Your Perfect Croatia Itinerary
Croatia is a traveler’s paradise, from stunning beaches and hidden coves to picturesque landscapes and quaint towns. This sun-drenched destination comes with endless appeal. It’s easy to reach, boasts incredible beaches, and delectable cuisine, and even has a wine country.
And these are just the beginning when it comes to counting the many ways we love this nation. But what to do in the “Pearl of the Adriatic”? We’ve got you covered! Check out our inspirational six-day Croatia itinerary with ideas beyond Dubrovnik and Split, and start planning your next dream vacation.
Visit the Bustling Istrian Peninsula and Rovinj
The Istrian Peninsula’s most popular coastal tourist resort is the active fishing village of Rovinj. Locals refer to it as “Small Dubrovnik,” and it’s earned the title of one of the most photographed cities in Croatia. There’s no more ideal location to window shop, explore local history, and dive into yummy food at some of the city’s charming restaurants.
From its small squares to its narrow medieval streets, a stroll in this city will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Good luck finding modern urbanism here! On a tour with a private guide, explore the historic Old Town. At the local farmers’ market, hear a local guide describe civic history.
From Valdiboro Square to Carera Street, learn about the city’s affluent history as a trade destination for olive oil, wine, and fish. Visit the old Jewish Ghetto and stables area before following the ancient city walls to Saint Euphemia church, which stands guard over Rovinj. By the end of your walking journey, you’ll have a profound understanding of the city’s heritage and practical knowledge, like where to get the best gelato. An example itinerary might include three nights in Rovinj, providing easy access to other beautiful locations like Opatija and Motovun.
Soak Up Sun in Opatija
For a temperate, pleasant Mediterranean climate, it’s tough to beat Opatija. This traditional seaside resort beckons visitors to head outside for fun in the sun, no matter the season. It also houses a celebrated 19th-century health resort on the Kvarner Gulf.
From Opatija, Mount Učka calls with a breathtaking nature trail. In fact, it’s the most popular trek in the area. Surrounded by stunning beaches and sweeping views of the nearby islands, prepare to snap plenty of photos. The city is also worth a leisurely stroll and contains countless historical sites in the Old Town. Leave enough time to enjoy a beverage and snack while soaking up ocean views.
Try Truffle Hunting Near Buzet
A town of 6,000 residents, Buzet is the former seat of the Venetian military. Historical buildings dating to the 15th and 16th centuries abound, from St. Vid’s Chapel to the Parish Palace and De Vertiis Palace. You’ll also find later additions to the landscape, like the Bell Tower, rebuilt in 1897.
Buzet is renowned as a gourmet paradise, thanks to its role as the capital of truffles. Savor a sampling of homemade delicacies with truffles before embarking on a truffle-hunting adventure! To excel at this activity, you’ll need an abiding affection for mushrooms, coupled with plenty of dedication and patience. Making the experience even more exciting is using specially trained dogs to discern the damp soil smell, found primarily in oak woods, where the truffles like to grow.
What happens when your pooch gets a whiff of this expensive delicacy? (They can cost up to $4,000 per pound!) The dog will move its paws rapidly to denote where the subterranean good stuff can be retrieved. You never know where these tasty little fungi will grow, ramping up the drama of the experience.
Make Medieval Motovun a Stop
Motovun is another hidden gem well worth exploring. This famous medieval town is on a hill 886 feet above sea level. It’s an ideal vantage point because of its vast views of Istria and the surrounding sea.
Besides incredible medieval architecture, the city is also famous for the Motovun Film Festival. It has been running every year since 1999 and includes everything from yoga to a forest-themed program and snow-sledding.
The town’s massive walls date to the 11th century and continue to shield the city today. What should be on the top of your must-see list in this city? Highlights include the Church of St. Stephen with its serrated battlements, towering bell tower, gates and walls, and charming streets and squares. You’ll feel like you’ve entered a world of magic as you tour Motovun’s streets.
Cook and Taste to Your Heart’s Content
A fantastic way to connect with a new culture and location sensorily is through a traditional cooking class. In Pula, spend the day learning how to cook with a clay cripjna (similar to a Moroccan tagine) and a peka (cast iron bell) over an open cooking flame.
This method of cooking is highly versatile. You can prepare everything from bread to lamb, veal, kid, squid, octopus, vegetables, chicken, and fish. During the class, you’ll learn how to prepare meat or seafood to be served with pasta. There’s no better way to taste Croatia! Spend two nights in Pula with a day trip to the Brijuni Islands.
A Little Piece of Heaven in the Brijuni Islands
Fourteen little slices of heaven sit off the coast of Istria, known for their stunning beaches, verdant vegetation, and turquoise waters—the Brijuni Islands. It became a national park in 1983 and remains a fascinating attraction for tourists, too.
Highlights of a visit to the Brujuni Islands include checking out the Safari Park, which contains an exotic array of animals from Africa, Asia, and South America: peacocks, ostriches, zebras, elephants, llamas, sea turtles, to name a few.
The Brujuni Islands also host geo-paleontological sites dating back millions of years. Today, you can check out the remnants of 200 dinosaur prints, reminders of this incredible past. Other highlights of visiting the archipelago include walking in Verigo Bay, visiting an archaeological site, and discovering some of the 169 different species found at the Mediterranean Garden.
The Perfect Croatia Itinerary
When it comes to the perfect Croatia itinerary, you’ve got many incredible options for interactive, exciting ways to explore this Adriatic jewel in as little as a week. But there are also cruises and a variety of other options.
How do you choose the right one for you? Let us help! Let’s schedule a phone call to discuss your family’s needs and travel style and how we can create a meaningful travel experience your entire family will never forget.
