One Perfect Week in Croatia: Dubrovnik and Split Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to Croatia and wondering how to spend one week exploring the cities of Dubrovnik and Split?

Croatia, nestled in the heart of Europe along the Adriatic Sea, boasts a mesmerizing blend of old-world charm and breathtaking natural beauty.

I was lucky enough to spend a whole week exploring Croatia with my best friend, and it quickly became one of my favorite countries I’ve ever visited. The combination of beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, friendly people, and historic Old Towns is something so special that I haven’t seen in many other places around the world.

In this blog post, I’m breaking down all the details on how to spend 7 days in Croatia to maximize your time in this enchanting country. With one week in Croatia, you’ll base yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Dubrovnik and Split, with an optional night on the island of Hvar.

I’ll also cover important tips like where to stay, how to get around, and more! So, keep reading to help plan your bucket list trip to Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia!

Map of Croatia

To make planning your trip as easy as possible, I’ve put together the below map that includes all of the spots mentioned in this Croatia itinerary!

From bars to restaurants to attractions, you’ll find everything you need pinned in this map for both Split and Dubrovnik. Make sure to save it for later by hitting the little star! You can also download it offline in Google Maps so you can use it without internet on your trip.

P.S. Want to save this itinerary for later? I created a free downloadable PDF version of this 7 day itinerary that you can print out for your trip! It also has the link to this map 🙂 Just click the link above and enter your email address so I know where to send it!

Transportation Tips for Croatia

Getting to Croatia

Flying is the most common and convenient way to reach Croatia, especially if you’re traveling from outside Europe.

Croatia is served by several international airports, making it easily accessible from major cities around the world. The two main airports are Zagreb Airport (ZAG) in the capital city of Zagreb and Split Airport (SPU) on the Dalmatian Coast.

Other popular airports include Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) in the south and Zadar Airport (ZAD) in the north.

If possible, booking one-way flights to and from Croatia is the best option, as it allows for more time in your travel itinerary and reduces the need for backtracking. However, this itinerary will assume you are flying round-trip out of Dubrovnik, which is what I personally had to do!

If you are able to book one-way flights, I recommend flying into Split and out of Dubrovnik for this itinerary. This will save 3-4 hours on your first day and leave more time for exploring Split!

As you can see on the map above, Croatia is a very long country, so driving back and forth, up and down can be a beating!

Getting around Croatia

Once you’ve arrived in Croatia, you’ll need to decide how you are going to get around the country. Unfortunately, trains are not as prevalent in Croatia as they are in other European countries, which really surprised me!

Below are the main options for getting around Croatia. We will focus how to travel between Split and Dubrovnik, since those are the main stops in this itinerary.

If you are visiting other parts of the country like Zagreb and Zadar, I highly recommend renting a car! This also might be a better option for you for this itinerary if you are traveling with a group or with children.

Taking a Flight Between Dubrovnik and Split

If you are short on time, flying between Dubrovnik and Split can be a good option. Both cities have major airports, and the flight between the two is typically less than an hour.

However, the amount of direct flights each day between them is somewhat limited. Or at least, less than I expected.

So, there’s a chance you won’t be able to find direct flights that work in your favor. Make sure to check and see depending on your arrival times!

Taking a Ferry Between Dubrovnik And Split

One of the most scenic ways to travel between Split and Dubrovnik is by ferry. The Adriatic Sea is dotted with picturesque islands, and a ferry ride offers breathtaking views of the coastline along the way.

However, most ferries in the Adriatic only operate in peak season, between June and September.

Jadrolinija is the main ferry operator in Croatia, offering service between Split and Dubrovnik, as well as stops at various islands along the route. Ferry travel is comfortable and convenient, with options for both foot passengers and those traveling with vehicles.

However, it is not the quickest method to travel between Dubrovnik and Split, taking between 5 and 6 hours on average.

You can check the ferrie routes, schedules, and cost on Omio here! ⛴️

Renting a Car

For travelers seeking the ultimate flexibility and freedom to explore Croatia at their own pace, renting a car is an excellent option. With a network of well-maintained roads and highways, navigating the country by car is convenient and enjoyable.

