10-Day Croatia Itinerary: Best Places to Visit + Travel Tips

Croatia is one of those countries that manages to blow your already high expectations out of the water. A coastal country on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has dreamy Mediterranean summer vibes, cities encased in medieval walls, island hopping, white mountains, and more. I spent over a month travelling Croatia and left hungry to return for more. I visited some of the best islands like Hvar and Lokrum, saw the popular cities Dubrovnik and Split, and ventured slightly off the beaten path in Omis and Jelsa. After all that exploring, I have compiled the perfect 10-day Croatia itinerary to help you get the most out of your trip.

With this itinerary, you’ll experience some of the best places in Croatia, a mix of adventurous and relaxing things to do there, and essential tips for making it all happen.

This 10-day Croatia itinerary was written by Hailey from The Restless Adventurer.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, the small commission will help me produce more free content for you. For more information, please refer to my privacy policy.

How to get around Croatia?

Croatia is a really easy country to get around in. Renting a car is the most efficient way, but Croatia’s public buses will get you just about anywhere. They run frequently and are comfortable. The roads in Croatia are well-kept and safe to get around on. To find schedules and book bus tickets, I used Flixbus.

When is the best time to visit Croatia?

The best time to visit Croatia is between May and late October. Croatia’s peak season runs in the summer months of June to September, when the temperatures are hot and the sun is shining. If you want slightly fewer crowds, visiting in May and October is your best bet. The temperatures are still warm, with average lows around 17 degrees Celsius and average highs around 24 degrees Celsius.

Ultimate 10-Day Croatia Itinerary

📌 10-Day Croatia Itinerary at a Glance
– Days 1 – 3: Split with a day trip to Plitvice Lakes
– Days 4 – 5: Hvar
– Day 6: Omis
– Days 7 – 10: Dubrovnik

Day 1: Split – Roman History and Beaches

Spending one day in Split should be all about visiting the highlights of the city. That means exploring Old Town and soaking up Split’s coastal charm.

Morning: Explore Diocletian’s Palace and Old Town

Start your 10-day Croatia itinerary at Diocletian’s Palace, which makes up the majority of Split’s Old Town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 4th century as a home for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Today, it stands as a living museum and one of the best things to see in Split.

While large parts of the palace ruins have been converted into museums or landmarks, most of the ruins are now occupied by cafes, shops, and even old homes. It all seamlessly blends into the ancient architecture. When you first get there, simply wander the palace and its surrounding streets. Make sure to see:

• Silver Gate: One of the four original entrances to the palace and a great photo spot.
• Green Market: Right outside of Silver Gate, you can find Green Market. Green Market is an open-air market open daily from 6 am – 12:30/1:00 pm. It has local vendors selling fresh produce, cheeses, and traditional Dalmatian snacks.
• Let Me Pass Street (Pusti me da prodem): Famous for being one of the narrowest streets in the world.
• Peristyle Square: The palace’s main courtyard, where you can see the towering columns of the Cathedral of St. Dominus’ entrance. This is where you can buy tickets to start exploring deeper into the museums and attractions within Diocletian’s Palace walls.

Climb the Bell Tower and Visit the Treasury Museum

After getting a feel for what’s around you, purchase tickets at the Treasury Museum to climb the bell tower. The bell tower has one of the best views over Split and its old town. There are over 200 steps to the top, but it is worth the climb. You’ll be able to see over the orange rooftops, the mountains backdropping the city, and the sparkling Adriatic.

After exploring the bell tower, head across the courtyard to explore the Treasury. There are over 3 floors of ancient Roman artifacts like sculptures, paintings, coins, books, and more. The treasury even has an original Roman temple displayed on the first floor.

Lunch Recommendations

• Bepa – Bepa has an outdoor patio right in People’s Square (Pjaca). It has great brunch options, traditional Dalmatian food, and a great ambiance for people watching.
• Konoba Fetivi – Konobas are traditional Dalmatian taverns, and this is one of the best. They serve traditional dishes like grilled fish, black risotto, and pasticada (slow-cooked beef).
• Apetit – A short walk from People’s Square in the heart of the old town, Apetit has delicious pastas, risotto, seafood, and more.

Afternoon: Relax at Bačvice Beach

After lunch, spend the hottest part of the day at Bacvice Beach. Bacvice is arguably Split’s most popular beach due to its proximity to the old town. The beach is sandy, and the water is shallow and clear.

