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Croatia is the filming location for Game of Thrones and Lonely Planet’s 2024 Best Travel Country. This 8-day self-drive guide takes you along the most beautiful coastline of the Adriatic.
8-Day Self-Drive Circuit
Days 1–2: Dubrovnik Game of Thrones’ King’s Landing filming location; a complete medieval wall circuit takes 1.5 hours. Take the cable car to the summit of Mount Srđ for a panoramic view of the red-and-white old city. Staying at a B&B outside the city walls is recommended to avoid the tour group rush.
Day 3: Hvar Take the ferry to Hvar (1.5 hours) — the lavender island, blessed with sunshine and famous across Europe for its nightlife. Pakleni lanes hidden in the old city’s labyrinthine streets are a secret photography location.
Days 4–5: Split UNESCO Cultural Heritage — Diocletian’s Palace is one of the world’s best-preserved Roman palaces, with residents still living inside. Watching the sunset from a rooftop bar in the old city is highly recommended.
Day 6: Zadar Zadar’s Sea Organ is the world’s only oceanic musical instrument; waves lapping the stone steps produce music through pipes. Sitting on the stone steps listening at sunset is one of Croatia’s most romantic moments.
Days 7–8: Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia’s most famous national park — 16 lakes connected by waterfalls with wooden walkways threading between them; the turquoise water is breathtaking. Entry about €40; most beautiful in autumn when fall leaves are red.
Car Rental Guide
Self-driving is the most convenient way to see Croatia; from Dubrovnik to Split is about 3 hours on good highway conditions. Compare car rental prices through QEEQ; small cars €30–50/day. Croatia recognizes Chinese driving licenses but carrying an English translation is recommended.
Fuel prices: Diesel about €1.50/liter, slightly more expensive than neighboring countries. Highways use an electronic toll system — confirm when renting whether highway fees are included.
Ferry Guide
Croatia has many islands; ferries are the only way to connect them:
- Split ↔ Hvar: ferry (1.5 hours)
- Hvar ↔ Split: ferry + speedboat
Pre-booking tickets on the Jadrolinija website is recommended; peak season requires booking 2–3 days in advance.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Dubrovnik: B&Bs outside the city walls, $80–150/night, convenient parking
- Split: Old city B&Bs, $60–120/night, all attractions walkable
- Plitvice Lakes: Hotels inside the park, $100–200/night, enter in the morning before visitors arrive
Budget Reference
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights (China–Dubrovnik) | ¥7,000–12,000 |
| Car rental (8 days) | €240–400 |
| Ferries (2 routes) | €40–80 |
| Hotels (7 nights) | €500–1,200 |
| Entry tickets | €100–150 |
| Food and drink | €200–400 |
| Total | ¥18,000–32,000/person |
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