In addition, renting a car allows you to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that may not be accessible by public transportation! Just be sure to familiarize yourself with local driving laws and regulations in Croatia before starting your journey.

There are numerous car rental companies to choose from in Split and Dubrovnik, and the easiest option is to pick up your car directly at the airport.

The only downside to renting a car is that you won’t need it when you arrive in Dubrovnik and Split. In fact, both areas have “Old Towns” that are extremely walkable, and in some areas, cars are prohibited. In addition, parking garages/lots around the city can be challenging to find and expensive.

So, if you are just visiting Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar, I recommend skipping the rental car and going with private transportation, which brings us to our next section!

Booking Private Transportation

The last option for getting between between Split and Dubrovnik is booking a private transportation service. While this is normally the most expensive option, it’s also the most convenient and stress-free way to travel between these cities.

As mentioned above, once you arrive in Split and Dubrovnik, you won’t need your own car, so this option is the best of both worlds. In addition, you don’t have to worry about driving after a long flight or navigating roads in a foreign country.

We booked our private transportation through Octopus Transfers and Croatia Private Tours. They were both extremely organized, friendly, and professional. So, if you can afford it, I highly recommend this option!

For more information on the different methods of transportation, make sure to check out my guide on 5 ways to get from Split to Dubrovnik!

Day 1: Arrive in Croatia and Transfer to Split

Now that you know how to get to and around Croatia, let’s dive into this Croatia Itinerary!

As mentioned above, this itinerary assumes you have to book roundtrip flights out of Dubrovnik airport. This is the “worst-case”, so I wanted to cover what it would look like!

While the itinerary is based on flying in and out of Dubrovnik, if you find cheaper flights out of Split, you can simply reverse the itinerary. And again, if you can book one-way flights instead, even better!

Upon arriving in Dubrovnik, you’ll grab your bags and meet your private driver for transportation to Split. This drive is absolutely stunning, especially as you pass by Dubrovnik!

Make sure to look out the left side of the window – you’ll see the sprawling city and its famed Old Town walls from above. It’s easy to see why they call it the Jewel of the Adriatic.

The drive from Dubrovnik to Split is just under 3 hours (depending on stops), so it’s the perfect time to take a nap, especially after that long-haul flight!

Once you arrive in Split, drop your bags at your accommodation and head out to explore Old Town Split! I recommend grabbing dinner and walking around to get a feel for the area around where you are staying, which I will touch on below!

Old Town is built around the famous Diocletian’s Palace and is almost entirely pedestrian. Spend your first evening wandering through the charming alleys and narrow, cobblestone streets. The atmosphere in Old Town Split is a total vibe!

Where to Stay in Split

In terms of where to stay in Split, you’ll want to choose an accommodation in the center of Old Town, somewhere around Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva waterfront. We stayed in Radić Brothers Square (Fruit Square) which was the perfect location in my opinion!

Because it is a historic Old Town, the majority of accommodation options will be apartment rentals. If you want to stay in a real “hotel”, you’ll have to head a bit further outside of the town center, which I don’t recommend!

This apartment is perfectly located on the edge of the Riva with incredible balcony views of the harbor! Or, choose any place on the map below – you really can’t go wrong in Old Town.

For more advice on where to stay in Split, make sure to check out my 3 Day Split Itinerary!

Day 2: Marjan Hill & Diocletian’s Palace

Morning: Climb Marjan Hill for Incredible Views of Split

You’ll spend your first full day in Split getting to know this charming city. First, grab breakfast at one of the many coffee shops in Old Town – we loved D16 coffee!

Then, walk along the famous Riva, a seafront promenade known for its outdoor restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Head west along the harbor and make your way towards Marjan Hill.

You can find the location on the map from the beginning of this post, but it’s very easy to find! Just follow the bend in the road then look for the stairs and sign. After a short, easy climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views of Split!

