasn’t looking for anything elaborate. It worked perfectly for a quick overnight stop. What made it stand out was its great central location and very reasonable price
However, there are other very interesting options for accommodation in Split:
- Borna and Frank Rooms | PLR Luxury Rooms: Unbeatable location right in the heart of the historical centre of Split and affordable prices for those just looking for a comfortable place to rest
- Ziggy Star | Jupiter Luxury Hotel: slightly more expensive option, but still very central and with breakfast included
- Heritage Hotel 19: more luxurious accommodation for those seeking a more special stay, with breakfast included and an excellent location
Restaurants in Split
- Sexy Cow (€): For a quicker and cheaper option in town, the wraps at Sexy Cow are quite tasty. However, the seating space at this restaurant is limited, which might make this a good option if you’re looking for lunch on the go
- Trattoria Tavulin (€€): Very pleasant outdoor space, attentive service and very well-prepared food. I especially recommend the prawn risotto.
» Blue Lagoon
The afternoon of day three in Croatia was entirely dedicated to a Blue Lagoon tour, and I couldn’t recommend it more! I booked mine through GetYourGuide, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip 🥰 So let me share a bit about how it went so you know what to expect.
The tour started from Split’s lively promenade, where we boarded a small boat with about 20 other passengers. As we sailed away from the city, the views of Split faded behind us, and our first stop was the island of Šolta.
We had around 30 minutes to enjoy a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters.
Next up was the star of the show: the Blue Lagoon.And yes—the water really is just as turquoise and stunning as it looks in the photos! We spent a good amount of time swimming, relaxing, and soaking up the scenery. This is absolutely a must-visit spot in Croatia.
The final stop was Trogir, a small but incredibly charming town that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We had about 45 minutes to explore the historic center, which was just enough time to stroll through its narrow streets and see the main landmarks.
Some of the must-visit spots in Trogir are:
- St Lawrence Cathedral and bell tower (possible to climb to the top)
- John Paul II Square
- Kamerlengo Castle
- Tower of St Mark
- St Peter’s Church
- Marina
We returned to Split in the late afternoon, still in the same good mood that had followed us all day.
If you’re traveling with a group of friends, you might consider hiring a private boat with a skipper for more flexibility.
But for most travelers, the easiest and most affordable way to experience the Blue Lagoon is through an organized tour. There are plenty of options available, with different durations, but in my opinion, a half-day tour is more than enough to enjoy this magical place.
Explore available Blue Lagoon tours:
Day 4: Hvar
- 🚗 Driving time: Not much but you’ll spend 2h on the ferry to Hvar
- 😴 Where to sleep: Hvar (my recommendation: Apartments Jakic)
Day 4 of our Croatia itinerary will be entirely dedicated to exploring one of Croatia’s most worthwhile islands – Hvar!
While one day in Hvar gives you just a glimpse of what the island has to offer, it’s enough to fall in love with its charm and leave you wanting more.
If your itinerary allows, I highly recommend spending at least two days on Hvar to explore the island more thoroughly. But if you’re short on time (as I was), even a single day is absolutely worth it.
What is the best way to get to Hvar?
The most visited part of Hvar is its western side, home to Stari Grad and the town of Hvar. One of the most convenient and popular options is to take a ferry from Split to Stari Grad with Jadrolinija. The trip takes about 2 hours.
Alternatively, you can also take a ferry in Drvenik (1h40 drive from Split) to Sućuraj, which is at the other end of the island of Hvar. The drive is long, but the ferry trip is much shorter (30 minutes only).
How much does the ferry from Split to Hvar cost?
The price of the ferry ticket depends on the time of year you travel, the route you choose and whether you travel by foot, car, bicycle, etc. For example, in June 2022, I paid 58€/pax to travel by car from Split to Stari Grad.
However, the price without a car is much lower 😉. I suggest you check the most up-to-date prices directly on the Jadrolinija website.
Where to buy the ferry tickets?
Tickets must be purchased in advance directly on Jadrolinija’s website.
What are the available ferry timetables?
There are several options throughout the day, with more ferries per day in the high season. Again, here I also recommend you check the most up-to-date timetables on the Jadrolinija website according to the date of your trip. In my case, I chose to leave for Hvar on the 8:30 ferry and return the next day on the 7:45 ferry.
💡 EXTRA TIP: You must ensure that you arrive at the port at least 45 minutes before the time of departure if you’re travelling with a car.
Is it worth taking a car to Hvar?
If you really want to explore the island, I think it makes sense to bring a car with you, even though it will make the ferry trip more expensive.
You will have much more flexibility to visit the main points of interest on the island (Stari Grad, the historic centre of Hvar, Jelsa and many of the island’s beautiful beaches).
In case you are travelling without a car or do not intend to take the car to Hvar, there are some alternatives to visit the historical centre of Hvar:
- Take the Jadrolinija ferry from Split to Stari Grad and there take a bus (the bus schedule is coordinated with the ferry’s arrival) in the direction of Hvar’s historical centre.
