Planning a trip to Croatia? This 9-day Croatia itinerary takes you through the country’s highlights—Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split—blending historic charm, breathtaking coastlines, and plenty of beach club sunsets.
It’s no surprise that Croatia has been on our bucket list for years, and we were beyond excited when the trip finally made it out of the group chat this past August. Between stone-walled cities, sparkling Adriatic views, and lively nights under the stars, Croatia gave us the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
If you’re visiting Croatia in summer, here’s the ultimate day-by-day itinerary covering Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split.
Day 1: Arrive in Dubrovnik
Fly into Dubrovnik and check into your accommodations. I recommend staying as close to the Old Town as possible, since most of the activities and restaurants are within the walls.
After freshening up, head to Lady Pipi for an early dinner. They don’t take reservations, so plan to get there when they open. The grilled seafood and al fresco dining make for the perfect welcome meal.
After dinner, take the cable car up Mount Srđ for incredible sunset views. The orange glow spreading over the rooftops and sea is breathtaking, and you can grab a spot at the restaurant’s standing area for cocktails after the sun goes down.
Day 2: Walk the city walls and explore Old Town
Start your day early with a walk around Dubrovnik’s famous city walls. It’s best to go in the morning before the crowds and midday sun. The views out over the water on one side and into the heart of Old Town on the other are stunning.
After the walls, head to lunch at Gradska Kavana Arsenal, a beautiful restaurant with iconic arches looking out over the harbor – I highly recommend the seafood risotto.
Spend the early afternoon wandering through Old Town’s cobblestone streets, ducking into shops and quiet corners, before soaking up some sun. Banje beach is close to the Old Town and a popular spot for tourists, but if you walk a little further, you’ll find the famous saltwater pool behind Hotel Excelsior. There is plenty of space to lay out a towel, and the area is much less crowded than Banje Beach.
For sunset, make your way to Buza Bar, perched right on the cliffs of the historic walls with waves crashing below. Don’t be surprised to see cliff jumpers and remember to bring cash!
Just a short walk from Buza Bar, head to dinner at Azur, an incredible Asian-fusion restaurant inside the walls.
Day 3: Spend the day at Lokrum Island
Start your day with a hearty brunch at Soul Kitchen before catching the ferry to Lokrum Island. Although the ride is merely 15 minutes port to port, it truly feels like an escape from the city. The island is covered in lush greenery and wild peacocks roaming the paths. Enjoy swimming in the “Dead Sea” lake and don’t forget to snap a photo on the Game of Thrones Iron Throne replica.
Fun Fact: Lokrum Island was the filming location for the city of Qarth in Season 2 of Game of Thrones.
Head back to Dubrovnik to enjoy dinner at Panorama Restaurant on Mount Srđ, with incredible views of the lights below. Be sure to make a reservation as far out as possible, as they book up for dinner several weeks out. If you’re looking for a fun night of dancing, hit Revelin Night Club, built inside a 16th-century fortress for unforgettable vibes.
Day 4: Travel to Hvar
Catch the ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar, which takes about three and a half hours. We took the morning ferry which arrives in Hvar right around lunchtime. There are plenty of restaurants to grab a quick bite along the water, before exploring Hvar’s Old Town. The vibe is noticeably more laid-back than Dubrovnik, with a mix of stone streets and stylish cafes.
I recommend staying at an AirBnB or hotel as close to the Old Town as possible, as most of the restaurants and activities are centered here. Join the crowd at Hula Hula Bar, a popular beach club for sunset drinks and music before heading to Dalmatino back near the harbor for dinner on their patio.
Day 5: Boat tour to the Pakleni Islands & Blue Cave
We booked a boat tour to the Pakleni Islands and Blue Cave – a highlight of the trip. There are plenty of tours you can book through GetYourGuide or Viator. The crystal clear water is perfect for snorkeling and we jumped in at nearly every stop. The Blue Cave itself was magical, with the sunlight illuminating the water in electric shades of blue.
Back in Hvar, head to Carpe Diem Beach Club for another round of sunset drinks on the water before heading to dinner at Black Pepper. The restaurant is sprawled across a cozy stairway and boasts creative cocktails and Italian dishes.
Day 6: Relax at a beach club
Spend the day lounging on day beds, swimming, and soaking up the sun as the ultimate vacation reset at Hvar Beach Club. Day beds are reasonably priced and they have options for nicer cabanas if you are looking to splurge.
For a memorable dinner, book Don Quijote, a fine dining restaurant overlooking the harbor. The garden terrace and live music create a romantic ambience to enjoy traditional Dalmatian cuisine.
Day 7: Wine tasting and travel to Split
Before leaving Hvar, squeeze in a wine tasting at Lacman Family Winery. We booked a tour that included a van transfer and enjoyed a scenic drive through the lavender fields of Hvar. The natural Croatian wines are made with grapes sourced from local suppliers and paired perfectly with the clear views of the adriatic.
In the afternoon, catch the ferry to Split, which is a smooth 1 hour ride. Check into your accommodations before exploring the famous Diocletian’s Palace, a maze of Roman ruins now filled with shops and cafes. There are plenty of restaurants along the water to stop in for a casual dinner followed by fresh gelato.
Day 8: Relax at Mistral Beach Club
Start your day with brunch at Mokosh. The restaurant is nestled in the lush garden of a Mediterranean villa, making for a picturesque start to the day. After fueling up, head to Mistral Beach Club to spend another lazy day by the water, renting day beds.
For dinner, I highly recommend booking Articok, which is just a short walk from Diocletian’s palace. Every dish was unique and full of flavor, and the wine list was full of local wines. We lingered over dinner, then wandered through Split’s buzzing Old Town for a final round of drinks.
9: Breakfast at Fig and depart
Spend your last morning enjoying breakfast in the sun-filled courtyard at Fig before heading to the airport. Saying goodbye to Croatia definitely wasn’t easy, but we left with memories (and photos) that will keep us smiling until we return.
Tips & Takeaways
- Hvar Music Ban: Hvar has a music ban after midnight in town, so the party scene is mostly at the beach clubs.
- Stairs Everywhere: Dubrovnik and Hvar are built on hills, so be prepared for lots of climbing.
- Game of Thrones Fans: Dubrovnik has tons of tours, but most filming sites are easy to find on your own.
- Ferry Tickets: Book ferries in advance, especially between Dubrovnik and Hvar in summer, as they often sell out.
- Cash is King: Many beach bars and smaller restaurants only accept cash, so carry some kuna or euros.
- Dress for the Heat: Summers are hot—light clothing, swimsuits, and comfortable sandals are must-haves.
- Sun Protection: The Adriatic sun is strong—bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.
- Pack Light: With cobblestones and stairs everywhere, rolling large suitcases can be a challenge.
- Timing Matters: Start sightseeing early in Dubrovnik to avoid cruise ship crowds.
- Wine Lovers: Croatia produces excellent local wines—don’t skip vineyard tours or pairing menus.
Croatia lived up to every expectation—and then some. From the history and culture of Dubrovnik to Hvar’s sunsets and Split’s lively waterfront, this 9-day itinerary offers the perfect mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and nightlife. Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan, a foodie, or a beach lover, Croatia is a trip you’ll be talking about for years to come.
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