With its historic landmarks and beautiful views, the waterfront city of Split, Croatia is a perfect place to spend a few blissful days on the Dalmatian Coast. Sea-lovers and history buffs flock to this picturesque seaside destination to experience the Adriatic Sea. Between its fascinating museums, bustling markets, and photogenic views, Split offers a variety of activities that any kind of traveler will enjoy.

However, while there’s plenty to do inside the city, there are also several awesome day trips from Split that will give you a glimpse of some of the best Croatia has to offer. Many of these day tours from Split are perfect for adventurous people who want to see more of Croatia’s surrounding landscape, but there are activities any traveler will enjoy as well. In this post, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best Split day trips, including how to get there and what to expect.

Read Next: A Complete 2-Week Croatia Itinerary

Best Day Trips from Split

1. Krka National Park

• Distance from Split: 54.1 miles/87.1 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Hiking through the waterfalls, swimming in Skradinski Buk, and taking the ferry to Visovac and Roski Slap

Hidden in the lush greenery of the Croatian countryside is Krka National Park. Here you’ll find a series of turquoise and emerald-colored pools and waterfalls that stem from you guessed it, the Krka River, which carves through the nearby hills and mountains.

It’s one of the best Split day trips because it’s only a 1 hour, 20 minute ride from the city center. Although the park is ridiculously popular with tourists, it’s not quite as crowded as its cousin, Plitvice Lakes, and it’s way easier to get to, especially if you join a group tour like I did.

Once you’ve arrived at Krka National Park, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee. Then, you can take a walk on the trail that weaves through the many pools and waterfalls in the park. Along the way, you’ll find small waterfalls and babbling brooks which guide the way to the bigger, more powerful falls along the trails.

There’s even one waterfall, called Skradinski Buk, that you can swim in during the warmer months. The water here is crystal clear and cool, perfect for taking a dip after you’ve been walking around and admiring the park for a few hours.

Within Krka National Park, there’s a ferry system that will take you around to different areas of the park. If you have extra time, take the ferry to Visovac, a small island with a historic monastery and church. Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Roski Slap, a quieter area of the park that has a few places to enjoy, like a waterfall trail, a hike up to a small cave, and a restaurant, Kristijan, where you can eat while dipping your feet in the cool spring water from the falls. // BOOK TOUR HERE or through links/photos below

2. Plitvice National Park

• Distance from Split: 150.8 miles/242.7 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Walking through the wooden paths, taking the ferry across the park, and hiking up to the small viewpoint above Veliki Slap

As one of the most famous landmarks in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is another stunning nature area full of colorful pools and powerful waterfalls. If you’re willing to make the 2.5-hour trek, it’s one of the most worthwhile day trips from Split.

And trust me, I’m glad I went with an organized tour (tour extremely similar to mine here), as driving 5 hours in one day (half after exploring/hiking in the park) doesn’t sound like fun to me. I’d much rather have someone else take the duty of driving me and my friends around. :p

You could spend several days here simply wandering the trails and admiring the falls and the color of the springs, listening to the sounds of running water flowing underneath the wooden paths. However, if you’ve got less time, you can definitely hit the highlights of Plitvice Lakes in just a few hours.

Once you arrive at the park, I recommend starting at Entrance 2. From here, you can purchase your entrance ticket and look at a map of the park, which lists out different trails and where they connect. Then, take the bus and proceed to the ferry station, where you can take the ferry toward entrance 3.

Here, you can start your walk on the wooden paths that run through both small and large waterfall areas. In some parts of the park, the tiny waterfalls look like steps! Take a loop through some of the waterfalls and emerald pools, then board the ferry towards entrance 1.

As you make your way to entrance 1, you’ll eventually find the largest waterfall, Veliki Slap. Because it’s the park’s most famous attraction, you also may find that this area is inundated with tourists. To escape the crowds, take the stairs to the left of Veliki Slap up to a small viewpoint, where you can take in stunning views of the park down below. // BOOK TOUR HERE or through links/photos below

3. Omis for Cetina River

• Distance from Split: 15.8 miles/25.5 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Visiting Mirabella fortress, rafting, canyoning, kayaking, zip lining, visit the beaches in Omis
• Special Foods to Try: Fresh seafood dishes with Croatian wine!

A short, 40-minute trip from the city center, Omis is one of the best Split day trips that offers tons of fun for a variety of travelers. As a beautiful, historic city located where the Adriatic Sea meets the Cetina River, there’s a lot to do here in the way of both cultural and adventure activities.

Intrepid travelers can enjoy several different adrenaline-inducing activities on the Cetina River. Rafting is one of the most popular activities, as the river is a protected area with a few rapids (grade 2-3 out of a maximum of 6) and views of the surrounding areas. You can organize a tour directly from Split or after you’ve had a chance to explore Omis.

Some other popular adventure activities in the Cetina River area include canyoning, hiking, and zip lining. Depending on how much time you have in the area, you can do 2 or more of these activities in a single day! In the high season, it’s recommended to book your tours in advance to ensure your space, as they can fill up quickly.

I chose to do a ziplining tour in Omis from Split, and it was by far the best ziplining I’ve ever done (after experiencing the “sport” in Belize and Whistler as well). Book zipline tour here (exact one I did).

Those of you looking for more laid-back options can enjoy beautiful views and beaches in Omis, as well as delicious seafood restaurants. Hike up to Mirabella Fortress for the best views of Omis’ orange rooftops, or just sit back and relax on the sandy shores of the Riviera.

4. Trogir and Blue Lagoon

• Distance from Split: 18.1 miles/29.1 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Exploring Trogir, snorkeling and swimming in the Blue Lagoon
• Special Foods to Try: Prsut (smoked Dalmatian ham), homemade pasta, and seafood

One of the most spectacular and fun day trips from Split hits two fantastic landmarks: the town of Trogir and the Blue Lagoon, a large, clear-water lagoon with plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel.

Trogir is a historic seaside town that was an important part of Croatia’s history. In fact, Trogir is such a beautiful display of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque styles that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Here, you can visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence and Kamerlango Castle, as well as wandering through the waterfront and the beaches.

After Trogir, you’ll head to the Blue Lagoon, a nearby saltwater lagoon that has amazingly clear blue water. You can go the lagoon on one of the boat trips from Split or head there from Trogir. Once there, you can take a few hours to hike around to viewpoints in the area, go for a swim, or snorkel and see some of the marine life. It’s a good idea to bring a pair of water shoes, in case you spot some spiky sea urchins!

You can definitely DIY this trip if you have a rental car, but it’s a lot easier and less hassle to go with a local tour operator, many of which have multiple day tours from Split for both Trogir and the Blue Lagoon. Depending on how much time you spend in each location, you can do this as a half-day tour or a full-day excursion. BOOK TOUR HERE

5. Mostar

• Distance from Split: 104.7 miles/168.5 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Stari Most, Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque, Blagaj Monastery
• Special Foods to Try: Sogan Dolma, Cevapi, Burek

For a day trip to Mostar, you’ll be leaving Croatia and entering the fascinating country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is a perplexing city most famous for the iconic Stari Most bridge that looks like a half-circle over a glass river. However, if you take a day to explore the city, you’ll find many more historic highlights and hidden gems.

Once you arrive in Mostar, you’ll want to head to the Stari Most bridge to see this world-famous sight. If you prefer a quieter experience at the bridge, I’d recommend going early in the morning to avoid the tourist crowds. For the best views of Stari Most, be sure to take a walk into the surrounding areas, underneath, and of course, up in the minaret of the mosque.

Read Next: One Day in Mostar (What to Expect)

Yup, you heard that right – one of the most interesting things about Mostar is that one of its most popular landmarks is a mosque. After coming from Croatia, which primarily has churches, it’s a welcome change. Climb up to the minaret of the Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque for some of the best views of Mostar before heading down and exploring some of the other bridges that cross the Neretva River.

Before leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina, be sure to taste some of the local foods, like burek (phyllo stuffed with various vegetables and/or meat), cevapi (a type of Bosnian minced meat kebab with flat bread), and sogan dolma (local grape leaf specialty made with onion). // BOOK TOUR HERE

6. Dubrovnik

• Distance from Split: 142.3 miles/229 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Old City, beaches, Srd Hill, Game of Thrones tour
• Special Foods to Try: Black risotto, bakalar na bijelo, Dubrovacka zelena menestra

Despite being made famous as the iconic shooting location of Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik has so much more to offer visitors than drama, heartbreak, and suspense. With a stunning Old Town, a sparkling blue seaside dotted with islands, and breathtaking bird’s eye views from the hills, Dubrovnik is definitely worth exploring.

At 3 hours from Split, it’s not an easy or short day trip, but it’s definitely doable if you’ve got a full day. I definitely recommend more than one measly day exploring Dubrovnik, but if it’s all you’ve got, it’s better than nothing. Consider taking an organized bus tour to ensure you’ll see as much as humanly possible during your short visit to Dubrovnik from a local guide who knows the ins and outs of the city.

Okay, okay. I’ll admit that the reason why a LOT of people go to Dubrovnik is because of Game of Thrones. If you’re a self-proclaimed GOT addict, why not take a tour specifically dedicated to Game of Thrones? There are several tours you can choose from that will take you to all of your favorite spots from King’s Landing.

Read Next: 15+ Things to do in Dubrovnik

However, if you’d rather see Dubrovnik for its own history and culture, consider taking a self-guided walking tour or a guided city tour to learn more about it. You can explore some of the historic structures, like the City Walls or the buildings inside of the Old Town. Or, if you’d rather see Dubrovnik from above, take a cable car up to Srd Hill to catch a magnificent bird’s eye view. // BOOK ORGANIZED TOUR HERE 

7. Hvar

• Distance from Split: 38.6 miles/62.1 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Island hopping boat tours, smell local lavender, hiking
• Special Foods to Try: Gregada

A 1.5 hour ferry from Split’s port, Hvar is one of the most exciting boat trips from Split. With beautiful old houses and farms, amazing food, and lots of beach areas to explore, Hvar truly is a paradise in the Adriatic Sea. Ferries leave regularly from Split during the day and they’re a wonderful adventure through the island areas in themselves!

Once you arrive in Hvar, you can head to some of the local eateries to try fresh seafood and the local specialty, gregada, which is a local fish and potato stew. You can also visit historic buildings like the Franciscan Monastery and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral. One of the best (and most simple) things to do in Hvar, however, is to simply wander through the charming cobblestone alleyways and take in the sights and sounds of this small seaside town.

While in Hvar, there are also tons of boat tours you can do to some of the nearby islands. These range in price and activity, depending on if you’d like to snorkel, explore caves, or lounge around by the water. In the next section, I’ll be talking about some of the best boat tours from Split and what you can expect to see there. However, just note that if you’re planning on being in Hvar already, you can take many similar tours starting there as well.

Towards the end of the day, head to Fortica Spanjola for dazzling sunset views of Hvar and the sea. On sunny days it’s a burst of beautiful warm colors to wrap up your day in Hvar. // BOOK TOUR HERE

8. Blue Cave

• Distance from Split: 37.3 miles/60 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Exploring the blue cave, snorkeling, island hopping

Arguably the most spectacular natural phenomenon on the Dalmatian Coast is the Blue Cave, a tiny cave that glows with blue light for periods throughout the day. Originally, the Blue Cave was only accessible by diving, but now there’s an entrance large enough to fit one small boat at a time. Words hardly do this place justice – you’ll have to visit for yourself to see this incredible natural attraction.

However, as boats are only allowed to enter the Blue Cave for a few minutes at a time, you’ll most likely pair this trip with a tour to other islands in the area. You can visit the Blue Cave as part of many larger day tours from Split, including this one and this one. Like I mentioned before, these island hopping tours give visitors the chance to explore many of the small and beautiful islands off the coast of Split through the course of one day.