The beach gets really busy with people sunbathing, in the water, or playing Split’s traditional game of picigin. Despite being busy, I didn’t find it overwhelming. There was plenty of space to swim out in the water, and we were able to find a spot to lay our towels out on the beach, no problem.

Evening: Gelato & Nightlife in Split

After an afternoon on the beach, grab a gelato from Gelateria Riva Split and stroll the Riva Promenade. This is the waterfront walkway just outside Split’s Old Town and along the harbour. It is one of the most picturesque spots in Split, with wide palm-tree-lined sidewalks, sparkling blue waters, and ancient architecture all colliding into one scenic street. Benches line the promenade so you can sit while enjoying your gelato.

Dinner Recommendation

• Dvor – If you are a food-lover looking to splurge, try Dvor. Dvor is a scenic, fine-dining restaurant overlooking the Adriatic with fresh seafood and an upscale wine list. They are recognized in the Michelin Guide for their food and have a beautiful outdoor terrace.
• Fig Split – The restaurant is in an old courtyard in the old town and has a diverse menu. You can find dishes with Indian, American, Mexican, or Mediterranean food. The ambiance is a big part of what makes Fig so nice. Plus, they are really accommodating for food restrictions.
• Bokeria Kitchen and Wine – Bokeria has Mediterranean food and a stunning atmosphere. They also have a large wine menu.​
• Pizzeria Skipper – A bit out of old town, Pizzeria Skipper has some of the best pizza in Split. They also have a beautiful outdoor patio with a view.
• ZOI – If you want a restaurant on the Riva Promenade, ZOI has a great outdoor patio overlooking the harbour. They have a large menu, with their best dishes consisting of Mediterranean cuisine.
• Villa Spiza – A small, cozy spot, Villa Spiza has a daily-changing menu of local specialties. It is known for its authentic Dalmatian dishes made with fresh ingredients. It is a local favourite.

Nightlife

Split is well-known for its wild parties. The city has a mix of laid-back bars and raging nightclubs on the beach. Some of the best nightlife spots in Split for your 10-day Croatia itinerary include:

• Charlie’s Bar – A laid-back backpacker bar with cheap drinks and a lively crowd.
• Bacvice Club – One of the best spots for partying on the beach. It has cage dancers, techno music, and parties that last until sunrise.
• Tower Pub Crawl – An iconic pub crawl in Split that brings tourists on a wild tour of Split’s best bars and clubs.

Day 2: Marjan Hill’s Natural Beauty and Sunset at a Medieval Fortress

Morning: Hike Marjan Hill & Coffee with a View

Start the second day of your 10-day Croatia itinerary with a walk up Marjan Hill, just outside Split’s city centre. Marjan Hill is a forested hilltop park with walking trails and fantastic views over Split’s old town.

Take the main walkway running from Marmonte Street up to the top of the hill, catching beautiful views along the way. At the top, rest at Vidilica Cafe’s stunning outdoor patio. It has beautiful white columns and overlooks the harbour and the sea. The walk to Vidilica Cafe is easy with a gradual incline. It takes about 20 – 30 minutes.

Mid-Day: Beach Time at Kašjuni or Bene Beach

From Vidilica Café, walk down to Kasjuni Beach. This is one of Split’s most naturally beautiful beaches. It is tucked against the cliffs of Marjan Hill, lined with trees. Kasjuni Beach is pebbled and has calm, clear waters that are great for swimming. There are lounge chairs available to rent from the nearby beach bars.

Kasjuni is still a popular beach, so if you want a bit more quiet, you can try the nearby Bene Beach. Bene Beach is on the Northern side of Marjan Hill. It is a stunning swimming spot in a cove with stone platforms to relax on by the water and lots of trees for shade. If you choose to visit Kasjuni Beach, grab lunch at Joe’s beach bar. It has fresh salads, seafood, and cocktails right on the sand.

Afternoon: Explore Veli Varoš (Split’s Oldest Neighborhood)

After the beach, make your way to Split’s oldest neighbourhood, Veli Varos. Just west of Split’s old town, Veli Varos has narrow, winding streets lined with small stone houses and churches that date back centuries. Veli Varos was originally a fishermen’s working-class village, so it has an authentic local feel. Look out for:

• St. Nicholas Church, built in the 11th century
• Stone homes with green shutters, a signature feature of Dalmatian architecture.

