Croatia in 8 Days: 4 Recommended 8-day Itineraries to Croatia

- Michelle Jackson
- From USA
- Michelle Jackson
- From USA
- Sean Peacock
- From
- Yuk Chuen Clara YU
- From England
Croatia 8-day Itinerary Options
Stuck for ideas? Check out our recommended Croatia 8-day itinerary suggestions below. From the picturesque coastline of the Adriatic Sea to the historic charm of Dubrovnik and the stunning national parks, these itineraries will guide you through some of Croatia's most breathtaking sights and cultural experiences. Make the most of your time in this beautiful country!
Itinerary #1: Historical Highlights and Island Escapes

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Dubrovnik. | Arrival | Dubrovnik |
Day 2 | Explore Dubrovnik’s city walls, Big Onofrio's Fountain, Franciscan Monastery, and Srd Hill for panoramic views. | City sightseeing | Dubrovnik |
Day 3 | Journey to Korcula via scenic Peljesac Peninsula and enjoy a sunset hike, local dinner, and evening relaxation. | Hiking | Korcula |
Day 4 | Explore Mljet Island's salt lakes, Benedictine Monastery, scenic trails, and tranquil beaches before returning to Korcula. | Island exploration | Korcula |
Day 5 | Discover Hvar's Renaissance charm and explore the stunning Pakleni Islands by hop-on, hop-off boat. | Island hopping | Hvar |
Day 6 | Explore Hvar Island at your own pace, hike through historic villages, or relax on tranquil beaches. | Leisure day | Hvar |
Day 7 | Discover Split's rich history with a tour of Diocletian's Palace and enjoy a relaxed evening by the harbor. | City sightseeing | Split |
Day 8 | Departure from Split. | Departure |
This 8-day Croatia itinerary offers an unforgettable journey through stunning coastal scenes and charming historic towns. Begin in Dubrovnik, where you will walk along the ancient city walls, visit Big Onofrio’s Fountain, and explore the Franciscan Monastery, all while enjoying panoramic views from Srd Hill. Next, travel to Korcula via the picturesque Peljesac Peninsula, where you will enjoy a sunset hike, savor local cuisine, and unwind in the evening. On Mljet Island, explore the serene salt lakes, visit the Benedictine Monastery, and relax on scenic trails and tranquil beaches. Then, immerse yourself in the Renaissance beauty of Hvar, hopping between the stunning Pakleni Islands by boat. Spend another day on Hvar Island, hiking through historic villages or lounging on peaceful beaches. Finally, delve into Split's rich history with a tour of Diocletian’s Palace before enjoying a relaxing evening by the harbor.
Itinerary #2: Islands and Mountains

