Overview
Croatia has a way of slowing you down in the best possible way. From the Roman ruins of Split to the medieval stone streets of Dubrovnik, every corner feels like a scene from a storybook. Our journey took us along the Dalmatian coast, starting in Zadar and winding down to Dubrovnik, with stops for music echoing through ancient palaces, sun-drenched boat rides, and crystal-clear snorkeling sessions.
Whether you’re chasing history, sunshine, or cinematic views, this trip was a great introduction to what to do in Croatia. With just a few days, we managed to soak in coastal charm, local flavors, and a few unforgettable surprises along the way.
Quick Facts
Climate
- Spring (March to May)
Mild and comfortable, especially along the coast. A great time to explore cities and historic sites without the crowds. - Summer (June to August)
Hot and sunny with temperatures often reaching the high 80s°F (30°C). Peak season for beaches, festivals, and island hopping. - Autumn (September to November)
Still warm in early fall, especially on the coast. Ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and avoiding peak crowds. - Winter (December to February)
Coastal areas stay mild, but inland regions can be chilly. Dubrovnik and Split are quieter and more peaceful in the off-season.
Croatia’s Mediterranean climate means long summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunny days along the coast. Perfect for road trips and seaside adventures.
Safety
Croatia felt very safe throughout our trip, even in busy tourist hubs like Split and Dubrovnik. We wandered through old towns at night, left gear on the beach while swimming, and never felt uncomfortable. Locals were welcoming, and even in more crowded areas, things felt laid-back and well-managed. The biggest safety concern is probably navigating narrow coastal roads or timing visits to popular spots to avoid mid-day crowds.
- Use common sense in crowded tourist areas to avoid petty theft.
- Be cautious when swimming off rocky coastlines or diving into unfamiliar waters.
Budget
| Budget Type | Per Day Estimate | Accommodation | Food | Transport | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget ($) | $60 – $100 | Hostels or basic guesthouses ($20–40) | Street food, bakeries, local diners ($10–15) | Buses, ferries, or shared shuttles ($10–20) | Beach days, walking tours, city exploration |
| Mid-Range ($$) | $120 – $180 | Airbnb or boutique hotel ($50–90) | Sit-down restaurants and seaside cafés ($15–30) | Rental car and ferries ($25–35) | Boat tours, guided experiences, museums |
| Luxury ($$$) | $220+ | High-end hotels or resorts ($100+) | Fine dining and wine tastings ($40+) | Private transfers, yachts, chartered boats | Private excursions, island hopping, spa days |
Itinerary
Ancient Echoes and a Sunset Welcome
We landed in Zadar just past noon, picked up our rental car, and hit the road heading south toward Split. The drive hugged the coast, teasing glimpses of the Adriatic’s shimmering blue. By the time we rolled into Split, the sun was low, casting golden light over the old city.
With no real agenda, we wandered into the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. Musicians were playing in the square, and we found ourselves a spot to sit, letting the music and atmosphere wash over us. It was one of those perfect, unexpected travel moments — quiet, unplanned, unforgettable.
Eventually we drifted further into the palace and stumbled into the Vestibule, a domed chamber with perfect acoustics. A lone guitarist was playing delicate, almost sacred melodies. We sat again, this time with our eyes closed, completely immersed. The sound echoed through the dome and around us, each note lingering like incense in the air. It felt like stepping into another world.
After what felt like both minutes and hours, we peeled ourselves away and grabbed a late dinner before calling it a night. It was only our first day, but Croatia had already made an impression.
Virtual Empires and Adriatic Dreams
Our second day began the Croatian way, with a strong coffee and a hearty breakfast to fuel the adventures ahead. First up was Diocletian’s Dream, a VR experience that transported us back to the days when the palace was a bustling imperial residence. It was a surprisingly fun and educational way to see Split’s ancient core brought back to life.
But the real highlight came next. We boarded a boat and spent the rest of the day on the sparkling Adriatic Sea. The water was impossibly clear, a shade of blue that looked almost painted. As we cruised along the coast, time slowed. There were no plans, just the hum of the boat, the splash of waves, and the sun overhead.
We made a few stops to swim and lounge before anchoring in the perfect spot to catch the sunset. The sky turned soft gold, then pink, then deep violet, reflecting on the water as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was quiet, peaceful, and exactly what we needed.
By the time we returned to shore, we were sun-kissed, salt-crusted, and completely content. A quick bite to eat and we were off to bed, already looking forward to what was next.
Welcome to King’s Landing
We hit the road early, heading south to Dubrovnik. Since the old town is full of narrow, winding streets, we returned our rental car and relied on taxis and buses from there. Our guesthouse host, Danica, greeted us with the warmth of a longtime friend. She helped us with everything from bus routes to where to eat, and her recommendations were spot on.
After checking in, we wandered into the old town for our first look at Dubrovnik. It felt like stepping into a painting. Cobbled streets, stone walls, and sea views at every turn. We were supposed to join a Game of Thrones walking tour that afternoon but arrived a little too late and had to reschedule. No matter. We ended the day with a delicious local dinner and the kind of sunset only the Adriatic can deliver.
Castles, Cliffs, and the Sea
Today was for the fans. Our long-awaited Game of Thrones tour kicked off the morning, and it did not disappoint. While you could visit the filming locations on your own, having a guide made it infinitely better. With humor and behind-the-scenes stories, he brought the fictional King’s Landing to life right in front of us. We wandered through iconic spots, climbed the old city walls, and saw the real Dubrovnik through a cinematic lens.
Next, we took the Dubrovnik Cable Car up to Srd Hill, where the city sprawled beneath us, bordered by the sea and mountains. The view from the top was breathtaking, and we spent a while just soaking it in, watching boats drift in and out of the harbor.
With the sun still high, we swapped our walking shoes for snorkels and headed to a nearby beach. The Adriatic’s clear waters revealed rocky outcrops, darting fish, and sea grass dancing in the current. After swimming and sunbathing, we wrapped up the day on a quiet note, already nostalgic for the place we had barely left.
Must-Do Experiences
- Stroll through Diocletian’s Palace at Sunset
- Sit beneath the dome of the Vestibule
- Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town
- Join a Game of Thrones walking tour
Places We Stayed
Gear We Used
- Snorkel Set: Great for Adriatic swims and coastal stops
- Travel Adapter: Must-have for staying charged in Europe
- Travel Eye Mask: Sleep anywhere, anytime
- Meir’s Backpack: Durable & great for hiking
- Chaya’s Backpack: Perfect for everyday travel
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