On these full-day tours, you’ll have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and more in the beautiful blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Many tours include snorkeling equipment as part of the tour, but not lunch, so be sure to inquire what you need to bring before boarding the boat! BOOK BLUE CAVE AND HAVR  – or – 5 ISLAND TOUR HERE

9. Brac Island

• Distance from Split: 20.9 miles/33.7 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Winery tours, olive oil museum, hermitage sites, hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing
• Special Foods to Try: Lamb dishes (lamb is their local specialty meat and it’s often cooked in many different ways!)

Brac Island is one of the most popular boat trips from Split, and it’s one of the largest islands off the coast. While you could explore Brac Island over the course of a few days, you can hit a lot of the highlights on a day trip to the island. Depending on what kinds of activities you’d like to do (adventure, food, cultural, etc.), you’ll likely need to pick and choose carefully because there’s just SO much to do here!

For the foodies out there, you can’t leave Brac Island without doing two things: sampling the local lamb dishes and tasting wine. These are two mouth watering treats that Brac Island is known for, and they’re definitely a delicious way to spend the greater part of a day.

For history and culture buffs, head to Skrip, an inland historic settlement with many original buildings to learn about and explore. Peruse the Museum of Brac to learn more about the island’s history, or sample local olive oil blends at the Museum of Olive Oil. Afterward, head to some of the historic hermitage sites that dot the island. These old, rustic retreats for priests were places of spirituality and meditation, many of which are built into cliffs or caves. Brac Island is home to 6 hermitage sites, but the two most popular to visit are Zmajeva Spilja and Pustinja Blaca.

Adventure travelers can also find a lot of fun, adrenaline-inducing activities on Brac Island, like hiking up into the hills, kayaking off the coast, or rock climbing at Lozisca. // BOOK TOUR HERE

10. Pakleni Islands

• Distance from Split: 41.1 mi/66.1 km
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Island hopping, swimming, and boating
• Special Foods to Try: Seafood and gregada

A direct translation of “Pakleni Islands” is “Hell Islands,” but don’t be deceived by the name; these islands are actually pretty heavenly. The name actually comes from the word for pine resin used to coat ships – paklina. With sparkling blue waters, amazing beaches, and some of the best seafood in the area, you can find your paradise in this set of small, quaint islands.

At under 2 hours from Split, the Pakleni Islands are one of the most relaxing and beautiful day trips from Split that you can take. They’re considerably less crowded than Hvar and other island hopping day tours, so it’s perfect for those who want to unwind in a stunning natural setting.

There are four islands in the Pakleni Islands area, which sits off the coast of Hvar: Palmizana, Marinkovac, Jerolim, and Galesnik. Palmizana is the largest of them and has pine forests that border the ocean. With a variety of restaurants and historic sites like the Villa Meneghello, it’s a wonderful island to wander around or kick back and relax.

Alternatively, Marinkovac and Jerolim boasts beautiful beaches like Stipanska Bay and Zdrilca (on Marinkovac) and Amo Beach (on Jerolim). Galesnik is home to a restaurant bearing the island’s name that serves local specialties in a historic fortress. You can easily visit just one of the Pakleni Islands or all four of them on a day trip from Split. // BOOK TOUR HERE

So which of these Split excursions will you be adding to your itinerary? Let me know in the comments below! And be sure to sign up beforehand (like today!), so there’s guaranteed space for you on the boat!

Photos via Omis //

The post The Best Day Trips from Split, Croatia appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Croatia is the country that I finally learned to relax and slow down a bit. Sure, I still did (almost) allll the things I had originally planned on doing, but those hot sticky days forced me to kick back, throw on my bathing suit, and just lay on my beach towel and float in that sweet, sweet refreshing Adriatic Sea.

I lived my best life in Croatia, and I’m longing to go back already. You’ll fall in love with the country too, you’ll see. Psst – it’s kinda hard not to.

But before we get into the nitty gritty of each of the 14 days in Croatia, it’s a good idea to gather some information about visiting first, which I supplied for you below! 

Overview of this 2-Week Croatia Itinerary

• Day 1: Zagreb
• Days 2-3: Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Day 4: Zadar
• Day 5: Krka National Park
• Days 6-7: Split + Day Trip
• Day 8: Omis
• Days 9-10: Mostar (Bosnia)
• Days 11-14: Dubrovnik + Day Trips
• Extra Days: Kotor, Montenegro (!!!)

Croatia Travel Tips

WHEN TO VISIT CROATIA:

Thankfully, there’s really no terrrrrible time to visit Croatia. You’ll find a Mediterranean-like climate on the coast (with warm summers and mild winters), yet more temperamental weather as you go inland (hot hot hot summers and potential for freezing temps in January and December).

But less desirable weather just means a fewer chance of crowds and significant accommodation savings. All depends on what you’re looking for during your trip!

Summer/Peak Season: Peak season on the Adriatic Coast is between July and August, and with school out, you can expect to visit Croatia with tons of other tourists. However, if you’re looking for the best possible beach weather, this is definitely the best time to visit Croatia. Just know you’ll be sharing the sand with eeeeeveryone else.

Something else to keep in mind: July and August are notorious for it’s sweltering heat, so make sure to drink lots and lots of water, and dress appropriately (light, cotton clothing with bathing suits underneath for quick dips in the water).

As the summer months are the most popular to visit, it’s also the priciest. Plan accordingly and understand that you’ll have a hard time finding good deals on accommodation.

Winter/Low Season: Winter (the months from October to April) bring along way less tourists compared to the jam-packed summer. Want the country all to yourself? Visit during December or January – you won’t find many tourists. However, note that temperatures are definitely too chilly for swimming, so you may want to deter from this Croatia itinerary and spend more time inland instead of on the coast.

Shoulder Season: In my opinion, the best time to visit Croatia is during the months of May/June and September/October, which are in fact shoulder-season. The weather is still clear and sunny, and warm enough for swimming and sunbathing comfortably.

Tourist facilities will be in full swing, but you won’t find the masses of tourists during these months. Basically, it’s the best of both worlds.

MONEY AND EXCHANGE RATES

Many visitors to Croatia are confused about the country’s currency. Let’s set this straight from the get-go: Croatia currently uses the Euro, just like much else of Europe.

The currency of Croatia was the Croatian Kuna (HRK) from May 1994 to December 2022, but it was recently replaced by the Euro in 2023. Croatia is now part of the EU, and the Euro is now the official currency of Croatia.

When traveling around Croatia, it’s wise to take along some cash (euro) as credit cards are not accepted everywhere, especially in local family restaurants and smaller shops.

How to get the best exchange rate: I always suggest you take out cash at ATMS and never ever through an exchange desk or beforehand in your home country. ATMs provide the best exchange rate, always. I always take out cash at an ATM at the airport upon arrival in the new country I’m visiting.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

• Not many visitors know this, and many actually stick to bottled water, but Croatian tap water is completely safe to drink. Believe it or not, it’s one of the cleanest in the world, being the third largest source of drinking water in Europe (per capita).

• No vaccinations are required to enter Croatia.

• Safety wise, Croatia is at a level 1 according to the U.S. Department of State, and visitors should “exercise normal precautions in Croatia.” Check this website out for further information regarding safety in Croatia.

• As in all major cities around the world, never flash expensive electronics (keep them stored away and out of sight) and be aware of your surroundings at night.

VISAS:

Now that Croatia is part of the EU, requirements for entering the country have aligned with the rest of the union.

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Croatia as long as a valid tourist passport and proof of onward travel is in possession. Visitors can spend up to 90 days in Croatia in any 180 day period. Be sure that your passport is valid for at least three months after your planned date of departure from Croatia.

Information on the Schengen Zone: As of January 1, 2023, Croatia is now part of the Schengen area. This means that if you’re planning a long trip to Europe, you’ll now need to count your time in Croatia as part of your 90 days.

As of January 1, 2023, Croatia is now part of the Schengen area. What does this mean? If you received a Schengen visa (ability to visit the 26 countries in the “Schengen States” for up to 90 days within a consecutive 180 days), you will now need to use your days in Croatia as part of these 90 days. You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

HOW TO GET TO CROATIA:

Luckily for all of us, there are a variety of popular international flight routes from the US to Croatia. Major international airports and where most visitors to the country arrive are in either: Zagreb, Dubrovnik, or Split. If you find a good flight deal to any of these cities from your home airport, book it – and then figure out the rest of your transportation in Croatia.

I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights and almost alllways find the cheapest possible flights on one of those sites. Since I was visiting Croatia after my 10-day Norway road trip and Baltics Cruise, I ended up flying from Copenhagen for about $170 (one-way).

Expect flights from New York City to Croatia to be roughly $700-$1000, and even cheaper if your dates are flexible (aka avoiding holidays // not visiting in the prime summer months).

Note that many flights will require a layover, as there are not as many non-stop flights to Croatia as there are to other places in Europe, say London, Oslo, or Reykjavik. It’s always wise to check these (possibly cheaper) non-stop flights, stay a night or two in the city, and then book a cheap ticket to Croatia. It really just depends where you’re coming from.

But just know that once you’re in Europe, traveling around the continent is super easy and relatively inexpensive. If you don’t want to spend as much time here, you can always spend one week in Croatia, then head off to another European city!

Depending on the exact Croatia itinerary you decide upon, you may want to get two one-way flights (flight to Zagreb, flight returning home from Dubrovnik) so you don’t need to backtrack at the end of your trip.

However, it’s always wise to check flight prices, as round trip flights are known to be less expensive than one-ways. But still check – booking two one-way flights comes out cheaper for me plenty of times.

WHERE TO STAY IN CROATIA:

• Zagreb: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel // Hilton Doubletree // Hotel Dubrovnik
• Plitvice Lakes: Hotel Jezero // Hotel Bellevue // Hotel Plitvice
• Zadar: Art Hotel Kalelarga // Hotel Bastion // Hotel Vanera
• Skradin or Sibenik (for Krka National Park): Villa Marija (Skradin) // D-Resort Sibenik // Amadria Park Ivan (Sibenik)
• Split: Cornaro Hotel Split // Dioklecijan Hotel // Jupiter Luxury Hotel
• Mostar: Hotel Mepas // Boutique Hotel Old Town Mostar // B&B Villa Meydan
• Dubrovnik: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad // Prijeko Palace // Hotel Pucic Palace

You’ll want to make sure you stay in areas that are located close to the main draws of the city, as you don’t want to rely on your car since roads can be tiny and difficult in the tourist-ridden towns. In addition, this is a fast-paced itinerary, so staying within (or really close to) the city center will help with reducing travel times to the hot spots each day.

Also note that this trip to Croatia is a great time to stay in some higher-end hotels that you may not normally! In some spots, you’ll find that accommodation is less expensive than other areas in Europe, although this is starting to change as Croatia grows in popularity year after year. Go now, there’s no reason to wait!

WHAT TO BRING TO CROATIA:

• Because of its hot, sticky climate, you’ll want light, airy clothing.
• Comfy footwear- you’ll be walking ALOT!
• Sandals/bathing suits for the islands
• Quick dry towel
• Personal WiFi Hot Spot Device

And now, what you’ve been waiting for, a complete 2 week Croatia itinerary, with some customizable ideas below depending on your travel style.

Croatia Itinerary Options

There are actually three different ways you can do this itinerary:

1. by renting a car and driving around the country yourself
2. taking public transportation (primarily the bus) from north to south (or reverse if you prefer)
3. basing yourself out of a few key cities and doing day trips to other spots

I chose to do the latter (#3) for a few reasons:

• I was traveling solo, didn’t want to rent a car myself, and hate the hassle of switching accommodation almost every night. I’d rather stay in a few less hostels/hotels if it means less times I need to pack up all my belongings and go.
• Plus, I like to really get the feeling of a place if at all possible, and one/two night/s makes it difficult to do so.
• If my husband had done the trip with me (he had to go back to work after our Norway road trip and Baltic Cruise), I have a feeling we would have spent the two weeks in Croatia by driving from place to place ourselves.

