Croatia is a dream destination with its stunning coastline, historic towns, and delicious cuisine. Planning 2 weeks in Croatia allows you to experience the best of what this beautiful country offers. From exploring ancient cities to swimming in crystal-clear waters, here is your ultimate guide for an unforgettable two-week Croatian vacation.
2 weeks in Croatia Itinerary
- 3 Nights Hvar
- 2 Nights Korcula
- 3 Nights Dubrovnik – day tours to Montenegro and Bosnia
- 2 Nights Split
- 1 Night Plitvice
- 2 Nights Zagreb
3 nights in Hvar
Arrive: Split, take ferry to Hvar
Start your trip on Hvar, a glam party island. Enjoy wine tasting and sailing to the Pakleni Islands. Savor meals at Dalmatino and Bunar, and ice cream at l’amor per il gelato. Want to sunbathe? Take a very rocky and steep walk down to Pokonji dol Beach (190 Kuna for two chairs and an umbrella). Another alternative is to take a taxi to Bilin Zal Beach, which is actually sandy (a rarity in Croatia). Note none of the restaurants at this beach take credit cards. So, if you’re short on cash, walk down the beach to Pizzaria Torkul, which is cheap and tasty, albeit very slow.
Stay: Palace Elizabeth (luxury), Villa Nora (moderate), Pine Beach Villa
2 nights in Korcula
Hop on a ferry to Korcula, a more casual island. Don’t miss the stellar Lole Wine and Tapas Bar, perhaps my favorite restaurant of the entire trip. Sample the locally grown white Grk wine on a bike and winery tour. Read more about our time in Korcula.
On our private transfer, we stopped at Matusko and Miloš wineries for tastings. Don’t miss the award-winning olive oil at Miloš. In addition, we were lucky enough to stop during our transfer to taste oysters in Ston. We enjoyed a private feast of fresh-from-the-sea oysters on a lovely wooded beach. It was heavenly!
Stay: Hotel Korsal (moderate), Aminess Korcula (moderate), Tara’s Lodge (luxury small hotel), Villa Soul Sisters (family villa)
3 nights in Dubrovnik
You will probably recognize this gorgeous town from Game of Thrones, although you may not be able to see it through the throngs of tourists. I went at a historically slow time because cruise ships weren’t docking, and it was still overwhelmingly crowded. Beat the heat and the crowds by getting up at the crack of dawn. Our favorite restaurant was Taj Mahal for Bosnian, and don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditional peka dinner at a locals’ home, which was a highlight of my 2 weeks in Croatia.
Read more about our peka dinner.
Stay: Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik (luxury), Villa Nobile (moderate), Hotel Excelsior (luxury family-friendly)
Day trips from Dubrovnik during your 2 weeks in Croatia
Strictly speaking, some of our 2 weeks in Croatia were spent outside of its borders. Dubrovnik is a great jumping-off point for adventure tours or day trips to Montenegro and Mostar. We kayaked to Lokrum island, and while quite strenuous, it made for a beautiful day on the water and gave us access to amazing caves. The day trips make for a long day, and you can get stuck at borders, but we’re glad we made both trips. In Montenegro, you can see Perast fishing village, our Lady of the Rocks church, Kotor Bay, and dramatic mountain views in Old Town Kotor.
In Mostar, be sure to stop for lunch at Urban Grill which has an amazing view of Mostar’s famous bridge, where you can watch brave local divers tempt fate as you indulge in local wine and huge servings of mixed meat for one that could easily serve two. With our private tour, we were also able to stop on the drive from Dubrovnik to Mostar for fresh out-of-the-ocean oysters. Compared to Dubrovnik, Mostar is also a great option for gift shopping with many similar items and much lower prices. Worth noting, Mostar is center of the sun hot in the summertime. I was caught off guard that 100 degrees is a typical daily temperature in summer.
2 nights Split
Head back to Split to enjoy this lively, charming seaside town. Enjoy dinner at trendy pizza hotspot Bokamora , take a stroll, and do some top-notch people-watching on the Riva. The next night, an elegant dinner at Bokeria impressed us. Old Town offers well-preserved ruins including a sphinx. We were tired of rocky beaches and wanted a day to recoup from all of our activities, so we opted to rent a sunbed at Radisson Blu. It’s pricy and blasting club music, but it was a good option for some R&R.
Stay: Heritage Hotel Antique Split (luxury), Cornaro Hotel (moderate), Makarun Heritage (luxury family)
1 night near Plitvice
The one miss of our itinerary was the underwhelming Zadar. My recommendation is to skip it during your two weeks in Croatia. Instead, spend a low-key evening closer to Plitvice so you can get an earlier jump on your visit there. Plitvice is a must for nature lovers. If you get there early enough to beat the bus tours, you can enjoy the gorgeous blue waterfalls and walk around the park without too many traffic jams.