There’s also a restaurant at the top of the hill that makes the perfect lunch spot – Teraca Vidilica. We actually sat here for a few hours, enjoying the views and Aperol spritzes on our first full day in Croatia!

Afternoon and Evening: Diocletian’s Palace with Optional Walking Tour

Once you’ve had your fill, head down the hill and back towards Old Town Split. In the afternoon, explore the iconic Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This sprawling complex dates back to the 4th century and is a testament to the city’s rich history. Here, you can wander through the ancient ruins, admire the impressive architecture, and don’t miss the chance to visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the Peristyle Square!

If you want to learn more about 1,700 years of history of Split and Diocletian’s Palace, consider booking a guided walking tour of Split! For less than $20 USD, I wish we did something like this while we visited!! There is a lot of history here, and it’s much more fun to learn from a local.

P.S. If you are a Game of Thrones lover like me, Diocletian’s Palace is one of the only filming locations in Split! For more information on other spots around Croatia, make sure to check out my Ultimate Game of Thrones Croatia Guide!

Spend your evening having dinner and gelato in Old Town. Afterwards, I highly recommend returning to Diocletian’s Palace at night!

There is a restaurant right outside that puts cushions on the steps, where you can enjoy an evening cocktail while listening to live music. It was the perfect way to end our first full day in Split!

Day 3: Krka National Park or Beach Day + Watching the Sunset

Morning & Afternoon Option 1: Krka National Park

On day 3 of this 7 day Croatia itinerary, you have two different options!

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, the first option is to take a short day trip to Krka National Park. Located just over an hour from of Split, Krka offers the opportunity to get out of the city and experience cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests!

There are plenty of tour companies that offer day trips from Split to Krka, so don’t worry if you don’t have a car!

You can book half day trips for as low as $20 USD. Some of the longer tours include other stops at local wineries and the coastal town of Skradin.

This is a great way to see more of Croatia, especially the lush landscapes, without needing a car! We actually missed Krka National Park during our trip to Split, and I’m still regretting it! It will definitely be on my itinerary when I return to Croatia.

Morning & Afternoon Option 2: Beach day

If visiting the National Park isn’t your speed, I recommend spending the day lounging on one of the beautiful beaches around Split – this is how we spent our day!

One of the most popular beaches is Bacvice Beach right outside the port area. However, we actually grabbed an Uber and visited the Mistral Beach Club at the Raddison Blu Hotel!

Unfortunately when we visited, the actual beach club was still undergoing renovations, but we were still able to relax at the free chairs right next to the beach club. This beach was so quiet and secluded when we visited at the end of September!

The water was a bit chilly for my taste, but it was still very refreshing. Don’t forget to pack sandals that can get wet, as the beaches in Croatia are pretty rocky! I love my Reef water vista sandals!

Evening: Sunset at Kasjuni Beach

Whether you choose the beach or a day at Krka National Park, I highly recommend spending your evening at the beautiful Kasjuni Beach.

Located on the far west side of Marjan Hill, this beach offers swimming and incredible views of the sunset!

There’s even a beach club here, Joe’s Beach Lounge and Bar, where you can rent a cabana and grab dinner as you watch the sun sink into the sea.

This is how we chose to end our day, and it was one of our favorite experiences in Split!

Day 4: 5 Island Boat Day (Optional Overnight in Hvar)

Morning & Afternoon: Full Day Boat Tour to Surrounding Islands

On your last full day in Split, you’ll be taking to the seas to explore some neighboring islands along the Adriatic! This was one of my favorite days during our week in Croatia, but just know, it is action-packed!

Thanks to its prime location, island hopping is one of the top things to do in Split. In order to visit as many islands as possible, we booked this 5-Island Boat Tour, which lasted around 11 hours. We LOVED our experience on this tour, as we got to see so much of the islands around Split.

The tour conveniently leaves from the Split marina, right in front of the Riva promenade. Our starting time was 7:00am, so I recommend grabbing a quick pastry and coffee before boarding the boat.

And it’s important to know, the boat you will be on all day is a small, zodiac-style boat. You will get wet, and there is no shade on the boat, so plan accordingly!

