The Best of Croatia in 5 Days

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Curated By

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  • Boutique Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Family Travel

  • Beaches

  • Honeymoons

  • Couples Travel

  • Active Travel

  • Croatia

  • Outdoors

  • Local Culture

  • Sightseeing

  • Costal

  • Bucket List-Worthy

An azure sea and beach filled with people in Croatia.
Fora’s Take

Croatia combines the best of summer in Europe: buzzy cocktail bars butting up against crashing waves, luxury hotels dropped in the middle of a historic square and waterfall-studded national parks worth the trek. Surprisingly, Croatia remains a relatively affordable European vacation, perfect for a honeymoon or summer getaway.

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Where to stay

Sheraton Zagreb Hotel

Modern hotel with a glass facade and a large indoor swimming pool perfect for a stay in the Croatian capital.

The Krizmanic Family B&B - Plitvice Lakes

A home-stay style hotel located within a cozy house in a lush garden.

Hotel Vestibul Palace

Set in Split's historic Old Town, this small boutique hotel features classic rooms and suites and an airy restaurant.

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Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort

Contemporary seasonal resort set along the Adriatic Sea with upscale rooms and multi-bedroom suites.

Villa Dubrovnik

Boasting spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea, this spectacular property offers picture-perfect luxury just minutes from Dubrovnik's Old Town.

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Day 1: Zagreb, Croatia’s Capital City

Girl walking towards a Croatian church.

On day 1, get settled and explore Croatia’s capital. Check into the Sheraton Zagreb, centrally located near the action. On foot, head to the the quirky Museum of Broken Relationships, then explore St. Mark’s Church, the Cathedral of Zagreb, Upper Town and Jelacic Square.

Day 2: Plitvice National Park

Waterfalls amidst a lush, green landscape in Croatia.

Take the bus from Zagreb to Plitvice (2h15m, buscroatia.com,) and explore the jaw-dropping crystal clear lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice National Park. Opt to spend the night outside the park in a cute B&B, such as Krizmanic Family B&B, or get back on the bus and head down to Split after you’re done exploring Plitvice (4h south to Split.)

Day 3: Split & Surrounding Day Trips

Sprawling views from a mountain in Croatia.

Take the bus from Plitvice to Split (4h, buscroatia.com). Check into Vestibul Palace in the middle of the historic square. Explore Diocletian’s Palace, Mestrovic Gallery, Bacvice Beach and Beach Bene. Want to add on a day trip? Explore Krka National Park, Sibenik, Mostar in Bosnia or the ancient walled city of Trogir.

Day 4: Ferry to Hvar

Pebble beach and sea.

Take the 1 hour ferry from Split to stunning Hvar. Stay at Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort or Palace Elisabeth, and spend the day lounging at one of the beach clubs: Pokonji dol Beach, Carpe Diem, Hula Hula or Falko Beach Bar. Grab dinner at Fig Hvar in the town square.

Day 5: Dubrovnik

Panoramic views of the port city of Dubrovnik.

Take the ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik. Stay at Villa Dubrovnik, outside of the city walls — you’ll be grateful for the distance from the crowds and the impeccable views from your room or suite. In the early evening, take the shuttle into the walled city and walk the old city walls before grabbing a sundown cocktail at Buza Bar. Make sure to snag a reservation at Banje Beach Restaurant.

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Looking for more travel inspo? Check out these Fora-curated guides: 3 Days in Big Sur, California and A Weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Croatia.