The Perfect 10-Day Croatia Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

dreaming of Croatia? This itinerary will help make your dreams come true

If you’ve been dreaming of Croatia, you’re not alone. From the historic walls of Dubrovnik to the quaint islands of Hvar, this country has a little bit of everything: stunning beaches, charming old towns, amazing food, and just the right amount of adventure. After putting together multiple 10-day itineraries for clients, I pulled from their successes, feedback and wins to create the perfect itinerary for first-timers traveling to Croatia (or anyone wanting a mix of sightseeing, island hopping, and relaxation). It includes tips for timing, restaurants, and ways to make your trip as smooth as possible.

Travel Tips Before You Go

Before we dive in, here are some practical things to know:

• Currency: Croatia uses the Euro. Local ATMs usually give the best rate. Keep some coins handy for small tips or bathroom fees.

• Tipping: Around 10% is standard for good service. Cash is preferred, even in restaurants.

• Cards: American Express is rarely accepted. Mastercard and Visa are fine.

• Transportation: Uber and Bolt are available in cities. Ferries connect the islands, and buses are popular for land travel. Car rentals are great if you want flexibility, especially outside of the cities.

• Packing: Bring layers for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. See my blog post on the 6 Travel Mistakes I Keep Making (And Always Regret!) for more great travel tips! If you’re prone to seasickness, pack motion-sickness meds for boat rides.

• Safety: Pickpocketing can happen in busy areas, so keep your belongings secure.If it’s your first time in Croatia, you’re in for a treat.

Croatia truly has everything - beautiful blue waters, history, and adventure. Photo by @matthiasmullie, Unsplash

travel & arrival In Dubrovnik

At a glance
Start your trip in Dubrovnik, a city that feels like you’re stepping back in time. Enclosed by ancient stone walls and nestled up to the Adriatic Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage site will instantly charm you with its terracotta rooftops and winding cobblestone lanes. After your flight, I highly recommend taking it easy on the first day. Walk down Stradun, the main pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés, and gelato spots. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs after a long journey.

The next day, grab a coffee and go on a walking tour of the Old City. You’ll pass landmarks like the Rector’s Palace, St. Blaise Church, and the Franciscan Monastery. Afterward, the city walls are a must—go early to beat the crowds and soak in the panoramic views of the red rooftops and Adriatic Sea. If you’re a history lover or a “Game of Thrones” fan, take a guided walking tour that brings the city’s dramatic past to life. For something more local, catch the cable car to Mount Srđ for sunset — the view is worth every step.

If you want a break from history, or if you just love the beach, head to Sveti Beach. It’s a short cab ride away and perfect for cooling off. End the day with dinner at Panorama Restaurant, which overlooks the city—you’ll love watching the sunset from up here.

For dining, I recommend Proto for a romantic seafood dinner or a sunset drink at Buza Bar, tucked right into the cliffs. And if you’re staying a few nights, carve out an afternoon to visit Lokrum Island — a quick ferry ride away, it’s perfect for swimming, picnicking, and a dose of tranquility before your next stop.

Itinerary

Day 1-2: Fly from your home airport to Dubrovnik (with a connection in Dublin if you’re coming from the U.S.). Plan to arrive early the next morning so you can hit the ground running. Jet lag is real, so take it easy on your first afternoon. My top hotel recommendation in Dubrovnik is The Byron Dubrovnik. Truly, the nicest people work here!

Your first step: wander Stradun, the main pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to people-watch, grab a coffee, or pick up a few souvenirs.

Days 3–4: Exploring Dubrovnik

Things To Do:

Walking Tour: Start your morning with a guided walking tour of the Old City. You can access great walking tours here.

Highlights include:

• Franciscan and Dominican monasteries

• Bell Tower

• Sponza Palace

• Rector’s Palace

• Cathedral and St. Blaise Church

Walk the Walls: A must-do. Start at Pile Gate for the best views. Take a counter-clockwise route, allow 1.5–2 hours, and don’t forget sunscreen and comfy shoes. For fewer crowds, go early morning or late afternoon.

Beach Time: Plaža Sveti Jakob (Sveti Beach) is about a 6-minute cab ride or 30-minute walk from Old Town. Bring shoes for the rocky beach, rent a sun lounger, and enjoy the view of Dubrovnik.

Dinner: Head to Panorama Restaurant for sunset views over the city. Make sure to reserve in advance.

