Both King’s Landing and the city of Meereen have their filming locations in Dubrovnik Old Town and Split.

And if you’re a fan of the show then you know why everyone’s visiting Croatia right now.

It’s a gorgeous country that blends untouched medieval European architecture with astonishing natural splendour.

Massive lakes, national parks, endless beaches, and incredible landscapes make Croatia nothing short of a paradise.

So how should you go about your Croatia holiday?

What should be on your Croatia itinerary?

Well, just read on to find out.

Here is how to spend a perfect 7 days in Croatia, complete with all the best cities and parks to explore on your Croatia holiday.

Photo by David Boca on Unsplash

One Day in Zagreb

Where else to start 7 days in Croatia but in the capital of Zagreb?

It used to be a place people skipped over but Zagreb is now seeing its fair share of tourism; it’s most people’s arrival point and a wonderful place to get stuck into Croatia’s history and way of life.

It’s a city worth getting lost in with a mix of classic Austro-Hungarian, medieval, and modern, brutalist architecture culminating at the Ban Jelacic main city square.

Make the most of the city by taking a free walking tour.

Zagreb from above is pretty special so head to the top of Zagreb 360 or the Lotrščak Tower and catch the view.

The city is known for having some pretty quirky museums including the Museum of Broken Relationships.

The coffee scene in Zagreb has been making waves so make sure you do a bit of cafe hopping between sight-seeing.

One Day at Plitvice Lakes National Park

The UNESCO World Heritage site Plitvice Lakes is a perfect stopover on the way from Zagreb to Split.

It’s one of Croatia’s number one tourist attractions and a must when visiting Croatia.

Just be prepared to experience not only one of the most stunning spots in the country, but in all of Europe.

Croatia is far more than just perfectly maintained medieval cities that make for perfect fantasy TV settings.

It’s also a land of untouched and varied natural beauty: lakes, rolling hills, and mountains can all be found in the endlessly expansive national parks, and Plitvice Lakes is the best of the bunch.

Sixteen lakes set in thick, green woodland with an abundance of wildlife and flora to get joyously lost in.

The lakes are interconnected by beautiful waterfalls, each of them worth tracking down and photographing, making this 300km national park truly spectacular.

No, you won’t see it all, but there’s more than enough lakes, waterfalls, and wild forest to lose yourself in for an entire day.

Don’t leave Plitvice Lakes off your list for your Croatia holiday.

Just bear in mind that there’s a 55 Kuna entrance fee to the park and that they’re open all year with later opening times in the summer.

the best accommodation in the area

Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash

Two Days in Split

Croatia’s second-largest city is a dream to explore, Split was largely untouched by the war so it is one of the most well-preserved cities in Croatia.

A city lost in time its historic city center is dominated by the Roman Diocletian’s Palace, A UNESCO listed site dating back to the 4th century.

The palace was used for filming Game of Thrones, amongst other things, and it’s not hard to see why with incredible preserved Roman streets surrounding it.

After you’ve wandered the palace head over to Marmont Street where you’ll find Venetian architecture and cafes and restaurants to while away some hours by the waterside.

The palace is the very start of the stunning architecture to explore in Split, honestly, you could spend your 7 days in Croatia here – don’t miss sights like Split’s cathedral, Campanile bell tower, or the plazas like Pjaca square and Fruit Square.

In the evening, head over to the lively Riva for a walk on the promenade, enjoy the street food and watch the street performers. 

I highly recommend doing a walking tour of Split when you’re there!

the best accommodation in split

Two Days in Dubrovnik

A majorly busy location these days, partly due to the Game of Thrones series bringing the medieval walled city to people’s attention.

No Croatia holiday would be complete without a visit to the enchanting Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to 60,000 people, set on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Make sure you take a walk along the city walls, wander the old town and catch some of the main sights such as the Dubrovnik Cathedral, Palace Knezev Dvor, and  Palace Sponza.

Once you’re finished sightseeing, settle in one of the quaint cafes or Italian restaurants and absorb the atmosphere of beautiful Dubrovnik.

the best accommodation in Dubrovnik

The Island of Lokrum – A Day Trip From Dubrovnik

While you’re in Dubrovnik Old Town, you’ll likely spy a large, heavily forested island just across the water.

