3 Weeks in Croatia Itinerary

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When I first visited Croatia, it was just a stop on my cruise. I really loved my experience because of how friendly the locals are and how diverse the attractions are.

From that moment on, I knew I wanted to come back to Croatia and spend more time exploring the other parts of this country.

Croatia is a country at the crossroads of Southeast and Central Europe, which shares a coastline along the picturesque Adriatic Sea. This country has a beautiful overall climate, with more than 2,500 hours of sun per year, picturesque ports, stunning cities, hundreds of islands, and the most beautiful coastline in Europe.

It’s so interesting that northern Croatia gives you a classic feeling of being in central Europe. Then you go down south, and you can enjoy the beautiful weather that makes you feel like you’re in Italy or Spain – but more affordable. >> ALSO READ: Affordable destinations for a 3-week trip

Croatia is known for its scenic pebbled beaches, lavender fields, pag cheese, and ancient Roman ruins, and it is one of the locations where Game of Thrones was beautifully filmed. You could see or experience these and more if you stay for 3 weeks in Croatia.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO CROATIA

4 images of places in Croatia - Plitvice Waterfalls, Dubrovnik Old Town, Zagreb Old Town, Hvar island - 3 weeks in Croatia itinerary

In December 2022, Croatia was accepted to be part of the Schengen State (although it has been part of the EU since 2013). There will be some changes to its rules, specifically in travel.

These pointers are essential to consider before travelling to avoid any mishaps or hassles and will also help you write your own travel itinerary.

When is the best time to go to Croatia

The summer season is from June to September, which is perfect for swimming, sailing, and island hopping. It is what Croatia is famous for. Those months are also the country’s peak season, while its winter season is from December to February. Its rainiest month is January.

The low season in Croatia is from October all the way to April. To those who are not looking to get on the water that much, you might want to avoid the high cost of peak season and travel during these months.

Winter can be a hit-and-miss in Croatia. While it is warmer here compared to central Europe, the wind that goes over the mountains towards the coastline can be very cold.

Are 3 weeks enough for Croatia

You can see and explore many places in Croatia in 20 days, but it all depends on what you want to do and how you plan your trip. If you want to travel slowly, you can visit 3-4 cities and take your time exploring – then 3 weeks might be sufficient.

You can also combine Greece and Croatia for 3 weeks if you feel like you have too much time in Croatia only.

What to pack

What to pack for Croatia differs a lot in a few ways. Due to its location, the temperature can vary greatly depending on the season. If you plan to visit during peak months, which is the summer, everything in Croatia gets pretty warm.

During that time, you want to make sure that you pack enough sunscreen, a hat, and breathable clothing. Bringing reliable walking shoes or sandals is also a must since holidaying in Croatia means hours of being on your feet while exploring.

But for those who decide to visit in the winter, springtime, and autumn seasons, it’s best to plan to do some layering to stay warm. Don’t plan on bringing thick and heavy jackets, as they will take up lots of space in your luggage.

Finally, if you have been prescribed medicine, bring enough with you. You should also pack the prescription letter with you. Although it’s not 100% that you can refill it in Croatia, it’s better to have the prescription letter. We have a general packing list for a 3-week trip or you can also check out our summer packing list.

How to get around

Driving is the best way to get around Croatia as it is convenient and flexible. The roads are also wide, modern, and easy to navigate. Croatia acknowledges driving licenses issued by most countries, including the EU, North America, Latin America, Africa, Oceania, and some parts of Asia.

However, most cars for rent in Croatia are manual (just like in France and Spain). Make sure you are comfortable driving a manual transmitter. If you have an IDP (International Driving Permit), that is also acceptable in Croatia.

Public transport is more appropriate if you are either a solo traveller or budget-conscious. However, some destinations have limited bus lines, and inter-city transport takes time. You can use Flixbus to book your bus and get a digital ticket.

There are ferries that you can take to get to the islands. Some of these are car ferries, so you can bring your rented car to the islands as well.

