Croatia Complete Guide: Split, Dubrovnik & the Islands

Turquoise Adriatic waters, medieval walled cities, 1,000+ islands, and seafood that rivals Italy. Croatia is Europe's best-value summer destination. Here's how to experience Split, Dubrovnik, and the islands in 10 days.

Why Croatia Should Be Your Next Trip

Croatia combines:

It's significantly cheaper than Italy, less crowded than Greece, and just as beautiful.

10-Day Itinerary: Split, Islands & Dubrovnik

Days 1–2: Split

Where to stay:

Villa Split or Marmont Hotel (boutique hotels in Old Town). €80–120/night.

What to do:

Day 1:

Explore Diocletian's Palace — a 1,700-year-old Roman palace that's now the heart of Split's Old Town. Wander the underground cellars, climb the bell tower for views, and get lost in the narrow streets.

Lunch at Konoba Matejuska (traditional Dalmatian food, grilled fish, octopus salad).

Afternoon: Walk the Riva promenade (waterfront boardwalk). Swim at Bačvice Beach.

Dinner at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine (modern Croatian cuisine, excellent wine list).

Day 2:

Day trip to Krka National Park (1 hour by bus). Waterfalls, swimming in emerald pools, hiking trails. Entry: €10.

Return to Split for sunset drinks at Lvxor Kavana (café in Diocletian's Palace).

Dinner at Fife (local favorite, huge portions, cheap prices).

Days 3–5: Hvar Island

Getting there:

Ferry from Split to Hvar Town (1 hour, €7). Book via Jadrolinija or Krilo catamarans.

Where to stay:

Villa Nora or Palace Elisabeth (Hvar Town). €100–150/night.

What to do:

Day 3:

Explore Hvar Town. Walk the marble streets, climb to Fortica Fortress for panoramic views, visit St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Lunch at Dalmatino (black risotto, grilled octopus).

Afternoon: Rent a scooter or bike. Explore Milna and Zaraće beaches.

Dinner at Gariful (upscale seafood restaurant on the harbor).

Day 4:

Pakleni Islands boat tour (half-day, €40). Visit secluded beaches, snorkel in turquoise coves, swim in hidden bays.

Lunch on the boat or at a beach bar.

Evening: Sunset at Hula Hula Beach Bar (iconic beach club, cocktails, DJ sets).

Dinner at Lungo Mare (fresh pasta, truffle dishes).

Day 5:

Visit Stari Grad (20 min by bus). Oldest town in Croatia (founded 384 BC). Walk the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad Plain (ancient Greek agricultural landscape).

Lunch at Antika (family-run konoba, local wine, grilled fish).

Return to Hvar Town for your last night. Drinks at Kiva Bar (cocktails in a 13th-century building).

Days 6–7: Korčula Island

Getting there:

Ferry from Hvar to Korčula (1.5 hours, €10).

Where to stay:

Hotel Korčula or Lešić Dimitri Palace (boutique hotel, €120–200/night).

What to do:

Day 6:

Walk Korčula Old Town — a miniature Dubrovnik. Marble streets, medieval walls, Venetian architecture.

Visit the Marco Polo House (explorer allegedly born here).

Lunch at LD Terrace (Mediterranean fusion, rooftop views).

Afternoon: Swim at Luka Korčulanska Beach.

Dinner at Filippi (local konoba, lamb peka, fresh fish).

Day 7:

Wine tour in Lumbarda (15 min by taxi). Korčula is famous for Grk and Pošip white wines. Visit family wineries, taste local wines, eat cheese and prosciutto.

Lunch at Konoba Belin (octopus under the bell, peka-style lamb).

Afternoon: Rent a kayak, explore hidden coves.

Dinner at Adio Mare (pasta, seafood, local wines).

Days 8–10: Dubrovnik

Getting there:

Ferry from Korčula to Dubrovnik (3 hours, €15).

Where to stay:

Stay outside the Old Town walls to save money. Lapad neighborhood has good hotels (€80–120/night).

Luxury option: Hotel Excelsior or Villa Dubrovnik (€250–400/night, sea views).

What to do:

Day 8:

Walk the City Walls (early morning to avoid crowds). 2 km loop around Old Town. Views over terracotta roofs and the Adriatic.

Entry: €35 (expensive but mandatory).

Explore Old Town: Stradun (main street), Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, Onofrio's Fountain.

Lunch at Taj Mahal (Bosnian restaurant, cevapi, burek).

Afternoon: Game of Thrones tour (2 hours, €25). See filming locations: King's Landing, Red Keep, Walk of Shame steps.

Dinner at Nautika (fine dining, Michelin-recommended, seafood, sunset views).

Day 9:

Take the cable car to Mount Srđ (€20 roundtrip). Panoramic views over Dubrovnik, islands, and coastline.

Hike down (30 min) instead of taking cable car.

Lunch at Dubravka 1836 (terrace overlooking Old Town, pasta, seafood).

Afternoon: Swim at Banje Beach (closest to Old Town, lounge chairs, DJ beach bar).

Sunset drinks at Buza Bar (cliffside bar built into the city walls, dramatic views).

Dinner at Azur (Asian-Mediterranean fusion, excellent wine list).

Day 10:

Day trip to Lokrum Island (10 min ferry, €5). Explore botanical gardens, swim in the Dead Sea (saltwater lake), visit the ruins of a Benedictine monastery.

Or: Day trip to Montenegro (Kotor, Perast). Organized tours from Dubrovnik (~€50).

Farewell dinner at Proto (traditional Dalmatian, family-owned since 1886).

Where to Eat: Croatian Essentials

Must-try dishes:

Local wines to try:

Practical Tips

Money:

Currency is Kuna (HRK) but Euros are now widely accepted (Croatia joined the Eurozone in 2023). ATMs everywhere.

Transport:

Language:

Croatian. English widely spoken in tourist areas.

Tipping:

10% at restaurants if service is good. Not mandatory.

Swimming:

Most beaches are pebble or rocky (not sand). Bring water shoes.

When to Visit

Best months: May, June, September, October (warm weather, fewer crowds, lower prices)

Peak season: July–August (crowded, expensive, very hot)

Avoid: November–March (many businesses close, ferries run infrequently, weather is cold)

Budget Breakdown (10 Days, Per Person)

Total: $1,800–2,800 per person for 10 days (excluding flights)

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Only visiting Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is beautiful but touristy and expensive. Split, Hvar, and Korčula offer better value and fewer crowds.

Mistake 2: Not booking ferries in advance.

July–August ferries sell out. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

Mistake 3: Renting a car for island hopping.

Ferries charge extra for cars. It's cheaper and easier to travel without one.

Mistake 4: Skipping the islands.

Croatia's magic is in the islands. Don't just stay on the mainland.

Final Thought

Croatia is the Mediterranean destination that still feels like a secret — even though it's not.

Yes, Dubrovnik gets crowded. Yes, Game of Thrones tourism is a thing.

But sail to a quiet island, eat black risotto on a waterfront terrace, swim in a hidden cove, and you'll understand why Croatia has become one of Europe's most-loved destinations.

10 days. Split to Dubrovnik. Islands in between.

Go before everyone else does.

---

Explore more European coastal destinations in our [destination guides](/destinations).