This mysterious island, cut off from the heavily populated mainland, is Lokrum Island.

It looks so strange and tempting; you’re guaranteed to want to swim across and explore it.

Well, don’t do that, because you can take a ferry.

Lokrum Island isn’t quite as dense as it initially appears, and there’s enough to do on the island to fill up a day of exciting exploration.

You can start with the gardens, which are home to various strange and exotic plants from across the world as well as some beautiful peacocks.

Since Croatia is a summer paradise, you’ll probably be visiting in the warm season and that means swimming and snorkelling in the waters around this little island, as well as sunbathing on its beaches.

There’s also the Benedictine Monastery atop Lokrum Island’s hill.

The monastery is an incredible medieval structure that was built hundreds of years ago and yet, like all of Dubrovnik Old Town, remains in miraculously good condition.

If you’re wondering if you can get food on the island, yes, there are a few sandwich bars to keep you fuelled up as you explore the gardens, beaches, and the monastery.

A perfect end to your Croatia holiday.

There’s how to spend 7 days in Croatia, one of the top Balkan countries you can visit!

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The bus from Mostar to Dubrovnik is relatively easy and affordable but as there is not a lot of information on the route, I am going to give you my tips and experiences on this bus.

Mostar bus station

Getting a ticket

The best way to get your ticket is from the physical bus station.

The bus station is located not far from the city centre.

It’s only about a 15-minute walk (if that) from the famous bridge so there is no need to catch a taxi there unless you have a lot of baggage, then it might be safer to catch a taxi.

The ticket prices vary, but mine was around 20.

You also have the option to get your ticket online from sites like Getbybus, but the best way is to go to the ticket office because sometimes timetables can change.

Also, it’s most likely that they won’t accept mobile tickets so you would need to print off your ticket somewhere.

It’s easier to just buy your ticket the day before to avoid hassles!

The bus leaves Mostar around 3 times a day and usually in the morning/ lunchtime.

You don’t have to get a ticket in advance but in the peak season, it might be a good idea to.

You could always ask your accommodation supplier to ask to put a ticket on hold if you were worried.

I did this bus trip in March/April, so my bus wasn’t full at all!

Travel time

Travel time is around 3.5 hours, but you must consider the time it takes to cross the border.

This can add another 30 mins – 1.5 hours depending on if anyone on the bus has a problem with their passport or visa.

However, saying that, my bus breezed through security and immigration and it probably only took 30 minutes.

This will also depend on when you’re visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina because it can take longer in the summer months.

It’s a lovely drive. I was so impressed by the views when reaching the Croatian coastline.

Plus if you have 7 days in Croatia or less, it makes sense to get there faster with a car.

That way you also get the freedom to visit some beautiful waterfalls along the way such as Ombla river spring.

You will want to have your camera out and ready for some awesome shots.

Reaching Dubrovnik

What I didn’t realise about the bus is that the Dubrovnik bus station is located a long way from the old town, just outside the city.

So, from there you must catch a local bus which only costs a couple of euros.

It was easy enough to figure out as there was a little booth to get your ticket and ask about the timetable.

Otherwise, you can catch a taxi which costs roughly €9 to the old town.

Top tips

1. Have 1 euro handy so you can store your luggage in the under-compartment of the bus.

I had to pay 1 euro, but some people said they didn’t, so I guess it depends on what your bus driver is like but from the reviews, most people had to pay.

This is very common in the Balkan Countries.

What I found strange is that the driver only accepted euros so make sure you do have an extra euro lying around just in case!

2. Take a few Croatian or Bosnian snacks and water on the way just in case the bus doesn’t stop for a break.

The journey isn’t that long but if you do get stuck at the border for longer than expected, it’s a good idea to be prepared.

3. Be sure to have your luggage prepared to be looked through.

Make sure you have everything organised and anything that you need to show the border like medicines, are easily accessible.

Accommodation in Dubrovnik

There are plenty of great Airbnb’s and hotels within Dubrovnik.

One of the best I can personally recommend is Celenga studio apartment rooms.

This is located right within the walled city.

There are also plenty of Airbnbs to rent too.

