Recommended Stay Time

One week: 1 night in Zadar, 1 night in Split, 3 nights in Hvar and 2 nights in Dubrovnik.

Currency

Kunas

EUR	HRK	USD	HRK
1	7.43	1	6.61

Transport

There are many low cost flights from any main European city. I took an Aegean Airlines flight from Athens to Zadar. I strongly recommend renting a car. You will be able to visit many small, lovely towns hidden between the main cities, and there are many places where to park. Also, road trips make traveling with friends more fun. We rented a minivan right outside the airport without any previous reservation, but you can play it safe and book one in advance just in case, especially during high seasons. The minivan was not very expensive, around 40 euros total for 2 nights, including a 50 euro permit to take the car out of the country.

The country offers many ferry routes in multiple schedules. I took a short one from Split to Hvar, and later one to Dubrovnik, and they are actually quite comfortable and take the stress out of driving. There are really cheap, around 12 euros each.

Hotel

We chose to stay in Airbnbs in most places, as it was not only cheaper and more comfortable than hostels, but we could easily cook in our own kitchen. We did stay in a few hostels, in Hvar and Zadar. They were clean and not expensive.

Dubrovnik was more complicated, as it is very pricey to stay in the city center. We decided to rent an apartment in Mlini, a short 10 minute drive away. However, being a group of 9, getting Ubers every time was very expensive, so don’t make the same mistakes we did and get two local cabs.

Activities

Croatia surprised me so much. So different from the rest of Europe, every city offers endless activities for every guest. Zadar is not very big, but I recommend walking around the city center and having lunch in one of the many restaurant overlooking the water. You must visit the Sea Organ, a simple but incredible installation by the water that sounds like a piano when the waves hit. People often gather around to dip their feet in the ocean and have a picnic when the sunsets.

Split’s city center walls and the cosy houses, restaurants and shops inside, are perfect for an evening walk. We only stayed there for one night, and we believed it was enough. I visited the old castle but honestly, there is not much other than collapsed walls and empty rooms. We drove some extra kilometers to Krka, the famous waterfalls. You can hike around them and then go for a swim in the warm water.

We then took a ferry to Hvar, and honestly, those 3 nights were the best of my life. The town is beautiful, small and next to the water. There are many small bakeries that you should go to for breakfast. The first day we took is slow in the local beach, a short 20 min hike away. The water is incredible, breathtaking, fantastic. There are just not enough adjectives. You can always find family owned restaurants by the beach, perfect for a beer and light lunch.

Just before the sun set, and for every night we were there, we walked down to a Hoola Hoop, a sunset bar, with great views of the ocean and very cheap drinks. They have really good music and great parties.

For the other two days, I strongly advise to rent a boat. You can get them for around 600 kunas, or 80 euros and they come with a sailor. They will take you to gorgeous spots around the islands, where the ocean is even MORE INCREDIBLE. Make sure to take lots of cool drinks and beers, and some snacks, for the day.

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Our last stop was Dubrovnik. Also known as King’s Landing, the city has many tours for Game of Thrones fans, including (spoilers ahead) the stairs Cersei walked down as people shouted “Shame!”. Do not miss a chance for an incredible sunset on the city walls, but make sure to get there early, they get crowded. You can also take a cable car to the top of the mountain for spectacular views of the old city. For the second day, you can take the ferry to the small island for awesome beaches and a very interesting botanical garden.

Food tips

Croatia is not particularly known for its cuisine. They do have great pastries and good pizza. Food was a bit pricey in Dubrovnik, so buying groceries to cook at home is always a good idea.

Right by the ocean, every city has great fresh fish, so do not miss one of their specialities.

Packing

Croatia is really hot during the summer, so do not forget swimsuits, sunscreen and sunglasses. Also pack comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Because most beaches are made out of pebbles (that get very hot during the day), walking barefoot can be painful, so always have sandals with you to walk to the ocean.

Written by Sofia Bedoya-Lira