10-day Croatia Itinerary – An Authentic Coastal Journey

Authentic Coastal Croatia 10-Day Itinerary

Croatia is a stunning country with a huge stretch along the beautiful Adriatic coast. Many people visit to experience the spectacular rugged beaches, delicious food and diverse cultures. We have explored many parts of this incredible country, and each time we find something new. If you are looking for an authentic experience, you must read out 10-day Croatian itinerary! We have planned out a fabulous journey along the spectacular coastline so you won’t miss a thing!

So, without further ado, here is your 10-day Croatian itinerary –

Day 1: Arrive in Split

The first day of your trip is always one of the most exciting. There isn’t much better than setting off to explore a foreign land! We begin our 10-day Croatia itinerary in beautiful Split. There is an international airport here making it a great city to start your tour.

• Settle in, explore Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO site), and walk the Riva.
• Optional: Sunset drinks at Vidilica Viewpoint above the city.
• Overnight in Split

Day 2–3: Ferry to Vis Island

Time to explore some of Croatia’s incredible islands! On day 2 of our 10-day itinerary, we recommend you hop over to Vis.

• Day 2: Morning ferry (~2.5 hrs). Rent a scooter or car. Chill beach day: try Stiniva, Srebrna, or Stoncica.
• Day 3: Boat tour to Blue Cave, explore military tunnels or wine tasting (Vugava!).
• 2 nights on Vis

10-day Croatia Itinerary Day 4–5: Ferry to Korčula

Back to the mainland and time for some culture.

• Day 4: Short ferry ride (~1.5–2 hrs). Explore Korčula Old Town, watch the sunset from a rooftop bar.
• Day 5: Visit Lumbarda’s sandy beaches, do a bike tour through vineyards, wine tasting (Pošip & Grk).
• 2 nights on Korčula

We’re Already Halfway Through your 10-Day Croatian Itinerary!

Day 6–7: Ferry to Split Transfer to Šibenik

This next phase of our itinerary mixes some old town vibes and some exquisite natural beauty.

• Day 6: Morning ferry to Split, then 1.5–2 hr drive/bus to Šibenik. This is an ideal time for a hill day spent exploring the town and St. Michael’s Fortress.
• Day 7: Day trip to Krka National Park for waterfalls and nature trails.
• 2 nights in Šibenik

10-day Croatia Itinerary Day 8–10: Drive to Rovinj (via Zadar optional stop)

The last stop on our 10-day Croatian itinerary is one that will really take your breath away.

• Day 8: Road trip day—stop for lunch and a wander in Zadar. Continue to Rovinj (~3.5 hrs total drive from Šibenik).
• Day 9: Explore Rovinj Old Town, swim around Zlatni Rt, try truffle pasta.
• Day 10: Chill, maybe a cycling or food tour before heading out.
• 2 nights in Rovinj

At the End of your 10-Day Croatian Itinerary

It’s the end of your 10-day Croatian tour, booooo! Don’t worry, almost everyone comes back for more! Your departure options from Rovinj is to either fly out of Pula Airport (30–40 min from Rovinj), or loop back to Split or Zagreb (add 1 travel day).

10-day Croatia Itinerary Accommodation

Here’s your 10-day Croatia itinerary with curated hotel recommendations to enhance your experience. We usually use sites like Booking.com to get the best deals, but it’s always worth comparing the prices on Google, just in case there are cheaper options.

Split (Days 1–2)

• Hotel Luxe – A modern boutique hotel near Diocletian’s Palace with a rooftop pool.
• Hotel Park Split – A historic hotel offering luxury and proximity to the beach.
• Hotel Vestibul Palace – Located within Diocletian’s Palace, perfect for history enthusiasts.

Vis (Days 3–4)

• Hotel San Giorgio – A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Vis Town.
• Hotel Issa – Offers stunning sea views and a private beach area.
• Hotel Tamaris – Located in a tranquil bay, ideal for relaxation.

Korčula (Days 5–6)

• Aminess Korčula Heritage Hotel – A blend of modern comfort and historical charm.
• Lešić Dimitri Palace – Luxurious suites with a rich cultural heritage.
• Aparthotel The Dreamers’ Club – A boutique hotel offering personalized experiences.

Šibenik (Days 7–8)

• Heritage Hotel Life Palace – A beautifully restored palace in the Old Town.
• Hotel Jadran – Offers stunning sea views and a private beach.
• Hotel Solaris Beach Resort – A family-friendly resort with various amenities.

Rovinj (Days 9–10)

• Grand Park Hotel Rovinj – A luxurious hotel with panoramic views and a spa.
• Hotel Monte Mulini – Offers elegant design and a private beach.
• Hotel Adriatic – A boutique hotel with contemporary art and a seafront café.

How to Get Around Croatia

Ferries are the best for island hopping (Jadrolinija is a popular company). We use buses between cities as they are generally reliable and affordable.

Renting a car is another option and is probably the best for visiting national parks and inland travel. Some areas can get busy and there is some pretty wild driving. We would recommend taking out full insurance and planning your route well before you set off.

Trains are very limited in Croatia, especially when compared to other European countries.

Currency and Costs in Croatia

Since 2023, Croatia uses the Euro. Costs are generally cheaper than Western Europe, though coastal areas can get expensive in peak season. Outside of Dubrovnik (which is often very expensive in high season) can be much better value and prices are more similar with other European towns. However, since the Euro was introduced, prices have significantly increased across the country.

You can take cash out from ATM machines but avoid the ones in tourist areas as they charge a huge commission and give a poor exchange rate. Consider using a bank like Revolut to give you currency flexibility and lower fees.

Food and Drink in Croatia

Make sure you try the fresh seafood, grilled meats and pasta (Italian influence in the west). Don’t miss čevapi (our fave), pasticada, black risotto, pag cheese, and rakija (local spirit). There are also loads of great local wines and olive oils.

Safety and Travel Tips

• Very safe for travellers
• Tap water is drinkable
• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory (rounding up or 10% in restaurants is common)

The Croatian Language

Many Croatians in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Croatian. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers, but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:

English	Croatian	Sounds Like
Hello	Bok	bohk
Goodbye	Doviđenja	doh-vee-jen-yah
Please	Molim	moh-leem
Thank you	Hvala	hva-lah
Yes	Da	da
No	Ne	ne

Where to go next

Ready for another adventure? Why not try some of Albania’s incredible beaches? Or if you’ve decided Sarajevo looks interesting (and you’d be right) then here are some amazing things to do in Sarajevo.

Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.

Have you visited Croatia already? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Would you recommend adding to our 10-day Croatia Itinerary? Drop us a message below, we would love to hear from you!

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10-day Croatia Itinerary