Psst: → All my female solo travel tips over here (useful for you men as well, but it’s catered towards women, just FYI).

Throughout this Croatia itinerary I’ll share tips on how to go about these three different suggested options. The plan below will travel from North to South by renting a car, as I feel that’s the best possible way to cover the most ground without spending an exuberant amount of unnecessary hours on a bus. The options below will still travel to the same destinations, but possibly in a different order.

2 Weeks in Croatia By Bus / Public Transportation

Travel times via bus will notoriously take longer than driving the roads yourself. However, if renting a car is not an option (or you just realllllly don’t wanna drive on your vacation), the buses in Croatia are a decent alternative.

I took buses from Split to Mostar, and then from Mostar to Dubrovnik, and found them relatively comfortable with USB ports, air conditioning, and padded seats. Check bus times and buy tickets here. I bought my bus tickets a few days in advance and found no problems with availability.

You may even be able to buy tickets at the bus station right before boarding, but I like to know for a fact that I can take the exact bus I want. If possible, buying tickets in advance alleviates some stress (at least for me!)

How to Do This Exact Croatia Itinerary By Basing Yourself In a Few Spots (What I Did)

As noted earlier, I chose to stay in a handful of locations (5 to be exact), instead of bouncing around every night.

First things first, and for maximum transparency (because that’s what I’m allll about), I visited Zagreb, Pag Island, and Zadar on my first trip to Croatia a few years back, then completed this itinerary in July 2018 when I finally had more time to head back to this ravishing country.

Do I think this Croatia itinerary is possible in one long 2-week trip – yes, very much so! In order to minimize your different hotel stays, plan to sleep in Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Mostar, and Dubrovnik. Sure, still a little moving around, but way less than spending 1 night in each location below.

Instead of going directly from North to South, you’ll be bouncing around a bit taking day tours (which you can either drive to yourself if you’ve rented a car or opt for organized bus tours to minimize your driving time/haven’t chosen to rent a car). The following modifications are fantastic if you plan on exploring southern Croatia, and are skipping Zagreb and Zadar.

How to Modify This Itinerary to Eliminate Hotel Switches

• Begin your 2 weeks in Croatia by heading straight to Split (or fly/bus from Zadar). From Split you’ll take day trips to Krka National Park and Plitvice National Park. Note if you are coming from up north, these day trips will have you backtracking quite a bit (meaning some extra bus time).
• OPTIONAL ADDITION TO CROATIA ITINERARY: Head to Mostar from Split for two nights. Don’t fret it you only have about 10 days in Croatia and don’t have enough time to stay overnight here. Dedicate a day in either Split or Dubrovnik in order to take a day trip to Mostar (relatively same distance between the two cities).
• Head to Dubrovnik (from either Mostar or Split, depending on your preferences). From Dubrovnik, you’ll have options to take day trips to Lokrum Island, the Elafiti Islands, Mljet National Park, and Kotor (Montenegro).

Note that while two weeks in Croatia is a good amount of time, the country is somewhat large and has a looooot to offer, including a whole multitude of green mountainous islands and aquamarine seas.

You’ll be able to see a lot if you follow this Croatia itinerary, but understand that sacrifices will have to be made. This Croatia itinerary is perfect for the first-time visitor to the country, as it covers the major cities, popular National Parks, and a few spectacular side trips (please oh please don’t miss Mostar – it’s my favorite).

And if you only have 10 days in Croatia, plan to probably skip Mostar, and choose your day trips extra wisely.

DAILY 2 WEEK CROATIA ITINERARY

Day 0: Fly into Zagreb

As mentioned earlier, I rely on Skyscanner and Google Flights when checking for flights to get the best possible prices. And if you’re coming from the states (JFK to Zagreb or Dubrovnik), expect flight times of roughly 11 hours. However, understand that getting there will take even longer with layovers and such. Check out this post for helpful tips on how to keep yourself entertained during your long flight.

Where to Sleep on Day 0: Zagreb

Recommended accommodation options: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel // Hilton Doubletree // Hotel Dubrovnik

Day 1: Explore Zagreb

Spend your first official day exploring Croatia’s vibrant capital city, Zagreb. And being the largest city in Croatia, you can bet there’s enough to do here to fill an entire day!  

I promise the city’s charm will get you right away with it’s enchanting medieval old city, unique mix of Austro-Hungarian and Socialist architecture, and plentiful cobblestone streets. No matter what time of year you visit, Zagreb will always be lively since it doesn’t rely on the coastal beaches to attract visitors.

Just note that the rest of this itinerary is best traveled in the summertime when the sea is warm and the entire country is open for business.

Although only one day is dedicated to Croatia’s capital city, make the most of it and check out these top sights:

Main city square (Trg bana Josipa Jelacica): Placed just below the Old City, the main city square is a great place to start your day in Zagreb. Here you’ll find the Ban Josip Jelačić statue and waterfall. Don’t miss climbing up the ‘Zagreb Eye’ for fantastic panoramic views of the entire city – be sure to bring your camera!

Museum of Illusions: If you’re looking for something funky to do in Zagreb, be sure to check out the Museum of Illusions. Around every corner there’s a spatial illusion that will easily trick your brain! Again, like I said before, bring your camera!

Upper Town: But whatever you decide to do today, don’t miss a ride on the 1-minute funicular railway from Tomićeva ulica all the way up to the Upper Town. Yes, the ride is short, but it saves you an unnecessary uphill climb.

Here you’ll be blessed with narrow streets and famous sights, including the Lotrscak Tower (come here at noon to see the cannon being fired), the twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral, and 13th century St. Mark’s Church (you can’t miss it with its colorfully tiled roof). If you’re lucky, you may even catch traditional folk dancers performing outside of the cathedral.

Tkalciceva Street: And when hunger strikes, head to this pedestrian friendly street to find tons of outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants. Take your pick – it’s all good.

— Hot Tip: Uber offers super cheap prices in Zagreb, so take advantage!

Once you’ve had enough of the capital, head over to Plitvice National Park, where we’ll be staying for the next two nights. It’ll be about a 2 hour drive or so.

Where to Sleep on Day 1: Plitvice Lakes

Recommended accommodation options: Hotel Jezero // Hotel Bellevue // Hotel Plitvice

Day 2: Plitvice Lakes

Whatever you officially decide upon when planning your Croatia itinerary, promise me you’ll include a visit to Plitvice Lakes. Being one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia, it’s not to be missed, and it’s even been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Prepare to be amazed, as the park is world-famous for it’s 16 terraced lakes, all joined by spectacular waterfalls, that extend into a limestone canyon (yes, really). You’ll come across walkways and hiking trails, a series of cascading lakes of crystal clear turquoise water, tons of waterfalls (both large and small), and options to rent a boat and spend some time on the water.

And don’t miss the most famous and most impressive waterfall of them all: Veliki Slap, at 78m high it sure is a beauty.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors. The park is comprised of 12 upper lakes and 4 lower lakes, which are linked together by an electric boat ride (free of charge). There will be plenty of trails to follow, including long stretches of boardwalk, rocky steps, and gravel/dirt roads, which weave between and around the lakes.

Visitors can also take a land train near the lower lakes to reach the upper lakes (and back again), which is again, included in the entry fee.

Let’s talk about the water for a hot second. Yes, it’s really that blue and clear and sparkly. There’s really not much like it. And combine lush greenery and the unique teal color of the water, and you’ve got yourself more photo opportunities than you can count.

Top Tips for Visiting Plitvice Falls:

• Note that the park gets exceptionally crowded in the popular summer months (like, insanely crowded), so prepare yourself mentally beforehand. If you join a tour, they’ll be able to steer you away from the most crowded spots in the park (changes daily), as they are known to communicate with the park rangers themselves. If you’re headed to the park yourself, you may choose to sleep in the area the night before to beat the crowds.

• Be sure to carry around some snacks with you as there aren’t a ton of food options within the park itself (a few restaurants and food stands, but nothing remarkable). And trust me, whatever you do find will surely be on the pricey side.

• Wear proper shoes, preferably skid-proof. I was the only silly one in my group who thought sandals would be completely fine. While I thankfully didn’t trip and fall, I was a bit hesitant walking on some of the dirt hiking trails (there’s lots of rocks) and the wooden bridges on the walking path (they get rather slippery). Also, you’ll most likely do quite a bit of walking, so wear something comfortable as well (we walked around 7-8 km in that one day).

Where else can you find turquoise lakes, picturesque landscapes complete with waterfalls, With all that being said, just go. This place, despite all the crowds, really is pretty spectacular.

Alternative Options: Do a day trip from Split or Zadar to Plitvice

Recommended Tours below:

Where to Sleep on Day 2: Plitvice Lakes

Recommended accommodation options: Hotel Jezero // Hotel Bellevue // Hotel Plitvice

Day 3: Morning in Plitvice // Afternoon + Night in Zadar

If you’re navigating around Croatia yourself (either by bus or private car), take advantage of the quiet early morning in Plitvice, and head back to the park! I promise you’ll be able to get even better photos today.

Once you’ve had your fix of turquoise blue waters and gushing waterfalls, start making your way towards Zadar, about an hour and a half drive from Plitvice.

How to Get to Zadar (from Plitvice)

Driving: ~1 hour, 30 minutes

Plan to spend the rest of the afternoon and night in Zadar. Find ideas of things to do on Day 4 of this 2 week Croatia itinerary.

EXTRA PIT STOP: PAG ISLAND and ZRCE BEACH for some EPIC PARTYING and/or extra exploring.

If you’re looking for some epic nightlife, and boy do I mean epic, make the trek over to Pag Island (roughly an hour from Zadar). You’ll have all day tomorrow to explore the charming little town of Zadar, so don’t worry about missing out on the town if you’d like to spend the rest of the day exploring Pag and partying on the pebbly beach of Zrce.

Pag Island is the ultimate party haven, and you’ll find night club after raving night club of expensive drinks, loud music, and parties on Zrce Beach. It’s absolutely crazy and an absolute must if you’re looking for an epic night out. Those Croatians sure know how to party, that’s for sure, and their club and beach parties don’t end until the wee hours of the morning.

Just make sure you figure out accommodation on Pag Island ahead of time if you’re looking to get some rest. If not (you crazy thing you!), take the bus back to Zadar the following morning and catch up on sleep before exploring the city.

Where to Sleep on Day 3: Zadar

Recommended accommodation options: Art Hotel Kalelarga // Hotel Bastion // Hotel Vanera

Day 4: Explore Zadar

The first city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast we’ll be properly exploring is Zadar, the oldest inhabited city in the country, known for its absolutely spectacular sunsets to the soothing sounds of the sea and fine dining consisting of fresh fish. And with it’s old town walls being situated on the Adriatic Sea, you can bet there’s a whole slew of activities for the day, including some interesting art installations seen nowhere else.

But don’t fret; you can certainly get all this done and more in only a day’s time. We kinda liked how there wasn’t a tooooon of stuff we wanted to do here, as the previous days had been rather hectic and we wanted to save our energy for the rest of the trip. You won’t need your car today, nor will need to reply on public transportation, as the most popular sites and attractions are all within walking distance.

Some Zadar highlights:

Zadar Cathedral: Also known as The Cathedral of St. Anastasia, this Roman Catholic church is not to be missed as it’s the largest of its kind in all of Dalmatia! But whatever you do, don’t miss the climb of 180 steps up St Anastasia’s Bell Tower for an absolutely incredible view of the entire city and surrounding waters.

That tight climb will be worth it and then some, and it only costs 15 kuna to head all the way up (and there’s no time limit once you reach the top either!) A great place to start your day.