I highly recommend reading my full breakdown of this 5-Island Blue Cave boat tour from Split, but in the meantime, here are the highlights!

• Ride on a tiny boat to the famous Blue Cave
• Explore the town of Komiža on Vis, where Mamma Mia 2 was filmed
• Swim in the water of Stiniva Cove
• Grab lunch on the stunning Pakleni Islands
• Wander around the beautiful Hvar Island

Note: This is an extremely popular tour, especially during the summer months. Book early to avoid it selling out! ⚓

Evening: Optional Night on Hvar

An optional add-on to this itinerary is to spend the night on the island of Hvar!

We loved the island of Hvar, but unfortunately only had a few hours to enjoy it on the tour, which did not feel like enough.

So if you have a bit more time, or don’t mind staying in 3 different places over 7 days, I highly recommend spending the night here.

This will give you more time to explore the island before heading to Dubrovnik tomorrow! If you do decide to stay on Hvar, the easiest way to get to Dubrovnik tomorrow is to book a ferry!

Morning: Transfer to Dubrovnik + Some optional stops

Welcome to the second leg of your week in Croatia! It’s time to bid farewell to Split and make your way to the stunning Dubrovnik!

Again, to maximize your time in this itinerary, I recommend booking private transportation from Split to Dubrovnik. However, if this is too expensive, you can check out my guide on the 5 ways to get from Split to Dubrovnik for some other options to consider!

We booked this leg from Split to Dubrovnik with Croatia Private Tours because their transfer included a stop at a local winery. This helped break up the drive and was an amazing addition to the trip!

The cost of the transfer included a multi-course wine tasting and small tour of Ston, where we learned about what makes Croatian wine special. Plus, we got to try local salt, olive oil, and more! Highly recommend adding this to your day if you can!

Our last stop before arriving in Dubrovnik was at the Trsteno Arboretum, which is a must for Game of Throne fans. This is where the Tyrell garden scenes were filmed, and you’ll immediately be transported to the show.

Even if you are not a Game of Thrones fan, it’s still worth a visit! We loved strolling through the gardens and admiring the incredible views of the Adriatic Sea from above.

Afternoon: Arrival in Dubrovnik and Sunset Dinner

Once you arrive in Dubrovnik, drop your bags off at your accommodation and get to exploring! The town of Dubrovnik is centered around the famous Walls of Dubrovnik, one of the most well-preserved fortifications in Europe.

Inside the walls is Old Town Dubrovnik, where a majority of the famous sites are located. Just as it was hundreds of years ago, the entrances to Old Town are marked by large medieval gates.

I recommend spending your first evening wandering through the Old Town to get a feel for the area. You can enter through the Pile Gate on the west side of Old Town and make your way across to the Ploče Gate on the eastern side.

After exiting the Ploče Gate, continue walking along the road that hugs the harbor until you arrive at Banje Beach Restaurant Lounge & Club. This is the perfect place to watch the sunset and have dinner on your first night in Dubrovnik!

If you are visiting in the summer, it’s also a great place to dance the night away!

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

When it comes to deciding where to stay in Dubrovnik, most people will choose to stay directly in Old Town, within the gates and walls.

While this is a great option if you want to be as close as possible to the main bars and restaurants, it’s not your only option!

We chose to stay right outside the Pile Gate in the Dubrovnik West Harbour. This area is perfectly situated between Old Town and Fort Lovrijenac, another tourist attraction.

And I am still dreaming about the apartment we booked!! It was right above the water, with a little window that looked right out over the West Harbor. We got to see some incredible sunsets right from our room!

Note: This apartment is currently closed for refurbishment, but I found this one right next door that also looks amazing!

We primarily chose to stay here because the West Harbor is a significant Game of Thrones film location – it stood in as Blackwater Bay in the show! In fact, this is where a lot of Game of Thrones walking tours start in Dubrovnik, which brings us to the next section!

You can read more about Where to Stay in Dubrovnik here in my full guide where I break down each area and provide accommodation recs for each one!

