The ultimate Croatia itinerary
January is prime time to start planning all your 2025 travel adventures, and ticking a good few destinations off your bucket list once and for all. That said, the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK isn't exactly conducive to splashy Caribbean getaways or dreamy trips to the Maldives – so if you're feeling the pinch right now, you might want to start a little smaller.
Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful, sun-soaked destinations closer to home that won't eat up the majority of your savings – or all your hard-earned annual leave, either. Europe is brimming with picture-perfect places that are just a short flight away and seriously affordable to boot, making keeping your 2025 travel plans within the continent all the more alluring. But where to begin? We suggest Croatia.
Located in Southeastern Europe on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has it all: a rich culture, fascinating history, delicious cuisine, natural beauty, postcard-worthy beaches and scenic islands aplenty. In fact, the Croatian archipelago is the second-largest in the Mediterranean and long been an under-the-radar favourite of the summer island-hopping crowd. It's decidedly more affordable than its big-name, high-glamour counterparts like Ibiza, Capri and Mykonos, too.
The best part, though, is that you only really need a week to soak up the best of what the country has to offer. We've put together the ultimate seven-day Croatia itinerary to follow for your next trip, taking you along the most spectacular stops on the Dalmatian Coast including UNESCO-listed Hvar and Dubrovnik.
Of course, you could make your life a whole lot easier and simply book onto Good Housekeeping's eight-day Croatian coastal adventure cruise that follows the same route... For what could be more spoiling than hopping from one heavenly location to the next while cruising the crystal-clear waters in a luxury liner? With all the planning and booking done by experts for you, you need only worry about sitting back, relaxing and soaking up all the beauty and culture around you. Now that's what we call a proper holiday.
The ultimate 7-day Croatia travel itinerary
Day 1: Split
The largest city on the Croatian coast – and the second-largest in the whole country – Split is a must-visit for its historical sites in particular, and a great jumping-off point for any Dalmatian tour. Start by visiting the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world, before pottering around the Old Town to soak up the culture and eclectic architecture, and watching the sun go down with a drink in hand on the elegant Riva waterfront promenade.
Day 2: Bol
Located off the coast of Split on the island of Brač, Bol is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean – namely Zlatni Rat, that's also known as 'the Golden Horn'. The sea here is known for its exceptional clarity, there are plenty of pretty pine trees for shade, and water sports including wind- and knit-surfing on offer for the more adventurous types, too.
Day 3: Korcula
One of Croatia's lesser-known islands, Korčula is nothing short of a Dalmatian gem and an essential tour pit stop. It measures just 276 square kilometres, but is packed with things to see and do, from visiting the museum dedicated to Marco Polo (the legendary explorer was born here) and taking a dip at one of the many idyllic beaches, to sampling the locally-made wine called Pošip.
Day 4: Dubrovnik
A visit to the so-called 'Pearl of the Adriatic', Dubrovnik, is a must on any Croatian itinerary. You could very easily spend an entire holiday here, but in the interests of time, we'd recommend booking a guided tour of the walled city to tick off the main monuments and historical sites, before hopping on a boat to the nearby Lokrum Island to see the botanical garden, salt lake and historic Benedictine monastery. If you're not scared of heights, travel by cable car to the top of Mount Srđ for a birds-eye view of the city and its stunning surroundings.
Day 5: Mljet
No Croatia tour would be complete without a trip to the Mljet National Park, on the unspoilt island of Mljet. It's a haven for nature lovers, boasting five types of forests, two interconnected salt lakes, countless species of flora and fauna, and a number of scenic trails. Make sure to sample the local delicacies of olives, goat's cheese and wine while you're in town, as well as visiting the cave where Odysseus supposedly sought shelter during his epic voyage some 3,000 years ago.
Day 6: Hvar
With its glamorous restaurants, beach clubs, five-star hotels and smart shops, it's little wonder that Hvar is one of the foremost luxury destinations in Europe. But beyond being a fabulous place to splash some cash, this picturesque island is also an UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Embark on a walking tour of the Old Town to see the famous St Stephen's Square, Hvar Cathedral and 13th-century walls, and get lost down the charming cobbled streets, before settling into a local café for lunch. We'd recommend heading to the secluded, spotless Dubovica Beach to cool off in the afternoon, or taking a 20-minute boat to the nearby Pakleni Islands.
Day 7: Split
Missed out on exploring all of Split's hotspots the first time around, or simply want to see another side to the c ity? Before heading to the airport and catching a flight home, take advantage of this essential pit-stop to end your trip on a high.
Find out more about Good Housekeeping's eight-day cruise around Croatia on our holiday website.
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