Zadar Old Town: Spend the majority of the day wandering around the Old Town, soaking up the culture and stunning architectural pieces (including Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian) of the city. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes as the ground is covered in gleaming white stone. There are tons of restaurant and cafe options here, so you can be sure you won’t go hungry.

Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje): End your day here. This is essentially a HUGE harmonica of sorts that relies on the sea waves to produce its own music! So yes, it’s kinda like an experimental instrument of the sea (complete with hidden tubes underneath the large marble steps).

You’ll commonly find plenty of visitors and locals sitting on the steps at sunset just listening to the beautiful sounds. Join them! You won’t want to leave → you’ll see!

Be there half an hour before the sunset and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Do note that the more active the ocean, the louder the sound the organ makes. And make sure to wait around until after dark as well – that’s when the colorful lights of the Greeting to the Sun Come come on making the experience even that more astonishing!

The Greeting To The Sun: This art installation is basically a giant, solar-powered public dancefloor, with dancing lights appearing as soon as the sky is dark enough! To celebrate the magnificent sunsets I briefly spoke to previously, artist Nikola Basic built this spectacular light-filled disc on the edge of the Zadar waterfront for all of us to enjoy.

And visitors are actually encouraged to interact with the installation → Run, dance, jump, play around on it. The lights are absolutely mesmerizing, full of color and dazzling patterns. You’ll find plenty of venders on the boardwalk to grab something to eat and drink.

Just make sure to wait until night to visit to see it in all it’s glory, as there’s no point seeing it during the day (it won’t look like much at all). Note that the installation is currently under construction (the solar panels are being repaired), and is not scheduled to reopen until Summer 2019.  

Head to Skradin or Sibenik (for Krka National Park) at Night (it’ll take about an hour)

Where to Sleep on Day 4: Accommodation near Krka National Park. You can either choose to stay in Skradin (closer to the park) or Sibenik (where there is more to see and do). Just know you’ll need to take a bus to Krka National Park from Sibenik, which won’t be a problem as this is a very popular route.

Recommended accommodation options:  Villa Marija (Skradin) // D-Resort Sibenik // Amadria Park Ivan (Sibenik)

Day 5: Krka National Park

A bit disappointed that you couldn’t swim in Plitvice Lakes impeccably clear and blue waters? Well, my waterfall loving friends, you can at Krka National Park!  Located between Split and Zadar, Krka is the perfect midway stop between the two on your Croatia road trip.

In order to make it to Krka, you’ll need to either take shuttle type boat from Skradin, or a public bus from Sibenik. Both will be crowded, but I heard that the lines for the boat are usually faster.

If you’re visiting during the busy, busy summer months, you’ll want to go early in the day to avoid the crowds. Just like Plitvice, Krka National Park gets exceptionally busy, but everyone has the same aim: to cool down.

Although the park is known for its series of 7 waterfalls, visitors are only allowed to swim in one: Skradinski Buk. Yes, the waterfall will be absolutely packed, but just know this going into the park and you won’t be surprised.

Thankfully the park has devised a system where the trail is “one way”, which definitely helps a lot when it is crowded. This walk through the trail is downright stunning, and you feel like you are in a peaceful Croatian jungle (amongst thousands of your best friends).

Spend the day basking in the sun, playing around in the waterfall (be careful as the rocks are slippery), and walking along the boardwalks admiring the other waterfalls. You can walk as fast or as slow as you want, and with the wooden boardwalks not being too long, there’s no need to rush.

Note that the water isn’t easily accessed, and you’ll need to climb over some rocks and streams in order to get to the base of the waterfall where the lake is situated. People with mobility problems may have difficulty getting into the water. If all else fails, just find a place to sit and relax and watch the scenery. Life could be worse.

Psst: If you join a group join, the ticket price will be significantly cheaper. I think I only paid about 40 kuna instead of 150kuna (~20 euro/$25USD).

How to Get to Split (from Krka NP): Driving: ~1 hour, 30 minutes

Where to Sleep on Day 5: Split

Recommended accommodation options: Cornaro Hotel Split // Dioklecijan Hotel // Jupiter Luxury Hotel

Day 6: Split

With a backdrop of the rugged Dalmatian mountains and the stunning cerulean Adriatic Sea, any Croatia itinerary isn’t complete without a stay in Split. And although it’s emerging as one of the must-sees in the country (meaning more tourists and higher accommodation prices), it’s still worth a quick look around.

Yesssss, you made it to Split, one of the most popular towns on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, known for its stunning beaches and fortresslike complex at its center, Diocletian’s Palace.

And although it’s wise to base yourself in Split in order to take advantage of the numerous day trip possibilities if you aren’t renting a car (Plitvice, Krka, Hvar, etc), you can really fit so much into just one full-day in the city itself. And if you are renting a car, be sure to park it for the duration of your stay, as you’ll be able to visit all the top sights on foot.

Here are my top recommendations on how to spend your one full day in Split:

Diocletian’s Palace: Any visit to Split wouldn’t be complete without a morning spent at this ancient palace, as it’s easily the main attraction of the whole city. Composed of lustrous white stone and more impressive columns than you can count, it really is a beauty.

By looking at the grand cathedral, you’d never think it was built at the turn of the fourth century AD!

However, it’s actually one of the best preserved monuments of Roman architecture in the world!  And yes, you guessed it, this fortress-like structure was built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, but who could have known that?! In the middle of the palace you’ll find the center courtyard, known as Peristil Square.

Wander the Old Town: This maze of streets and cobblestoned lanes that surround Diocletian’s Palace is full of cafes, restaurants, and the impressive Old Town clock. Make sure to look up! Don’t miss People’s Square (Narodni Trg), which is the heart of the Old Town. And if you’re visiting the palace, you literally can’t miss the Old Town, as it’s right there.

Wander the markets: Green Market and the Fish Market are the two you should aim to see today. Green market is piled high with allll the fresh produce you could want (as well as flowers, clothes, and some souvenirs), while the fish market is loaded up with fresh fish caught that morning from local fisherman (but I’m sure you could have guessed that much). Picnic anyone?!

Stroll along the Riva: Split’s seaside promenade (known as the Riva) is covered with colorful buildings, palm trees, and outstandings Adriatic Sea views. It’s a popular place for a stroll so it does get busy, but grab some gelato, plop yourself on a nearby bench, and take in all the people-watching opportunities.

Hike Marjan Hill or Climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius Cathedral: Ready to get a bird’s eye view of the city? You’re in luck, because you’ve got two fantastic and relatively easy options. Marjan Hill is accessed via a whole boatload of stairs, but don’t worry, the panoramic views of the city, harbor, and surrounding mountains are worth it and then some.

After the slightly strenuous climb, you can order a local beer at the top and forget alllll about that horrific climb (it’s not really thaaat bad, just don’t go in the scorching heat like I did, choose to go a bit later in the day – I will just being silly; it’s not advised).

The Bell Tower is equally as difficult but just as rewarding, with a steep and narrow staircase leading visitors to the top. I decided to hike Marjan Hill in order to do so at my own pace and grab something to drink at the top, but your choice!

Nights in Split: And while you’re in Croatia’s second most populated city, promise me you’ll spend your nights wandering around the tiny cobblestoned streets, stuffing your face with fresh seafood dinners. Do it for me.

One of my best meals was spent drinking freshly squeezed fruit juices (the chef literally scoured the kitchen for fruit because they were running low and he could tell how badly I wanted some) and some branzino. Mmm I’d go back just for that.

Where to Sleep on Day 6: Split

Recommended accommodation options: Cornaro Hotel Split // Dioklecijan Hotel // Jupiter Luxury Hotel

Day 7: 5 Island Tour (including Hvar) from Split

Well, you don’t really have many transportation options today, since we’re doing a bit of island hopping!

Today you can either choose to spend the whole day on Hvar, or take a 3 or 5 island day tour, including the Blue Cave and Green Cave (which I highly recommend). Hvar, Biševo (location of the Blue Cave), Vis, Ravnik and Budikovac will be options of where you’ll stop, and the tours will keep you busy, busy, busy!

The Blue Cave is absolutely extraordinary, a natural phenomenon which you won’t believe exists until you’re there soaking it all in yourself. Your skipper will buy tickets to the Blue Cave, and once it’s your groups turn, you’ll be transferred to a separate, tiny vessel in order to make it through the narrow crevice opening of the cave!

Note that it’s particularly difficult to take photos inside, and I found that my video turned out better than the still photos.

Also included in the tour is snorkeling in a turquoise lagoon, which we did in order to wait out our time for the Blue Cave. The water is so crystal clear, it’s absolutely insane.

The tour also docks at Hvar, where you’ll have time to wander the narrow streets of the tiny town at leisure and walk up to the castle for impeccable views of the island below. If you want to see a lot during this one day on your 2 week Croatia itinerary, book the 5 Island Tour. It’s a busy, busy day for sure, but you’re able to squeeze in a lot.

Recommended tours to the 5 islands here:

Where to Sleep on Day 7: Split

Recommended accommodation options: Cornaro Hotel Split // Dioklecijan Hotel // Jupiter Luxury Hotel

Day 8: Ziplining in Omis (Croatia), bus to Mostar (Bosnia)

How to Get to Omis (from Split): ~40 minutes to Omis, additional 2 hours to Mostar

With Omis being the country’s adventure capital, there’s no better place to test your adrenaline rush. Start your day off with this adrenaline filled activity, just forget the huge breakfast if you’re mildly scared of hanging from a wire above a canyon and river.

Scared of heights? Just do it anyways; you’ll thank me later, it’s thrilling yet absolutely intoxifying at the same time. And don’t worry, you’ll be secured with a harness and belt the entire time, with trained instructors with you the duration of your tour.

And if you’ve never been ziplining before, Omis is the place to do it. (I’ve ziplined in both Belize and Whistler as well, and Omis wins by a landslide). Being just under an hour’s drive south of Split, you’ll soar and descend through the canyon down a steel wire rope over the Cetina River.

From every zip line you’ll be offered absolutely dramatic views, each one more scenic than the last. And trust me, seeing the river and canyons from above sure is a sight to behold. The zipline trek consists of eight wires for a total length of 2100m!

Tours will take roughly 3 hours, not including transportation to and/or from Split. If you need round trip transportation, tack on an extra hour or so each way. Note that while tours take place all day throughout the summer, you’ll need to make an appointment / book a tour in advance during the remainder of the year.

Book in advance here:

Note that you also have the option of canyoning or river rafting in Omis! It really is Croatia’s adventure capital!

Drive/bus to Mostar after Zip Lining

If you’re driving yourself, you’ll probably arrive to Mostar with some time in the evening for a short wander and some dinner. If you’ve decided on taking the bus, note that delays are common and you’ll probably reach Mostar quite late, around 10pm or so. But don’t you worry – you’ll have time to explore the cobblestoned streets and old stone buildings of Mostar over the next two days.

Where to Sleep on Day 8: Mostar

Recommended accommodation options: Hotel Mepas // Boutique Hotel Old Town Mostar // B&B Villa Meydan

Day 9: Tour of Bosnia + Herzegovina

Bosnia in general moved me as a whole. I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard for this city oh so fast, but it happened- and now I want to get myself back to the country as soon as humanly possible (ok, I’ll settle for the next time I’m Europe-bound).

Read Next: Dubrovnik to Mostar Day Trip (all my favorite things)

There’s such a sweet balance of past and present, and joy and sorrow which is easily felt as you wander around the city and discover more parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you have the time during your 2 weeks in Croatia, definitely make a pit stop in Bosnia, Mostar to be exact. The cities rich culture and moving history will surely be a highlight of your entire trip.