Day 6: Game of Thrones Tour + Lokrum Island

Morning: Game of Thrones or Historic Walking Tour

Today, you start to explore all of what Dubrovnik has to offer inside and outside the city walls.

This day was probably my favorite day during our trip to Croatia, since it involves lots of Game of Thrones locations!

Whether or not you’re a Game of Thrones fan, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the world of Westeros by taking a guided Game of Thrones tour. On these tours, you’ll visit film locations around the city while learning about the show’s production and history.

On the tour we booked, we got to see the Jesuit Stairs, Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik West Harbor, and more!

P.S. If you want to learn what these locations are in the show, make sure to check out my Game of Thrones Guide to Dubrovnik, where I break down all the filming locations, plus what episodes to watch, tour options, and more.

Game of Thrones had a significant impact on the Dubrovnik community (mostly in a good way!), and we loved learning about the filming from a local’s perspective. Our guide was SO fun and had amazing personal stories to share about HBO filming in her town.

Even if you aren’t a fan of the show, this is a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city. However, if you really have no interest in Game of Thrones, I recommend booking a historic Old Town walking tour instead!

Afternoon: Explore Lokrum Island

After your morning tour, make your way to the beautiful Lokrum Island, a tranquil nature reserve that takes 10 minutes to reach by ferry from Dubrovnik’s Old Town port.

Some Game of Thrones tours (like the one linked above) include an optional add-on for Lokrum Island, since it is also a filming location! I definitely recommend booking this option, as it’s such a beautiful island!

However, even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, Lokrum Island is still worth a visit!

Here, you can explore lush botanical gardens, visit the medieval ruins, and relax on the rocky beaches.

We spent a few hours eating lunch, exploring, and swimming in the sea off the island. The water was so clear and warm, and we had the area mostly to ourselves. It felt like our own little slice of paradise!

Evening: Cliff Jumping at Buzz Bar and Dinner

After your afternoon at Lokrum Island, grab the ferry back to Dubrovnik and head straight to Buza Bar. It’s about a 5-minute walk from where the ferry will drop you off!

There are actually two locations – Buza Bar and Buza Bar II. They are both perched on cliffs overlooking the sea and somewhat tricky to find, as the entrances are tucked away into the city walls. (You can find their locations on the map at the beginning of this post).

When you get close to the location, just look for the signs that say “Cold drinks with the most beautiful view”. They aren’t lying! Just make sure to bring cash so you can actually buy a drink unlike us, hah.

At Buza, you can have some cocktails, watch the sunset, and even do some cliff-jumping or swimming if you’re feeling brave! We loved the vibes here and ended up staying a few hours (mostly because my friend got to the top of the rock and then was too afraid to jump!).

Once you’re done at Buza bar, you can grab a quick bite for dinner in Old Town before crashing for the night after a very long day!

Day 7: City Walls, Cable Car, Plus Kayaking or Sunset Dinner

Morning: Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls

Your last day of this 7 Day Croatia itinerary is action-packed, and I recommend waking up early to capitalize on a full day!

Spend your morning exploring the iconic Dubrovnik City Walls, which offer panoramic views of Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. This is one of the most popular things to do in Dubrovnik, and you’ll soon understand why!

You’ll need to buy tickets to access the walls, which you can do at several spots in Old Town for ~35 euros.

You can also purchase the Dubrovnik Pass, which is the same price and gets you entrance into other attractions throughout the city! This is a great way to save money in Dubrovnik if you plan to visit the most popular spots. You can buy it right inside Pile Gate when you arrive.

Make sure to wear comfy shoes for the Walls, as there are quite a few stairs along the walls. In addition, I recommend bringing some water with you, although there are a few places to stop for drinks along the way (but not many).

Walking around the entire length of the walls should take between 1-3 hours, depending on how many times you stop. There are tons of incredible viewpoints along the way, so make sure to bring a camera!

For more details about walking the walls and other activities in this itinerary, make sure to check out my blog post on how to spend 2 days in Dubrovnik!

