Croatia in 5 Days: 3 Recommended 5-day Itineraries to Croatia

Check out our Croatia 5-day itinerary ideas below to discover all the amazing sights and experiences this beautiful country has to offer. From the historic streets of Dubrovnik to the stunning landscapes of Plitvice Lakes National Park, you’ll find plenty of adventures awaiting you. Whether you're looking for culture, nature, or delicious cuisine, there's something for everyone to enjoy during your short stay!

Croatia is famous for historic Roman-era towns nestled along azure Adriatic coastlines. This unforgettable five-day adventure sees you based in Sibenik, a gorgeous seaside spot with a must-visit Old Town. From there, action-packed day trips take you to some of Croatia’s most sought-after coastal haunts, including Trogir and Zadar. Looking to get your feet wet? A Kornati island-hopping tour gives you the classic sailing-in-Croatia experience with ample time to sunbathe and snorkel. Nature lovers will get their fix in a day trip to Krka National Park, where fairytale-like villages nestle between tranquil tiered waterfalls.

Perfect for relaxed, slow-paced travelers, this 5 days in Croatia itinerary is based around Zagreb. This means no need to keep packing-unpacking or checking into different hotels. You’ll have plenty of time to sightsee around Zagreb, including the attraction-packed neighborhood known as Upper Town. Experience rural Croatian life on a visit to Varaždin, a quaint sleepy settlement straddling the Drava River. Next up is Trakošćan Castle, the country’s most impressive fortress. Breath-taking views of lush Zagorje hills surround the 14th-century Castle, making for an ideal photo op. But few places in Europe are as photogenic as your next destination, the world-famous Plitvice Lakes. Travelers yearning to explore Croatia’s charming interior will love this meandering inland itinerary. Check out our tours to Zagreb.

A sailing tour isn’t the only way to savor Croatia’s Adriatic highlights. This epic 5-day road trip bounces between the country’s top coastal destinations, namely Split, Dubrovnik, and Omis. Well-developed highways and bewitching ocean views ensure top-notch motoring. Plus, you won’t encounter maddening traffic outside the peak summer holidays. Each destination boasts an array of worthwhile sites, from extravagant palaces to historic Greek cathedrals and cute, postcard-perfect bell towers. Drop your ride off at your B&B and set out to explore each location on foot. Like elsewhere in Europe, Croatia’s charming coastal towns are refreshingly walkable.

From quaint hilltop villages to picture-perfect coastal towns and lush national parks, Croatia has something for everyone. No matter what you’re into, spend an unforgettable 5 days in Croatia with these Croatia 5-day itinerary plans featuring handpicked itineraries.

Got a flexible timeframe? We’ve covered itineraries for 4 days in Croatia and 6 days in Croatia as well. We’ve also written about how long to spend in Croatia. For a seasonal overview, check our guide on the best time to visit Croatia.