Croatia is a picturesque country with an impressive history. Ancient cities, fortresses and monasteries against the backdrop of mountains, pine groves and the Adriatic… It’s almost impossible to see the whole country during a vacation, but you’ll have time to capture a beautiful part with our route.
How to get there
Flights with transfers and direct flights are available – from June 10, Russia resumed air traffic with the country. The cost of a ticket to Dubrovnik is from 24,000 rubles* round-trip per person.
In addition to the Schengen visa, you need a negative PCR test done a maximum of 48 hours before arrival, as well as a voucher for accommodation. Entry into the country without a test is also available to those who have already been vaccinated against coronavirus (including with the Sputnik V drug) and did so at least 14 days before entry, or have a certificate of a previous illness.
The local currency, the kuna, is valued at around 12 rubles per unit. It is better to check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Our plan involves constant movement, so we suggest renting a car: rental cost on OneTwoTrip starts from 2,400 rubles* per day. And no hassle with public transport.
Where to stay
In the country you can find hostels from 1200 rubles. Hotels cost on average 4500-6000 rubles. The most comfortable and budget accommodation is apartments, guest houses and Bed and Breakfast hotels. Average price – 2200-3500 rubles.
Our route runs through several cities, in each we have chosen a convenient option:
Dubrovnik:
Apartments Topolo Dubrovnik – from 4000 rubles* per night per person.
Makarska:
Apartments Issa – from 7300 rubles* per night per person.
Split:
Apartments Aspalathos – from 3600 rubles* per night per person.
Hvar Island
Guesthouse Dvoshko – from 2600 rubles* per night per person.
Dubrovnik
This city is called the “pearl of the Adriatic”, and its Old Town was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has everything: nature, history, gastronomy and entertainment.
Day 1
If you plan to visit the maximum number of attractions in a short period of time, we recommend purchasing a Dubrovnik card (from 225 kn* per day). The price includes entrance to eight museums and the city wall, as well as unlimited travel on public transport for a day.
First, let’s walk around King’s Landing. Sorry, along the city walls. This is one of the locations of the series “Game of Thrones”. The walk will take about two hours. Entrance fee: 200 kuna*. You can climb the St. Fortress. Ivana, look around the shore and imagine yourself as a member of the ruling family. Inside there is a Maritime Museum and a small aquarium. Go to Fort Lovrijenac on a 40-meter cliff to take photos.
In the Old Town, it’s a shame not to get lost among the small streets. Let’s start with the main one – Stradun. Picturesque houses with terracotta roofs, cobbled squares and staircases. Explore quiet oases of churches and monasteries. And check out the gift shop for Game of Thrones fans.
Day 2
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary houses works of Croatian and Italian artists. In addition, there is a treasury of the 10th-17th centuries. Entrance – 15 kn*. In the Franciscan Monastery complex you will see a church, a library with a rich collection of books and the oldest pharmacy (entrance – 30 kuna*).
For the best view of the city, we head to Mount Srd. You can take the cable car (price 60 kn*) or walk in an hour. It is better to go up closer to sunset to see the towers and the sea in the rays of the setting sun. Just 15 minutes by ferry from Dubrovnik is the green island of Lokrum. Here you can walk through the botanical gardens, meeting rabbits and amazing birds, swim in the sea or a salt lake with the apt name of the Dead Sea, find the ruins of a monastery and climb up to the fort. The cost of the ferry with entrance is 96 kn*.
Makarska
152 kilometers from Dubrovnik, travel time is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes.
Day 3
Golden Riviera with an ideal coastline among shady gardens and mountains.
The city is a continuous line of beaches with a large selection of water activities. If you are looking for a quieter place, walk a couple of kilometers along the path among the pine trees and you will find yourself on the wild Nugal beach, popular among nudists.
In the afternoon, stop by the ice cream parlor in the central square, admiring the mountain scenery and architecture, then explore St. Mark, passing by a Venetian-style fountain.