If you’re hungry for an afternoon snack, stop at Kantun Paulina. This small stone restaurant is located on your way back into Split’s old town and is known for its Cevapi (grilled meat sausage in a warm bread roll).

Evening: Sunset at Klis Fortress

In the evening, visit Klis Fortress. This medieval stronghold sits high on a hill about 20 minutes outside of Split. It once defended against the Ottomans and is now known as one of the best viewpoints in Split.

Klis Fortress was built in the 3rd century and makes for a quiet, peaceful end to the day. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, it was a filming location for the city of Meereen. Try to arrive an hour before dark to explore the fortress and then catch the sunset. You can get to Klis by taking a 20-minute Uber or bus 22 from the National Theatre stop.

Day 3: Plitvice Lakes Day Trip

On the third day of your 10-day Croatia itinerary, I recommend day-tripping to one of Croatia’s most breathtaking places to visit – Plitvice Lakes. Plitvice Lakes National Park looks like it’s out of a fairytale. It has 16 interconnected turquoise lakes with cascading waterfalls and a wooden boardwalk that winds through them. The park is divided into the Upper Lakes (Gornja Jezera) and Lower Lakes (Donja Jezera). There are 8 walking trail routes you can take.

Route C is one of the best for seeing Plitvice’s highlights. You’ll see the upper and lower lakes. It also has a boat ride across Lake Kozjak and includes a scenic panoramic train ride at the end. It takes 4 – 5 hours for 8 km/5 miles.

How to Get To Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes is a 2.5 – 3 hour drive from Split. You’ll need to start early to make the most of the day. You can get there by:

• Car: Rental cars are the easiest way to get there. The drive is easy to make and will give you greater flexibility to get there early to avoid the crowds.
• Tour: This is the easiest option if you don’t want to rent a car. Tours to Plitvice Lakes are incredibly popular from Split. They include transportation, park entry, and free time to explore the park.
• Bus: You can take a direct bus from Split to Plitvice for the cheapest option, however, it takes around 3.5 – 4 hours, which would make for a long day.

Lunch Options

• Lička Kuća (just outside the park) – They serve traditional Croatian food like roast lamb and peka-style dishes. The prices are a bit steeper, but that is to be expected when it’s one of the few options near the National Park.
• Restaurant Poljana (inside the park) – More casual, with grilled meats, soups, and pasta dishes.

Alternative to Plitvice Lakes: Krka National Park

If the 2.5 – 3 hour drive each way to Plitvice feels a bit much, check out Krka National Park instead. Krka National Park is also known for its turquoise cascading waterfalls, wooden boardwalks, and popular boat rides, but it is only an hour’s drive from Split. The coolest thing to see in Krka is Skradinski Buk, a huge multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by wooden walkways. Other spots to check out are:

• Roski Slap – A smaller cascading waterfall with fewer visitors. You get there by taking the scenic boat ride from Krka National Park.
• Visovac Island – A small wooded island with the orange-roofed Franciscan Monastery on it. The island is a great photo spot and is part of the scenic boat ride.
• Skradin – Now that swimming isn’t allowed in Krka, Skradin is a popular spot for its beaches. You can take a ferry from Krka to the town and enjoy its beaches.

I visited Split with friends and decided to do Krka instead, so we could visit this hidden swimming and bridge jumping spot near the park.

Bonus Swimming Spot if You Have a Rental Car

If you have a rental car for your 10-day Croatia itinerary, I highly recommend visiting this secret swimming spot just 10 minutes from Krka. It has a small dirt section where you can park on the side of the road and a platform to jump off into the water. The bridge is known by locals for its bridge-jumping. Because of the curve in the bridge, you can jump from varying heights (I only managed to do the shortest height, which still worked out to be about 20 feet high). You can watch locals jump from the very top.

The water is clean and fresh after a hot day exploring Krka. The views of the channel between rocky cliffs are stunning, and boats pass by occasionally. This was one of my favourite things I did on the entire trip to Croatia. It felt like a true local swimming spot.

