Want to Visit Southern Europe

Croatia

Duration 10 days Cost ~EUR 2,400 for two Season May-June, September Currency EUR (Euro) USD 1 USD = 0.85 EUR Lang Croatian

“Those who wish to sing always find a song.”

— Croatian Proverb

Croatia packs stunning variety into a small country — from Plitvice’s turquoise waterfalls to Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops, from secluded island beaches to vibrant coastal towns along the crystal-clear Adriatic.

Why I Want to Visit

Beyond the coastline, Croatia blends Roman, Venetian, and Slavic influences giving each city its own character. The food scene features fresh seafood, local olive oils, and Peljesac wines, while the islands offer a slower, more authentic pace.

Planned Itinerary

My plan follows the coast from north to south:

Zagreb (1 day) - Upper town, Dolac Market, Museum of Broken Relationships
Plitvice Lakes (1 day) - Sixteen terraced lakes and countless waterfalls
Split (2 days) - Diocletian’s Palace, Riva waterfront, island day trips
Hvar Island (2 days) - Lavender fields, secluded beaches, vibrant harbor town
Dubrovnik (3 days) - City walls walk, old town kayaking, Lokrum Island day trip

What I’m Most Excited About

Walking Dubrovnik’s city walls with the Adriatic sparkling below
Swimming in Plitvice’s turquoise waters surrounded by forest
Exploring Hvar Island’s hidden coves by boat
Seeing how Diocletian’s Palace became a living city in Split

Where to Eat

Vinodol (Zagreb) — Beloved Zagreb institution in a covered courtyard with traditional Croatian cooking. ~EUR 15-25. 📍 Maps
Konoba Matejuska (Split) — Tiny no-reservations tavern in the old fishermen’s quarter with fresh, simple seafood. ~EUR 18-30. 📍 Maps
Pantarul (Dubrovnik) — Modern Lapad bistro with seasonal, locally-sourced menus. ~EUR 25-40. 📍 Maps
Konoba Nikola (Split) — Family-run restaurant at Marjan Hill with relaxed Dalmatian terrace dining. ~EUR 15-25. 📍 Maps
Nishta (Dubrovnik) — Creative vegetarian and vegan restaurant inside the Old Town walls. ~EUR 12-20. 📍 Maps

Where to Stay

Hotel Peristil ★★★★ (Split) — Boutique hotel within Diocletian’s Palace walls on the ancient Peristyle square. ~EUR 120/night. Book
Hotel Lero ★★★★ (Dubrovnik) — Recently renovated hotel with sea views. ~EUR 100/night. Book
Hotel Jagerhorn ★★★ (Zagreb) — Zagreb’s oldest hotel. ~EUR 75/night. Book
Villa Split ★★★ (Split) — Modern guesthouse 10 minutes’ walk from Diocletian’s Palace with spacious rooms. ~EUR 65/night. Book

Tours & Excursions

Dubrovnik City Walls Walking Tour — Full circuit of the medieval walls with history from Ragusa Republic to Game of Thrones. 2h, ~EUR 30. Book
Plitvice Lakes National Park Day Trip — Sixteen terraced lakes. 10h, ~EUR 55. Book
Split Food & Wine Walking Tour — Taste Dalmatian specialties like peka. 3h, ~EUR 60. Book
Hvar Island & Blue Cave Boat Tour from Split — Cruise to Hvar and the Blue Cave on Bisevo with swimming in crystal-clear coves. 10h, ~EUR 85. Book
Zagreb Walking Tour: Upper & Lower Town — Medieval Upper Town churches. 2.5h, ~EUR 20. Book