Begin your trip in the capital city of Croatia, Zagreb. Start your morning off by visiting the Ban Josip Jelačić Square. This vibrant square is surrounded by notable landmarks and historical buildings. For lunch, try traditional Croatian dishes like štrukli at the La Štruk restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Zagreb Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, and the Croatian Natural History Museum. End your day with a scenic cable car ride to the top of Mount Medvednica to watch the sunset over the city.
Travel south to the city of Split, known for its stunning beaches and ancient architecture. Start your day at the Diocletian's Palace, an UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 4th century. Next, visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius and climb to the top for breathtaking views of the city. After lunch at Restoran Nostromo, spend the afternoon relaxing at Bačvice Beach or exploring the Marjan Hill hiking trails.
Head to the beautiful coastal city of Dubrovnik, also known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic". Start your day by walking along the iconic City Walls, which offer stunning views of the city and sea. Next, visit the Onofrio's Fountain, the Church of St. Blaise, and the Dubrovnik Cathedral. For lunch, try the freshly caught seafood at Kamenice. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of Lokrum Island and explore the island's botanical gardens and historical sites.
End your trip in the coastal city of Pula, known for its ancient Roman ruins and stunning beaches. Start your day by visiting the Pula Arena, a 1st-century Roman amphitheater that once hosted gladiator games. Next, visit the Temple of Augustus, the Arch of Sergius, and the Pula Cathedral. After lunch at Kantina, spend the afternoon swimming at one of the nearby beaches like Banjole Beach or Brijuni Beach.
Public transportation in Croatia is reliable and affordable. Buses and trains connect major cities and towns, while taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car for faster and more convenient travel between cities. Expect to spend approximately 1000-1500 HRK for a four-day rental.
If you have more time, consider visiting other cities in Croatia such as Rovinj, Zadar, or Hvar. If you have less time, consider combining Split and Dubrovnik into one day or eliminating Pula from the itinerary. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothing for warm weather.
The main airports in Croatia are Zagreb International Airport (ZAG) located 16.5 km from Zagreb, Split Airport (SPU) located 25 km from Split, Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) located 21 km from Dubrovnik, and Pula Airport (PUY) located 7 km from Pula.