Day 4: Hvar Island Fortress and Beaches

After three excellent days in Split, continue your 10-day Croatia itinerary by taking a morning catamaran to the island of Hvar. There are several catamarans leaving Split’s port daily throughout peak season. They cost about 25 euros and take 1 hour to get to Hvar Town. You can find the schedule for catamarans between Split and Hvar here.

Morning: Hvar Town Exploring

After arriving in Hvar Town, start by wandering around St. Stephen’s Square. This is Hvar Town’s central square with a historic cathedral and famous landmarks like the Loggia and Arsenal Theatre. There is a maze of cobblestone alleys spreading out from the square, with restaurants and boutiques. Many of them are picturesque with flowers hanging down over the stone walls.

Mid-Day: Hike to Fortica Fortress and Lunch on the Riva

After getting your bearings in Hvar Town, follow the pine-covered trail that leads from the central square uphill to Fortica. The trail takes about 30 minutes, but it can get seriously hot in the summer. There are lots of benches and viewpoints over the town along the way.

Fortica was built in the 16th century and was used to defend Croatia’s coast. It has ramparts, stone tunnels, an old prison, a small museum, and several levels to explore. This was one of our favourite fortresses in Croatia (and we visited many). It also has fantastic views over Hvar and the nearby Pakleni islands.

Afternoon: Swim and Relax at One of Hvar Town’s Beaches

There are a few options for your afternoon at the beach in Hvar Town. You can head to Bonj Beach for a luxurious beach club vibe, Pokonji Dol Beach for its proximity, or Dubovica Bay for its natural beauty.

Bonj Beach is a 10-minute walk from town. It has elegant cabanas and beach bars with crystal clear water. If you want to rent a sun lounger, this is one of the best spots for it. Bonj les Bains Beach Club is also a great spot to sip cocktails.

Pokonji Dol Beach is also a short walk from town, but it is extremely crowded. When we visited, it was fine for cooling off in the water, but there wasn’t anywhere for us to lay our towels down. If you don’t want to go far and just want to spend time in the water, it’s worth visiting.

Dubovica Bay is a 10-15 minute drive from Hvar Town, but is in a more secluded bay. It has a rocky shoreline lined with trees and shaded picnic areas. There is a historic stone house nearby that is great for taking photos.

Dinner Recommendations in Hvar

• Dalmatino – This restaurant has amazing service and delicious Dalmatian food. Their signature dish is a black truffle gnocchi or the shrimp risotto.
• Fig Cafe Bar – Fig Cafe Bar is in an alley and blends a variety of international cuisines. They focus on healthy dishes with fresh ingredients and have a vibrant atmosphere.
• Giaxa – Set inside a historic 15th-century palace, Giaxa has Dalmatian food with modern touches and a sophisticated setting. If you are looking for a memorable dining experience, this is the place.

Evening: Sunset Cocktails at Hula Hula Hvar

For evening entertainment, visit Hula Hula. This bar is set on the water with beach chairs on the coastal rocks. It is an incredible spot for sunset. They have great cocktails, a sublime social scene, and DJ sets in the late hours.

Day 5: Hvar Island’s Hidden Gems

Morning: Hidden Gem Town of Jelsa

After waking up in Hvar Town, take the bus or a taxi to the small town of Jelsa. Also on Hvar island, Jelsa is far more off the beaten path and great for escaping crowds. Jelsa was my favourite town on the island.

Stroll Jelsa’s beautiful little harbour, admire the stone houses, and try lavender gelato from L’amore Per Il Gelato. Walk one of the shaded scenic paths along the cove to get views back over town, and swim in one of the designated swimming spots. Also, walk up some of the tiered streets outside of the centre square to get amazing views of the surrounding valley. Get lunch from Pizzeria Toni – it has the best pizza I’ve tried in Croatia!

Afternoon: Visit Stari Grad

Stari Grad is one of Europe’s oldest towns and feels a lot more relaxed compared to Hvar Town. It has a historic charm, with a working harbour and quiet squares.

Some of the best things to do in Stari Grad include:

• Visit Tvrdalj Castle – an old mansion complex made of stone with beautiful courtyards and gardens.
• Paddle board to hidden beaches – You can rent paddle boards in town.
• Žukova Beach – A stunning natural beach 10 minutes’ drive from Stari Grad’s centre.
• Kupalište Bonj – Another rocky beach, only 15 15-minute walk from Stari Grad.

