Are you planning a trip to Croatia with family? You hit the right click! We have crafted the perfect Croatia itinerary that lets you explore the best of Croatia in 14 days from the unique capital of Zagreb to the historic coastal cities of Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, and Rovinj to Croatia’s famous national park of Plitvice Lakes to the stunning island of Vis to the day trip to neighboring countries of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a nutshell, on our Croatia travel itinerary, you’ll witness the best places to visit in and around Croatia with helpful tips to make the most of your Croatia vacation. Intrigued? Read on!

This Croatia road trip itinerary perfectly fits the families who love road-tripping and needs you to rent a car. We love Rentalcars.com when it comes to renting a car anywhere in the world.

Croatia Itinerary: Best of Croatia in 14 Days

Croatia is everything magical! With pristine beaches, awe-inspiring islands, untouched natural wonders, well-preserved old towns, delectable local cuisine, and endless sunshine – Croatia is every traveler’s dream come true. Well, I didn’t mention the GoT connection because I’m not a fan. But, Visiting Croatia can be the ultimate fix for the Game of Thrones fans.

Must Read: Best Places to Visit in Croatia

2-Weeks in Croatia Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb | Day at Leisure

Welcome to Zagreb, an inland capital of the country known as the land of thousand islands (no pun intended!) Zagreb with its undying charm and personality is way more than just a gateway to Croatia’s coastline – it’s an absolute experience. “A perfect introduction to Croatia’s culture, history, and food,” I thought to myself as I roamed the streets of Zagreb. Zagreb grows on you, slowly and steadily.

Pick your rental car from the airport and head to your hotel or Airbnb to get some much-needed rest. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure or explore a place or two near your hotel or just stroll the streets of Zagreb to get familiar with the city depending upon the time you arrive in Zagreb.

Where to Stay in Zagreb? We’d recommend staying in the city center as it’s where the soul of Zagreb lies. If you love Airbnb like us, you’d want to soak up the old town feel at a charming three-level loft (Here are some of the best Airbnbs in Zagreb) and for those who prefer hotels, Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria is the best bet! If you’re willing to splurge, you can book a memorable stay at the Iconic Hotel Esplanade. Hotel or Airbnb, make sure that you have got secure parking on the premises for your rental car.

Read More: A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Visiting Zagreb

Day 2: Explore Zagreb

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Otto&Frank located on the Tkalčićeva street (try their exemplary Zagreb Breakfast) or at Simple Green located on Jablanska Ulica (try their falafel wrap).

Zagreb City Center is divided into Upper Town (Old Town or Gornji Grad) and Lower Town (New Town or Donji Grad). The Upper Town (divided into two parts – Gradec and Kaptol) is best explored on foot. The major attractions of Upper Town are Ban Josip Jelačić Square, Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, Stone Gate, The Museum of Broken Relationships, St Mark’s Square, Lotrščak Tower, and Strossmayer Promenade.

Once you are done with the Upper Town and its attractions, you can ride the world’s shortest funicular to reach the Lower Town.

Head to Heritage – Croatian Street Food & Shop at Petrinjska Ulica for an absolute gastronomical experience in Zagreb. A small place with a limited seating arrangement, Heritage manages to grab the #1 position among restaurants in Zagreb. How? Well, you must taste their authentic Croatian food (Cro-bites) to know the answer.

Now, it’s time to tick the attractions of Lower Town off your list of things to do in Zagreb in one day. The top attractions of Lower Town include Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square, King Tomislav Square, Art Pavilion, Botanical Gardens, Lenuci’s Horseshoe, Flower Square, The Oktogon, and Napredak Skyscraper.

End your day with the best fine dining experience in Zagreb at Zinfandels.

PS: You can’t leave Zagreb before you taste Štrukli at La Štruk!

What did I love about Zagreb? It’s unpretentious. It is what it is.

Read Next: Best Things to do in Zagreb

Day 3: Zagreb to Rovinj | Explore Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč

Day 3 starts early. pretty early. You have to drive from Zagreb to Rovinj, a charming town on Istria’s west coast. The heart-shaped Istrian peninsula with its captivating towns is made to steal the hearts of the visitors. Istria, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, lies in 3 countries – Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy.