Language and currency

Croatia’s most spoken language is Croatian, followed by Bosnian and Serbian. Aside from that, English is also widely spoken and taught throughout the country, along with German and Italian.

Many Croatians are actually bilingual or multilingual. I had such an easy time communicating with the locals because of how well-spoken they were with English and the fact that they’re super friendly too.

Starting January 2023, Croatia started using the Euro since it’s been accepted as part of Schengen State. Major debit and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but it’s also better to be prepared and bring cash.

Average travel cost for Croatia

The average travel cost for Croatia will depend on a few factors. This includes the season you plan to go, how many people are going, and what kind of trip you have in mind (tight budget, mid-range, luxury). We also have an article on itineraries if you want to do Europe on a budget for 3 weeks.

Accommodations in Croatia, in general, are decently priced. For two people, a mid-range double room should cost around $45 per night. A bed in a hostel dorm room is approximately $15, while a luxury hotel room is about $100.

Transportation and food are also relatively cheap. Flights getting to Croatia could be the most expensive on your list, especially if you travel from the Americas or Asia. From Europe to Croatia, you should be able to find flights as cheap as $70 for one way.

For 20 days in Croatia, the average cost is about $1,500 per person, excluding the flights. If you plan to stay in hostel dorms, you can make the trip for under $1,100.

When it comes to luxury trips, prepare to plan about $3,500+ per person. Taking into account that accommodation alone would cost $300 per night in a 4 or 5-star hotel.

Don’t forget the flight cost because it’s not included here. If you’re coming from the US, you most likely have to connect somewhere.

Visa

Croatia is part of the EU, which means it implements the same visa policies as the other European Union members.

In general, travellers with passports issued by most countries in the Americas (except Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guinea), New Zealand, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and the UK can enter and stay in Croatia for up to 90 days in a 180-day calendar. Travellers with passports issued by an EU member have the freedom of movement in Croatia.

Starting January 2023, Croatia is now part of the Schengen States. This means that there is now an open border policy between Croatia and 26 other European countries.

If your passport is from the mentioned countries under the 90-day rule, you can only stay for 90 days in the area of Schengen States (not each country).

Other travellers must apply for a Schengen visa from the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate.

Other travel tips

To make your travel planning a little easier, here’s a quick list of the travel services I personally use. These travel sites have wide selections suitable to everyone regardless of your travel budget, as they offer options for those on the budget, mid-range, and people seeking luxury.

I also enjoy that many travel booking sites allow me to cancel my reservation even at the last minute. This means you can book in advance, choose the best hotels, and then cancel later if your travel date changes without losing too much money.

HOTELS
VISA
CAR RENTAL
TOURS
FLIGHTS
BUS (EU/US/CA)
TRAINS EUROPE
TRAIN/BUS (ASIA)
TOUR OPTIONS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TOURS (ASIA)
HOSTELS
BIKE RENTAL
ESIM
AIRPORT PICKUP

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN CROATIA

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN CROATIA ITINERARY

Croatia is a must-visit country not only for its scenery but also for the abundance of activities that you can do here. These include diving, sailing, hiking, ziplining, water rafting, and canyoning.

You could also quickly go island hopping by sailboat or even kayak, as there are islands that are very close to each other, making it easy to explore.

If you prefer to travel slowly, you can choose between seeing only Southern Croatia or Northern Croatia – both regions offer very different experiences. But if you want a piece of both, that’s also possible.

Below are some places where you’ll see tons of amazing sights during your 3 weeks in Croatia and try out new and exciting things. The itinerary below could also be done the other way around, such as starting in Dubrovnik and ending in Zagreb.

ALSO READ: How to spend 3 weeks in Southern Europe

Package tours

You can skip all the booking and travel arrangements by booking a package tour. This is when a tour company will handle everything for you, and all you need to pay is for it.

