Croatia Travel Itinerary: Explore 3 Weeks with an Amazing Route

Discovering Croatia in 3 Weeks

A road trip through Croatia is an unforgettable summer experience, filled with breathtaking scenery and exciting activities. Driving along winding roads through diverse landscapes promises adventures you won't soon forget!

If you're short on time, check out our suggested 10-day itinerary for exploring Croatia.

Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik

We kicked off our journey with a fantastic day in Dubrovnik, the beautiful port city. As a popular destination with many large tour groups, it's wise to rise early to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Old Town.

In Dubrovnik, be sure to purchase the Dubrovnik Pass, which grants access to major attractions. Don't miss exploring the ancient city walls, offering the best views of the sea and medieval rooftops.

Make a point to visit the Onofrio Fountain, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Rector's Palace. If you're a fan of the Game of Thrones series, make sure to check out the final filming location!

As dusk falls, head to West Harbor to unwind with a few drinks at the seaside bars – our favorite is Beach Bar Dodo.

Day 2: Banje Beach and Kayaking Tour

The next day, after visiting the highlights, we departed the city for Banje Beach, just a 10-minute walk from the Ploce Gate.

This beach boasts stunning views of the city and the sea, making it the perfect start to our 3-week adventure in Croatia. Want a unique perspective of the city? Try a private kayaking tour and discover even more fascinating insights!

Pro tip: Bring water shoes, as most beaches in Croatia have pebbles instead of sand, and they will protect you from sea urchins.

Day 3: Hvar Island (The Highlight of the Trip)

No trip to Croatia is complete without a stop at Hvar Island! From Dubrovnik, you can take a ferry that takes about 4 hours (around 1,200,000 VND depending on the season). Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid sold-out situations.

Upon arriving on the island, explore the luxurious town of Hvar and visit the Spanish Fortress for panoramic views. If you enjoy nightlife, grab a drink at one of the rooftop bars.

Accommodation: We recommend staying in Hvar town throughout your time in Croatia. There are plenty of accommodation and dining options, though prices may be higher than in other areas. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider staying in Stari Grad.

Days 4 and 5: Exploring Hvar Island

Discover Hvar Island on a circular route starting from Malo Grablje. Along the way, you'll stop at Milna, Plaža Dubovica, Stari Grad, and many other interesting spots.

We suggest renting a car through Sunny Cars, which offers free cancellation and insurance. Choose Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia where you can admire historical architecture and explore local villages.

Day 5: Island-Hopping Boat Tour

One of the most memorable experiences in Hvar is taking a boat tour to explore the islands. If you join the tour we participated in, you'll enjoy 80s music and might even get to drive the boat!

On this journey, you'll visit pristine beaches and have the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters at locations like Budikovac Lagoon, the Blue Cave, and Stiniva Beach.

Day 6: Transfer to Brac Island

From Hvar town, it takes about 50 minutes by ferry to reach Brac Island, where you can experience local life at a slower pace. Alternatively, you can book a day tour from Split or Trogir to Brac, but we recommend staying here for a few days to explore.

Accommodation: If you want to mingle with locals, consider staying in the popular towns of Bol or Supetar. For a quieter atmosphere, try spots like Splitska.

Day 7: Exploring Brac Island

On this day, explore the charming fishing villages along the coast. You can also hike the peaceful trails to the summit of Vidova Gora, which offers the best views.

Relax at secluded bays or larger beaches like Zlatni Rat, and don't forget to savor local dishes at the seaside taverns.

Day 8: Split

Split is one of the best stops on your journey! From Bol (Brac), you can take a 50-minute ferry to the city. Be sure to book your tickets online to save time.

In Split, take your time wandering through ancient structures, art galleries, and boutique shops. Don't miss visiting Diocletian's Palace and the catacombs, which are also famous filming locations for Game of Thrones.

Day 9: Relaxing Beach Day

Start day nine with a delicious breakfast before hiking up Marjan Hill near Split. Here, you can enjoy stunning views or relax at one of the nearby beaches.

Day 10: Day Trip to Trogir

Finally, spend a day exploring Trogir, known as Croatia's 'Little Venice.' The island is connected to Split by two bridges, where you can wander through narrow streets and sip coffee at outdoor cafés.

In addition to Trogir, don’t miss the chance to visit the impressive Klis Fortress and the Stella Croatica family estate, both included in the same admission ticket.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers:
- Visa: Vietnamese travelers need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter Croatia. Processing time is approximately 15 days.
- How to Fly: Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Croatia. You can fly to major European cities like Munich, Frankfurt, or Vienna and then transfer to Croatia.
- Costs: The cost of living in Croatia is generally quite reasonable. For example, a meal at a local restaurant costs about 200,000 - 300,000 VND. The ferry fare from Hvar to Brac is around 1,200,000 VND. You should budget around 1 million VND per day for meals and transportation.
- Time Zone: Croatia is 6 hours behind Vietnam (UTC+1).
- Best Time to Visit: From May to September is peak tourist season in Croatia, with beautiful weather and many events happening.