7-Day Zagreb–Plitvice–Kvarner Itinerary

Plan the perfect 7-day Croatia itinerary: Zagreb, Plitvice and Kvarner. Best routes, hotels, tips, day-by-day plan, maps and travel advice.

Planning a journey through Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes and the Kvarner region is one of the most balanced and rewarding ways to experience Croatia in a single week. This carefully crafted 7-day Zagreb–Plitvice–Kvarner itinerary blends café culture and historic streets in the capital, dramatic emerald waterfalls and forested paths, and the sunlit Adriatic coast shaped by islands, old seaside towns and mountain backdrops — all without rushing and without constant hotel changes.

Built on first-hand knowledge and local experience, this guide follows the natural flow most travellers love: two days in Zagreb, a full day immersed in Plitvice Lakes National Park (with an optional nature-focused alternative in Gorski Kotar), and several slow, sea-scented days in Kvarner. You’ll base yourself along the coast or on an island — such as Opatija, Rijeka, Krk, Cres or Lošinj — with easy options for coastal walks, island hopping, quiet beaches and historic harbour towns.

If you’re looking for a route that feels realistic, relaxed and deeply atmospheric, this Zagreb to Kvarner itinerary offers everything you need — clear timings, distances, where to linger, what to skip, and how to experience Croatia at its most authentic, between mountains and sea.

7-Day Zagreb–Plitvice–Kvarner Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide

Before diving into each day, here’s a clear overview of how this 7-day journey unfolds. The route is designed to feel smooth and well-balanced, moving from Croatia’s vibrant capital to its most iconic national park (or the deep-green forests of Gorski Kotar), and finally to the airy Adriatic coast of the Kvarner region, where mountains meet the sea. Distances are reasonable, the pace is intentionally unhurried, and each day blends key sights with quieter moments — the kind of rhythm that allows you to truly settle into a place rather than rush through it. With just one or two main bases and straightforward logistics, this itinerary delivers Croatia’s culture, nature and coastal life in a way that feels relaxed, coherent and deeply enjoyable.

Day 1 — Welcome to Zagreb

Vibe: café culture, leafy streets, central Europe

Morning

• Check in near Lower Town (Donji Grad) or Upper Town.
• Start with an easy intro walk through Zrinjevac, King Tomislav Square, and the Green Horseshoe.
• Coffee at Botaničar or Korica.

Afternoon

• Wander the charming streets of Upper Town:
  • St. Mark’s Church
  • Stone Gate
  • Lotrščak Tower
  • Radićeva + Tkalča Street
• Ride the funicular down to the Lower Town.

Dinner & Evening

• Cosy dinner at Agava or Pod Zidom.
• Craft beer at The Garden Brewery Taproom.

Day 2 — Zagreb Hidden Corners & Market Life

Vibe: green city pockets, markets, viewpoints.

Morning

• Visit the iconic Dolac Market — fruit, cheeses, bakeries.
• Walk to the Cathedral and the charming streets behind it.

Afternoon

Choose one mini-adventure:

• Maksimir Park & Zoo (classic Zagreb nature walk)
• Mirogoj Cemetery — architecture + serenity
• Museum of Broken Relationships if you prefer quirky culture

Evening

• Dinner in Vlaška or Martićeva — trendy, local, delicious
• Try Rožmarin for pasta or Lari & Penati for bistro style.

Read our full guide to Zagreb here.

Day 3 — Plitvice Lakes National Park

Travel: Zagreb → Plitvice (2h)
Vibe: waterfalls, emerald lakes, boardwalks.

Morning

• Arrive early — between 7:30–8:00 for best light and fewer crowds.
• Choose Route C or H (the classic full-day loop).

Read our full guide to the Plitvice Lakes here.

Afternoon

• Electric boat across Lake Kozjak
• Veliki Slap → panoramic viewpoints → upper lakes.
• Light lunch inside the park or nearby.

Evening

• Stay in Rastovača, Jezerce, or Plitvica Selo.
• Quiet dinner in Lička kuća restaurant or Lakeside Hotel Plitvice.

⏱️ If needed, you can drive to Rovinj the same evening (3h), but staying overnight is calmer.