You can book a tour that only covers half od your 3 weeks in Croatia and do the rest on your own or book one that covers the whole trip – all up to you. Here are some options:

15 DAYS BALKAN (18-35 YEARS OLD)
8 DAYS CROATIA SAIL (18-35 YEARS OLD)
10 DAYS SAILD ITALY TO CROATIA (16 YEARS OLD AND UP)
15 DAYS MONTENEGRO AND CROATIA SAIL (16 YEARS OLD AND UP)
8 DAYS SPLIT TO DUBROVNIK SAIL (16 YEARS OLD AND UP)

Day-to-day overview

  • Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb – get an esim before you depart, pick up your car rental
  • Day 2-3: Explore Zagreb and go on a city tour
  • Day 4: Travel from Zagreb to Istria Peninsular (Pula) either by car or bus
  • Day 5-6: Travel around Istria Peninsula
  • Day 7: Get to Plitvice from Pula by car or bus
  • Day 8: Hike around Plitvice National Park
  • Day 9: Get to Zadar from Plitvice by car or bus
  • Day 10–11: Discover Zadar or simply relax
  • Day 12: Travel from Zadar to Split via car or bus
  • Day 13-15: Go on boat tours around Split and Hvar and see the Old Town
  • Day 16: Get to Dubrovnik from Split by driving (with car ferry), bus, or fly
  • Day 17-19: Enjoy Dubrovnik
  • Day 20: Fly home (either from Dubrovnik or fly to Zagreb first)

Zagreb for 3 days

2 images - Lotrscak Tower and Zagreb Cathedral

Zagreb has fewer tourists than other more famous places in Croatia, but it doesn’t mean it has no charms. In fact, it’s quite the opposite – this is the capital city, after all.

Zagreb is filled with historical sites comparable to a hybrid version of Budapest, Vienna, and Prague. It is a perfect starting point as there are tons of available day trips. Even flights from here to neighbouring countries are super affordable.

If you plan to travel with a vehicle, pick up your car rental in Zagreb and make sure you can drop it off in Dubrovnik.

Things to do in Zagreb

Accommodations in Zagreb

Istria Peninsula for 3 days

2 images - Pula Arena and Medieval Rovinj

Istria is the most stunning hilltop village, filled with old stone houses, cobblestone streets, quaint little shops, medieval churches, and endless vistas over the sea and the countryside.

Truffles, an expensive food throughout the world, are abundant in Istria. This means that when you come here, discover why truffles are finally worth the fuzz.

Pula is the ideal place to use as your home base while exploring the Istria Peninsula. This is where you’ll find most accommodation.

The fastest way to get to Istria is by driving, which takes around 3 hours. You can also take the bus which is more affordable and only takes 3 hours and 15 mins.

Another alternative option is via train, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, covering 196 miles through the Zagreb Glavani Kol. to Rijeka route.

Things to do in Istria Peninsula

Accommodations in Istria Peninsula/Pula

Plitvice Lakes National Park 2 days

2 images of aerial shot of Plitvice Lakes National Park

If you have 3 weeks in Croatia, you definitely have to visit this incredible national park. Plitvice Lakes is Croatia’s largest national park, spanning almost 30,000 hectares.

UNESCO considers it a World Heritage Site with forests, meadows, waterfalls, and other watercourses. The forests here are home to bears, wolves, and a couple of rare birds.

The best way to get to Plitvice from Pula is driving, which takes 3 hours and 15 mins, covering 257 km (160 mi)

Other alternative options include taking the bus, which has a travel duration of 14 hours or flying and then boarding the night bus, which has a travel time of 10 hours.

TIP: If you want to save some time, you can book a day trip to Plitvice Lakes from any major city, such as Zagreb, Zadar, and Split.

Things to do in Plitvice Lakes

Accommodations in Plitvice Lakes

Zadar for 3 days

2 images - Church of St. Donatus and Zadar Old Town

While staying for three weeks in Croatia, you should consider staying in Zadar for at least 2 days. It is the oldest consistently inhabited city in Croatia. Since it’s between Plitvice and Split, this is a nice stopover where you can visit a less-travelled Croatian city, which is also well-known for its beautiful sunset.