Afternoon: Riding the Dubrovnik Cable Car and Swimming in West Harbor

Once you’re done exploring the walls, it’s time for even more iconic views! You’ll be heading up to the top of Mount Srd on the Dubrovnik Cable Car.

The cable car station is a short walk from Buza Gate, just behind Old Town Dubrovnik. Round-trip cable car tickets for adults start at 27 euros and can be purchased online or right at the cable car station.

The ride to the top of Mount Srd (which can also be hiked, if you’re feeling adventurous) offers some of the most beautiful views of Dubrovnik!! Try to stand towards the back of the car if you can!

Once you arrive at the top, you can enjoy the views, go on a Buggy Safari tour, go zip-lining, or explore some of the short hiking trails!

However, the top thing to do, in my opinion, is have lunch at the Panorama Restaurant at the top! While a bit pricey, the views are absolutely incredible. We were lucky enough to be upgraded to a prime “edge view” table!

Note: I highly recommend making reservations in advance, especially if you want a seat along the edge!

After you finish lunch and descend back down to Dubrovnik, you may just want to relax and catch your breath!

If you have a little energy and the weather is warm, I recommend heading to the West Harbor, grab a drink at the restaurant right on the water’s edge, Orhan, and go for a swim in the bay!

Evening: Sunset Kayaking or Sunset Dinner

For those looking for a luxurious and relaxing evening, you can’t miss dining at the exquisite Nautika Restaurant. Offering unparalleled views of the harbor and Fort Lovrijenac, Nautika is one of the most renowned dining experiences in Dubrovnik!

Here, you’ll experience exquisite seafood in the most elegant setting, one of the best ways to conclude your trip to Croatia!

We splurged a bit on this dinner to celebrate my best friend’s 30th birthday, but it was 1000% worth every penny. The food was amazing, the wine was flowing, and the views are absolutely to die for!!! Definitely one of the most incredible dining experiences I’ve ever had.

However, if fine dining isn’t for you and you’re looking for even more adventure on your last evening, consider booking a sunset kayaking tour.

These tours typically last a few hours and include snorkeling in a nearby cave before watching the sunset from the sea!

Some even include a glass of wine when you return to shore! Most tours leave from the West Harbor, right in front of Nautika!

While we personally didn’t get to experience this tour on our trip, it’s definitely on my list of things to do in Dubrovnik for my next trip!!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there’s tons of activities to enjoy when visiting Croatia for one week! To be honest, 7 days in Croatia barely scratches the surface of what this captivating country has in store, but it’s the perfect amount of time to spend in Dubrovnik and Split for your first time in the country.

If you have more time in your itinerary, I recommend adding 1 night in Hvar and a potentially an overnight stay in the North so you can visit Plitvice Lakes National Park!

Whether you’re drawn to Croatia in search of its historical wonders, sparkling water, or vibrant city life, I promise this country will not disappoint. I’m already planning my trip back!

And now that you know how to spend a week in Croatia, check out my guide on 3 Days in Split to continue planning the details of your trip! Or, if you’re limited on time, you may need to decide between Split or Dubrovnik.

Read More Croatia Blog Posts Below! ⬇️🇭🇷
Should You Visit Croatia In September? Here’s What To Expect
Split Or Dubrovnik: Which City In Croatia Should You Visit?
7 Day Croatia Itinerary: ULTIMATE Croatia Itinerary For First Timers
3 Day Split Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Days In Split, Croatia
13 Unique Things To Do In Split, Croatia On Your First Visit
Is The Blue Cave Tour From Split Worth It? Full Guide!
5 Ways To Get From Split To Dubrovnik: A Detailed Guide
How To Spend 2 Days In Dubrovnik: PERFECT Dubrovnik Itinerary!
Where To Stay In Dubrovnik For First-Timers (With Map!)
15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia!
Game Of Thrones Dubrovnik Guide: Locations, Tours, & More
How To Plan A Game Of Thrones Croatia Trip: Film Locations, Episodes, & Tours

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!