Next, we stopped during our drive from Split to Zadar at Trogir and Bibich Winery. The former was a pretty town that you don’t need long in, and the latter was actually a bit of a disappointment. Perhaps because it’s so well known, they didn’t seem very customer service oriented, and we were stuck in a blazing hot outdoor seat despite the indoors appearing to have room.
Stay: Plitvica River House
2 nights Zagreb
While this interior capital city doesn’t get a lot of love from tourists compared to the coast, it was quite pleasant, and a good option for flying back home. A Zagreb food tour was a great opportunity to try some of the heartier dishes this town is known for. Don’t miss La Struk, famed for its štrukli, a cheesy white lasagna-like dish usually for celebratory events, or sample some wines in the atmospheric Vinoteka Bornstein.
Stay: Esplanade Zagreb (luxury), Main Square Dream (family-friendly apartment)
Depart: Zagreb
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Island Hopping in Croatia
Island hopping is a quintessential Croatian experience. Here are some must-visit islands to consider for your 2 week Croatia itinerary:
- Hvar: Known for its nightlife and historic charm, Hvar offers a blend of energy and relaxation. Explore lavender fields and ancient fortresses.
- Korčula: Often called “Little Dubrovnik,” Korčula boasts medieval architecture and is reputedly the birthplace of Marco Polo.
- Vis: Famous for its unspoiled beauty and the Blue Cave, Vis is ideal for those seeking tranquility.
- Brač: Home to the iconic Zlatni Rat beach, perfect for windsurfing and picturesque villages like Bol.
- Elaphiti Islands: Just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, these islands are perfect for travelers looking for tranquil beaches and scenic hiking trails.
- Lopud: This car-free island offers sandy beaches and easy walking paths, ideal for younger children.
- Mljet: Known for its stunning national park, visitors can enjoy cycling, kayaking, and exploring two saltwater lakes.
Best Experiences to Enjoy If You Have Less Than 2 Weeks in Croatia
If you have less than 2 weeks in Croatia, here are the experiences I’d prioritize:
- Sailing the Dalmatian Coast: Exploring Croatia’s coast is a must. Join a group sailing tour to explore hidden coves and islands and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
- Walking Dubrovnik’s City Walls: Experience panoramic views of the Adriatic and the historic city. The well-preserved walls offer insights into Dubrovnik’s rich past. Take a guided tour to get the most out of your time in Dubrovnik.
- Exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park: Wander through a series of cascading lakes and waterfalls in this UNESCO World Heritage site. The park’s wooden footbridges and crystal-clear waters create a mesmerizing experience. Go on a day tour from Split, or consider a tour that combines transportation between Zagreb and Split with a visit to Plitvice.
- Wine Tasting in Istria: Savor local wines like Malvasia and Teran in the picturesque vineyards of the Istrian peninsula. The region’s rolling hills and medieval towns add to its charm. Book a wine tour so you have a designated driver and access to the best wineries.
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Combining Croatia with Neighboring Destinations
Have more than two weeks? Enhance your trip by exploring nearby countries, each offering unique experiences.
- Slovenia: Just a short drive from Zagreb, Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, charms visitors with its picturesque old town and vibrant cultural scene. Lake Bled, with its fairy-tale island church and castle, is a must-see.
- Montenegro: Easily accessible from Dubrovnik, Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor features stunning fjord-like landscapes and historic towns like Kotor and Perast. A day trip offers a taste of its natural beauty and rich history, but extend your stay to spend more time exploring this beautiful country.
Croatia Vacation Costs
Croatia caters to various budgets, offering a range of experiences from budget-friendly to luxurious.
- Budget Travel: Hostels and guesthouses range from $20-$50 per night. Local eateries offer meals for $10-$15. Public transport is affordable, with intercity bus tickets around $10-$30.
- Mid-Range: Comfortable hotels or private accommodations cost between $90-$150 per night. Dining at mid-range restaurants may cost $20-$40 per meal. A mix of self-guided activities and group or private tours. Car rentals average $40-$70 per day.
- Luxury Travel: High-end hotels and villas start at $200 per night and can go up significantly. Fine dining experiences range from $50 upwards. Private tours, transfers, and yacht charters are available for exclusive experiences.
2 Weeks in Croatia FAQs
Plan Your Own 2 Weeks in Croatia
Read more about Adventurous Tastes’ recommendations for Korcula or Hvar and how to enjoy a traditional Croatian peka dinner. If you’re planning a family trip to Croatia, don’t miss our family travel guide.
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Adventurous Tastes is reader-supported. I’ve included affiliate links in this post and may receive commissions for purchases made through them.
Updated January 2025
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