Many of you may prefer the convenience of staying in a single hotel throughout your holiday, avoiding the hassle of packing, unpacking, and switching accommodations. Croatia offers the perfect setting for such a relaxing yet exploratory getaway. By choosing a well-situated base, you can enjoy the charm of your hotel while taking day trips to discover the beauty of the surrounding area. For those with a rental car, exploring becomes straightforward, however, If driving isn’t part of your plan, Croatia’s excellent local transport and a wide array of organised excursions make it easy to venture out and experience the country’s stunning landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant culture. To truly make the most of this kind of holiday, we recommend a stay of at least 10 nights. This duration allows you to balance relaxing at your hotel and embarking on day trips to nearby attractions. Whether you’re exploring the cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, the cobblestone charm of Dubrovnik, or the olive groves and vineyards of Istria, staying in one place allows you to savour Croatia’s wonders at your own pace.
Below are some of the best day trips from our various Croatian regions.
To inspire you further, get in touch with our team of travel specialists. They can create a perfect holiday with as many day trips as you wish, allowing you to really enjoy the beauty of what Croatia has to offer.
If you are staying in Porec, Rovinj, Novigrad or Pula
- Inland Istria: Visit hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan, and savour truffles, wine, and olive oil on organized tours.
- Kvarner Region: Drive to Opatija, Lovran, or the island of Krk for stunning coastal views and rustic charm.
- Vrsar, Lim Fjord, and Brijuni Islands: Explore the Lim Fjord by car or boat, visit Vrsar’s seaside charm, or take a ferry to disembark and explore Brijuni National Park.
- Cross the Border: Take a catamaran to Venice or join a tour of Slovenia’s Postojna Caves and Lipica Horse Stud farm.
If you are staying in Opatija or Lovran
- Nature & History: Visit Plitvice Lakes or Brijuni Islands National Parks, or explore inland Istria’s hilltop towns. Take a local bus to nearby Rijeka for a cultural day out.
- Cross-Border Adventures: Head to Trieste, Italy, or Slovenia to see the Postojna Caves, Predjama Castle, and Lipica Horse Stud.
- Island Hopping: Take a boat trip to Krk and Cres, enjoying a few hours on each island with lunch included.
If you are staying on the islands of Brac, Hvar, Korcula
- Island Excursions: Explore cultural monuments, indulge in wine and gastronomy tours, or enjoy adrenaline activities like water sports and horse riding (available on Brač).
- Getting Around: Take advantage of reliable island bus services for easy travel between towns.
- Island Hopping: Enjoy day trips to neighbouring islands via water taxis or local ferries.
If you are staying in Zadar or Sibenik
- National Parks: Visit Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park (on separate days) via organized tours or a rental car.
- Island Adventures: Explore Kornati Islands National Park, or take ferries to Dugi Otok, Ugljan, Zlarin, Prvić, or Krapanj.
- Scenic Spots: Discover Vrana Lake or take a trip to Split for a mix of culture and history.
If you are staying in Split
- Adventure & History in Omiš: Just 35 minutes away, experience white-water rafting, and zip-lining in Cetina Canyon, and explore the charming old town with its pirate heritage.
- Cultural Gems: Visit the walled town of Trogir (by boat or bus) or head to Zadar, Primosten’s beaches, and Biograd na Moru.
- Cross the Border: Take an organized excursion to Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina for a unique cultural experience.
- Island Hopping: Enjoy day trips to Brač and Šolta for stunning beaches and local charm.
If you are staying in Dubrovnik or Cavtat
- Dubrovnik Access: From Cavtat and Mlini, take a scenic boat ride to Dubrovnik (1 hour or less).
- Island Adventures: Explore the Elafiti Islands with a boat tour (lunch included), or visit Korčula and Mljet for a mix of nature and culture.
- Cultural Excursions: Discover the Konavle Valley’s heritage with food and wine tours, or take a trip to the Pelješac Peninsula, stopping at Ston and its famous Great Walls.
- Cross-Border Trips: Visit Montenegro or Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina (avoid mid-summer due to traffic at borders).
