Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast stitches Roman ruins, Venetian stonework, and sapphire seas into an irresistible tapestry. You’ll split your time between Split and Dubrovnik—UNESCO-listed beauties that serve as gateways to islands, waterfalls, and warm Adriatic evenings. Think bell towers and baroque squares by day; grilled Adriatic fish, local wine, and sea breezes by night.

Since 2023 the euro has been Croatia’s currency, and English is widely spoken along the coast. Summers are sunny and busy; spring and fall bring ideal weather and lighter crowds. Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and layers for the evening bura wind.

This 8-day Croatia itinerary for four adults hits the greatest hits—Diocletian’s Palace, Dubrovnik city walls, Hvar, Blue Cave, and Plitvice Lakes—balanced with coffee culture, markets, beaches, and time to wander. Bring your passports for optional day trips that cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro.

Split

Split is a living museum: the Old Town is built inside Roman Emperor Diocletian’s 4th‑century palace. Laundry lines crisscross alleys where legionaries once marched, and the Riva promenade hums with cafés and boat masts. Marjan Hill offers pine-scented trails and sunset views of terracotta roofs spilling into the sea.

Top sights include the Cathedral of St. Domnius (one of the world’s oldest), the Peristyle, Triclinium, and the palace’s subterranean halls. Food-wise, look for fresh gregada fish stew, octopus salad, and local wines like Pošip and Plavac Mali.

• Stay (Split): Classic elegance at Hotel Park Split (near Bačvice beach), resort comforts at Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split (sea views, spa), fun design in the center at Design Hostel Goli & Bosi, or budget-friendly Hostel Split Backpackers. For apartments/homes: VRBO Split or hotels via Hotels.com Split.
• Getting to Split: Fly into SPU (Split). Compare flights in Europe via Omio (flights). If you’re coming from outside Europe, compare long-haul options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Trains within Europe: Omio (trains).

Day 1: Arrive in Split, Riva stroll and Roman evenings

Afternoon: Land in Split and check in. Shake off the flight with coffee at D16 Coffee (specialty espresso inside the palace) or Kava2 (small-batch roaster near Firule). Wander the Peristyle and the palace basements—Game of Thrones fans will recognize these vaults.

Evening: Sunset passeggiata along the Riva. Dinner at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar (Dalmatian dishes with a modern spin; great Croatian wine list) or Villa Spiza (tiny, seasonal menu—arrive early). Nightcap and gelato at Luka Ice Cream & Cakes; try fig or lavender.

Day 2: Diocletian’s Palace, Marjan Hill, and a Split food tour

Morning: Climb the Cathedral of St. Domnius bell tower for sweeping views. Duck into the Temple of Jupiter and admire its black granite sphinxes. Early lunch at Uje Oil Bar—order the olive oil tasting flight, anchovies, and blitva (Swiss chard with potato).

Afternoon: Join the Split food tour to taste the city’s best bites and stories:

Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time

Afterward, hike or taxi up to Marjan Hill for pine trails and views over the islands. Cool off with a swim at Kašjuni or Ježinac beach.

Evening: Drinks at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar (Croatian varietals by the glass) and dinner at Fig Split (Mediterranean-Mex flavors; top vegetarian options). For a late digestif, slip into Paradox Wine & Cheese Bar.

Day 3: Blue Cave and Hvar – 5 Islands speedboat adventure

Spend the day on the Adriatic, weaving through caves and island harbors. Expect an early start (around 7:30–8:00 a.m.) and return near sunset.

Blue Cave & Hvar, 5 Islands Speedboat with Luxury Seats in Shade

Highlights typically include the Blue Cave (glowing cobalt light), Stiniva Bay on Vis, the Pakleni Islands for a swim, and free time in Hvar Town for espresso under the fortress. Bring swim gear, a light jacket for the ride, and cash for island cafés.

Back in Split, keep dinner easy at Kantun Paulina (legendary pljeskavica/ćevap sandwiches) or reserve a table at Konoba Hvaranin for Dalmatian classics.

Day 4: Day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Trade the coast for turquoise terraced lakes and boardwalks. This full-day guided excursion maximizes your time from Split.

From Split: Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour

Walk wooden paths past waterfalls like Veliki Slap, ride the electric boat across Kozjak Lake, and soak up one of Europe’s great natural landscapes. Comfortable shoes are essential; carry water and a snack.

Return dinner ideas: Konoba Fetivi (grilled fish, octopus under the peka bell) or Šug (creative local cuisine). Toast the last Split night with a seaside drink on the Riva.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” rises from the sea in honey-colored stone, encircled by mighty medieval walls. Once a maritime republic rivaling Venice, it traded silk and salt; today it trades in unforgettable views, baroque churches, and cliffside swims under orange roofs.