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Start your trip in Dubrovnik. | Arrival | Dubrovnik |
Day 2 | Hike from Gornji Obod to Strazisce Peak for stunning Dubrovnik views, then explore the city’s historic streets. | Hiking | Dubrovnik |
Day 3 | Hike from Tucepi through the Biokovo mountains to Makarska, then ferry to Brac Island. | Hiking and island exploration | Brac Island |
Day 4 | Hike to Vidova Gora's summit, enjoy panoramic views, and relax on Zlatni Rat Beach. | Hiking and beach relaxation | Brac Island |
Day 5 | Ferry to Split, explore Diocletian’s Palace and walk to Krka National Park’s stunning waterfalls. | Exploration | Split |
Day 6 | Hike through Paklenica National Park's limestone towers, enjoy canyon views, and see climbers in action. | Hiking | Paklenica |
Day 7 | Trek the rugged beauty of Paklenica National Park to Bojin Kuk, featuring challenging terrain and stunning karst scenery. | Exploration | Paklenica |
Day 8 | Bid farewell to Croatia. | Departure |
This Croatia in 8 days itinerary blends the country's natural beauty and cultural highlights. Start in the historic city of Dubrovnik, where you will hike from Gornji Obod to Strazisce Peak for breathtaking city views and explore its ancient streets. Then, trek through the Biokovo mountains from Tucepi to Makarsha, followed by a ferry ride to Brac Island. Here, you will conquer the summit of Vidova Gora for panoramic vistas and unwind on the famous Zlatni Rat Beach. From Brac, take a ferry to Split, where you will marvel at Diocletian’s Palace and venture to Krka National Park’s spectacular waterfalls. Your adventure wraps up with a challenging hike through Paklenica National Park, featuring dramatic limestone towers and rugged terrain.
Itinerary #3: Cycling Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Start your trip in Split and ferry transfer to Hvar. | Arrival and transfer | Hvar |
Day 2 | Cycle Hvar Island’s scenic routes from Stari Grad to Hvar Town, featuring Roman roads, coastal views, and a challenging hill climb. | Cycling and exploration | Hvar |
Day 3 | Cycle Hvar's scenic coastlines to Sucuraj, ferry to Korcula, and explore Lumbarda’s charm. | Cycling and ferry ride | Hvar |
Day 4 | Relax in Lumbarda, explore Korcula, or take a scenic bike ride to Mljet. | Cycling and exploration | Korcula |
Day 5 | Explore Korcula, take a ride from Vela Luka to Brna, Pupnat and Lumbarda. | Exploration | Korcula |
Day 6 | Cycle the Peljesac Peninsula and take a trip to Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. | Cycling | Dubrovnik |
Day 7 | Take a city sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik. | City sightseeing | Dubrovnik |
Day 8 | End your trip in Dubrovnik. | Departure |
Pedal through the stunning landscapes of Croatia on this 8-day cycling adventure that blends natural beauty and cultural treasures. Begin your journey in Split and hop on a ferry to the picturesque island of Hvar. Cycle from Stari Grad to Hvar Town, where Roman roads and coastal views await, culminating in a challenging hill climb. Continue your ride along Hvar's scenic coastlines to Sucuraj before catching a ferry to Korcula. Explore the charming village of Lumbarda and enjoy a leisurely ride or relax. Cycle through Korcula’s picturesque landscapes and take a scenic ride from Vela Luka to Brna, Pupnat, and Lumbarda. Traverse the Peljesac Peninsula and arrive in Dubrovnik by late afternoon. Conclude your adventure with a sightseeing tour of Dubrovnik, soaking in the historic beauty of the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”
Itinerary #4: Hike, Bike and Kayak


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Start your trip in Zadar. | Arrival | Zadar |
Day 2 | Explore Zadar’s ancient streets and discover Paklenica’s majestic canyons. | Exploration | Zadar |
Day 3 | Hike Paklenica's rugged peaks and discover hidden gems in the Velebit Range. | Hiking | Palencia |
Day 4 | Cycle Paklenica’s rugged trails and discover Croatia’s scenic mountain landscapes on two wheels. | Cycling | Palencia |
Day 5 | Embark on an exciting rafting adventure or enjoy a relaxing day exploring Paklenica’s scenic beauty. | Rafting and relaxation | Palencia |
Day 6 | Discover Plitvice National Park's spectacular waterfalls and lakes on a day trip. | National park exploration | Plitvice |
Day 7 | Kayak the crystal waters of Paklenica Bay and explore the charming village of Vinjerac. | Kayaking | Plitvice |
Day 8 | Bid farewell to Croatia. | Departure |
If you are into adventure, this 8 days in Croatia itinerary will immerse you in thrilling outdoor experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Start in Zadar and ride into the heart of Paklenica National Park, where deep gorges, lush forests, and hidden villages await. Hike through the rugged Velebit Mountain Range, reaching the edge of Velika Paklenica Canyon for stunning panoramic views shaped by the pure spring water that nourishes the region. On Day 4, cycle through Paklenica’s scenic trails, delving into Croatia’s dramatic mountain scenery. Next, go on a kayaking trip in crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea to reach the charming fishing hamlet of Vinjerac. Stop for photos, swim, and enjoy a delightful lunch along the way. After that, spend a day strolling through the surreal beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, renowned for its mesmerizing waterfalls and turquoise lakes. Before your trip ends, enjoy a free day with a canoe safari or a whitewater rafting expedition through narrow valleys and steep-sided canyons.
Need help in planning your 8-day itinerary to Croatia?
With 8 days in Croatia, you have enough time to uncover the highlights of this captivating country with these Croatia 8-day itinerary plans, from the ancient streets of Dubrovnik to the charming islands of the Adriatic. Whether you choose to explore historic cities, relax on stunning beaches, or savor local cuisine, you can enjoy a well-rounded experience. Efficient transport and diverse attractions ensure that your Croatian adventure will be both memorable and fulfilling.
If you’re looking to make the most of your trip to Croatia, consider a customized trip to Croatia. For more itinerary options, check out our guide on how many days to spend in Croatia. For a seasonal overview, check our guide on the best time to visit Croatia.
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