The Mostar to Dubrovnik bus is super easy and one of the best rides within the Balkans.

I would recommend taking this bus rather than a private transfer or flying.

If you have any questions about this route from Bosnia and Herzegovina or vice versa, if you’re starting in Croatia, then make sure you leave them below so I can answer them for you.

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There’s no end to the jaw-dropping spectacles of Croatia’s natural landscape.

And an integral part of the landscape, perhaps even the very source of its beauty, is its selection of breath-taking waterfalls.

The waterfalls of Croatia are varied in size and scope, with some of them towering overhead and creating a roar like a herd of lions.

Others spread seamlessly through quiet villages, blending the homes and livelihoods of locals with the natural landscape.

Some waterfalls are tiered and layered, creating almost endless opportunities for photography and exploration, but which is the best waterfall in Croatia for you?

Let’s take a look at some of the most incredible waterfalls of Croatia, which come in all shapes and sizes but every one of them is a spectacle.

Veliki Slap

Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to many of Croatia’s most hauntingly beautiful waterfalls, and Veliki Slap not only has an excellent name but is also, at a height of 78m, the very tallest of Plitvice Lakes National Park’s waterfalls.

As a bonus, it’s also found near the entrance to the park, giving you an incredible sight to begin your adventure across the park.

When people talk about this being the best part of the park, Veliki Slap is one of the reasons why.

It’s a layered and fantasy-looking waterfall that cascades down layers of powerful rock which takes your breath away completely. 

Check out these tours to the Plitvice Lakes National Parks.

Sastavci Waterfalls

 Think of Sastavci as the little sister to Veliki Slap.

It’s a smaller waterfall (26m high) that sits in the foreground of Veliki Slap, almost as though they’re taking a family photo.

What’s so divine about this waterfall is the way that it’s layered; rather than the water falling all in one place, it streams in and over from different angles, creating an alluring and encompassing kind of atmosphere.

Visiting Satavci is like entering a fairy glade out of a fantasy novel and definitely should be on your Croatian travel itinerary.

Roski Waterfall

 The other national park in Croatia that houses many of the country’s finest waterfalls is Krka National Park, and Roski Slap is one of its most captivating waterfalls.

Despite this, and despite how much there is to see and do here, it’s one of the lesser-known waterfalls of Croatia.

Which is staggering when you consider the hiking trains around the waterfalls which reward you with a captivating view of the Krka River.

There’s even a cave network you can tour to get an idea of the hidden depths of Krka National Park!

accommodation near the Krka National Park

Skradinski Buk

 The most fabulous thing about this particular waterfall is how it weaves its way through the area.

It’s layered, tiered, and spreads itself out so you can explore and adventure to your heart’s content and see it from so many different angles.

It’s a network of waterfalls that flows around and through and between islands and ponds.

The crown sight of the waterfalls is a sort of crescent of white falls which all pour out of thick vegetation and into a turquoise pool of calm.

An incredible experience!

Strbacki Buk

 This is perhaps the most unique waterfall in Croatia as it serves as part of the border between Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Strbacki Buk is part of the Una River, and on the Croatian side it’s nestled within the Una Mamea Park – a stunning slice of the varied and colourful natural landscape of Croatia.

This waterfall is surrounded on both sides by thick, green foliage that spreads far and wide.

If you face the waterfall and stand to the right, you can follow a trail through the woodland which leads to an open patch of green parallel to the top of the waterfall.

There, you’ll find a park bench to relax at and watch as the falls cascade and roar beside you.

Galovacki Buk

 Galovacki Buk isn’t a grand and tall waterfall. It isn’t a layered and explorative waterfall.

It isn’t a waterfall with sweeping views of endless vistas.

And yet, it is perhaps the most picturesque, underrated, and peaceful waterfall in all of Croatia.

There is something so utterly tranquil and delightful about this waterfall.

Especially if you visit during the Spring, or the Autumn time, as the seasons are changing and the contrast between the turquoise waters and the brightly coloured leaves is simply jaw-dropping in its natural beauty.

This waterfall can be found at the very centre, the beating heart of the Upper Lakes in Plitvice Lakes National Park and the sight of it alone will take your breath away.