Evening: Ferry Back to Split

Take the 5:30 pm ferry back to Split from Stari Grad. The ferry takes 2 hours compared to a catamaran’s 1 hour, but you won’t have to travel back to Hvar town first. You can find the ferry times on the same schedule as the catamarans above.

Day 6: Omis Zip Lining and Fortresses

On day 6 of your 10-day Croatia itinerary, head to Omis in the morning to join a zip line tour. Omis is such an underrated town in Croatia. It turned out to be my favourite place (except maybe Dubrovnik). It is a small town with dramatic white mountains shooting straight up all around it.

The Cetina River cuts the town in half and is a popular spot for whitewater rafting, water-biking, SUP, and other water-based tours. Omis even has some pirate history, which adds to the intrigue of this picturesque town even more.

Morning: Zip Line Tour

Zip lining in Omis is epic because it takes you through the white mountain peaks over forests and the Cetina River. The course consists of 8 zip lines that are as high as 150 metres (496 feet) in the sky. On the longest one, you can even fly as fast as 65 km/hour.

Zip line tours start with a safety tutorial, and you’ll be with two guides. They include all transportation. It’s a great way to experience more of Omis’ dramatic landscape combined with a thrilling adventure.

Lunch – Grab Lunch at Pizzeria Antula 

I was shocked by how delicious Croatia’s pizza was. We ate it in about every town and city we travelled through. Omis’ Pizzeria ANTULA restaurant takes the cake for the best pizza we had in Croatia. We were in Omis for 3 days and ate there every day. It can get quite busy at lunch and dinner hours, so you might have to wait, but it is so worth it.

Afternoon: Explore Omiš Old Town & Mirabella Fortress

Omis’ old town is very small and has narrow stone alleyways lined with shops and restaurants. You can get amazing photos of the pretty stone buildings and their colorful shutters, with the jagged white cliffs visible between them.

After wandering the old town, follow the signs on the street corners to get to Mirabella Fortress. The fortress was built in the 13th century and looms about halfway up the mountain, right above Omis’ old town.

The hike up the stone stairs to the top takes about 15 minutes, with several viewpoints to stop at as you go. At the top, you’ll find the best viewpoint in the entire town. There is a fortress that sits even higher on top of the same mountain, called Stari Grad Fortress. It is also worth the 45-minute climb for the views, but I found Mirabella’s viewpoints produced better photos because you can get images of the actual town in more detail with the jagged mountains backdropping it.

After hiking to the Mirabella Fortress, spend some time at Omis’ best beach – Velika Plaza. The beach is right beside the old town. It has a wide sandy beach portion with shallow, clear waters. The best part is the views of the white cliffs behind it, which make it very unique from the other beautiful beaches in Croatia.

Day 7: Dubrovnik’s Magic at Night

The drive to Dubrovnik from Omis takes about 3.5 hours, whether you’re in a rental car or on the bus. The route drives through mountain towns with occasional views of the Dalmatian coast.

Getting to Dubrovnik requires a border crossing. There is a 12 km stretch of land that belongs to Bosnia & Herzegovina and breaks up Croatia’s coast. You’ll cross into Bosnia for only about 15 minutes before crossing back into Croatia. The border crossing adds extra time to make the drive closer to 3.5 hours from Omis. You’ll have to get out and get your passport checked at each crossing.

Afternoon: Arrive in Dubrovnik & Explore Old Town

Dubrovnik is called the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and is a perfectly preserved medieval masterpiece. It is situated right on the water of the Dalmatian Coast with ancient city walls that stretch high above its alleys and marble streets.

After getting settled in Dubrovnik, take a stroll around its iconic old town. There are lots of stunning alleyways, sweeping stone stairways, and interesting features on the giant walls that surround the town. For your first night there, I highly recommend doing an evening walking tour of Old Town. Dubrovnik is already magical, but touring it at night adds a whole extra element.