On this first day in Bosnia, sign up for a day tour of Bosnia + Herzegovina, which will take you to nearby spots around Mostar and even have you swimming in waterfalls! The main highlights were:

A traditional Bosnian breakfast of Bosnian ustipci, which are basically little bites of fluffy-carb donut heaven, and traditional Turkish coffee, complete with Turkish delight and those sweet sweet sugar cubes

Kravice Falls: Anyone up for more waterfall swimming? You can do so at the beautiful clear waters of Kravice Falls on the Trebižat River. If you visit in the spring, the falls are at their most dramatic, with pounding rushes of water and forming a mini-Niagara if you will. In the summertime, Kravice Falls are less impressive but the surrounding pools more than make up for it.

Blagaj: Considered to be one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most holy and ancient sites, Blagaj Village is a must on any tour of the area, with the most recognizable site being the Blagaj Tekija.  Be sure to step inside and view the dervish house built against the cliff.

Do note that if you’re visiting Mostar (and Bosnia) as a day trip from either Split or Dubrovnik, you most likely will not be able to visit Blagaj unless you hire a private driver. I couldn’t find any group tours that visited Blagaj which is a small reason why I decided to stay overnight.

And no, I still have no clue how to properly pronounce Blagaj.

Pocitelj: Check out this old Turkish town and Explore the fortress and family mosque. The Oriental architecture of this fortified town will blow you away. For truly impressive panoramic views, make sure to climb to the top of the citadel (but be careful as the steps are narrow and there’s not much room).

Make sure to try one of the fresh fruit juices sold from the ladies in the town (I had raspberry juice and it was so so fresh and absolutely delicious – perfect for a hot day).

The end of the tour will conclude with some history of the Bosnian war and the countries treacherous past. Make sure to listen to every word; it’s still so raw and real and oh so fresh (taking place in the 1990’s).

Our guide showed us some remaining artifacts from the war, including clearly visible bullet holes and crumbling buildings (so many it was impressive). It’s evident that the toll the war’s taken on it’s people continues to thrive until even today. Talk about an impactful and meaningful experience.

After the tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, plan to explore the city of Mostar at night. It’s magical. And yes, I know that sounds like the ultimate travel-blogging cliche, but Mostar at sunset and after dark were so, so impressive. I wish I had stayed in the city longer.

Where to Sleep on Day 9: Mostar

Recommended accommodation options: Hotel Mepas // Boutique Hotel Old Town Mostar // B&B Villa Meydan

Day 10: Explore Mostar, bus/drive to Dubrovnik at night

10 days in Croatia already, wow (well, including a bit of Bosnia too)! After a sobering, yet insightful day yesterday, it’s time to wander throughout the stunning natural beauty that is the town of Mostar.

And this culturally and ethnically diverse city is just begging to be explored! Famous for its historic UNESCO-protected Old Bridge (Stari Most) over the Neretva River, you’ll be crossing the bridge more times than you can count!

One mostly-full day in Mostar is more than enough time for these highlights (my bus to Dubrovnik left at 4pm):

Old Town of Mostar: Full of color, cobblestoned streets, old stone buildings, and that beautiful and iconic bridge you’ve seen all over IG, the old town of Mostar is as close you’ll come to a Bosnian fairytale. Once you forget about all that unfortunate history of course.

Within the stone-smothered old town you’ll find tons of restaurants and souvenir shops, selling everything and anything imaginable. You can easily cover the Old Town in a short amount of time as it’s quite small, being only a few streets long on either side of the bridge.

Don’t miss the The Old Bazaar Kujundziluk as well since it’s located within the Old Town.

Stari Most: This iconic old bridge and one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks is what lures most visitors to Mostar in the first place.  

Many don’t know that this is not even the original bridge – after the collapse during the Croat-Bosniak conflict, it had to be entirely reconstructed and rebuilt, but they made sure to keep the charm!

Be careful when walking across the bridge as it’s quite slippery, but don’t let this stop you – the views from the bridge are worth it!

You’ll undoubtedly see some bridge jumpers collecting money and then flinging themselves over the Stari Most, somewhat of a tradition over here. Tourists can dive off the bridge as well after getting a brief training from the professionals, but it’s way more dangerous than it looks and not something I suggest attempting.

Koski Mehmed-Pasa Mosque: Looking for one of the best views of Stari Most and the surrounding city? For a small fee, you can climb the minaret at the Koski Mehmed-Pasa Mosque.

Plan to come early in the day as the minaret is only wide enough for one body to fit through, and up-and-down traffic make this nearly impossible to pass easily.

Note that those who suffer from claustrophobia may have some difficulties due to the tight spaces here.

War Photo Expedition: Want even more information about the war? Head to the War Photo Expedition for a real look into Mostar during the infamous war by perusing photographs taken by New Zealand photographer Wade Goddard.

Note that it’s all still quite raw and real, and the captions are exceptionally moving (I almost cried more than once). 

You’ll also want time to chill out, relax, and just wander around. Mostar is less about the sights and more about taking it all in.

And don’t miss out on trying some traditional Bosnian foods, including:

• Cevapi (also known as cevapcici) which is essentially a Balkan minced meat kebab served with onion in a small flat bread
• Pljescavice, which are minced meat patties.
• Dolme, capsicum stuffed with mince meat and rice
• traditional Turkish coffee, complete with Turkish delights (soooo good)

Also be sure to try some Bosnian pastries, which can be found in numerous pekaras (bakeries) all around town. I ate them almost every morning and whenever I got hungry, as they sell for only like 1 Mark each. My favorites were burek (minced meat) and zeljanica (spinach and cheese).

Visitors Tip: If you’re looking for an exhilarating cultural experience, plan your trip around the annual Stari Most bridge jumping competition. I got EXTREMELY lucky and was somehow planned to be in Mostar for the 451st competition (yup, it’s been going on for a while…).

The entire city hung out together below the bridge, watched the divers jump, and – oh, and I somehow started a mini dance party with a super sweet Ukrainian girl I had just met that day. If I haven’t already convinced you – Bosnians are awesome, you guys, they really are. Just go to Mostar – you’ll thank me later.

Head to Dubrovnik in late afternoon

How to Get to Dubrovnik (from Mostar)

Driving: ~2 hours, 30 minutes

*If you’re renting a car to get from place to place throughout the country, consider dropping your car off in Dubrovnik. You won’t need it for the remainder of this Croatia itinerary, as we’ll be staying in the city itself and taking day trips via boat.

However, if you’d like to visit Kotor, Montenegro yourself (instead of with a tour company), do this on your first full day in Dubrovnik and choose to drop the car off afterwards.

Where to Sleep on Day 10: Dubrovnik

Recommended accommodation options: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad // Prijeko Palace // Hotel Pucic Palace

Day 11: Dubrovnik – City Walls / Old Town / Kayak Tour

For your first official day in Dubrovnik, head to the city’s most popular attraction: The City Walls.

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan you’ll definitely recognize many filming locations along the way.  You’ll want to wake up bright and early for this in order to beat the aggravating crowds and sweltering heat. Buy your ticket in advance here if you want to bypass the queue.

By walking the Ancient City Walls you’ll essentially get a bird’s eye view of Old Dubrovnik and a fantastic sea view as well! Pick up a coffee, orange juice, Croatian beer, or ice cream at the top and just take it all in.

If you do the entire circuit around all of Old Town, it takes about 2-3 hours, but go slow and enjoy – there’s no rush as long as you’ve started early on in the day. Be aware that there are lots and lots of steps, so come prepared with comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water if it’s a hot day.

The ticket to the City Walls also gives admission the opposite castle, St. Lawrence Fortress, which you should definitely head to as well, which is good for the next 2 days as well.

Next up, wander throughout Old Town! Pass the Pile Gate, and voila, you’re inside the walled city! The main street (known as the Stradun) is quite short, but there are tons of side alleyways to explore, each one more charming than the last. The area is filled with cafes and restaurants and tons of tourist shopping. And while there’s not really too much to actually do, spend an hour or so taking in and appreciating all its history.  

It’s wise to hire a guide, even for a short time, who can walk you through some of the major sites of the Old Town and provide some of the history and context for what you’re seeing. You can even fill up your water bottles from the main fountain! Check out Buza Bar for a drink in a cave overlooking the sea (yes, really).

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous and activity-ridden, work out your arms on a sea kayak tour! There are several tours and companies that venture to different places, including around the city walls and coastline, off to Lokrum Island, and some with swimming and snorkeling. Some tours will even you have you paddling to a small beach in a cave.

Check out a few recommended tours here:

Go for a wander through Old Town at night, and be sure to look up as thousands of sparrows commonly make their way around at dusk (a sight to see for sure).

Where to Sleep on Day 11: Dubrovnik

Recommended accommodation options: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad // Prijeko Palace // Hotel Pucic Palace

Day 12: Dubrovnik – Lokrum Island / Cable Car

Morning/early afternoon: Lokrum Island

We’re headed off on our first day trip from Dubrovnik today! After a super short ferry ride, prepare to spend the day exploring, as Lokrum Island is full of all things Games of Thrones, an absolutely gorgeous botanical garden, and tons of natural swimming spots.

If you’re cool wandering the island yourself, there’s no need to book a tour, but if you want to guarantee you’ll see the iron throne and all things Game of Throne, learn a bit about the monastery, and guarantee your spot on a boat, you’ll want to book a guided tour of Lokrum.

I kind of wish I signed up for a tour because although the buildings were gorgeous, I had no clue what I was looking at nor their significance.

Don’t miss the peacocks and bunnies roaming around the island (usually in/near the botanical garden) and don’t miss out on a swim in the super salty “Dead Sea”. You can also just casually jump in that glistening Adriatic Sea basically anywhere on the coast of Lokrum – a dip is the ultimate way to refresh yourself in the super sweaty Croatian heat. Bring (or wear) your bathing suit!

Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Dubrovnik Cable Car

If you thought the views of Dubrovnik from the city walls were impressive, just wait until you see the area from the top of the cable car. Prepare to wait on a short (and sometimes long, depending on the season) queue, but you can buy your ticket in advance to bypass some of the line.

There are only two cable cars that bring passengers back and forth, each holding about 25 people and taking 5 minutes each way. If you’d rather not wait at all, you can take the hiking trail up and then back down which takes about 45 minutes or so each way. I was stuffed to the brim with gelato lazy and waited for the cable car, which I didn’t mind at all.

Aim to reach the top a bit before sunset, in order to watch the fiery colors in the sky come to life. Plan to have a drink and/or appetizers at Panorama Cafe, and although a bit pricey, provides unparalleled views down below.

Once you’ve admired the views for far too long, check out the small museum that tells the story of the conflict that took place here in 1991. It’s quite interesting.

Where to Sleep on Day 12: Dubrovnik

Recommended accommodation options: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad // Prijeko Palace // Hotel Pucic Palace

Day 13: Elafiti Islands

If you want to spend some time on the Elafiti Islands (which I’m dubbing as one of my favorite day trips from Dubrovnik – they were downright STUNNING), I recommend booking yourself on an organized tour (which I did!).

Note that you can go to just one island if you’re traveling sans tour, but you’ll need to first get yourself to Port Gruz (on the other side of town) which can be a hefty cab ride.

Sailing trips to the Elafiti Islands will visit 3 of the 13 islands of this extraordinary archipelago. And if you choose to take a full day trip from Dubrovnik to these islands, you’ll be able to visit all three – Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, drinks included!

Feast on grilled fish, visit some of the most stunning islands in the archipelago, and say goodbye to the crowds!

Come for the beaches, stay for the picturesque villages, citrus gardens, old churches, and pine and olive forests. Basically, the Elafiti Islands are an absolute dream. Don’t miss this as a visit to these islands were one of the best day trips from Dubrovnik by far – it was one of my favorite days in my 2 weeks in Croatia.