Croatian Istria region is divided into Blue Istria (coastline) and Green Istria (Inland). Some of the most beautiful places in Istria are Rovinj, Bale, Pula, Poreč, Duga Uvala, Motovun, Oprtalj, Grožnjan, and Buzet.

You can mix and match the towns in Blue and Green Istria depending upon the time on hand. You can even combine the towns of Slovenian Istria like Piran and Trieste or even visit Venice on a ferry from the coastal towns of Croatian and Slovenian Istria.

If you’ve just a day to explore Istria (24 hours – it’s crazy, I know) and the best bet is to cover Rovinj, Pula, and Poreč. First off, drive to Pula (3 hours) and then continue to Rovinj (45 minutes), and then travel another 45 minutes to Poreč.

Rovinj Old Town, Rovinj Marina, St Euphemia Cathedral, and Lim Fjord are the best places to visit in Rovinj. Pula Arena (best-preserved Roman amphitheater) makes Pula worthy of the Istria bucket list. A 2000 years Poreč Old Town with a UNESCO World Heritage site of Euphrasian Basilica is enchanting.

You can choose to stay in Pula, Rovinj, or Poreč.

Where to stay in Pula? Giardini Penthouse apartment Pula

Where to eat in Pula? Istrian pasta and pizza at TiVoli and burritos and rice at Street Food Two

Where to stay in Rovinj? Angelo d’Oro Apartment Monte or Hotel Adriatic

Where to eat in Rovinj? Tutto Bene and Bookeria

Where to stay in Poreč? Apartman POREČ CENTER SEA or Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence

Where to eat in Poreč? Restaurant Artha and Concettino Sandwich & Croissant Caffe

Day 4: Rovinj to Plitvice Lakes | Explore Plitvice Lakes

One of the most beautiful national parks in Europe, Plitvice Lakes is stunning beyond words. Your Croatia itinerary is incomplete without Plitvice on it. Today, you’re going to witness this natural wonder. A little over 3 hours journey from Rovinj takes you to Plitvice Lakes.

PS: If you’ve some more time, you can make a stopover at incredibly beautiful Croatian village of Rastoke.

If you start super early (5 am), you’ll be at the park by 9 am. That’s a good time to start. Make sure you book the tickets online in advance to get the desired slot.

There are 8 different programs (hiking paths) you can choose from. Program C (8 km) seems to cover most of the attractions (waterfalls and lakes) in Plitvice. Program K (18 km) is the most comprehensive one that takes around 6 to 8 hours to complete and demands stamina and of course, time.

Some travelers reach Plitvice in the evening and stay overnight in and around the park to get early access the next day. We explored the park the day we reached there and then stayed overnight near the park to relax after a day’s hiking.

Where to stay in Plitvice? We stayed at B&B Lady of the Lake in Jezerce. There are many beautiful Airbnbs and Hotels in and around Plitvice.

Read More: A Complete Guide to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Day 5: Plitvice Lakes to Zadar | Explore Zadar

Zadar is an easy 1 hour 30 minutes drive away from Plitvice Lakes. You can have a relaxed morning today and start your journey a little late.

Staying in the Old Town (where all the action is!) is crucial when you just have a day to explore a city. We stayed at Guest House Lenny Rooms and liked the fact that we could walk to most of the attractions in Zadar. Next time around, we’d love to stay at this charming and cozy apartment right in the heart of town.

Once settled, check out the Zadar Old Town. The highlights of the Old Town are Roman Forum, St. Donatus’ Church, and Zadar Cathedral. Climb the Venetian bell tower for panoramic views over the city.

While you explore the Old Town and its historic gems, stop by at Bob Rock’s Ice Cream Shop for a scoop of the best ice-cream in Zadar. If hungry, dine-in at Restoran Bruschetta for the scrumptious Mediterranean food.

You can choose to go back to your apartment or hotel to catch a siesta to get refreshed for an evening walk along the Riva promenade. Here, you’ll witness the tow of the most popular and unique attractions in Zadar – Sea Organ and Monument to the Sun aka Greetings to the Sun. Sea Organ is a pipe organ with about 35 pipes installed under the steps by the sea. Monument to the Sun is the solar-powered disc that explodes into colors as the sun goes down.