- Renting a car in Hvar
- Choose another company with transport services between Split and the historical centre of Hvar (see this company for example)
- See one of several available day trip tours to Hvar
What to do in Hvar?
Apart from the wonderful beaches scattered around the island (I especially recommend Pokonji Dol beach and the more “natural” Malo Zaraće beach), there are many other things to visit/do in Hvar:
- Stari Grad (truly lovely!): Škor Square | St Stephen’s Church | Marina | Castle
- Hvar historical centre: Clock Tower | St Stephen’s Square and Cathedral | Franciscan Monastery
- Spanish fortress: incredible views over the historical centre of Hvar and the Pakleni islands
- Beach hopping on the Pakleni islands
- Visit the famous Carpe Diem club
- Have a sunset drink at the famous Hula Hula beach club
I know it can be a little confusing when it comes to choosing which of Croatia’s islands to visit.
If you can’t decide and want to visit more than one island in the short time you have, I suggest you check out one of the many tours available that include visits to more than one island:
Admittedly, the experience probably won’t be the most authentic, but this is a great way to maximise your time.
Accommodation in Hvar
I stayed at Apartments Jakic, just a few minutes walk from the historical centre of Hvar. The facilities were very simple, but the space was cared for and clean. Moreover, it was a real bargain and, to help things along, I had a great view of the Spanish Fortress from my room.
However, there are several options available to suit every taste:
- Hotel Podstine | Hvar De Luxe Apartments | Pharia Hotel and Apartments: good value for money and located near the beach, despite the longer distance to the centre
- Heritage Hotel Dea Hvar | Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort | Riva Marian Hvar Hotel: luxury accommodation with an unbeatable location close to the beach and breakfast included
Restaurants in Hvar
- La Bocca (€€): Italian restaurant with plenty of options available at affordable prices. I tried a pizza and the Caprese salad and everything was very good. Also, very nice outdoor space.
- Silk (€€): Asian restaurant with good value for money. However, the terrace is a bit impersonal and there is no table service.
- Hula Hula (€€€): the prices are exorbitant, but the atmosphere is really lively.
Day 5: Krka National Park
If you’re following this Croatia itinerary, day 5 starts bright and early. If you spent the night in Hvar, I recommend catching the 7:45 AM ferry, which gets you to Split just before 10:00 AM. From there, it’s about a 1-hour drive to Lozovac, the main entrance to Krka National Park, where your next adventure begins.
- 🚗 Driving time: 4h10 (325 km); Hvar – Split – Krka National Park – Plitvice Lakes
- 😴 Where to sleep: Plitvice (my recommendation: Camping Plitvice)
The entrance to the Krka National Park can be pre-purchased online. Both the opening hours of the park and the price of the tickets vary depending on the time of year, so I recommend consulting the most updated version of the tickets on the official website of the park.
There are 5 entrances available in the park, and these include free parking. They are:
- Lozavac: larger entrance and with more parking spaces available. This is the entrance I recommend because it is also the closest to the main attraction of the Park – Skradinski Buk waterfall
- Skradin: more limited parking, but here it is possible to take a boat to the main waterfall (included in the ticket price)
- Puljane
- Roški Waterfall
- Krka Monastery
The various points of interest in the park are a bit scattered and, in my opinion, the most agile way to visit them is by car. I suggest starting at the Skradinski Buk waterfall, and parking the car in Lozovac.
When you buy your tickets, you can choose to include a short bus ride that takes you from the ticket office area in Lozovac to the start of the trail to the waterfall.
Although the walking route from the Lozovac entrance is relatively short, it doesn’t significantly enhance the overall experience of visiting the park. Given that the shuttle bus is very affordable, I definitely recommend taking it.
Plus, you’ll avoid a steep uphill walk on the way back—making your visit a lot more comfortable!
The trail itself (starting after a short shuttle bus ride) is a 2 km circular route through some of the park’s most scenic landscapes.
The entire walk feels like a step into a postcard, with lush greenery, wooden footbridges, and tranquil streams. But the true highlight is that magical moment when Skradinski Buk waterfall comes into view—its sheer size and power are absolutely breathtaking!
💡 EXTRA TIP: Although in the past it was possible to bathe by the waterfall, this is no longer possible! So it’s not worth it to take a swimsuit with you.
From Lozovac, my recommendation is to make your way to the viewpoint over the island where the charismatic Visovac Monastery is located. The viewpoint in question is this one and you don’t need a Park ticket to visit it.
💡 EXTRA TIP: It is possible to visit the island by boat excursions that leave from the Skradinski waterfall. The trip takes 2 hours and the stop on the island is 30 minutes.
I suggest ending your visit to Krka National Park at the Roški waterfall. Unlike the previous viewpoint, this one requires you to show your Krka National Park ticket again for entry. While it may feel less impressive after experiencing the grandeur of Skradinski Buk, it’s still a lovely spot worth visiting.
