Croatia Itinerary
 

My wife and I, 60 and 58 years old, are planning our trip to Croatia. We enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing. We also are foodies and enjoy fine wines. We are putting our itinerary out to see what you all think. We'll be renting a car to get around. Not sure if we should give Split 2 nights vs. Zadar. We have 17 days total. Thanks in advance for you help.

May 1: 3 nights Venice

Ferry to Rovinj, 3 nights Rovinj

3 nights Opatija

1 night Plitvice

2 nights Zabar

1 night Split

2 nights Brac

4 nights Dubrovnik

1 night Zagreb

Without knowing more about your choices, it is difficult to advise. However, upon quick glance, some thoughts.
I liked Opatjia, finding it quite pleasant, but it was just a one-night stop. Unless you have reasons that are not stated, it seems putting that time elsewhere would be a better use of time. I don't think the drive from Rovinj to Plitvice is too long.
I don't see a lot of time for "hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing." The nature really is superb in Croatia, so I would read up on the parks and nature offerings to see where you might like more time for such pursuits.
You either have a very long drive or are flying from Dubrovnik to Zagreb.

IMO 3 nights at Opatija/Rijeka are way too much (unless you plan to do day trips by car ferry to the Islands (Mali Losinj, Rab, etc.).
Similar remark for Zadar.
Don't forget Sibenik and the Krka Falls Park.
Split (incl. nearby Trogir) is much more interesting than Zadar.

You will find good wineries and beautiful scenery on the Peljesac penisnula near Dubrovnik. The mussels and oysters in Ston are also famous.

Thanks, yes flying from Dubrovnik to Zagreb. We will make day trips from our different stops. Some of the places we're staying have 3 night minimum. Thanks again, just getting started.

If you are sticking with Opatija, see Park prirode U?ka
Also, the northern islands may be of interest, and from Malil Losinj there is a ferry to Zadar--then you could put your Plitvice time later. But I am probably complicating mattes--you need fewer choices, not more--enjoy!

Should be nice! You’ve already gotten some great advice. To add my thoughts:

- 3 nights is a LOT for Opatija. From what you say of your interests, I assume you are planning to spend most of that time in the Ucka Nature Park? I’m not sure it merits 3 nights.

- Split is my favorite city in Croatia, but it’s a place that seems to appeal to some people more than others. 1 night there won’t give you much to explore it’s highlights, or to take advantage of any of the many daytrips it affords.

- IMO, 4 nights is a lot – a LOT – for Dubrovnik.

- This trip is planned for May? If so, you might consider reversing the order of your trip – the south will likely be warmer than the north, and you might catch some wildflowers if you reverse the trip.

- One of the reasons that 3-night-minimum stays are not uncommon for lodging in Croatia is because so few people find any reason to stay that long in any one location.

Hope that helps!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. We tweaked our trip as follows but funny? thing is the Airbnb in Opitija just cancelled on us, I'm thinking that was meant to be.

May 4 - 7 Rovinj
May 7-10 Opatija Need to come up with new plan now.
May10-11 Plitvicka Jezera I could move this to May 7 and maybe stay 2 nights so we don't have the drive to split after spending a long day in the park?

May11-14 Split
May 14-16 Brac
May 16 - 20 Dubrovnik

So I'm thinking maybe 2 nights in Plitvicka or 1 night and then drive on to Sibenik for a couple of nights.

Thanks in advance, we're really looking forward to this trip.

Again, is your goal for Opatija to hike the Ucka Nature Park? It makes a difference. If you just want the coastal Lungomare (which is lovely), then 1 night is sufficient. Look at Lovran.

You still have a LOT of time in Dubrovnik. Most people find 1.5 days sufficient, with another day if you plan to visit Kotor.

"Most” people, who are good with 1.5 days in Dubrovnik, aren’t interested in hiking, biking, sailing and kayaking. There is plenty of that to keep you busy for a week there. My son spent a lot of time a few years ago in Croatia and spoke about taking a short boat ride and hiking around Lokrum Island. They also sailed and did kayaking. There is a nice little seaside town nearby called Cavtat. Dubrovnik is especially wonderful after the cruise ship passengers leave in of the afternoon. We did some hiking up and around the mountain above the city, and it was great. Wished we had spent more time there. Enjoy.

RE Opatija cancellation. You could stay in Lovran or Volosko instead if you had become enamored of staying in that area. Otherwise, you could look at staying in the Zadar-Sibenik area (parks Krka and Paklenica), stay on another island like Hvar or Korcula, or maybe somewhere between Split and Dubrovnik (Omis for rafting, Mostar and tour Hercegovina a bit, or Peljesac peninsula--wine, shellfish). Tons of great options. Plan looks nice--enjoy!

I completely disagree 4 days is too much for Dubrovnik. City itself (old town) will take you at least one day of pleasant sightseeing but there is so much more to see. Lokrum island is one of the best things you can do in Dubrovnik. Make it a half day trip of exploring the botanical garden and monastery and hike to the fort on the top. End that day with the drive (or hike) to top of hill Srdj for the most beautiful sunset. Use one day to explore Elaphiti islands which are beautiful southernmost archipelago of Croatia. Kayaking is a great experience in Dubrovnik. You can kayak around the city walls (amazing view) and Lokrum island or if you are in good shape you can do the tour around Elaphiti islands.

Since you have a car you have plenty of options but make sure your accommodation has a parking and walk or use public transport to get to the Old Town (parking around the old town is too expensive). One of the things you could do by car is visit Konavle region on the south (great for hiking and biking) and city of Cavtat. Another suggested thing is a day trip to Montenegro to visit Kotor and Perast.