Ultimate Highlights of Croatia: 7 Days in Split, Dubrovnik, and Plitvice Lakes
Croatia is a destination that stole my heart. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and beautiful coastlines, it’s a place that offers something for every type of traveler. I spent 7 days in Croatia traveling through Split, Dubrovnik, and Plitvice Lakes, each place offering its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences. I was even able to take a day trip to the nearby Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here’s a look at the must-see spots in Croatia that made this trip so unforgettable.
Split
There are multiple options for flying into Croatia but we chose to start our journey in Split, which is the second largest city in Croatia and located on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. A great way to begin exploring is to wander through Diocletian’s Palace—a UNESCO World Heritage site at the heart of the Old Town. The Riviera is also a must-see, where you can relax, enjoy the views, and indulge in some delicious gelato. Make sure to check out the sunset from Marjan Hill, for a breathtaking view of Split. The panoramic vista over the city is the perfect way to end the day.
Island Hopping Day Tour
One of the highlights of our trip was a speedboat island-hopping tour from Split. We visited several beautiful spots including the famous Bisevo blue caves, Vis, Stiniva Cove, Budikovak Island, and Hvar.
Our first stop was Bisevo where we saw Monk Seal Cave and the famous Blue Cave where you can see an incredible natural phenomenon of glowing blue water caused by light reflecting off the white sandbed.
Next we stopped by Vis and the fisherman village of Komiza, where you could enjoy pebbly beaches and waterfront cafes.
The third stop was Stiniva Cove, hidden between massive stone walls, and once considered the most beautiful beach in Europe! At this stop you can jump off the boat for the unique experience of swimming in the crystal-clear waters of this stunning cove.
The fourth stop was Budikovak Island. This island has a gorgeous blue lagoon where we enjoyed snorkeling and a met a quirky local—a donkey who frequents the beach and is rumored to enjoy the occasional drink.
The last stop is at the beautiful island of Hvar where you can have lunch and hike up to the Fortress while taking in stunning views of Hvar town and nearby islands
If you have more time in Split, consider a full day trip to Hvar to explore more of the island including the lavender fields or take a day-trip to another island nearby like Brac where you can swim on picture-perfect white sandy beach.
Dubrovnik
After our time in Split, we made our way to Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute must-see on any Croatian itinerary. The city is a blend of stunning medieval architecture, pristine beaches, and rich history. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, it’s an especially exciting destination as many of the iconic scenes for King’s Landing were filmed here.
A standout spot for Game of Thrones enthusiasts is Fort Lovrijenac, which served as the backdrop for the Red Keep in the series. Fort Lovrijenac is a medieval fortress, perched on a cliff with spectacular views of the Dubrovnik’s old town offering some great photo opportunities.
One of the first things you’ll want to do in Dubrovnik is walk along the iconic City Walls. These ancient fortifications offer some of the best views in the city, with sweeping panoramas of the Old Town, the shimmering blue sea, and the nearby islands. But be prepared – it can get very hot up there, and there is limited shade so I recommend planning your visit early in the day.
If you’re looking for even more breathtaking vistas, don’t miss the Srd Hill Cable Car. Taking the cable car to the top of Mount Srd offers panoramic views of Dubrovnik, its surrounding islands, and the sparkling sea below. It’s an ideal spot for unforgettable photos, particularly during sunset.
We We also took a day trip to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While Dubrovnik itself has so much to offer, this side trip was an incredible opportunity to experience a completely different culture and landscape. Mostar, with its famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) and Ottoman-influenced architecture, felt like stepping into a different world.
If you have extra time in Dubrovnik, you could also consider taking a boat to one of the nearby islands, such as Lokrum. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, take some time to enjoy Dubrovnik’s cliffside bars. There are several bars and restaurants perched on the cliffs that offer incredible views and the perfect setting to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat while watching the sunset over the Adriatic.
Bonus: Day Trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina
During our day-trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, we visited Pocitelj, the Blagaj Tekke (Dervish Monastery), and Mostar. Pocitelj is a historic village, that can be found a rocky cliff just a few miles south of Mostar. It represents one of the few towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina that preserved its integrity from the Middle Ages, where it had major strategic importance.
The Blagaj Tekke a picturesque Dervish monastery that can be found nestled under a vast cliff by the source of the Buna river. The peaceful setting, with the clear river flowing beside the monastery, was one of my favorite places on this trip.
In Mostar, we walked along the cobble stone streets, winding through the colorful Bazar Kujundziluk. We made our way to the banks of the Neretva river to view the Stari Most (Old Bridge), and watched cliff jumpers from a nearby coffee shop where we had fresh juice and Turkish coffee. Mostar has been home to a historic bridge jumping competition for over 450 years, where divers jump off the Stari Most into the waters of the Neretva river below.
The Stari Most was built in the 1500s by the Ottomans and then later reconstructed after the original was destroyed in the war. The city of Mostar was named after the keepers of the bridge (Mostar). Although we didn’t have time on our trip, I highly recommend climbing the minaret of the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque for the best panoramic reviews of the city and the Old Bridge.
If you’re looking for more natural beauty and have some extra time, I also recommend visiting Kravice Falls, especially if you’re not planning to visit Plitvice Lakes. The falls are stunning and a great spot to cool off and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
And don’t forget to bring your passport if you plan on crossing borders—it’s essential for entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Plitvice Lakes
The cities we visited were beautiful, but what actually brought me to Croatia was Plitvice Lakes. I had seen a picture of this place years ago while I was in college and seeing the lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and clear turquoise lakes was on my bucketlist since then, and they didn’t disappoint. It is easiest to get to Plitvice Lakes by renting a car, but it’s also accessible via public transportation. We flew from Dubrovnik to Zagreb as it was easiest to for us to coordinate taking a day trip to Plitivce Lakes with our return flight from Zagreb.
We took an early morning bus to Plitvice Lakes, and the journey is about two hours. You definitely want to get to the park as early as possible because the trails can get crowded, and it’s easier to enjoy the natural beauty of the park without the hustle and bustle of tourists. The park offers various walking routes, but the most famous route includes a combination of paths, bridges, and boat rides that take you through stunning viewpoints over turquoise lakes and waterfalls.
If you want to make the most of your time in the park, I highly recommend taking the upper and lower lake trails. The lower lakes trail brings you closer to the waterfalls and lets you walk along the turquoise waters, while the upper lakes trail offers a panoramic view of the entire park, allowing you to appreciate the scale and beauty of the landscape.
After a day spent marveling at Plitvice’s natural wonders, we took the bus back to Zagreb to catch our flight home. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable 7-day trip through Croatia.
For even more photos, tips, and travel inspiration, don’t forget to find me on social media. I love sharing my adventures and helping others plan their perfect getaway!
You can also find detailed recommendations and itineraries on other travel destinations on my blog here.
