Croatia - a journey through the epochs and natural landscapes.
Historical places Dubrovnikcharming port cities like Zadaruntouched natural landscapes like Plitvice lakes and a fascinating island world like Krk make your Croatia journey an unforgettable experience.
- Travel period: 14 days
- Best time to travel: May to October
- Main course: 75 HRK to 114 HRK
- Currency: 75 HRK (Croatian Kuna) correspond to 10 EUR (as of August 2020). Mostly you can pay by credit card, but for small things and public transport you should have some local currency.
Arrival and departure
Start your road trip through Croatia in Dubrovnik. You can also start in Zagreb, but keep in mind that you will have to drive more often against the sun on the 850 km long route. It is also possible to undertake this journey with the bus .
The distance from Airport Dubrovnik to the city center is about 20 kilometers. The Zagreb airport is 15 kilometers away from the city center. At both airports there are reputable car rental companies available.
Hotel
Treat yourself to various nice hotels and apartments in Croatia: There are many great accommodations*you can book through us. Here are all hotels and/or accommodations, which we recommend for your Croatia journey. Click on the city and book your accommodation.
Dubrovnik* – Apartments Villa Gloria
Split* – Splendida Palace
Zadar* – Apartments & Rooms Kolovare Beach
Plitvice Lakes – Apartments Laura
Island of Krk – Apartments Villa Kras Krk
Zagreb* – The Westin Zagreb (ad)
Places of interest
The historic old town of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your walk along the two kilometer long city wall that surrounds the old town, you will look at numerous cultural monuments in the medieval streets, the glittering sea and small islands. From the old port, excursion boats leave regularly, for example to the naturally protected green island Lokrum and to the ancient port of Cavtat.
The trip from Dubrovnik to Split is with 230 kilometers the longest part of your Croatia trip. After about 60 kilometers you will drive 9 kilometers through Bosnia-Herzegovina (make sure that your rental car is insured here too!), which separates the exclave of Dubrovnik from the rest of Croatia. The freeways in Croatia are subject to tolls, whereby the amount of the fees is seasonally dependent. In the high season you can expect to pay about 230 kuna for the route to Zagreb. More beautiful and free of cost, but more time-consuming is the drive on the Dalmatian coastal road.
Split is famous for the gigantic palace complex of the emperor Diocletian from the 4th century, which is the center of the UNESCO protected old town. Highlights of the ancient palace are the cathedral Sveti Duje, which was built as a mausoleum for the emperor, the peristyle with some cafés and the underground cellar corridors with souvenir stores. Split Riva is the promenade in the second largest Croatian city. There are many bars and restaurants on the promenade. One of the most beautiful places in Split is the Prokurativa square. Nearby is the restaurant Chops Grill – steak&seafood, which is also very popular with locals. The beautiful sandy beaches of Bacvice and Ovcice are located southeast of the port.
The highlight of the port city Zadar is the old town on a peninsula. At the market place there is the imposing church Sv. Donat, which is surrounded by many stores and restaurants. A few steps further on you will find the sea organ, a combination of stairs and tubes, from which sounds are elicited by the wave movement. Right next to it there is a 22-meter platform that shines in colorful lights after sunset and gives a "greeting to the sun". The fantastic sunset can also be seen here. Nearby you can taste Dalmatian food in the Konoba Dalmacija – Tavern .
The National Park Plitvice lakes is a spectacular natural landscape inland and far away from the urban bustle. Various hiking routes through the legendary location of the Winnetou films take you to thunderous waterfalls and 16 emerald green lakes, which are connected by cave systems and overflows. You should definitely plan a whole day for the park. It is better to buy the day ticket online in advance. The entrance fee is not cheap, but it also helps to protect the environment and includes a ride on an electric boat and the panorama train. We also recommend that you check out the hiking routes on the website in advance, because you can start from two entrances.
The Island of Krk is connected to the mainland by a 1.5 km long bridge. In 1100, the Baška tablet was created here - the baptismal certificate of the Croats, which is shown on the 100-Kuna bill. The island capital of the same name, Krk , is located in the southwest of the island, has a picturesque bay and enchants with an ancient old town. Signs on buildings and monuments make your walk through the labyrinth of alleys a museum tour.
In the neighboring bay is the town Punat, which is known for its large marina, beautiful beaches like the Punat Beach and good olive oil, which the farms offer for direct sale. You can also visit the olive press above the marina. One of the most beautiful seaside resorts on the island is Malinska, because the beach bays, which are sheltered from the wind, also offer shady places thanks to the many trees. Very popular here is the Rupa Beach. More nature awaits you in Soline Bay in the east of the island. You can walk more than 100 meters into the shallow water and spread the healing black mud on your skin. At the Slamni campsite you will also find one of the few sandy beaches.
The Croatian capital Zagreb is located inland. Its center is divided into a medieval upper town with historic buildings and a gourmet mile and the modern lower town with its Viennese architecture and cozy coffee houses. In between there is a six-kilometer-long boulevard, the city's shopping mile. Beautiful markets, interesting museums and idyllic parks ensure a varied stay.
