Day-by-day plan
Riviera, Lakes & Bears
Opatija riviera, Cres and Krk, Plitvice, Zadar islands, Krka swims, and a bear sanctuary in Velebit.
Good if: Families who want a mix of seaside towns, national parks, and a memorable wildlife stop
Your itinerary
- 1
Opatija riviera
Opatija
Coastal promenade, first swim, and settle into the relaxed riviera pace.
Special places
- Lungomare coastal walk — flat and stroller-friendly
- Lovran or Opatija beach afternoon
- Ask Vedrana what's new in the area this season
- 2
Cres island day
Cres
Ferry to Cres — wild beaches and a slower island feel than the mainland.
Special places
- Ferry crossing — coffee on deck
- Lake Vrana or a pebble cove swim
- Simple konoba dinner on the island
- 3
Krk & hill towns
Krk / Motovun
Krk beaches in the morning; optional dash to Motovun or Grožnjan if energy allows.
Special places
- Morning swim on Krk
- Motovun wall walk — truffle gelato reward
- Drive toward Plitvice for tomorrow
- 4
Plitvice — lakes day one
Plitvice Lakes
Enter the park from Korana. Wooden paths and turquoise water.
Special places
- Korana village base
- Lower lakes loop — buggy-friendly sections
- Pack lunch — limited food inside the park
- 5
Plitvice — second morning
Plitvice / Rastoke
Finish the park or visit Rastoke, then coast down to Zadar.
Special places
- Upper lakes or boat ride across the water
- Rastoke mill village — quick stop
- Afternoon drive to Zadar
- 6
Zadar — old town & islands
Zadar
Explore Zadar and book tomorrow's island trip.
Special places
- Zadar market and old town
- Sea Organ at golden hour
- Dinner — try marenda-style lunch places
- 7
Kornati or island hopping
Near Zadar
Full-day boat — Kornati national park or a shorter family-friendly hop.
Special places
- Island-hopping boat with swim stops
- Packed lunch or lunch on board
- Back to Zadar by late afternoon
- 8
Krka National Park
Krka
Waterfalls you can swim under — one of Croatia's best family days.
Special places
- Skradinski Buk boardwalk
- Legal swimming below the falls
- Drive toward Velebit after lunch
- 9
Velebit bear sanctuary
Velebit
Visit the bear sanctuary — rescued bears in a forest enclosure. Unforgettable for kids.
Special places
- Bear sanctuary guided visit — book ahead
- Short Velebit nature walk if time allows
- Drive back toward Zagreb for tomorrow's flight
- 10
Return to Zagreb
Zagreb
Last morning coffee, souvenirs at the market, and airport transfer.
Special places
- Dolac market — honey and lavender souvenirs
- Final lunch in the upper town
- Airport with buffer time
This is just an example. Tweak it with AI or message Vedrana — she'll make it fit your family properly.