Where To Eat:

• Lucin Kantun: Traditional recipes with a modern twist, plus a cozy terrace.

• Barba: Casual seafood sandwiches and more.

• Forty Four Restaurant: Slightly fancier option with seafood, steak, and desserts.

Wander the Old City of Dubrovnik, including the Franciscan & Dominican monasteries. Photo by @jekkiliciouss, Unsplash.

Hvar & the Islands — Sun, Sea, and Style

At a glance
From Dubrovnik, make your way to the islands — where Croatia literally shines (on the water!). Hvar Island is the perfect balance of elegance and adventure. Known for its lavender fields, clear turquoise waters, and bustling seaside, Hvar is both relaxing and lively depending on how you spend your days.

Since Hvar is all about slow mornings and outdoor adventures, you can:

• Take a Blue Cave tour and explore nearby islands

• Hike up to Fortica Fortress for panoramic views

• Wander the town, stop for gelato, and enjoy the waterfront cafés

• Visit lavender fields or the ghost town of Malo Grablje if you’re up for something off the beaten path

Evenings are perfect for a casual dinner and a cocktail at a beach bar like Calma Beach Bar.

You also have the option of island-hopping — I love arranging private or small-group boat tours that take you to the Pakleni Islands, where you can swim in hidden coves and have lunch right on the water.

If you prefer a quieter base, consider Stari Grad, one of Europe’s oldest towns, where local wine tastings and olive groves offer a slower pace. Don’t miss trying gregada, a traditional Dalmatian fish stew, or sipping rosé at a family-run vineyard.

For a touch of luxury, book a seaside hotel with views of the Adriatic — and yes, pack your linen dresses and sandals! Hvar is the perfect place for effortless style.

Itinerary

Day 5: Dubrovnik to Hvar

Check out from your accommodation and take a private tour to Ston (famous for salt flats and medieval walls), followed by a ferry ridey via Korčula to Hvar. This is a longer travel day, so pack snacks, water, and patience.

Tip: Your ferry ticket can be shown on your phone, but printing a backup QR code is handy in case of tech issues.

Arrival in Hvar: Some hotels can pick you up directly from the ferry, which is a huge time-saver. I recommend Beach Bay Hvar Hotel which is both relaxing and in a great location. If you are celebrating a big milestone and looking for an elevated stay, Palace Elisabeth is a clear winner.

Days 6–8: Hvar Island

Hvar is perfect for mixing relaxation, history, and local flavor. Here’s how to structure your time:

Things to Do:

• Knob Stori Komin: A local gem with fresh, traditional cuisine. Call the hotel for reservations, as it doesn’t always take them online.

• Fortica Fortress: Short uphill climb, but the views are worth it.

• Fort Napoléon: Another climb, great for sunset photos.

• Lavender Fields: Visit Velo Grablje or Stari Grad if you’re traveling in July during the Lavender Festival — the fields are gorgeous, but timing is everything.

• Hiking & Coastal Paths: Robinson Trail offers secret swimming spots and beautiful panoramas.

• Blue Cave Tour: A must-do adventure from Hvar to Vis Island. Book in advance via Viator. Morning tours are ideal for photography, as the sunlight hits the cave at just the right angle.

Where To Eat:

• Vela Garška / Calma Beach Bar: Casual all-day dining on the water.

• San Marco Restaurant: Elevated cuisine with stunning sea views.

• BB Social Bar & Kitchen: Casual meals and cocktails.

• Fig Hvar: Highly rated, diverse menu.

• Adriana Rooftop Bar: Great spot for evening drinks.

• Central Club Bar: Open late, live music, fun atmosphere.

Lavender fields aren’t only in Provence! Croatia even has a lavender festival every year in July. Photo by Nikola Radovini, Maslina Resort

Split + Krka National Park

At a glance
From Hvar, you’ll want to take a short ferry ride to Split, a city full of ancient history and with a laid-back Mediterranean feel. Check into an hotel in Old Town, drop your bags, and start exploring. If you are looking for a great boutique property with all the charm and service, check out Makarun Heritage Rooms.

Split’s main draw is Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Europe. Wander through its maze of narrow stone streets, where ancient columns mix with modern shops and cafes. A 1.5-hour walking tour is ideal — long enough to be informative without losing everyone’s attention.