Days 4–7: Opatija & the Kvarner Islands (Krk, Cres & Lošinj)

After the inland landscapes of Plitvice (or Gorski Kotar), the route opens toward the Kvarner Bay — a region where the Adriatic meets mountains, islands sit close to shore, and daily life moves at a gentler, more elemental pace. Over the next four days, you’ll experience Kvarner through its elegant riviera, accessible islands and quieter, nature-led corners, without long drives or logistical stress.

Day 4: Plitvice (or Gorski Kotar) → Opatija

Driving time: ~2.5–3 hours from Plitvice | ~1.5–2 hours from Gorski Kotar

Morning
Leave Plitvice after breakfast and begin your drive toward the coast. The journey itself marks a clear transition — forested inland landscapes slowly give way to open sea views and Mediterranean light. Arriving in Opatija around late morning or early afternoon works best, allowing the day to unfold without pressure.

Afternoon
Check into your hotel and head straight for the Lungomare coastal promenade, one of the most beautiful seaside walks in Croatia. Even a short section reveals Opatija’s character: grand villas, palm-lined paths and constant views over the islands of the Kvarner Bay. Stop for a light lunch or coffee by the water, and if the weather allows, enjoy your first swim from one of the stone bathing platforms.

Evening
As the sun lowers, Opatija becomes especially atmospheric. Walk along the promenade at golden hour, then settle into a relaxed seaside dinner. This is not a night for rushing between sights — just good food, soft sea air and an easy introduction to the coast.

Day 5: Krk Island – Easy Island Life

Driving time: Opatija → Krk Island: ~1–1.25 hours (via bridge)

Morning
After breakfast, drive toward Krk Island, connected to the mainland by bridge — making it the most accessible island in Croatia. Arrive mid-morning and start with a gentle walk through Krk Town, exploring its historic streets, small harbour and seaside cafés.

Afternoon
Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing in one of Krk’s many coves and beaches. The island offers a mix of easily accessible spots and quieter bays reached by short walks or drives. Keep lunch simple — a konoba by the sea, fresh fish, olive oil and local wine suit the day perfectly.

Evening
As the crowds thin, Krk Town becomes calm and pleasant again. Enjoy a slow dinner by the harbour or return toward Opatija for the night if you’re keeping a single mainland base. Either way, this day introduces island life gently, without long ferry crossings or time pressure.

👉 Explore our in-depth travel guides to Krk Town and Krk Island

Day 6: Cres Island – Wild & Open Landscapes

Access: Ferry from mainland or from Krk (seasonal connections)

Morning
Start early and take the ferry to Cres, one of Croatia’s most unspoiled islands. The crossing is short but scenic, opening into a landscape that feels noticeably quieter and more expansive. Arrive in Cres Town mid-morning and explore its narrow streets, shaded squares and calm harbour. →Cres guide

Afternoon
Cres is about space and silence. Head toward one of the island’s clear, rocky bays for swimming, or explore inland roads and viewpoints where sheep roam freely and the sea stretches uninterrupted to the horizon. Lunch is best kept simple and local — seafood, vegetables, bread and olive oil.

Evening
Stay for dinner on the island if possible, when Cres becomes especially peaceful. As evening falls, the atmosphere turns introspective and slow — one of the reasons many travellers fall in love with this island. Return by ferry in the evening or overnight locally, depending on your logistics.

Day 7: Lošinj Island – Fragrant Forests & Sea Air

Access: a small bridge in Osor Town

Morning
Travel onward to Lošinj, known for its pine forests, aromatic plants and clean sea air. Begin your day in Mali Lošinj, the island’s main town, with a relaxed harbour walk and morning coffee as fishing boats come and go.

Mali Lošinj Travel Guide: what to see, where to stay & local tips →

Afternoon
Lošinj is ideal for a final slow day. Walk shaded coastal paths, swim in clear coves just outside town, or visit nearby bays where the scent of pine and salt mixes in the air. Everything here feels restorative rather than spectacular — which is exactly the point.

Evening
End your journey with a final seaside dinner, watching the light soften over the harbour. This is a natural closing chapter to the itinerary — calm, grounded and quietly beautiful. From Lošinj, continue onward or return toward Rijeka or Zagreb, depending on your travel plans.