Where to Sleep on Day 13: Dubrovnik

Recommended accommodation options: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad // Prijeko Palace // Hotel Pucic Palace

Day 14: Dubrovnik (Babin Kuk) -or- Mljet National Park -or- Kotor, Montenegro

Hopefully you’re not flying out today, because there’s heaps of day trips to take from Dubrovnik. With only one more day remaining on this 2 week Croatia itinerary, you’ll have to pick your favorite, and luckily, I’ve listed my favorites below:

OPTION 1: Take it Easy on Babin Kuk

I don’t blame you if you need a relaxing day. With all that running around the past 2 weeks in Croatia, you deserve a beach day full of drinks and lounging. And even better, if your flight leaves tonight, you can still spend a bit of time on Babin Kuk beforehand, since it’s not terribly far from Old Town.

And better yet – it’s absolutely beautiful, and oh so different than Old Town. The entirety of Babin Kuk reminded me more of a chic Santa Barbara resort, as opposed to the old stone buildings you’re used to seeing in Old Town.

Make sure to walk along the paved coastal trail with it’s fine, fine seaside views, and stop at a cafe on the way for a macchiato and/or margarita (or an ice cream if you’re me and consider the sweet stuff a meal) overlooking the ocean.

Once lunch is over, it’s time to hit up a beach club! Copacabana Beach and/or Coral Beach Club are both great options, with chairs for rent and food to order. And whatever you do, don’t miss out on the Cave Bar at Hotel More. It’s awesome, but I won’t spoil it for you here. Check it out yourself!

Thankfully, Babin Kuk couldn’t be easier to reach! Located just a bit away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town (4km), at the northern end of the Lapad peninsula, you can take a short and super-cheap bus ride.

Because of it’s short distance from Old Town, this trip isn’t really a trueeee Dubrovnik excursion, but hanging out in Babin Kuk was one of my favorite afternoons so I couldn’t bare to leave it off this list. So many tourists don’t even think of venturing past Old Town, so a little nudge won’t hurt anyone. ?

OPTION 2: Lakes of Mljet National Park

Get back to nature and experience the true Croatia without all the thousands of people. Being Croatia’s greenest island, you can’t take this day trip from Dubrovnik and not visit the lakes.

And while you’re here in Mljet, you have to make it to aptly named Big Lake and Small Lake – both are downright spectacular and not to be missed! You’ll even find a tiny island with an old Benedictine monastery on one of them.

Book a boat tour to get the best views of this! I missed out on this day trip from Dubrovnik on my last trip to Croatia, but I’m definitely making sure I plan a visit to Mljet National Park, one of the most beautiful and forested pearls of the Mediterranean.

In my opinion, the best way to reach Mljet National Park is by booking yourself on an organized tour (especially if you’ve only got one day to experience all that the park has to offer).

While a full independent round trip from Dubrovnik to Mljet is possible in just one day, things can get a bit complicated (with ferries, bus rides, bikes, etc), so I highly suggest an organized tour.

Note that if you are in fact attempting the ferries yourself, there is only one ferry to Mljet and one ferry back, only giving you about 3 hours on the island once you reach the lakes. Seems like a lot of hassle for such a short period of time.

My advice – Book a tour. Vacation shouldn’t be stressful.

OPTION 3: Impressive Views in Kotor, Montenegro

You didn’t think you’d be day tripping from Dubrovnik to another country, now did you?!  I spent an absolutely fantastic day in Kotor, Montenegro, and didn’t expect to fall for the country as hard as I did, as fast as I did. I mean, what’s better than spending a day out on the water?!

While in Kotor, make sure you make the climb up to St. John’s Fortress (Sveti Ivan) to get unparalleled views of the entire town below (you’ll be swooning over the Bay of Kotor – a UNESCO World Heritage site – in no time), and then go on a short boat ride to Perast!

Again, unless you’ve rented a car or want to spend all day on the public bus, an organized tour would be my honest recommendation on how to spend the bulk of your day in these small towns in Montenegro.

And since Kotor, Budva, and Perast are all located in yes, another country, expect border crossings once again (like in Mostar). And plus, the organized tours aren’t really all that pricey anyways, so it’s worth your sanity and then some.

Read more about these day trips from Dubrovnik here, plus a few additional suggestions to swap out or if you’ve got a few extra days to explore the surrounding area/s:

→ Read Next: Top Day Trips from Dubrovnik

Where to Sleep on Day 14: Dubrovnik

Recommended accommodation options: Boutique Hotel Stari Grad // Prijeko Palace // Hotel Pucic Palace

WOW, well that was a lot!

Have any questions about my Croatia itinerary? What are you most excited about during your 2 weeks in Croatia?! Fingers crossed this Croatia travel blog has been extra helpful!

Photos via omis | omis rafting

The post 2 Weeks in Croatia: The Perfect Croatia Itinerary For First Time Visitors appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Dubrovnik has got to be one of the most fascinating cities I’ve visited recently. From its distinctive Old Town and pedestrianized Stradun (placa) to the freshest of the fresh seafood and it’s sparkling Adriatic sea, this Croatian city is hard to beat.

HOWEVER, come during its prime tourist season (May-September), and you’ll be sharing all this wonderful-ness with thousands of other people. Thankfully, there are quite a few day trips from Dubrovnik that will get you away from the masses and entertain you with some much needed peace and quiet.

Please, oh please, go explore beyond the Old Town walls and common tourist sights and beaches of Dubrovnik. I’m literally begging you. From the seductive islands dotting the coast, complex history of nearby countries, and cobblestone streets just waiting to be explored, there’s enough day trips from Dubrovnik to keep you busy for days and days.

Don’t miss these 10 Dubrovnik excursions on your next trip to Croatia, or at least pick and choose a few if you haven’t got time for all of them!

Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik

1. The Island of Lokrum

How to get there: Looking for an easy day trip from Dubrovnik? The Island of Lokrum may be just your answer. And with a short ferry ride away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town port, you’ll instantly find yourself a world away (minus the crowds!)

The ferry makes its way to Lokrum two to four times an hour, depending on the season, and is quite the quick journey at about 15 minutes or so. The price couldn’t be better either,  costing roughly 5 euro (40 kuna) — and because of this, a day trip to Lokrum from Dubrovnik is by far one of the most popular Dubrovnik day trips you’ll find.

In addition, if you’re up for it and feeling a bit extra and adventurous, you can also kayak from Dubrovnik to Lokrum island – you’ll definitely get views no one else will! | Book kayaking tour

What to do: After the super short ferry ride, prepare to spend the day exploring, as Lokrum Island is full of all things Games of Thrones, an absolutely gorgeous botanical garden,  and boasts tons of natural swimming spots.

If you’re cool wandering the island yourself, there’s no need to book a tour, but if you want to guarantee you’ll see the iron throne and all things Game of Throne, learn a bit about the monastery, and guarantee your spot on a boat, you’ll want to book a guided tour of Lokrum.

I kind of wish I signed up for a tour because although the buildings were gorgeous, I had no clue what I was looking at nor their significance. Don’t miss the peacocks and bunnies roaming around the island (usually in/near the botanical garden) and go for a swim in the super salty “Dead Sea”.

You can also just casually jump in that glistening Adriatic Sea basically anywhere on the coast of Lokrum – a dip is the ultimate way to refresh yourself in the super sweaty Croatian heat. Bring (or wear) your bathing suit!

2. Cavtat

How to get there: Since this old city is relatively close to Dubrovnik (at only 20km away), getting there is quite easy. You can either take a car or taxi cab (only a 30 minute drive), hop on a public bus (fares are 25 kn/~$4 US), or take a ferry if you’d rather spend a bit of time on the gorgeous Croatian waters (40kn/~$7 US).

In addition, Cavtat is pretty close to the airport, so wandering around the city is always an option if you’ve got ample time before your flight.

What to do: Cavtat is kind of like a mini Dubrovnik, being an old city and all, but thankfully, without all the crowds! Be sure not to miss Cavtat’s Old Town (which is fulllll of small town charm and tons of shops, restaurants, and swimming spots), hike the 5-mile (8 km) Ronald Brown Pathway (complete with incredible Croatian views – after you finish the rocky climb), and visit the Vlaho Bukovac House and Church of St. Nicholas.

There’s lots of options to get active in Cavtat, including biking, swimming, kayaking, so be sure to bring your bathing suit! A perfect day in Cavtat includes walking along the scenic paved trail, stopping at a few bars and restaurants along the way, then jumping right into the cool water from the rocky shore – my kinda day trip from Dubrovnik, that’s for sure.

3. Korcula

How to get there: Another day trip from Dubrovnik that’s best reached by boat – especially if you’re planning to visit during the summer season. But be warned – the ride is rather long, lasting about two and a half hours, meaning those who aren’t up for a long ferry ride may want to have other day trip ideas up their sleeve.

And if you’d rather not figure out the ferries on your own (they can be semi-confusing if island hopping isn’t your typical activity), an organized tour may be your best bet. Why not leave the stresses to someone else (my top choice).

What to do: Besides being the stunning medieval town that it is, Korcula also boasts some of the most impressive scenery you’ll find on any day trip from Dubrovnik.

Be sure to check out some Renaissance-era palaces and lounge at an outdoor cafe, sipping coffee or local wine. Psst – if you’re a wine lover you’ve got to drive through the wine region in the peninsula of Peljesac and explore a local wine cellar, included on many organized tours to Korcula from Dubrovnik.

A few different options for your day trip to Korcula, some even including local wine tasting:

• Dalmatian Wines and Korcula Island Day Trip
• Standard Island of Korcula Day Tour
• Peljesac Peninsula Korcula Island Day Trip

4. Mljet National Park

How to get there: In my opinion, the best way to reach Mljet National Park is by booking yourself on an organized tour (especially if you’ve only got one day to experience all that the park has to offer). While a full independent round trip from Dubrovnik to Mljet is possible in just one day, things can get a bit complicated (with ferries, bus rides, bikes, etc), so I highly suggest an organized tour.

Note that if you are in fact attempting the ferries yourself, there is only one ferry to Mljet and one ferry back, only giving you about 3 hours on the island once you reach the lakes. Seems like a lot of hassle for such a short period of time. My advice – Book a tour. Vacation shouldn’t be stressful.

What to do: Get back to nature and experience the true Croatia without all the thousands of people. Being Croatia’s greenest island, you can’t take this day trip from Dubrovnik and not visit the lakes. And while you’re here in Mljet, you have to make it to aptly named Big Lake and Small Lake – both are downright spectacular and not to be missed! You’ll even find a tiny island with an old Benedictine monastery on one of them.

Book a boat tour to get the best views of this! I missed out on this day trip from Dubrovnik on my last trip to Croatia, but I’m definitely making sure I plan a visit to Mljet National Park, one of the most beautiful and forested pearls of the Mediterranean.

Learn More and Book Tour to Mljet Here.

5. Elafiti Islands

How to get there: If you want to spend some time on the Elafiti Islands (which I’m dubbing as one of my favorite day trips from Dubrovnik – they were downright STUNNING), I recommend booking yourself on an organized tour (which I did!)

Note that you can go to just one island if you’re traveling sans tour, but you’ll need to first get yourself to Port Gruz (on the other side of town) which can be a hefty cab ride.

What to do: Sailing trips to the Elafiti Islands will visit 3 of the 13 islands of this extraordinary archipelago. And if you choose to take a full day trip from Dubrovnik to these islands, you’ll be able to visit all three – Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, drinks included!

Feast on grilled fish, visit some of the most stunning islands in the archipelago, and say goodbye to the crowds! Come for the beaches, stay for the picturesque villages, citrus gardens, old churches, and pine and olive forests. Basically, the Elafiti Islands are an absolute dream.

Don’t miss this as a visit to these islands were one of the best day trips from Dubrovnik by far – it was one of my favorite days in my 2 weeks in Croatia.