Other unique things in Zadar are Hitchcock, a giant public solar-powered dance floor, a big harmonica, and other installations that could only be found here. This city also has tons of music festivals all year round.

The journey from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar lasts almost 2 hours and covers 133 km (83 mi) via bus or 1 hour and 40 mins by car.

Things to do in Zadar

Accommodations in Zadar

Split and Hvar for 5 days

2 images - Krka Waterfalls and Split harbor - 3 Weeks in Croatia Itinerary

Split and Hvar are two of the most popular destinations on the Dalmatian Coast. Split is well-known for its historical buildings, fun nightlife, and world-class museum.

On the other hand, Hvar has landmarks that are considered UNESCO World Heritage sites. In fact, it’s the only island in the world with 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites – this is why you need plenty of time here.

Visit Split for its galleries, palaces, and Roman monuments that everyone can enjoy. It is also a great base from which to go island hopping. Hvar has scenic beaches, lush vineyards, secluded coves, and quaint coastal towns.

The bus ride from Zadar to Split is about 3 hrs and 35 minutes, but with a car, it’s only 1 hour and 40 mins (157 km / 97..5 mi)

If you want to go to Hvar, the travel time is 50 min via ferry and 2 hrs and 16 min via car ferry.

Things to do in Split and Hvar

Accommodations in Split

Dubrovnik for 4 days

2 images - Dubrovnik Old Town and pillars at Rector's Palace - 3 Weeks in Croatia Itinerary

Dubrovnik is among the most prominent destinations in the Mediterranean. It is even dubbed as the pearl of Adriatic. Hence, you should stay here for at least 4 days if you’re planning to stay for 20 days in Croatia.

This city is well-known for its marble pavings, medieval architecture, rich history and culture, and stunning landscapes.

Here’s a hot take though. Dubrovnik is beautiful, but it’s such a popular cruise destination that when a cruise ship docks, the city gets overrun. Queues on restaurants and tour sites are so long and if you’re visiting during summer, it gets incredibly hot.

Split to Dubrovnik covers a distance of 230 km (143 mi) and can be reached through 3 modes of transportation. The thing is, Split and Dubrovnik are separated by Bosnia and Herzegovina by land.

So, if you’re driving (option 1), when you reach Komarna, you need to take a ferry ride to Brijesta. From there, you can continue driving to Dubrovnik. This trip will take about 3 hours or more if there’s a wait time at the ferry port.

The travel time via bus (option 2) lasts 4 to 4.5 hours, 4.5 to 6 hours via catamaran charter, and 3.5 hours via private transfer.

Option 3 would be taking the ferry right from Split to Dubrovnik; there’s also a car ferry if you want to keep your car.

Another option is (option 4) to drop off your car rental in Split and be done with it. Then, fly from Split to Dubrovnik. However, there’s no direct flight and you’re still looking at somewhere around 4 hours.

Things to do in Dubrovnik

Accommodations in Dubrovnik

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN CROATIA ITINERARY

Croatia is full of historical sites as it has more than 2,000 years of cultural history. Dubrovnik city walls, Pula Amphitheater, and St. Mark’s Square are some of the historical places you could visit here. It also has numerous museums and churches.

For nature lovers, you’ll be ecstatic to know that it has eight national parks that are all worth visiting and foods that you wouldn’t be able to forget. Overall, Croatia is a stunning and fascinating country with something to offer everyone.

3 weeks in Croatia will be filled with visiting old towns, understanding the country’s history and culture, taking fun photos at Game of Thrones filming locations, visiting national parks, endless days on the beach, fantastic cruises, and lots of tasty food to try.

I hope this itinerary for 20 days in Croatia has helped you plan your own trip. I really had such great time there and I hope that you will as well.

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A 3-week Croatia itinerary includes exploring Dubrovnik's Old Town, sailing through the Adriatic islands, and visiting Split's Diocletian's Palace. Discover the beauty of Plitvice Lakes, relax on Hvar's beaches, and experience Zagreb's vibrant culture. via @threeweektraveller