There are a few trails by the waterfall, including one that takes you to the Oziđana pećina cave. However, I found the cave uninteresting, and not worth the effort of climbing over 500 steps to get there.
Still, I suggest climbing a few steps towards the cave to a first viewpoint where you can see the flowing water that forms the waterfall.
💡 EXTRA TIP: This waterfall can also be visited by boat excursions that depart from the Skradinski waterfall. The trip takes 4 hours and includes a 30-minute stop on the island of Visovac and a 1h30 stop at the Roški waterfall.
Of course, there are other interesting places to visit in the Krka National Park, such as the Manojlovački waterfall and the Krka Monastery. For this, I suggest you extend your stay in this park to a full day.
After visiting Krka National Park, drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park – a place to explore the next day. The drive takes about 2 hours.
Day 6: Plitvice Lakes National Park
- 🚗 Driving time: 2h30 (140 km); Plitvice Lakes National Park – Zagreb
- 😴 Where to sleep: Zagreb (my recommendation: Smile&Love Republic Zagreb Center)
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s ex-libris and therefore a must-visit in Croatia.
The park is still quite large, so I highly recommend dedicating 1 full day to it. It will be an amazing day, full of breathtaking landscapes. Get ready for majestic waterfalls, blue-green lakes that will be hard to forget and walkways in the middle of nature.
If I had to choose my favourite places in Croatia, the Plitvice Lakes would certainly be on top of the list. Although a visit to the lakes is relatively simple to organise, you should always plan ahead to ensure you get the most out of your day.
So I wrote a post with a complete guide with everything you need to know before visiting the Plitvice Lakes: where to park, which entrance to choose, the best route, where to stay, places to eat, etc.
💡 EXTRA TIP: On the drive to Zagreb, if you have some time available, I suggest a short stop in the village of Rastoke, located a few kilometres from the Plitvice Lakes. This village looks like something out of a fairy tale, with its houses built over waterfalls.
Accommodations in Plitvice
I stayed at Camping Plitvice, which is just a few minutes drive from either entrance to the Plitvice Lakes National Park. In addition to the mobile homes being very comfortable, the breakfast was very comforting for a day of walking.
Camping Plitvice is also an excellent option for those travelling by caravan as it has dedicated spaces for this type of travellers.
Day 7: Zagreb
- 🚗 Driving time: None
- 😴 Where to sleep: Zagreb (my recommendation: Smile&Love Republic Zagreb Center)
Our time in Croatia is coming to an end, and we couldn’t leave without visiting its capital — Zagreb. While some may describe the city as dull, I found it quite the opposite: vibrant, full of character, and the perfect place to wrap up an incredible journey through Croatia.
💡 EXTRA TIP: I suggest you drop the car off the day before as for this last day in Zagreb you will not need a car. If you have to leave the car at the airport, you can easily get back to the city centre by bus. There is a shuttle option (Pleso prijevoz) to the Zagreb bus station (the journey takes about 30 minutes). Alternatively, there is the ZET 290 bus that goes to Kvaternik square and takes 1h15.
In my opinion, there are some places that cannot be missed on your Zagreb itinerary. These are Petar Preradović square, the Grič tunnel, the “secret” Oktogon passage, St Mark’s church, the Cathedral and Tkalčićeva street.
Also be sure to climb the Lotrščak tower, from where you get one of the best views of the Croatian capital, including St. Mark’s church.
However, Zagreb has even more places to visit. Find out the ideal 1-day itinerary in Zagreb and even more practical tips to visit the city.
Accommodation in Zagreb
Since I no longer had a car in Zagreb, I prioritized staying somewhere very central. I ended up choosing Smile&Love Republic Zagreb Center. Located inside an old building, the flats were comfortable and equipped with a kitchenette.
The check-in and check-out process was smooth and straightforward, even though the accommodation doesn’t have a traditional reception. While breakfast isn’t provided, there’s a Mlinar bakery conveniently located right across the street.
Must-try food in Croatia
You know how much I love trying local food in the countries I visit. For that very reason, visiting Croatia meant trying some of its typical food. Here are my top recommendations.
- Black risotto: the black colour of the risotto comes from cuttlefish ink and it’s really tasty
- Fritule: some fried balls covered with sugar and cinnamon
- Pašticada: meat stewed for several hours and usually served with a thick red wine-based sauce
- Soparnik: a kind of pie made with Swiss chard. It tastes a bit strange.
- Rožata: a kind of pudding made with a regional liqueur
Final thoughts on this Croatia road trip
Wrapping up this unforgettable Croatia roadtrip, it’s clear that 7 days is just enough to fall in love with this diverse and captivating country.
From historic cities and island escapes to national parks and coastal gems, this Croatia 7 day itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether you follow it exactly or adapt it to your own travel style, one thing is certain: you’ll leave Croatia wanting more.
What are most excited about to visit in Croatia? Drop a comment below and share your experiences, tips, or questions.
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