Sooo many options, all slightly different (check out each one to see what fits your taste before booking):

• Three Islands and Fish Picnic
• Elaphiti Islands Cruise
• Green Elaphiti Islands Cruise
• Full Day Kolocep Island Sea Kayaking 
• Kolocep Island Hiking and Swimming 

6. Babin Kuk

How to get there: Babin Kuk couldn’t be easier to reach! Located just a bit away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town (4km), at the northern end of the Lapad peninsula, you can take a short and super-cheap bus ride over here.

Because of it’s short distance from Old Town, this trip isn’t really a trueeee Dubrovnik excursion, but hanging out in Babin Kuk was one of my favorite afternoons so I couldn’t bare to leave it off this list. So many tourists don’t even think of venturing past Old Town, so a little nudge won’t hurt anyone.

What to do: The entirely of Babin Kuk reminded me more of a chic Santa Barbara resort, as opposed to the old stone buildings in your typical Dubrovnik.  Make sure to walk along the paved coastal trail with it’s fine, fine seaside views, and stop at a cafe on the way for a macchiato and a margarita overlooking the ocean.

Time to hit up a beach club! Copacabana Beach and/or Coral Beach Club are both great options, with chairs for rent and food to order. And whatever you do, don’t miss out on the Cave Bar at Hotel More.

7. Split

How to get there: Yes, Split is rather far from Dubrovnik (at around 230km away), which is kind of a ways away, but I just couldn’t bare to leave it off this list of Dubrovnik day trips. You can easily get there by driving yourself or taking a public bus (roughly 3 hours each way), but you’ll encounter border crossings at the Bosnia-Herzegovina border which sometimes take longer than expected.

Because of this, if you’ve only got a day alloted to exploring Split, it may be best to travel from Dubrovnik on an organized group that will take care of all the details and get you through the border crossings quite easily.

What to do: Understand that with only one day in Split, you won’t be able to see all that this city has to offer. With that being said, I still think it’s worth it to go, being one of Croatia’s most famous cities with tons and tons of unique architecture (including a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Don’t miss Diocletian’s Palace, a stroll along the city’s promenade – Riva, people watch in the lively Narodni (People’s’) Square, and make a visit to the fish market and green (veggie) market. I highly recommend spending more than just one day in Split, but if that’s all you got, a day trip from Dubrovnik is better than nothing.

Learn More and Book Tour to Split here

8. Kotor, Budva, and Perast, Montenegro

How to get there: Again, unless you’ve rented a car or want to spend all day on the public bus, an organized tour would be my honest recommendation on how to spend the bulk of your day in these small towns in Montenegro.

And since Kotor, Budva, and Perast are all located in yes, another country, expect border crossings again. And plus, the organized tours aren’t really not that pricey anyways).

What to do: You didn’t think you’d be day tripping from Dubrovnik to another country, now did you?!  I spent an absolutely fantastic day in Montegreno, and didn’t expect to fall for the country as hard as I did, as fast as I did. What’s better than spending a day out on the water?!

While in Kotor, make sure you make the climb up to the St. John’s Fortress (Sveti Ivan) to get unparalleled views of the entire town below (you’ll be swooning over the Bay of Kotor – a UNESCO World Heritage site – in no time), and then go on a short boat ride to Perast!

Read Next: One Stunning Day in Kotor, Montenegro

Plenty of organized tours also make a stop at the walled seaside town of Budva, where you can lounge on the beautiful beach, wander the streets, and sit down for a seafood lunch. Doesn’t get much better than this! Kotor and Budva are definitely some of the best day trips from Dubrovnik!

Plenty of day trip options to Kotor:

• Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik
• Montenegro by Boat (from Dubrovnik)
• Day Trip to Perast, Kotor, and Budva (from Dubrovnik)
• Montenegro History Tour (from Dubrovnik)

9. Mostar, Bosnia

How to get there: If you’re staying overnight (which I highly recommend), feel free to take the bus from Dubrovnik as it’s a smooth and simple ride, taking about 4 hours or so (plus border crossings).

However, if you’ve only got one day allotted for Mostar, a group tour is the way to go, especially because they’ll be invaluable for the necessary border crossings as well which can sometimes take an awfully long time. A day trip to Mostar can also take you to Kravice Falls and Pocitelj quite easily as well (both well worth it in my opinion).

What to do: As one of the most unique day trips from Dubrovnik, Mostar is not to be missed! Don’t miss walking across the Stari Most, one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks. You may even get lucky and see a diver jumping off the bridge – an old tradition over here!

Get some cevapi in town (small meat sausages served in flat bread) for lunch – you definitely won’t regret it!

And before you get too wrapped up in the cities beauty, be sure not to forget the countries perilous past, which won’t be hard to miss after seeing bullet ridden buildings and still-decrepit walls. I highly recommend reading up on the war and turbulent history before making your visit to Mostar.

Mostar was by far one of my favorite cities on my entire trip to Croatia and Bosnia, and you can bet I’d recommend at last a day trip from Dubrovnik. If you have time, be sure to stay at least one night (if you can squeeze it in of course).

There’s lots of tour options for Mostar, all extremely similar (you can’t go wrong with any of these):

• Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls
• Full Day to Mostar, Pocitelj, and Kravice Waterfalls
• Bosnia and Herzogovina Day Trip
• Small Group Tour to Mostar and Kravice

10. Sarajevo, Bosnia

How to Get There: Just putting it out there, but Sarajevo is one of the longest possible day trips from Dubrovnik. It can be done in just one day (if you are absolutely smitten with the idea of heading there), but I’d prefer to have more time there.

Located even further from Dubrovnik than Mostar in Bosnia, Sarajevo will take you roughly 4 hours to reach. The good news – you can take a private tour to reach Sarajevo if you don’t want to drive it yourself, but the bad news – it’s kinda pricey if you don’t have multiple friends/family members to join you (but downright awesome if you do).

What to Do: Once you reach the city of Sarajevo via your own private vehicle (woo woo!), you’ll do a 2-hour sightseeing tour via luxury vehicle while discovering the most important landmarks and memorials the city has to offer. Admire the Latin Bridge, Bascarsija Bazaar and many other sites including the Sarajevo Roses.

After the sightseeing tour, take some free time to enjoy the town at your own leisure. Ask your guide for sightseeing advice or just wander, enjoying a coffee at a cafe or just stroll the streets before departing again for Dubrovnik.

Learn More and Book Sarajevo Tour Here

Which day trips from Dubrovnik are you most excited about? Will you be adding any Dubrovnik excursions to your itinerary?!

The post Day Trips from Dubrovnik, Croatia: Where to Get Away from the Crowds appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

If you’ve stumbled upon this post, my guess is that you’re currently planning a trip to Croatia! YES! Get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Croatia is an absolutely stunning country, and although it’s becoming more and more popular in recent years, I highly encourage you to visit ASAP.

One reason alone – the beaches in Dubrovnik are worth it and then some. Who can resist that warm Mediterranean Sea and silky white sand beneath your feet?

Dubrovnik is a Croatian City located by the Adriatic Sea, and because of its close proximity to the water, the city boasts a whole handful of absolutely stunning Dubrovnik beaches. Despite its relatively small size, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.

It’s even been used as a filming location for several big movies and TV shows including Game of Thrones and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (yes, GOT and SW fans will totally geek out in Dubrovnik, there’s even dedicated tours for them). Besides movie locations, the city has a lot to offer, including beautiful churches, quality museums, and of course, many incredible beaches in Dubrovnik.

More of the best things to do in Dubrovnik here!

It’s no doubt that the beaches in Dubrovnik are some of the best in the world. Anyone who loves spending time by the ocean should come here at least once, and then come back and back again (once you understand the Croatian obsession).

Here are just a few of the beaches that Dubrovnik has to offer, in no particular order (because let’s face it, they’re all equally stunning and worthy of your time in Croatia).

Best Beaches in Dubrovnik

1. Banje Beach

Banje Beach is by far one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik, and certainly the city’s most popular. It’s popularity is partially due to the fact that it’s the closest beach to Dubrovnik’s old town, and easily accessible to most travelers. Many 5 star hotels are located nearby and the view? To die for.

The beach itself is split into two sections. On one side, you can simply throw down a beach towel and relax for free. If you prefer to sun bathe in comfort, head to the other side (run by East West Beach Club), where you can use a deckchair for a small fee.

Hungry? You’re in luck. The beach also has a seafood restaurant which features authentic Mediterranean food!

Once the sun goes down, Banje Beach becomes one the biggest party beaches in Dubrovnik. Anyone who enjoys nightlife on the beach certainly needs to check it out. Overall, this is one of the busiest beaches in Dubrovnik and is a good place to visit if you like to be where the action is. Oh, and it’s absolutely stunning.

Best for: those looking for the action, seafood lunches, and night time partying!

2. Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach is a pebble beach located in Babin Kuk, home of the Valamar hotels. This is another one of the most popular beaches in Dubrovnik and is a great place to spend time if you enjoy water sports. You can rent a variety of different equipment while you’re at Copacabana Beach, including kayaks, jet skis, and banana boats. And when you’re not playing in the water, you can hang out in its all-day beach bar. Afternoon drinks, anyone?!

On top of this, Copacabana Beach is one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik to bring your kids. What kids wouldn’t love an inflatable water park with sea slide chutes that go into the water?! It’s also easy to grab a bite to eat when you’re on this beach.

Along with the aforementioned bar, it also has a restaurant, a fruit shop, and an ice cream parlor. There are also showers where you can wash up at the end of the day.

Best for: water sports, those with kids, and all-day beach bar access

3. Lapad Bay Beach

Lapad Bay Beach is one of the most fascinating beaches near Dubrovnik. It is actually located in Lapad, a nearby peninsula which serves as a suburb to the larger city. The scenery at this beach is absolutely breathtaking, and is famous for its pebble sands, clear blue waters, and gorgeous sunsets.

It’s also well-known for its small coves and beautiful plant life. In fact, the many pine wood trees surrounding the area make it easy to enjoy even on the hottest summer days. Shade for days!

Lapad Bay is conveniently located near many hotels, restaurants, tennis courts, and children’s playgrounds. It also has all of the amenities that a beach goer could possibly want. There are showers, changing rooms, umbrellas, and much more. The beach is known for its laid back vibe in general and is widely considered to be one of the most relaxing beaches in Dubrovnik.

Best for: a day of relaxation, stunning scenery, shade

4. Buza Beach

This is one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik to visit if you’re looking for something a little different. It can only be accessed by passing through a small door in the city walls known as St. Stephen. This makes Buza Beach a literal hole in the wall. While it may be hard to find, the beach itself is definitely worth it.

Its incredible views of the harbor and location next to the city walls make it a truly unique experience. It’s also significantly less crowded than some of the other beaches in Dubrovnik because of its hidden accessibility.

Furthermore, Buza Beach is also a multilevel beach. Because of this, cliff diving has become quite popular here. This makes it a great place to visit for those of you who are a little more adventurous. It is important to note that cliff diving can be dangerous – make sure to take necessary precautions before you participate.

Best for: off-the-beaten-path, fewer crowds, cliff-diving

5. Bellevue (Miramar) Beach

Bellevue Beach, also known as Miramar Beach, is among the most popular beaches near Dubrovnik. It is located under the hotel of the same name, and it’s situated in a secluded spot surrounded by rocky cliffs. These walls protect the beach during the afternoon, making it a good place to go if you don’t like being in the hot sun.

On the other hand, you can also visit this beach in the morning if you want to catch some rays.

Another unique aspect of Bellevue Beach is its status as the home of the Divlje Liga. This is a massive water polo tournament that’s held every summer and has been known to attract up to 30,000 people. This makes it the largest amateur water polo competition in the world.

If you’re a fan of this sport, then this is something that you absolutely have to see. Bellevue Beach is also a popular spot for swimming and other water sports.

