Best Croatian Itinerary: 14 Days on the Dalmatian Coast

Steve Cummings

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Happy woman enjoys view of old town (medieval Ragusa) and Dalmatian Coast of Adriatic Sea in Dubrovnik. Blue sea with white yachts, beautiful landscape, aerial view, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

What's that? Do you want to spend two weeks in Croatia? Well, aren’t you the lucky one? You are certainly in for a treat, and there are no better places in Europe to spend 14 days.

On this itinerary, we will take you to some of the most beautiful places in Croatia and sneakily plan a day trip to another country that you must visit while you are there.

Croatia has something for everyone. An itinerary can easily be adjusted to your liking. Being a beach lover, you might want to spend more time on the islands. If you love pottering around a city, spend more time in Split or Dubrovnik.

Croatia is still a very young country that is only getting more popular with tourists. Game of Thrones made places like Dubrovnik famous, but there's so much more to this country.

Day 1-2: Arrival in Split

Split Croatia
Credit: pablodebat/Depositphotos

Start your Croatian adventure by flying into Split, the second-largest city. From here, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to the center. The best option is to take the shuttle bus; it costs about 5 euros and takes about 30 minutes to reach the center.

After you have settled into your accommodation, it's time to head out and explore. Why not get some food and try one of the local delicacies? Local favorites like fresh seafood, black risotto (crni rižot), or traditional Dalmatian pašticada (beef stew) should be on your list.

Once you have eaten, head to Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 4th century. It has incredible architecture that history fans will love.  The central courtyard is an excellent place to take pictures, and the basement halls are worth checking out.

On your second day in Split, head into the old town. It's the best way to wander off and see where you end up. Grab a coffee at a random cafe or treat yourself to some of the nice boutique shops. 

After that, you could chill at one of the beaches or do something more adventurous, like kayaking or hiking up Marjan Hill. Marjan Hill and Park have some great trails and several great viewing points along the way.

In the evening, head to one of the many great restaurants. Try peka (meat or seafood cooked under a bell) or gregada (a fish stew). Then get on your phone and have a look, wander, and search out some of the Game of Thrones filming locations that can be around Split.

Day 3-4: Hvar Island

Hvar Harbor
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Start day three by taking a ferry from Split to Hvar, which will take between 50 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the route. Hvar is probably the most famous island, full of lovely towns, old buildings, and beaches. And it's known for its lively nightlife.

Spend your morning wandering Hvar town and checking out Fortica Fortress, which dates back to the 16th century. Youcan get great views of the town and the marina from here. After that, walk through Hvar Town’s streets and admire the architecture, stopping at St. Stephens Square, where you will find the cathedral worth going inside.

If you are here between June and July, then the lavender fields are something you need to check out. Organized tours are available, or you can make your way up there. The lavender fields are unlike anywhere else and are the perfect place to get a photograph for Instagram.

Stari Grad is the second biggest town on the island, and we think it's better than Hvar Town. We think you should include you as you will be here for two days. Stari Grad is also cheaper than Hvar Town, so you might want to base yourself there if you are on a budget.

The Pakleni Islands are also very popular. You can rent a boat or take an organized tour of these uninhabited islands, which are great for exploring and perfect for snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear. 

Day 5-6: Brač Island

Zlatni Rat Beach
Credit: Depositphotos

Take the ferry from Hvar, which will take you about an hour. It's also a chance to get some great views and relax at sea. 

Brač is much bigger than Hvar but a bit more relaxed, so we added it after Hvar.

Most people head to the Golden Horn Beach, known as the Zlatni Rat, just outside Bol. It's one of the most photographed beaches in the world, and we have discussed it many times on the blog. You could rent a lounger and chill or participate in one of their water sports activities. Plenty of bars and restaurants are here to grab something to eat.

On the second day, you could choose to explore the town of Bol or hike Vidova Gora, the highest peak on any of the Adriatic Islands. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to get to the top, so if you want to do this, head out early, and you will be rewarded with views over all the nearby islands.

Bol is a great little town with cobbled streets to wander around.

Why not do both? Hike in the morning and then relax in Bol during the day while enjoying locally caught seafood in one of the restaurants.

If you like olives, you could head to Skrip, where you will find the olive museum and learn all about the history of olive making. You can also sample all the different olive oils, and you might learn something new.

In the evening, relax with some fresh seafood in a local restaurant.

Day 7-8: Korčula Island

Korcula Island
credit: depositphotos

Take the ferry from Brac to Korčula Island, which takes about 2 hours.

