Croatia Travel Guide - Dubrovnik, Hvar & Split: Best Things To Do, Where To Stay + Tips
Planning a trip to Croatia? This Croatia travel guide covers the best things to do in Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split, plus where to stay, how to get around, and tips for planning your itinerary.
Croatia is one of the best destinations in Europe if you’re into island hopping, clear blue water, historic towns, and a mix of relaxation and nightlife.
I travelled through Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split, and these are the places and experiences I’d genuinely recommend.
Is Croatia Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for a mix of beaches, culture, and nightlife in one trip.
Croatia is known for its crystal-clear water, island hopping, and historic coastal towns, and it’s one of the easiest European destinations to travel between.
Where to Visit in Croatia
If you’re visiting Croatia for the first time, these are three of the best places to include in your itinerary:
Dubrovnik for history, views, and day trips
Hvar for beaches, island life, and nightlife
Split as a base for island hopping and national parks
These destinations are all connected by ferry, making it easy to travel between them.
Croatia Itinerary: How to Plan Your Route
A simple and popular Croatia itinerary is:
Start in Dubrovnik
Ferry to Hvar
Finish in Split
This route works really well logistically and gives you a good mix of experiences.
Dubrovnik Travel Guide
Dubrovnik is one of the most famous places in Croatia and is known for its Old Town, coastal views, and as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Best Things To Do in Dubrovnik
Explore Dubrovnik Old Town
Walking through Dubrovnik Old Town is one of the best things to do in Croatia. The streets are beautiful, and even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, it’s worth wandering slowly and taking it all in.
Game of Thrones Walking Tour
If you are a fan, this is a really fun way to see the city while learning about filming locations and behind-the-scenes details.
Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Bosnia
One of the best day trips from Dubrovnik and honestly one of my biggest must-dos. You get to explore Mostar and visit Kravica Waterfalls in one day, which gives you a completely different experience from the Croatian coast.
Watch the Sunset from the Cliff Bars
Dubrovnik is known for its cliff bars, and this is such a fun way to end the day. The views over the Adriatic are unreal.
Party at Revelin
If you want a big night out in Dubrovnik, Revelin is the iconic spot. It’s set inside a historic fortress and is known as one of the most famous clubs in Croatia.
Where To Stay in Dubrovnik
Old Town Dubrovnik for first-time visitors and atmosphere
Ploče for amazing views and a slightly quieter stay
Lapad for a more budget-friendly base
Book your accommodation here →
Hvar Travel Guide
Hvar is one of the best islands in Croatia and is known for its beaches, nightlife, and social atmosphere.
Best Things To Do in Hvar
Hvar Pub Crawl
One of the easiest ways to experience Hvar nightlife and meet other travellers, especially if you’re solo or travelling with friends.
Carpe Diem
One of the most iconic nightlife experiences in Croatia. If it’s running when you visit, it’s a must for anyone wanting a proper Hvar night out.
Relax at Pokonji Dol Beach
One of the best beaches in Hvar if you want a more chilled day. It’s an easy escape from the busier town centre and perfect for swimming.
Wander Hvar Town
Even outside the nightlife, Hvar Town itself is beautiful. It’s worth taking time to stroll the harbour, explore the streets, and soak up the atmosphere during the day.
Where To Stay in Hvar
Hvar Town for nightlife and convenience
Stari Grad for a quieter and more relaxed base
Beachside stays for a slower, scenic escape
Book your accommodation here →
Split Travel Guide
Split is one of the best places to base yourself in Croatia, especially for day trips, national parks, and getting out on the water.
Best Things To Do in Split
Blue Lagoon + 3 Islands Boat Tour
One of the best things to do in Split and such a fun day out. It’s a great mix of island hopping, swimming, and seeing more of the coastline.
Blue Cave Tour
One of the most popular tours from Split, visiting multiple islands including the famous Blue Cave. This is a great option if you want a full-day bucket list experience.
Split Boat Parties
A fun option if you’re after something more social and lively. Split has plenty of boat parties if you want a mix of music, swimming, and meeting other travellers.
Visit Krka National Park
If you want to see waterfalls while you’re based in Split, Krka is one of the easiest national park day trips to add to your itinerary.
Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice is one of the most famous places in Croatia and known for its waterfalls and boardwalk trails. It’s further from Split than Krka, but still worth considering if you have extra time and really want to see it.
Where To Stay in Split
Split Old Town for convenience and atmosphere
Bacvice for beach access and nightlife
Outside the centre for more affordable accommodation
Sail Week Croatia
If you’re planning a summer trip and want something more social, Sail Week Croatia is one of those experiences that looks so fun and is definitely worth considering.
It’s basically a week of sailing, island hopping, swimming, and partying your way around the Croatian coast with a group of other travellers.
I didn’t do it myself, but it’s one of the things I wish I had looked into more. If you’re travelling solo, with friends, or just want that classic Europe summer energy, this could be such a good option.
How Many Days in Croatia?
5 to 7 days in Croatia for Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split
7 to 10 days if you want to add day trips or national parks
10+ days if you want a slower pace and more islands
Getting Around Croatia
Ferries are the main way to travel between Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split
Buses connect major cities on the mainland
Tours are best for day trips like Bosnia, Krka, or Plitvice
Booking ferries and tours in advance is a good idea during peak summer.
Croatia Travel Tips
Croatia is busiest in summer, especially from June to August
Prices are much higher in peak season
Book accommodation and tours early
Card is widely accepted, but it’s still handy to carry some cash
My Tips for Visiting Croatia
Prioritise boat days and island hopping tours
Mix sightseeing with proper beach time
Stay at least 2 nights in each destination if you can
Don’t overpack your itinerary, Croatia is best enjoyed at a slightly slower pace
Final Thoughts
Croatia is one of the best places to visit in Europe if you want a mix of beaches, culture, nightlife, and day trips.
From Dubrovnik Old Town to Hvar nights out and Split boat days, there’s so much to experience in one trip, and each place brings something a little different.