Best for: morning sun/afternoon shade, watching polo

6. Trsteno Beach

Trsteno Beach is one of the more unusual beaches near Dubrovnik. Strictly speaking, it’s a harbor rather than a beach. Nonetheless, it’s well-known as a great place to go swimming and sunbathing. As such, it can hold its own among any of the other beaches on this list. You can find it at the bottom of an incredibly beautiful arboretum.

This is among the most breathtaking collections of plants and trees you will ever find anywhere. It was also the filming location for several scenes of Game of Thrones.

The beach itself is still relatively unknown compared to some of the more popular beaches in Dubrovnik. This means you’ll more or less have the place to yourself when you visit. Be aware that there are no cafes or amenities here. It’s just simply a great place to relax and get away from it all. It’s also located close to the amazing Restaurant Kanoba Canossa.

Best for: Game of Thrones fans, less popular (fewer crowds), no amenities

Know of any other beaches in Dubrovnik worthy of this list?! Drop me a comment below! I’m always looking to expand my Dubrovnik beach hopping knowledge!

images via 3, 4

The post Best Beaches in Dubrovnik, Croatia appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Every time I plan out my summer, Croatia ends up at the top of my list. And then it never works out. For some reason or another, I can’t figure out how to easily fit it in with the rest of my complicated itinerary. I did make it to a little northern island off the coast – Pag Island – and beautiful Zadar, but I’m still dreaming of visiting Croatia’s hot spots including Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar.

Thankfully, I’ve enlisted my Croatian-loving blogging pal Kristen from Travels & Treats to share with us her favorite things to do in Dubrovnik. And honestly, after reading this list of things to do in Dubrovnik, the city (and country as a whole) now holds a firm spot in my future travel plans. 

PRE-TRAVEL GUIDE TO DUBROVNIK

When to go

The summer is by far the most popular time to travel to Dubrovnik. The weather from May to September is best for spending time on Croatia’s countless beautiful beaches.

However, with the gorgeous weather comes swarms of tourists and cruise ships, so be aware that you will likely encounter crowds and higher prices during peak season. If you aren’t so interested in hanging by the beach, offseason is much quieter and way less crowded.

Keep in mind that many businesses, restaurants, and bars are said to shut down during the slow offseason. Shoulder season (April and October) is the sweet spot, with cooperative weather and tourist attractions still being open.

Where to Stay

Because the summer months are so popular in Dubrovnik, most hotels are known for implementing extreme increases on nightly rates. Renting an apartment is usually a much more affordable option, and such a better value. For less than the price of a hotel, you can find lovely  apartments through AirBnb that are available in prime locations, such as within the old city walls or up on the hill next to the Old Town. Due to the hilly landscape, many of the apartments in Dubrovnik come with incredible views of the sea.

How to Get Around

Once you get to Dubrovnik from a larger city, say from Split, you’ll have an easy time getting around. Dubrovnik is a fairly small city, so walking is the most sensible form of transportation. Most sights and points of interest are in the same general area, so you likely won’t need to move around much.

If you do want to explore more of the city, head to the outskirts or go for a day trip, renting a car is likely going to be your best option. Another option is to hire a driver, as the public transportation across Croatia isn’t as abundant as other European countries.

Important Things to Pack

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik during the summer, as most travelers do, you definitely need sunscreen as your number one item to pack. It’s better to come prepared, as it’s expensive to purchase in the local shops. For the beaches, you’ll want sandals or water shoes that can get wet.

Note that the beaches in Dubrovnik are not sandy, but rather quite rocky. While the beaches are incredibly beautiful, they can be hard on your feet. The rocks are also home to sea urchins, which are a sure way to ruin your vacation if you accidentally step on one walking into the ocean. Ouch!

For more practical information about the city, check this out!

Up next: itinerary options for a weekend in Dubrovnik!

15 THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK

1 | Watch the sunset from Mt. Srd

Dubrovnik is full of gorgeous views, but Mount Srd might offer the best. Topped off by a fortress that has been used during periods of war in Dubrovnik, the hill overlooks the entire city and sea, making this an absolute must-see spot in the city.

A hiking trail will lead you to the top on foot, or if you’re feeling a bit lazy/hot, you can opt to take the cable car, which is a much easier route. There is a fee to ride the cable car, but you will not be disappointed when you reach the top.

The view is beautiful no matter what time of day you choose to make the journey up the hill, but going up in time to watch the sunset is absolutely magical and highly recommended as one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.

2 | Try a Peka Dish at Konoba Dubrava

Once you’re on top of Mt. Srd, you’ll be within walking distance to one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik—eating a traditional peka dinner. The walk is about twenty minutes from where the cable car drops off, but it’s worth it for a chance to taste some of Dubrovnik’s best food.

Peka is a meat meal that is cooked under a hot iron bell for approximately three hours. Konoba Dubrava excels at making this dish and it is a must for every traveling foodie.

The secret is that you have to order this meal in advance because it does take hours to cook. Luckily, the restaurant allows you to make a reservation and place your dinner order via email before you even leave for your trip. Pretty fancy, am I right?

3 | Take the ferry to Lokrum Island

From the Old Town Port in Dubrovnik, you can hop on the ferry and have your feet down on Lokrum Island within 15 minutes. Here you’ll find botanical gardens, an old monastery, and a number of colorful roaming peacocks, freely wandering around the island.

If you need a break from the city scene in Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is the perfect spot for a quick escape into nature. If you get hungry, there is a restaurant located towards the center of the island. The ease of access, beautiful scenery, and countless swimming spots makes it high on everyone’s list of top things to do in Dubrovnik.

4 | Eat oysters from nearby Ston

Hopefully you like seafood, because Dubrovnik offers some of the best. The Croatian town of Mali Ston is famous for its oysters, which are said to be some of the best in the entire world. Dubrovnik restaurants proudly serve oysters from Mali Ston since the oyster hot spot is less than an hour away.

Looking for places to eat in Dubrovnik? Check out this restaurant guide!

It’s said that the reason the oysters are so delicious is due to the blend of nutrients in the Mali Ston Bay. Whatever the reason may be, you should try them and taste for yourself.

5 | Sunbathe at Banje Beach

You can’t go to Dubrovnik and not spend time at Banje Beach. Popular among sunbathers, snorkelers, and vacationers of all ages, this beach is one of the must-see things to do in Dubrovnik.

The water is crystal clear and the beach offers a straight-shot view of the old town walls. Being surrounded by the old town, which carries such a rich history, definitely makes Banje Beach a unique, unforgettable beach experience. It doesn’t hurt that the water is the most beautiful shade of turquoise. Just look at the water! Perfect!

6 | Walk the historic city walls

Sometimes the most popular tourist destinations in a city end up being really overrated and disappointing. Thankfully, that is not the case with the historic city walls in Dubrovnik.

The historic city walls run around the perimeter of the Old Town. For a fee, visitors get to climb to the top of the walls and circle the Old Town from above. Every step you take offers a stunning new view of the Adriatic Sea, islands in the distance, burnt orange rooftops, and pedestrians strolling the town below. You’ll definitely want your camera in hand, that’s for sure!

7 | Taste Croatian wine at D’vino Wine Bar

Did you know Croatia has a bustling wine scene? The country has an abundance of wineries that much of the world is unaware of because the Croatian wine industry doesn’t export much of its product. If you’re a wine afficionado, wine tasting is surely one of the things you must do in Dubrovnik.

Croatians are proud of their locally produced wine and it’s actually really good—and affordable! You can pick up a bottle at any local market, but why try just one when there are so many choices? At D’vino Wine Bar in the old town, you can order tasting flights and sample multiple wines that are produced in the local area.

8 | Shop at the market in Old Town

Street markets are a great way to get a taste of the local lifestyle, cuisine and overall food culture. Gundulićeva Poljana market is no exception. This open-air market sets up in a small square of the old town where local farmers and vendors sell their fresh produce and products.

If you are staying at a place with a kitchen, this market would be the perfect place to grab a few things to cook a meal. The fresh fruit for sale also makes  for a great snack while walking around the old town, especially in the summer heat.

9 | Go for a swim in the adriatic

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, swimming in the Adriatic Sea is one of the absolute best things to do in Dubrovnik (!!!). The sea is really calm, so the lack of crazy, rough waves makes it really easy to swim around safely.

More importantly, the sea is gorgeous! The water is incredibly clear and blue, making it a great place to throw on a pair of goggles and explore what’s going on beneath the surface. If you have a waterproof camera, like a GoPro, you’re going to want to bring it. Dubrovnik is the perfect place to capture some awesome underwater shots.

10 | Grab a drink with a view at Buza Bar

Imagine what a bar might look like in paradise, and you’ll probably have an image in your head that’s pretty close to Buza Bar. Hanging off the edge of a cliff—literally—Buza Bar offers panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island.

There’s not a bad seat in the house, as every table faces the water. And on hot days, which is all summer season in Dubrovnik, you can cool off in the sea. A short flight of stairs leads down from the bar directly into the water. This bar is truly a dream and a great way to kick off a weekend in Dubrovnik.

11 | Eat for cheap at Buffet Skola

Dubrovnik has gained a reputation for being an expensive city to travel and eat. Whether that’s true or not, it’s always nice to have cheap food options without sacrificing quality and the local experience. Buffet Skola is just that—cheap, yet tasty and authentic!

Prsut, similar to Italy’s prosciutto, is a popular cured meat in Croatia. The prsut sandwich at Buffet Skola is one of the best cheap eats in Dubrovnik. You save money, but still get to taste delicious food that is treasured by the locals.

12 | Pretend you’re in Game of Thrones

It’s hard to be in Dubrovnik without thinking of Game of Thrones. Fans of the medieval fantasy series will have a blast retracing the footsteps of their favorite characters, or visiting the exact spots where some of the most epic scenes were shot.

If you’re really serious about the show and hitting all of its famed spots, the city has a variety of guided tours available that will take you around to all of the must-see GOT filming locations. Or you could opt to save the money and go hunting for the filming locations scattered around the city yourself, although this will require much more time and energy.

13 | Wake up early for the sunrise

Sometimes it’s hard to wake up early on vacation, but you’ll want to force yourself to do it at least once during your time in Dubrovnik! Not much beats a Croatian sunrise. There’s nothing  quite like seeing the sun slowly start to illuminate the crisp blue Adriatic Sea.

For this reason alone, it’s worth trying to book an apartment to stay somewhere up on the hill adjacent to the Old Town. Most apartments face the sea and come with balconies, perfect for viewing the sunrise and sipping on a warm cup of coffee.

14 | Educate yourself on Dubrovnik’s painful history

Dubrovnik has been through so much in the last few decades, which might be a surprise to many tourists because the city is so charming and beautiful. When visiting a new place, many travelers are interested in learning more about the city’s history.

The War Photo Limited is a gallery featuring images that were taken by a photojournalist during the ‘90s in the Balkans. The collection documents the harsh reality of war and attempts to educate visitors on the painful years the city had to endure.

If you’d like to get a glimpse of what this incredible city has experienced, this exhibit should be on your must-see list for things to do in Dubrovnik.

15 | Spend a day on the water

Beach time and water activities are one of the most popular things to do in Dubrovnik if you are traveling during the summer season. Don’t limit yourself to spending all of your time in the Old Town, get out on the water!

There is an endless supply of boats for rent. If you’re willing to splurge, you can hire a boat driver to take you out on the Adriatic for half-day or full-day tours. There are islands to stop at, blue caves to explore, and crystal-clear water to swim around and snorkel in. You can search for rental options online in advance, or head down to the dock in the Old Town to check availability.

Have you been to Croatia before? What were your favorite things to do in Dubrovnik?! Have any to add to the list? Share below in the comments!

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The post 15+ Best Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.