I always try to make the most of my holidays, and Easter 2023 was no exception! With a couple of extra days added to the Easter break, we had a nice 7-day getaway lined up. Our goal was to find a destination with decent weather, a direct flight (because let’s be honest, I’m too lazy for layovers), and something reasonably priced. That’s how Croatia ended up being our pick. We nailed the direct flight part, but the rest… well, let’s just say it didn’t go exactly as planned! But more on that later. 😄
When to go
Croatia truly is beautiful year-round! We decided to visit in early spring to avoid the crowds, and based on the stats, it’s usually warm enough around that time—especially for us coming from Denmark, where 20°C feels like peak summer! But April 2023 had other plans, and the weather hovered between 12-16°C, which, while still enjoyable, meant anything water-related was out of the question. It’s a shame, too, because Croatia’s coastline is absolutely stunning.
On the upside, visiting outside of summer meant fewer crowds, which we really appreciated. We could already imagine how packed it must get, and even in the off-season, parking could be a bit of a challenge. I couldn’t help but check some pictures from the busy mid-season for comparison, and wow, it looked so crowded!
Looking back, I think next time, I’d aim for September. It still has that laid-back vibe with fewer tourists, but the sea is warm from summer. As much as I enjoyed spring and watching everything come to life, there’s something special about the way the lush green landscapes transition to those rich reds and golds in the fall.
Pricing
Pricing was another important factor for us. Originally, I had my heart set on Asia, but the flights were just too expensive. So we thought, “Why not stay local and keep it budget-friendly? How bad can it be?” 😄 Well, Croatia surprised us!
I always imagined Croatia as a cheap destination—probably because it was when I was a kid 20 years ago—but things have changed, and prices have definitely gone up. A typical meal near the city center (yes, I know, everything is more expensive in touristy areas) ranged from 20-30 euros, which is comparable to Danish prices. We usually compare food costs to McDonald’s because, in Denmark, there’s not a huge difference between restaurant meals (30-40 euros) and McD (20 euros). In Croatia, though, McD meals for the two of us were around 10 euros, while dining at a restaurant would set us back 50-60 euros—a pretty big contrast!
A lot of accommodations had small kitchenettes, and I know many friends who cooked their meals to save on food costs. But I’m far too lazy to cook at home, let alone on vacation! As they say, you pay for convenience. 😅
Attractions were reasonably priced, between 10-20 euros, but that was the off-season rate. For instance, visiting Krka National Park in April or May costs around 15 euros, but come June-September, you’re looking at 40 euros! Plitvice Lakes National Park and other spots had similar pricing fluctuations.
One thing that bugged us was that most accommodations didn’t include parking, and it wasn’t cheap—20-30 euros per day. It’s not a huge issue if you’re staying put in one place, but since we rented a car to explore the country, those costs added up.
On the bright side, renting a car itself was quite affordable. There’s usually an extra charge if you want to drive to Dubrovnik through Bosnia and Herzegovina, but we avoided that since Croatia has now built a bridge connecting both parts, so no border crossing was needed!
What to do in a week in Croatia
That’s a tough question! Croatia is a country that truly has it all—stunning nature, rich history, charming old towns, and delicious food and wine. No matter your interests, you’ll find something to love.
As I mentioned earlier, we rented a car and drove around, stopping in different places to soak it all in. We quickly realized that 7 days isn’t nearly enough to see everything, but it’s just enough to give you a taste and leave you wanting more.
Remember, don’t rush! Croatia may seem small, but each location deserves time to be truly appreciated. We tried to squeeze in a lot, and while it was an amazing trip, we already knew we’d have to come back for more.
I’m not much of a planner when I travel. If I have some extra time before the trip, I might skim a few blogs and mark some interesting spots on the map. But generally, I stick to having a couple of must-see places, and the rest is more of a “let’s see if we have the time and feel like it” kind of thing. Instead of following a strict itinerary, I prefer to go with the flow, Googling things on the fly based on the weather and how much time we have. Since I don’t research too much, we often get pleasantly surprised by the unexpected. The downside is that we occasionally miss out on things that might’ve been interesting. Our Croatia trip was no different—some might say we packed a lot in, but we spent as much time as we wanted in each spot without rushing and just enjoyed the experience.
Day 1 – Split
Split is a vibrant coastal city in Croatia, blending ancient history with a lively modern atmosphere. Its crown jewel is Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by bustling streets filled with cafes, shops, and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
👉 Read more in a separate post.
Day 2 – Trogir, Krka National Park, Klis Fortress
Trogir is a charming, UNESCO-listed medieval town on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, known for its well-preserved architecture and narrow cobblestone streets.
👉 Read more in a separate post.
Krka National Park is a stunning natural reserve known for its breathtaking waterfalls, clear lakes, and lush greenery. Famous for the Skradinski Buk waterfall, the park offers visitors scenic walking trails, boat tours, and opportunities to swim in its pristine waters.
👉 Read more in a separate post.
Klis Fortress is a historic hilltop stronghold near Split, Croatia, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea. With a rich history dating back to ancient times, the fortress has been a strategic defense point for centuries and is now a popular site for history enthusiasts and Game of Thrones fans alike.
👉 Read more in a separate post.
Day 3 – Coastal road through Omiš, Makarska, Ston
The coastal road in Croatia, known as the D8, is a breathtaking route that stretches along the Dalmatian coast, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, charming seaside towns, and rugged cliffs. Driving along this scenic road provides access to iconic destinations, as well as hidden beaches and picturesque villages, making it one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Europe.
👉 Read more in a separate post.
We stopped in some of the cities on the route:
Omiš is a picturesque coastal town nestled between dramatic cliffs and the mouth of the Cetina River. Known for its rich pirate history, outdoor adventure opportunities, and stunning views.
Makarska is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful pebble beaches, clear turquoise waters, and the dramatic backdrop of Biokovo Mountain. Popular for its lively waterfront promenade, outdoor activities, and access to nearby islands.
Ston is a historic town famed for its impressive medieval walls, often called the “European Wall of China”, its centuries-old salt pans, oyster farms, and fresh seafood.
Day 4 – Dubrovnik, Lokrum island
Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls, historic old town, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik offers a mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque scenery. It’s also famous as a key filming location for Game of Thrones, where it served as the backdrop for the iconic city of King’s Landing.
👉 Read more in a separate post.
Lokrum Island is a serene, lush getaway located just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik. Known for its botanical gardens, historic monastery, and crystal-clear beaches, the island is also famous as a Game of Thrones filming location and home to the Iron Throne replica.
👉 Read more in a separate post.
Day 5 – Mali Ston, Ston
Mali Ston is connected by a defensive wall to Ston. The village is famous for its oyster farms and delicious seafood from the nearby Mali Ston Bay.
👉 Read more in a separate post.
Day 6 – Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s largest and most famous national park, renowned for its stunning series of cascading lakes, crystal-clear waterfalls, and lush forests. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park features a network of wooden boardwalks and hiking trails, enabling visitors to explore its 16 interconnected lakes and abundant wildlife within one of the most stunning natural settings in Europe.
👉 Read more in a separate post.