Listening to the sound created by the sea waves (Sea Organ) while gawking at the sun illuminating the floor under your feet (Monument to the Sun) – it’s going to be the most extraordinary sunset in your life! You’ll fall for Zadar

PS: With more days, you can take one or two of many day trips from Zadar. Nin, Dugi Otok, Pag Island, and Kornati Island. Or you can spend some time on the beautiful beaches in Zadar – Kolovare, Borik, and Vitrenjak.

You Might Want to Read: Best Things to do in Zadar

Day 6: Zadar to Split | Stop at Šibenik

The journey from Zadar to Split (about 2 hours) along the scenic coastal highway is beautiful. The pretty towns and villages (Biograd na moru, Šibenik, Primošten, Trogir, Solin, and more) along the way make for worthy stopovers, of course, if you’ve time. Or, else you can admire the dazzling Adriatic Sea from your car window.

PS: With another day on hand, you can add Kornati Islands NP. Biograd na moru serves as a land base to visit the Kornati. You can catch a bus from Biograd to Murter and a boat to Kornati Islands NP from Murter. Or else, you can add Krka National Park.

We narrowed it down to the bohemian town of Šibenik. St. Nicholas Fortress, Aquapark Dalmatia, Cathedral of St. James, and Šibenik’s Aquarium Terrarium are some of the best places to visit in Šibenik.

Šibenik has a delicious answer to your hunger – Pelegrini. It’s hands down the best place to eat in Šibenik.

Once you reach Split, head straight to your hotel or Airbnb to relax. After all, it was a hectic day!

Where to stay in Split? If you prefer Airbnb, this Traditional Stone House in Varoš is perfect for your stay in Split. For those who like to stay in hotels, we recommend Villa Split Heritage Hotel.

Read More: A First Timer’s Travel Guide to Split

Day 7: Explore Split

Start your day with a healthy breakfast at Fig Split. They are located inside the Diocletian’s Palace. Now that you have stuffed your face and tummy with a delicious breakfast, start your exploration at Diocletian’s Palace, the heart and soul of Split.

The city is built in and around this UNESCO-listed palace. The major attractions within the palace are The Cellar and Basement Hall, Peristyle or Peristil, Vestibule, Cardo, Split Cathedral, Town Gates, Gregory of Nin Statue, and Split Old Town with its narrow streets and squares.

After Diocletian’s Palace exploration, you deserve a drink of your choice at one of the charming cafes on the Riva Promenade. Our favorite is Brasserie on 7.

Stroll the Riva Promenade or just sit by the water or shop for souvenirs at various tiny local shops on the Riva. You can enjoy a scrumptious lunch at  Konoba Matejuska or Marta’s Veggie Fusion.

It’s time to hike Marjan Hill aka lungs of Split for some amazing views over the city.

Are you tired? Hell ya! Let’s head to Trstenik Beach and soak in some sun, sand, and energy. You can stay on the beach as long as you want or plan a day trip to Klis Fortress, about 12 km from Split (Psst…I know you want to just relax! But GOT Fans must know about Klis, you see.)

Late evening, you have got a ferry from Split to Vis. Jadrolinija ferry offers beautiful views of the sea apart from great meals. You can take your rental car with you on the ferry. The journey takes a little over 2 hours.

PS: We chose Vis island out of all the Croatian islands for reasons of our own. You also have options to select Hvar, Brač , Korčula, or Šolta.

Where to stay on Vis Island? We stayed in this cozy apartment in  Marine Zemlje and enjoyed every bit of our stay. For hotel preferers, Hotel San Giorgio is a great choice.

Read More: Best Things to do in Split

Day 8: Explore Vis

Let’s start our exploration with Gusti Poja, a restaurant that serves traditional Dalmatian breakfast. Because no army can march on an empty stomach.

Start with the ancient monuments (Issa town walls) in the town of Vis. Have your dose of caffeine at Bistro Frutarija before you take on the streets of one of the prettiest and oldest parts of Vis, Kut. You can’t deny its charm.

Once you’ve seen the best of Vis attractions, you can take a Vis Military Tour.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to catch the last rays of sun hugging the Vis harbor.

Hungry? Head to Konoba Stoncica for delectable dinner.