Stop by the Peristil, the city’s central square, and climb the bell tower of St. Domnius Cathedral for sweeping harbor views. Rub the toe of the Gregory of Nin statue for good luck, then head to the Riva promenade for people-watching and gelato.

The next day, rent a car early and make the 90-minute drive to Krka National Park — one of Croatia’s most beautiful natural areas.

If you want to avoid the crowds, use the Skradin entrance and take the short boat ride to Skradinski Buk waterfall, the park’s most popular spot. You can swim here, so pack your suit and towel. Bring a picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy by the water and wear comfortable walking shoes! The trails are scenic but can be uneven in spots.

After a few hours of exploring waterfalls and shaded trails, head back to Split for one last evening by the Adriatic!

Dinner Suggestion: Mediterraneo Restaurant has outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere, and in my opinion, is the perfect way to end your trip!

Itinerary

Days 9–10: Split

By the time you reach Split, you’ll feel the perfect mix of old-world charm and coastal energy. This city is built around a Roman emperor’s palace, but it’s anything but ancient in spirit. There are street musicians, seaside cafés, and the breathtaking sea that makes it one of Croatia’s most inviting stops.

Here’s how to make the most of your time in Split:

Things to Do:

• Diocletian’s Palace:
  Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history and modern life intertwine. Take a guided walking tour to get your bearings — it’s full of hidden passageways and stories that bring the Roman era to life. Don’t miss climbing the St. Domnius Cathedral bell tower for one of the best views in the city.

• Peristil & Riva Promenade:
  Grab coffee at one of the cafés surrounding the Peristil, then stroll down to the Riva, Split’s vibrant waterfront. It’s especially lovely at sunset when locals come out to walk, chat, and enjoy the sea breeze.

• People’s Square & Fruit Square:
  Both are worth wandering for their lively energy, Venetian architecture, and great people-watching. If you have time, pop into a café at Fruit Square (Voćni trg) — it’s one of those spots that feels tucked away, even though it’s right in the heart of things.

• Green Market (Pazar):
  Arrive early to see locals shopping for produce and flowers. It’s a fun, colorful experience and a great place to grab fruit or pastries before sightseeing.

• Beaches:
  If you’re ready for a beach break, Bačvice Beach is the closest to Old Town and full of energy — great for swimming, people-watching, and beach bars. For a quieter scene, head to Kašjuni Beach on the Marjan peninsula for pine-shaded relaxation and turquoise water.

• Marjan Hill:
  Wear good shoes and head up Marjan Hill for sweeping views of Split and the nearby islands. It’s a steady climb, but the lookout points and cafés along the way make it worth it.

• Krka National Park (Day Trip):
  Rent a car for the day and visit Krka National Park, about 1.5 hours from Split. Start early to avoid crowds. The Skradin entrance is a favorite — you can take a scenic boat ride to Skradinski Buk waterfall, where swimming is allowed. Pack a picnic, swimsuit, and towel.

Where to Eat in Split:

• Fig Split: Casual with great burgers and vegetarian options.

• Bokeria Kitchen & Wine: Stylish and varied — perfect for dinner.

• Apetit or Konoba Korta: Great Italian-inspired dishes.

• Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar: Live music and a wonderful wine list.

• Galerija Food: A lovely local lunch spot by the city walls.

End your trip in Split! The energy in this city is both relaxing and electric. There’s so much to do and see here - one of the most famous being Diocletian’s Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Photo by @piak on Unsplash.

final thoughts

Ten days in Croatia gives you a taste of everything: the history of Dubrovnik, the island magic of Hvar, and the energy of Split. Whether you’re drawn to seaside relaxation, ancient ruins, or a little of both (that’s me!), this itinerary flows naturally and gives you flexibility to travel at your own pace.

Of course, you absolutely can tweak it (or reverse it and start in Split) — but this route is perfect for first-time visitors who want a balance of beauty, adventure, and relaxation.

Ready to plan your own Croatia getaway?
If you’d rather skip the planning stress, I’d love to help you design a custom itinerary that’s perfectly suited to your travel style. You can learn more about what it’s like to work with me here.

Happy travels, friends!

Celebrate and Explore Croatia!

Just a friendly reminder that the link above is an affiliate link, which means I will make a small commission if you book a tour using my link. It never costs you anything extra and is a great way to support a small business and keep this content free!