Rastoke Falls

 Many of Croatia’s grandest waterfalls may be found in its national parks, but not all of them.

Rastoke, a canyon and village in Croatia, is home to a huge number of waterfalls.

In fact, the village is 50% houses and buildings, 50% waterfalls.

The falls vary in size and spread themselves across the entire village and canyon.

Simply wander the village and admire how the sound of the flowing water and the waterfalls invades every corner of the area.

It’s a blissful little paradise that you simply won’t want to leave.

At the top of the village’s largest waterfall you’ll even find ancient water mills sending you back in time to the ways of our medieval European ancestors.

Kotli Waterfall

Kotli is a medieval village in the open wilderness district of Istria – Croatia’s land of wine and truffles.

In the day Kotli was a renowned village, prosperous and known for its mills.

They remain to this day, though now as examples of how life was once lived in Croatia.

Here, you’ll also find a waterfall that is as much a part of the village as it is the landscape.

It’s not a grand spectacle of a waterfall but it does showcase gloriously and impressively how in-tune Croatians are with the incredible landscape that makes up their country, as the waterfall was used to power their mills and make the village prosperous and beautiful.

If you’re staying in Dubrovnik, most of these waterfalls are too far for a day trip, so make sure you add in a stay in Split or Zadar.

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The Dubrovnik to Kotor bus is an easy and seamless route to take.

The journey itself is not that long and it’s the best way to get to Kotor unless you have a car!

Getting a ticket

 You can either get a ticket online or get one at the bus station in Dubrovnik.

As this is a very popular route, particularly in the summer, I would recommend getting your ticket the day before.

The ticket cost about €18 but that will depend on the time and the season you are travelling.

 Remember to have €1 handy to store your luggage in the under-compartment if you need to. 

Dubrovnik bus station

The bus station in Dubrovnik is relatively far from the old town so you will need to catch a local bus to get there which is a couple of euros, or you can get a taxi which is around €10.

If you are getting your ticket the day before you might want to purchase online instead of travelling to the bus station the day before to pick up a ticket.

You can purchase them on GetbyBus.com.

Bus schedules

Buses leave frequently from Dubrovnik (around 8 times a day).

The frequency varies depending on which season you visit Croatia. 

The earliest bus is around 7 am and the last is around 3 pm.

The journey

 The journey to Kotor from Dubrovnik takes around 2 hours but it can take a little more depending on the border crossing for Montenegro.

In some cases, it can take nearly 4 hours so always allow time in case this happens!

Especially during the summer, the borders can get very busy. 

I travelled in March/April and the border crossing only took about 15-20 minutes.

It’s around 91km from Dubrovnik to Kotor.

The drive is beautiful as for the most part the road hugs the coast.

You will get to see some beautiful villages and towns on the water.

Remember to have your passport ready when you cross the border so there are no delays.

If you have medicine or need to declare something, then make sure it’s at the top of your bag to avoid hassles.

The Montenegro border is usually pretty chilled out.

Arriving in Kotor 

Kotor bus station is located just outside of the old city so you can easily walk from the station to your accommodation supplier.

Kotor bus station is very small so don’t expect anything fancy.

When you leave the bus station, head towards the water and then make a right. 

You will see the old town in the distance anyway!

Can you do Kotor as a day trip from Dubrovnik?

 Technically you could as there are several buses a day, but I would recommend staying in Kotor at least one night.

Although the city is small there are lots to see and do in Montenegro.

One of the best things to do is climb to St John’s fortress to get an epic view of the city.

There are also some great tour companies which can you take you to the main sights within Montenegro (I highly recommend 360 Montenegro).  

 If you did do it as a day trip you might only have around 5 hours to spend around Kotor so in my eyes the journey is a little long for a day trip.

Driving from Dubrovnik to Kotor

 The drive is relatively easy if buses aren’t your thing.

It’s very scenic and you have the freedom to stop off at some beautiful places along the way.

Make sure you have a green card so you can cross the border. 

If you’re hiring a car in the Balkans, you must make sure you have this to be able to visit other nearby countries.

Just ask your car hire company.

I hope this post helps you or your Dubrovnik to Kotor travels.

If you have any questions, then make sure you leave them below so I can try and answer them for you!

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