Walk the famous city walls, ride the cable car up Srđ for a panorama of the Elaphite archipelago, and wander marble lanes to cool, hidden courtyards. Film lovers will spot Game of Thrones locations at every turn.

• Stay (Dubrovnik): Seafront splendor at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, modern comforts at Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel, great value at Valamar Club Dubrovnik, or Old Town sociability at Hostel Angelina Old Town. Browse apartments: VRBO Dubrovnik or hotels via Hotels.com Dubrovnik.
• Getting Split → Dubrovnik: Depart in the morning. High-speed catamaran (about 4.5–5 hours, roughly €35–50): check routes on Omio (ferries). Comfortable coach (about 4–5 hours, €18–30): see Omio (buses). Trains are not practical on this route.

Day 5: Travel to Dubrovnik, city walls and cable car

Morning: Ferry or bus to Dubrovnik; enjoy the coastal views if you sail. Check in and refresh.

Afternoon: Tackle two icons with a guide and skip the guesswork:

Dubrovnik Cable Car Ride, Old Town Walking Tour plus City Walls

From Mt. Srđ, the Old Town looks like a jewel box. Back on the walls, peer into courtyards, bell towers, and the shimmering Adriatic.

Evening: Dinner at Proto (historic seafood house—try the black risotto) or Pantarul (modern Dalmatian, beloved by locals). For a post-dinner tipple, find a seat at Buža Bar, a cliffside perch through a literal hole in the wall (weather/season permitting).

Day 6: Elaphite Islands cruise with lunch

Slow down with a full-day island-hopping cruise, swimming coves and wandering car-free villages on Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. Lunch and drinks are included—bring a towel and sunscreen.

Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Back in town, dine at Taj Mahal (Bosnian specialties—order the somun bread and cevapi) or Azur (Asian-Dalmatian small plates; great for sharing).

Day 7: Day trip to Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Cross the border for a day of Ottoman bridges and emerald pools. You’ll visit Počitelj’s stone ramparts, Mostar’s Stari Most arching over the Neretva River, and the lush cascades of Kravice—a summer favorite for a cool dip.

Kravice Waterfalls, Mostar and Pocitelj Day Tour from Dubrovnik

Carry passports and a few Bosnian marks or euros for snacks. Return to Dubrovnik for a casual grill at Lady Pi-Pi (views; seasonal) or seafood pasta at Kopun on a quiet square.

Alternative for a lighter day: Stay local with the E-Tuk Tuk Tour in Dubrovnik for panoramic viewpoints and hidden corners without the crowds (see Day 8 option below).

Day 8: Panoramas, coffee, and departure

Morning: One last sweep of the city’s best viewpoints in a quiet, electric ride:

E-Tuk Tuk Tour in Dubrovnik

Grab specialty coffee at Cogito Coffee Dubrovnik and pick up last-minute gifts: local olive oil, candied orange peel (arancini), or a bottle of Pelješac Plavac Mali. Airport transfer to DBV for your afternoon flight.

Flying out: Compare Europe flights on Omio (flights). For intercontinental options, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Where to eat and drink (quick picks)

• Split coffee & breakfast: D16 Coffee; Kava2; Brasserie on 7 (harborside breakfast, eggs Benedict, sea views).
• Split lunch & dinner: Uje Oil Bar (tastings, anchovies, pasticada); Villa Spiza (seasonal chalkboard); Bokeria (modern Dalmatian); Konoba Fetivi (grill, octopus); Fig Split (veg-friendly).
• Dubrovnik coffee & sweets: Cogito Coffee; Glam Café; dolce at Peppino’s Gelato Original.
• Dubrovnik lunch & dinner: Proto (historic seafood); Pantarul (locals’ favorite, book ahead); Taj Mahal (Bosnian soul food); Azur (Asian-Dalmatian small plates); Lady Pi-Pi (grill, seasonal views).

Good to know

• City walls timing: Go early or late afternoon to dodge heat/crowds; bring water and a hat.
• Border days: For Mostar/Kravice, carry passports and allow buffer for crossings.
• Swim kit: Pack water shoes for pebbly beaches and caves; a light rash-guard helps on boat days.
• Tipping: Not mandatory, but 5–10% is appreciated for good service.

In eight days, you’ll taste Roman Split, sail to Hvar and the Blue Cave, wander Dubrovnik’s storied ramparts, laze among the Elaphites, and step into the emerald world of Plitvice—with the option to dip into Mostar’s Ottoman grace. It’s a Croatia itinerary that blends headline sights with local flavor, built for grown-up explorers who love history, food, and the sea.