In the late afternoon, take a walk to the Sveti Petar lighthouse for amazing views of the sunset.
Fishermen show off their catch or organize costume parties on the embankment, and you can also have dinner here. If you are comfortable with seafood, then you should try “pashtitsada” – beef stewed in wine sauce with potato dumplings, or meat cooked over coals in a special dish – peka. Don’t forget about Croatian wine.
As night approaches, go to the observatory to admire the stars (cost 30 kuna*).
Day 4
We devote the second day in this place to the Biokovo mountain range. The destination will be the highest peak with a chapel at the top of Sveti Jure (1762 meters) and panoramic views of the coast. We recommend making several stops along the way to admire the landscapes.
Before returning, take a look at the territory of the Franciscan Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary: it was burned several times, then restored and even turned into a mosque. Now it is a library with rare books and an art gallery. There is also a shell museum on site. In the evening, ride around the city by bike, cost 5 kuna for 30 minutes*.
Split
60 kilometers from Makarska, travel time is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
Day 5
A city frozen in time, like a portal that takes you to the middle of the last millennium with its architecture, palaces and cathedrals.
In order to feel the atmosphere of the Old Town, it is best to walk around it without a map. Start at the marble central People’s Square. An option to admire the city from above is the Split Bell Tower. During the tapering climb to the top, be sure to look through the arched windows. On Fruit Square, where there used to be a bazaar, you can stroll through antique shops and look at the Venetian towers.
Don’t miss the 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the world’s oldest active cathedral.
To take a break from the sights, go for a walk in the park on Marjan Hill, wandering along forest paths among medieval churches. In the evening, walk along the Riva promenade, watching the setting sun against the backdrop of the port.
Day 6
The Klis Fortress balances on a cliff—blood has been shed for its ownership for a couple of millennia. Its majesty among the rocks will impress not only fans of “Game of Thrones” (this series was also filmed here). Entry price – 60 kn*.
It’s good that you still have a car – you can go to the Krka National Park. The reserve is famous for its nature, mills, monastery and, of course, seven majestic waterfalls.
Hvar Island
Day 7
We suggest getting to the island by ferry, its cost is 80 kunas in both directions*.
The most ancient and beautiful city, according to many travelers, is located on the island and is named after it.
Walk through the old town, exploring picturesque streets, medieval palaces and churches, while enjoying the scent of lavender. Take a look at St. Stephen’s Cathedral (entrance 10 kn*). The 16th-century Tvrdal Castle, with its Mediterranean garden on the grounds and a pond inhabited by colorful fish, also deserves attention. Entrance – 20 kn*.
Take your bike and head to Dubrovica beach, famous for its azure waters. The most photographed part of the coast, thanks to its surroundings of rocks and pine groves, was Malo Zarace. You can also go snorkeling here.
Be sure to spend a couple of hours in the local Venice – this is the name of the fishing town of Vrboska with many boats and stone bridges.
Day 8
Photo: Dave Z/shutterstock.com
Let’s devote it to exploring the neighboring islands:
- Ravnik, where the Green Cave with an emerald glow is located, and Bishevo with the Blue Grotto and rocks under the prism of neon light. A boat with an excursion costs from 480 kn*;
- Yacht trip or kayaking on the Paklinsky Islands. The cost of pleasure is from 350 kuna*.
After the tour, visit the Spanish Fortress with its collection of ancient amphorae, and then admire the panoramic view of the island and the nearby archipelago from the hill. Entrance fee: 30 kuna*. Near the port there is a Franciscan monastery, where you can see ancient coins, books and an art gallery.
Spend the evening tasting wine and cheese at Wine Bar Prsuta 3. Price per glass – from 30 kn*.
*Prices valid at time of publication
Photo: unsplash.com/shutterstock.com
I want to go to the sea!
You will find even more ideas for a vacation in Croatia on the page of our project “I want to go to the sea!” We will help you choose a resort depending on the time of your vacation, desired weather conditions, the type of beach that is comfortable for you and other preferences.
