Tents, Trails & Turquoise Seas: Croatia’s Ultimate Outdoor Escape
Ever dreamed of waking up to waterfalls, hiking canyons, kayaking turquoise coves and sleeping under pine trees by the Adriatic? This 7-day Croatia adventure is all cliff-side trails, wild island swims, campfire nights and salty hair. From Plitvice to the Kornati Islands, Paklenica and Split, this holiday will light up your sense of adventure and appetite for the outdoors.
Trip Highlights
This Croatian itinerary is for the adventure seekers
Waterfalls & wild walks in Plitvice
Kayaking the Adriatic
Remote island nature in Kornati
Canyons, caves & hiking in Paklenica
River rafting & canyoning on Zrmanja
Coastal camping under pine trees
Holiday Balance
This trip is built for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Expect big adventure energy, with kayaking, canyoning, hiking and camping making up most of the experience. Culture shines through in historic towns and local markets, while evenings by the sea, campfires and island sunsets add just enough relaxation to reset between adrenaline bursts.
The Itinerary
Adventure Route: Zagreb → Plitvice → Zadar → Kornati → Paklenica → Split
Day 1 — Arrive Zagreb → Plitvice National Park (2 hrs)
Fly into Zagreb and collect your rental car or campervan. Stop at Dolac Market or a supermarket to stock up on camping food and snacks, then wander the cobbled streets of Upper Town for a coffee and quick sightseeing. In the afternoon, drive south to Camp Korana near Plitvice Lakes. Set up your tent or park your van, then enjoy a relaxed evening; a simple camp dinner, crisp mountain air, and early night under the stars.
Croatia offers some of the best camping in Europe
Day 2 — Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes should be on everyone’s bucketlist
Get an early start and enter Plitvice Lakes before most tours arrive. Follow the K-route trail for a full-day adventure over wooden boardwalks, forests and waterfalls, including the famous Veliki Slap. Stop for packed snacks or lunch inside the park. Return to camp in the late afternoon to rest, then walk or shuttle to a nearby rustic konoba for trout or peka cooked under the bell. Overnight again at Camp Korana.
Day 3 — Drive to Zadar (1.5 hrs) & Sea Kayaking
Break camp and drive to the coast, arriving in Zadar late morning. Check into your new site by the sea! After setting up camp/parking/checking out your apartment, head out for a half-day sea kayaking tour exploring hidden coves and cliffs. There are plenty of options listed on Trip Advisor here. Rest up in the afternoon, then wander Zadar Old Town’s marble streets to hear the Sea Organ and watch sunset at the Greeting to the Sun installation. A must if you visit Zadar. Then dinner in the historic centre before heading back to camp.
Day 4 — Kornati Islands Day Trip
Walk or taxi to Zadar marina for a full-day boat trip to Kornati National Park. Cruise through the archipelago, snorkel in quiet bays, swim in jewel-blue water and hike short coastal paths on Kornat Island. Lunch is normally included on board. Return to Zadar in the late afternoon, shower at camp and enjoy a relaxed seaside dinner or cook your own meal with a view of the waves.
Amongst other things, Zadar is famous for its sunsets and beautiful architecture.
Day 5 — Zadar → Paklenica (45 min) & Canyon Hiking
Pack up and drive to Paklenica National Park. This is a paradise for hikers and climbers. Set up at Camping Paklenica, right near the entrance, then spend the day trekking through Velika Paklenica canyon, past limestone cliffs, caves, and natural pools. Grab groceries in Starigrad for a relaxed barbecue at camp or enjoy hearty Dalmatian dishes in town. Sleep surrounded by mountain silence. Bliss.
If exploring on the water is your thing, head for the Zrmanja River.
Day 6 — Zrmanja River Rafting, Kayaking or Canyoning → Split (2 hrs)
Join a guided rafting, kayaking or canyoning adventure on the Zrmanja River, famous for emerald pools and waterfall jumps. After an adrenaline-packed day, drive south to Camping Stobreč Split, a pine-fringed site right on the water. Settle in, swim from the campground beach, and enjoy a well-earned dinner by the sea or in Split’s Old Town.
Find perfect peace on Šolta
Day 7 — Island Adventure to Šolta & Explore Split
From Split's port (15 min drive or bus), catch a ferry to Šolta, a rugged, peaceful island perfect for adventure. Rent bikes or kayaks at Rogač and explore quiet coves, olive groves and crystal water far from crowds. Return to Split in the afternoon and stroll Diocletian’s Palace, grab gelato on the Riva and enjoy a final Croatian meal before an evening by the campsite or one last dip in the sea. Overnight at Stobreč.
Day 8 — Farewell
Pack up and make your way to Split Airport (25 minutes). Return your vehicle, grab one last burek, and fly home salty-haired, sun-kissed and thoroughly adventure-fulfilled.
How much does it cost?
Budget (£500 to £850) - Tent camping every night. Simple budget hire car, shared fuel. Picnic lunches & campsite cooking. Cheaper or no guided tours.
Mid-Range (£1,000 to £1,500) - Mix campsites plus 2 or 3 boutique hotel nights.Premium rental car. Eat out once a day. All core activities included
Luxury-Style (£1,800 to £3,000 plus) - Campervan and/or boutique stays. Island restaurants & winery stops. Private guides for adventures. Premium gear & experiences
When should I go?
Climate summary for Dalmatian cost & slightly inland
Croatia shines in late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) These are the sweet spots for warm weather, clear waters and quiet trails without the peak-season crowds. Summer (July–August) brings hot days perfect for swimming and island adventures, but expect busier campsites and higher prices. If you're all about hiking, kayaking and cooler nights under canvas, May and late September are dreamy; if you want long beach days and guaranteed sunshine, mid-June to early July strikes the perfect balance. Croatia is gorgeous year-round, but for this adventure-focused, mostly outdoors itinerary, shoulder season wins.
