Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Zagreb to Dubrovnik in Dalmatia & Central Croatia, Croatia.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is June to September.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Coastal, Culture, Nature, Classic road trip, Beach.

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast: 10 Days from Zagreb to Dubrovnik

Q: How long is the Croatia's Dalmatian Coast: 10 Days from Zagreb to Dubrovnik route?

This route takes 11 days taking in 5 stops.

Loading…

The route · 5 stops

1
Zagreb
1 night
Croatia's capital pairs a Habsburg-era Upper Town of Gothic spires and covered markets with an energetic café culture on the streets below. The Dolac farmers' market, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and the panoramic terrace above Lotrščak Tower fill a good arrival day before the motorway south beckons.
Croatia's capital pairs a Habsburg-era Upper Town of Gothic spires and covered markets with an energetic café culture on the streets below. The Dolac farmers' market, the Museum of Broken Relationships, and the panoramic terrace above Lotrščak Tower fill a good arrival day before the motorway south beckons.
Park in the Importanne or Branimir underground garage; the old town is walkable. Shop at Dolac market early (it closes by noon) and stock up for the drive to Plitvice.
2
Plitvice Lakes
2 nights
UNESCO-listed park of 16 interconnected lakes linked by waterfalls and 18 km of wooden boardwalks. Two nights allow both the Upper Lakes (tall forest, viewpoints) and Lower Lakes (most dramatic cascades, including 78m Veliki Slap). The park opens at 7am; arriving early is essential in July and August.
UNESCO-listed park of 16 interconnected lakes linked by waterfalls and 18 km of wooden boardwalks. Two nights allow both the Upper Lakes (tall forest, viewpoints) and Lower Lakes (most dramatic cascades, including 78m Veliki Slap). The park opens at 7am; arriving early is essential in July and August.
Book timed-entry tickets online in advance for summer visits. Route B covers the Upper Lakes; Route C the Lower. Route K adds the boat crossing of Lake Kozjak. Wear non-slip shoes.
3
Zadar
2 nights
The oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia packs 2,000 years of history inside Roman-era walls. The Sea Organ plays natural music through underwater pipes, while the Solar-powered Greeting to the Sun creates a light show at dusk. Day-trip boats to Kornati National Park depart from the old harbour.
The oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia packs 2,000 years of history inside Roman-era walls. The Sea Organ plays natural music through underwater pipes, while the Solar-powered Greeting to the Sun creates a light show at dusk. Day-trip boats to Kornati National Park depart from the old harbour.
The Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun are free and best at sunset. Ferries to Kornati depart from the old town quay; book a day trip through the harbour agencies for the most flexible options.
4
Split
3 nights
Diocletian's Roman palace, built in 305 AD, is not a museum but a living quarter of the city, with cafés, apartments, and a cathedral inside its ancient walls. Three nights allows the palace, Marjan Hill viewpoints, and a day-trip catamaran to Hvar. The crossing takes 55 minutes each way.
Diocletian's Roman palace, built in 305 AD, is not a museum but a living quarter of the city, with cafés, apartments, and a cathedral inside its ancient walls. Three nights allows the palace, Marjan Hill viewpoints, and a day-trip catamaran to Hvar. The crossing takes 55 minutes each way.
Catamarans to Hvar depart from the Riva Promenade. Book Jadrolinija tickets online for July and August. Car ferry to Stari Grad takes 2h. Leave the car in Split for the Hvar day trip.
5
Dubrovnik
2 nights
Croatia's most-visited city is a medieval walled port on the southern Adriatic, with honey-limestone walls enclosing the Stradun promenade. Two nights is enough to walk the full 1,940m of city walls, explore the old town forts and churches, and ride the cable car to Mount Srđ for a panoramic view.
Croatia's most-visited city is a medieval walled port on the southern Adriatic, with honey-limestone walls enclosing the Stradun promenade. Two nights is enough to walk the full 1,940m of city walls, explore the old town forts and churches, and ride the cable car to Mount Srđ for a panoramic view.
Walk the walls early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The Dubrovnik Pass covers walls, cable car, and local buses. Park outside the old town; traffic into Pile Gate is restricted.

Route highlights

Activity
Plitvice Lakes Lower Circuit
The Lower Lakes hold the most dramatic scenery in the park: Veliki Slap at 78 metres is Croatia's tallest waterfall, and the short circuit below it passes turquoise plunge pools and cascades from every angle. Allow two to three hours for the full loop.
Viewpoint
Zadar Sea Organ at Sunset
Architect Nikola Bašić's 2005 installation channels wave energy through 35 pipes below the Zadar promenade, producing a continuous and unpredictable harmony. Alfred Hitchcock once called Zadar's sunset the most beautiful in the world; the Sea Organ adds a soundtrack.
Culture
Diocletian's Palace, Split
Built between 295 and 305 AD as the retirement retreat of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace has been continuously inhabited for 1,700 years. Today, its cellars host concerts and its peristyle square hosts cafés. Entry to the complex is free at all times.
Beach
Hvar Island Day Trip
The catamaran from Split reaches Hvar Town in 55 minutes, enough for the fortress above town, a swim from the Pakleni Islands' clear-water coves, and lunch on the main square. Summer evenings on Hvar are the liveliest on the Dalmatian coast.
Activity
Dubrovnik City Walls
The 1,940-metre perimeter walk around Dubrovnik's medieval walls is one of Europe's great urban experiences, taking in sea views, fortress towers, and terracotta rooftops. The circuit takes about 90 minutes; start early to avoid summer heat and crowds.
Scenic Drive
Pelješac Bridge and Peninsula
The 2.4-km Pelješac Bridge, opened in July 2022, now links Croatia's coastline without a border crossing into Bosnia. Driving over it en route to Dubrovnik is memorable in itself; the peninsula below is Croatia's best wine country, producing the Dingač and Postup reds.
Activity
Kornati Day Trip from Zadar
Kornati National Park is an archipelago of 89 islands off the Zadar coast, with no permanent population and extraordinarily clear water. Day boats from Zadar take about 90 minutes to reach the islands, where lunch at a family konoba is included in most tour prices.

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast: 10 Days from Zagreb to Dubrovnik

The route · 5 stops

Zagreb

Plitvice Lakes

Zadar

Split

Dubrovnik

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Add a photo or video

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

Crete Grand Circuit: Knossos, Spinalonga, Samaria Gorge and Balos in 10 Days

Shetland: Vikings, Puffins and the Atlantic Edge

Outer Banks Coastal Drive: Corolla to Ocracoke

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast: 10 Days from Zagreb to Dubrovnik

The route · 5 stops

Zagreb

Plitvice Lakes

Zadar

Split

Dubrovnik

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

You might also like

Crete Grand Circuit: Knossos, Spinalonga, Samaria Gorge and Balos in 10 Days

Shetland: Vikings, Puffins and the Atlantic Edge

Outer Banks Coastal Drive: Corolla to Ocracoke