You only have 3 days in Croatia? Not great, not terrible. Even though you might think that there are not a lot of places that can be seen or experienced in these 3 days, things are a bit different. A great thing about Croatia is the fact that it is not a large country, so not much time will be spent travelling between destinations. You’re not the only one who visits Croatia for such a relatively short time. This visit to our country is probably a part of a wider trip with some other neighboring countries, and you decided to visit Croatia too.
You made a great choice, and in this Croatia 3 day itinerary ,we are going to discuss what your time might look like. Since all the itineraries need to have a starting point, we have decided to start this Croatia journey in Dubrovnik, the most visited destination in Croatia. But we will mention a few other options that start from the other popular locations in Croatia.
We have also decided to make a balanced Croatia 3 day itinerary and include at least one historical city, one island, and one national park. This way, you get to explore the best of Croatia in just 3 days. Let’s start this short but pleasant journey.
Why Visit Croatia for Just 3 Days? Croatia is a rather small country packed with all kinds of natural wonders and historical towns. It’s easy to travel through it, and its diversity of attractions makes it perfect for a short trip such as this one. At one moment you can be walking through Dubrovnik Old Town and just a few hours later you could be sailing in the sunset in Split.
These 3 days in Croatia will be dynamic and will include some traveling, but it will be worth it because we will visit some of the most stunning locations. Lastly, this is just our vision on how to spend 3 days in Croatia, so feel free to make your own combinations and variations according to your preferences.
3 Days in Croatia: Sample Itinerary Day 1: Explore Dubrovnik – The Pearl of the Adriatic As we already told at the beginning of this article, we are starting this 3 day journey through Croatia in Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. We believe that Dubrovnik doesn’t need much of an introduction since it’s the single most famous place in Croatia.
Morning:
Walk the City Walls as early as possible to avoid crowds and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of red rooftops, the Adriatic Sea, and nearby forts in Dubrovnik.
Explore the Old Town , walk down the Stradun (the main street in Dubrovnik), and explore historic places such as the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace .
If you have time, take a short boat ride to Lokrum Island for a swim and a walk in its botanical gardens.
Afternoon:
Take the cable car to Srđ Hill for a panoramic view of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands.
Have a drink at the top before descending back to the Old Town.
Have lunch at any of the seaside restaurants and try some fresh seafood or traditional peka. Go local.
Evening:
Relax at Buža Bar , a nice beach bar located on the cliffs outside of the city walls.
Enjoy a romantic dinner in one of Dubrovnik’s secluded alleys.
Featured activities for Day 1:
Day 2: Island Hopping Adventure from Split or Makarska The second day of our 3 days in Croatia will be all about islands. And a bit of traveling from Dubrovnik to Split. Start your day as early as possible and travel to Split (or Makarska ) and book any of the island hopping tours there. Some of the most famous islands in Croatia are located just opposite Makarska and Split, so part of day 2 will be spent in a relaxed island vibe.
Morning:
If you have decided to head straight to Split, start with a quick walk through Diocletian’s Palace and drink a coffee at the Riva Promenade .
Head to the harbor and board the ferry or book a speedboat tour to any of the islands near Split.
Island Hopping Options:
Hvar : One of the most famous islands in Croatia, with beautiful beaches, old towns, and the amazing Spanish Fortress.Brač : Another great island, somewhat similar to Hvar, but still different. Visit Zlatni Rat beach, one of Croatia’s most famous beaches, and enjoy the authentic island vibe.Vis and Biševo : Islands that are a bit further from the mainland, which means more authenticity and preserved tradition. Explore the famous Blue Cave and enjoy Vis, also known as Mamma Mia Island.
Afternoon:
Beach and relaxation time! Swim, snorkel, or just relax.
Have lunch on one of the islands. Fresh seafood and local wine are a must when visiting islands in Croatia. Try some different local food from the one you had in Dubrovnik.
Evening:
Return to Split or Makarska.
Enjoy an evening drink near the sea and a relaxed dinner with Dalmatian specialties.
Think about the previous 2 days in Croatia and all the great time that you had in such a short time.
The Best Island Hopping Tours From Split and Makarska:
Day 3: Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park – Nature’s Wonders Now that we have visited 2 amous historical cities and at least one island, it’s time to visit any of the national parks in Croatia. Well, not any, but the closest one to Split. Croatia has a total of 8 national parks, and some of the most popular ones are located not so far away from Split. So you have 2 options when it comes to national parks, you can either choose Plitvice Lakes, which is a park a bit further away from Split, or relatively close Krka National Park.
Option 1: Plitvice Lakes National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 16 interconnected lakes and beautiful waterfalls.
Wooden walkways and boat rides allow you to explore this stunning marvel of nature.
It’s best to start your day early to avoid the biggest crowds.
Option 2: Krka National Park
Closer to Split and easier to reach if you don’t have much time.
Famous for its waterfalls and natural swimming areas (such as Skradinski Buk).
You can easily combine Krka National Park with a visit to the nearby town of Šibenik .
Afternoon:
Drive back to your base city or to your next destination.
Buy some souvenirs like lavender, Croatian olive oil, or handmade crafts from Croatia.
Evening:
Have a farewell dinner by the sea.
Reflect on this Croatian adventure and think about your next, longer visit to this beautiful country.
Featured Day Trips to Krka and Plitvice Lakes:
Travel Tips for 3 Days in Croatia Depending on your previous travel plans, here are some tips for spending 3 days in Croatia:
Pack Light : You’ll travel and move a lot in these 3 days, so carry only essentials.Rent a Car : Renting a car and driving in Croatia gives you the maximum flexibility and ease of traveling at your own pace.Stay Central : Choose places to stay that are close to the main attractions to maximize your time.Stay Hydrated : Croatia can get hot during summer, so always have a bottle of water by your side.Book Tickets in Advance : This is important for popular attractions like Plitvice Lakes and Dubrovnik City Walls, as well as some of the most popular tours in the cities we have covered.
Alternative 3-Day Itineraries We are aware that this Croatia 3 day itinerary is somewhat limiting since we have started from Dubrovnik, which might not be the most convenient starting point for you. Here are a few more alternative combinations for 3 days in Croatia.
Zagreb, Plitvice, and Zadar : Great option if you’re flying into Zagreb and want a mix of city and Croatian nature.Dubrovnik and Montenegro : Visit Kotor Bay and return to Dubrovnik.Istria Peninsula : Base yourself in Rovinj or Pula and explore the hilltop towns of Istria, truffle forests, and coastal towns of Istria.
Before You Venture to 3 days in Croatia So what do you think? Are 3 days in Croatia too little time, or can you still experience some of the best places in that short period? We believe that it’s very possible to spend 3 awesome days in our country, although be prepared for a bit of traveling if you want to see as much as possible in just 3 days. Still, if you plan to combine Croatia with some other nearby countries, you just might end up with some great memories.
Enjoy Croatia and have a pleasant stay!