The old town on the island is a fascinating city known as “Little Dubrovnik,” it is a walled town with a similar look, although some think it is better than Dubrovnik. Start the day by grabbing some food in the old town and head to St. Mark's Cathedral, a beautiful example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Head up to the top of the bell tower for great area views.

The Marco Polo House is also worth checking out as it's a famous explorer's birthplace.

In the afternoon, head to Pupnatska Luka Beach, a pebble beach set in a picturesque bay with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Afterward, head to Zakerjan Tower and find a cool bar to enjoy an evening cocktail.

On your second day, you could head to Vela Luka, another town on the side of the island. If cycling is more your thing, you could rent some bikes and cycle around the island, a popular tourist activity.

Day 9: Mljet Island

Mljet Island
Credit: Depositphotos

This very chilled-out, quiet island is perfect if you love the outdoors. Most people come here for the national park, which covers the western part of the island. This includes two big lakes – Veliko and Malo Jezero (Big and Small Lake). These lakes make the perfect place for cycling or walking as they are connected in the middle and have a path all the way around.

In the middle of Veliko Jezero is a beautiful little island home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. The monastery is now a museum and café worth checking out. If you can, have lunch on the island and enjoy being away from the crowds.

After all that, head to the village of Pomena for dinner. There are plenty of good restaurants here that serve seafood and local wines.

Day 10-11: Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik City walls
credit: depositphotos

Most people will have heard of Dubrovnik. It's a fantastic place but also a blessing and a curse. If you are thinking of heading here in July and August, then it's the peak season and very busy. But just do it anyway, as you might only be here once.

Get up early and walk around before all the people from the cruise ships arrive. It's a very walkable town with lovely cobbled streets that make you feel like you have returned in time.

Ideally, you want two days here so that you are not all rushed and can truly appreciate its beauty.

Notable things to do here are to check out the main gates to the old town, fill up your water bottle from Onofrio’s fountain (trust us, it's hot, and you will appreciate it), and go for a walk around the city walls, which give you amazing views of the city. Then check out Lovrijenac Fortress, just outside the wall, where you can learn about its role in the city's defense against invaders. If you time it right, you might be at a concert or event at the fortress.

If you have time, take a Game of Thrones tour, but this is honestly something you can do yourself with some Google research. 

We recommend getting out on a kayak. That way, you get to see the city at a different pace and angle from all those who just stay inside the city walls. If you get the chance, take the cable car to Mount Srd, which will give you another great view of the city.

Day 12: Day Trip to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia
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This might divide opinions as it's meant to be a 14-day Croatian itinerary. However, with it being so close, we think it's worth taking a day trip to Mostar. 

It will take you about 3 hours by car, but there are plenty of organized coach trips that you can take as well. The border crossings can sometimes take time, so make sure you pack something to eat in your bag (when we crossed, the tour operator took the guards some beer and chocolate and went out chatting to them to keep them happy and to speed it up).

The drive here is excellent. You follow the coast and head into the mountains. Don't look down if you are scared of heights, as the cliff faces are steep.

When you arrive, head straight to the famous bridge (Stari Most). This bridge dates back to the 16th century but was destroyed during the Bosnian War and has since been rebuilt. During the summer, people dive off the top into the cold water below.

Our tip would be to find a nearby restaurant with a view of the bridge and just people-watch.

After lunch, visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, which offers great views of the bridge and the city. Then, head down and walk along the Neretva River before you return to Dubrovnik.

Day 13: Šibenik

Sibenik
credit: depositphotos

Leave Dubrovnik early as it's about a 3-hour drive to Šibenik, a beautiful historic town. 

Head into the old town to see the sites, starting with St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great example of Renaissance architecture built entirely of stone.

Then head up to St. Michael’s Fortress, which is high above the city and gives you panoramic views of Šibenik and a chance to walk on the ancient walls and towers. It's also a place where concerts are held several times a year.

In the afternoon, take a short drive to Krka National Park and visit Skradinski Buk, a famous waterfall that is the perfect place to take a few photographs.

After all that, head back into the old town and find a cozy bar where you can talk about your fantastic time. Depending on your flight time tomorrow, this could be your last full day in Croatia.

Day 14: Return to Split

Split, Croatia

After two weeks of traveling, eating, and drinking, you will probably be ready to head home, but don’t waste this last day.

It's the perfect opportunity to reflect on all the great places you have visited. Head to a restaurant and enjoy one final meal with some wine before you head home and start your diet. It's also a great place to pick up any souvenirs for your loved ones back home.

Final Thoughts

Croatia is a fascinating country, and 14 days is enough to see plenty of it. We tried to include some cities, islands, and even a day trip to another country so that there was something for everyone.

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