When it came to planning my birthday trip, I wanted to visit a country that had it all, lush landscapes, ocean views, waterfalls, charm, historic architecture, great food and luxury hotels. My search led me to the Mediterranean gem, Croatia. This coastal country has been on my list since my freshman year of college when I was paired with a Croatian roommate (hey Tanja <3). In recent years, I’ve noticed its growing popularity due to Yacht Week, in which hundreds of travelers spend 7-days partying on yachts, island hopping, and having the time of their lives. I instead planned a multi-city trip to two of Croatia’s top cities, Split and Dubrovnik. The experience was EVERYTHING and I cannot wait to return. Now, to help you plan your ultimate trip I created this complete guide to Croatia from Split to Dubrovnik, where the best hotels, restaurants and adventures await you.
What To Know When Traveling to Croatia
Best Time to Visit:
I recommend shoulder season, May to mid-June or mid-September (when I went) to October. This time of the year is great if you want cooler temperatures and lesser crowds. Peak season, mid-June to mid-mid-September, is also a good choice if you want to enjoy beach clubs and warm waters.
Language:
Croatian, but English is widely spoken – hi = bok | thank you = hvala vam
Currency:
As of January 2023, the official currency changed from Kuna to Euro.
Transportation:
Croatia does have Uber, however, we found a car rental to be best for this trip due to traveling between cities.
Plugs:
It’s always best to bring plug converters when traveling abroad so make sure yours fits types C and F for Croatia. Click here to shop the adapter kit I use.
Which City to Visit First, Split or Dubrovnik?
When planning the perfect 3-day trip to Croatia, I decided to spend 2 days in the largest city on the Croatian Coast, Split. There is so much beauty from stunning architecture to nearby waterfalls, I knew I would need a couple days to soak it all in. Dubrovnik is a smaller city known for the amazing Walls of Dubrovnik, which in my opinion don’t take more than a day to explore.
Where to Stay (near) Split, Croatia
Rather than Split, I chose to stay in the nearby historic town of Trogir. The luxury boutique hotel Brown Beach House stole my heart so that it was worth the 30-minute drive back and forth to Old Town Split. The Mediterranean-style pool and sophisticated design alone are incredible, not to mention the ocean views and free breakfast.
$$: Starting around $100/night in shoulder season (April & October) and $300/night in peak season (May-September)
Where to Eat in Old Town Split
This complete guide to Croatia wouldn’t be well… complete without sharing the best places to eat in Old Town Split. I highly recommend the Bokeria Wine Bar & Kitchen, and as you come across other Croatia travel guides you’ll probably see this foodie gem mentioned quite often and for good reason. The food is great and the prime location is filled with such charm I recommend sitting outdoors to stay connected with the surrounding sights.
$$: Entrees range $20-$32
Another great spot is a restaurant called Fig. It’s nestled in a precious little courtyard and features an array of international dishes made with local ingredients. I never was a fan of Fig Newtons but fresh fig in Europe is everything, so make sure you order the Fig and Farm Cheese Flatbread as an appetizer.
$$: Entrees range $15-$18
The Daltonist
I love craft cocktails and found a cool spot called The Daltonist. Funny enough they played Old School Hip Hop the whole time so it was a definite vibe paired with some yummy libations.
Things to Do in Split, Croatia
Riva Promenade
The River Promenade in Split is the place to start your trip as it sets the tone for the town. As you make your way down the waterfront walkway you’ll see swaying palm trees, tour boats, and great shops, bars and restaurants.
Diocletian Palace
Built in the early 4th century, the Diocletian Palace is one of the best preserved monuments in the world. The palace was built for Roman emperor Diocletian and listed as a World Heritage Site in 1979. Another great spot to bask in historic architecture is Fruit Square, one of the most charming spots in Old Town.
Krka National Park
One of the main reasons I chose Croatia was for their beautiful waterfalls and landscapes. The Krka National Park is home to a series of seven cascading falls and located about an hour away from Split.
Hours & Entry Fee: open 8:00A to 8:00P and around $21 USD depending on the season.
Visit the Brac and Hvar Islands
Although I planned to visit a couple islands on my trip, sadly I just did not have time. I still want add my recommendations to this complete guide to Croatia, as island hopping is a MUST.
Pro Tip: Try to visit the Ferry Port in Split prior to your departure to get a lay of the land and look up the times, fees and destinations. You can plan ahead by visiting the Croatia Ferry website. Just enter Split as your departure port and select an island destination to view the timetable.
You can either travel by foot on the passenger ferry and take a taxi or bus when you arrive, or bring your car on the vehicle ferry. The ride from Split to Brac is 50 minutes, while Split to Hvar is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Photo Courtesy: Welcome Center Croatia
Photo Courtesy: Tour Scanner
Traveling from Split to Dubrovnik
The drive from Split to Dubrovnik is 3 1/2 hours by car or you can take a ferry, bus or private transfer. Thanks to the new Peljesac bridge that opened June 2022, you no longer need to drive through the Bosnian and Croatian Border Controls to get to and from Dubrovnik. This new pathway shaves travel time and connects two cities in a major way.
Pro Tip: The closer you get to the city the prettier the views become. Make sure to stop at the Rizman rest stop and the one right before the bridge to really soak in the ocean and vineyard views.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
I chose the luxury resort Rixos Premium Dubrovnik because of its beautiful cliffside location overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The resort is pretty large featuring three bars, three restaurants, a library, game room, shop, and more. Croatia never disappoints with a unique pool design but the fact that it over looks the ocean is picture perfect.
Speaking of, I love a hotel that effortlessly acts as a perfect backdrop, and with staircases that lead right into the water, capturing the moment is a must.
Places to Eat in Dubrovnik
One of the best places to eat in Dubrovnik is at the Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant. Set right on the harborfront, you can enjoy views of boats swaying on the water as you dine.
$$: Entrees range $20-$30
Things to Do in Dubrovnik
Walls of Dubrovnik
Mount Srd
This epic mountain top features panoramic views of the entire city and sea. You can either take the cable car up to the top for about $28 USD round trip or drive and park on the side of the road. I couldn’t recommend a better spot for photos in Dubrovnik.
Watch my complete Croatia travel guide on YouTube
Want more European travel Inspo? Check out How to Spend 4 Days in Italy.