You Might Like: A Complete Guide to Vis Island

Day 9: Explore Komiza | Blue Cave Tour | Beach Hopping in Vis

How about making breakfast for yourself? Today’s going to be a long day, so treat yourself to a great breakfast at your Airbnb. Well, for those staying in hotels, you can enjoy breakfast cooked by your hotel chef.

You must start your exploration by 9 am to cover everything on today’s itinerary. We’ll explore Komiža and beyond, today.

Located on the western coast of the island of Vis, the historic old town of Komiža is home to St. Nicholas Monastery, the church of Our Lady of the Pirates, and Komiza Fortress.

Did you like Komiza? You loved it! See, I told you. Let’s go beyond Komiza then. Make sure you’ve already booked a day trip to the Blue Cave from Komiza. The best time to start the tour will be around 11 am.

Board the boat to experience something unique. Yes, the boat will take you to one of the most unusual natural wonders in Croatia, Blue Cave, located on the island of Biševo. This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime-experience for you. It takes anywhere around 2 to 3 hours for the entire trip.

Enjoy a traditional Woodfired Pizza at Pizzeria Charley in Komiža.

Now, put on your swimming suit for some beachy fun. Vis Island boasts some of the best beaches in Croatia. We recommend visiting Stiniva and Srebrna.

Read More: A Complete Guide to Blue Cave in Croatia

Day 10: Split to Dubrovnik

Today’s gonna be a busy day. You must get up super early to board a ferry back to Split from Vis (2 hours). Then, there’s a long drive (about 4 hours) from Split to Dubrovnik. Make sure you pack snacks in your car as you’ll have no time to stop by for breakfast. Or you can have a good breakfast at a restaurant in the ferry.

You’ll reach Dubrovnik by afternoon and obviously, would want to relax at your hotel or Airbnb. We stayed at this Gorgeous 2-Bedroom Apartment. You can choose one of the many beautiful Airbnbs in Dubrovnik.

After you’ve relaxed and eaten to the core, get ready to explore Dubrovnik Old Town. Walk the Old Town and admire its treasures. The Old Town shines like magic in the evening. It’s the best time to explore Dubrovnik Old Town if you’re traveling in summer.

Read Next: Best Things to do in Dubrovnik

Day 11: Explore Dubrovnik

Today, you can start your day by touring Old City walls and fortresses (of course after having breakfast!) The city walls are around 2 km long with about 16 towers and bastions, and 5 fortresses. It’ll take somewhere around 2.5 hours to 3 hours to explore the entire thing. There are many cafes and restaurants where you can eat and relax.

Now, take a cable car to Mount Srdj for some amazing views. After that, you can plan a trip to Lokrum Island which is a short ferry ride from Old City port, or take a Game of Thrones Tour.

Day 12: Day Trip to Montenegro

You can drive from Dubrovnik to Montenegro or can take one of the many day tours from Dubrovnik to Montenegro. Montenegro needs at least a week’s time to explore but if you just have a day to explore the tiny Balkan nation, here’s how you can do it!

Day 13: Day Trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Again, you can use your rental car to drive from Dubrovnik to Bosnia and Herzegovina or can pick a guided tour from Dubrovnik to BiH that suits your needs.

The major attractions you’d want to tick off on your day trip are Moster Bridge, Pocitelj, and Medjugorje.

PS: Apart from Montenegro and BiH, you also have options to take day trips to Elaphite Islands, Mljet island, and Pelješac Peninsula from Dubrovnik.

Day 14: Depart Dubrovnik | Fly Back Home

Goodbyes are hard. And they are harder when it comes to an utterly beautiful and welcoming country like Croatia. It’s time to bid goodbye but with a promise to come back again.

If you’ve booked an open-jaw flight, you can do last minute shopping or exploration in Dubrovnik depending upon at what time you’ve your flight back home.

If you’ve booked a roundtrip flight and are flying out of Zagreb, drive your way back (6 hours) to Zagreb for an evening or late night flight.

And here we’ve come to an end of our Croatian adventure! Hope our road trip itinerary for Croatia helps you plan a perfect trip to Croatia. If it does, please let us know about your Croatia holidays in the comments section below.

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