Dubrovnik is one of those cities where a historic walking tour is a must. The tours take you from medieval times, when it was built in the 7th century, all the way to more recent times when it was involved in the Yugoslav War in 1991. It gives you a much deeper appreciation for the city, its walls, and all the landmarks that would otherwise just be pretty photo-ops. After the walking tour, grab a late dinner at one of its stunning alleyway restaurants:

Dinner Recommendation

• Taj Mahal – Despite the name, this is one of the best Bosnian restaurants in Dubrovnik. They have a cozy setting and serve cevapi, burek, and meat platters.
• Restaurant 360 – If you want a fine dining experience, this is a Michelin-starred restaurant built into part of Dubrovnik’s city walls. It has insane views over the harbour and the food is once-in-a-lifetime. It’s super pricey, so I didn’t eat here, but after seeing its reviews, I added it to my bucket list.
• Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant – This restaurant sits right in the main harbour and serves local seafood. They often have live music in the summer.
• PIZZERIA OLIVA – I ended up eating here twice in Dubrovnik because of its delicious Italian food and more affordable pricing. Their outdoor seating lines one of the cobblestoned alleys, which makes for a nice ambiance.

Day 8: Dubrovnik’s Iconic City Walls, Old Town, and Swimming Spots

For the first full day of your 2 days in Dubrovnik, get up bright and early to experience Dubrovnik’s best thing to do – Walking the perimeter of the old town on Dubrovnik’s looming city walls. Dubrovnik’s city walls were built in the 13th century and completely encircle the old town. They offer the best views over the orange rooftops, sparkling Adriatic Sea, and nearby Lokrum island.

The entire circuit is about 2 km long and takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to walk. There are two cafes along the walls facing the Adriatic where you can stop and enjoy a drink with a view. The maritime museum entrance is along the route, and the back portion of the wall closest to Mount Srd has the highest viewpoint at Fort Minčeta.

With this being Dubrovnik’s most popular thing to do, we decided to start almost immediately after the walls opened to avoid some of the crowds. It made such a big difference. Even if you’re not a morning person, I HIGHLY recommend getting to the walls for opening. We spent a solid 3 hours enjoying the walls, and by the time we reached the end of the loop, hordes of tourists were starting the walk. If you want the best photos of the city walls, getting there early is important.

Wander Old Town – Franciscan Monastery & Rector’s Palace

After finishing the City Walls, start exploring Dubrovnik’s historic old town points of interest. The Franciscan Monastery is only a step away from the city wall’s exit.

Franciscan Monastery in Dubrovnik

This 14th-century monastery has Gothic style architecture and the oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1317. It is a quiet reprieve from the crowds in the city and was one of my favourite landmarks in the old town. It’s also a great place to visit when it rains in Dubrovnik.

Highlights of the Monastery

• Cloister Courtyard – Built with large Roman pillars framing a small garden courtyard, this is one of the most peaceful spots to visit in Dubrovnik. The garden is lush with greenery, purple flowers, and a fountain.
• Old Pharmacy – The monastery’s apothecary was started over 700 years ago and still operates today. It has ancient pharmaceutical tools, old medicine recipes, and rare manuscripts.
• Library – The monastic library holds over 20,000 rare manuscripts, some dating back to the 10th century.

Onofrio’s Fountain & Stroll Down Stradun

After visiting the monastery, take a step outside to admire Onofrio’s Fountain. It is a 16-sided stone fountain that was built in 1438 by an Italian architect. You can fill your water bottle from one of its stone spouts that constantly pour fresh water brought down from the Dubrovnik River. After filling your water bottle, stroll down the marble pedestrian street called Stradun. The street was originally made of smooth limestone but has turned to polished marble after centuries of people walking on it.

Rector’s Palace & Sponza Palace

Next, visit the Rector’s Palace. This was once the seat of government for Dubrovnik and now has a museum inside with centuries-old artifacts, portraits, and remnants of the city’s past. My favourite part of this museum was actually the courtyard just inside the entrance. Sunlight pours in to make the white stone glow.

Swim & Have Drinks at Buža Bar

After lunch, check out the coolest swimming spot in Dubrovnik, Buza Bar. Buza bar is a small hole-in-the-wall bar that is quite literally located through a small hole in the old town walls. The bar sits on a series of stone cliffs and platforms on the outer portion of the walls, with steps down to the water. It’s a cliffside bar with amazing views of the Adriatic, cliff jumping, and a stone platform to lay your towel down to enjoy the sun.

They serve beer and cocktails in a completely unique setting. I recommend visiting in the afternoon because it can get quite busy for sunset hours.

End the Day with a Relaxing Evening

For your final activity of the day, simply stroll through the old town’s streets, trying to explore as much of them as you can. There are so many hidden alleyways and winding streets that are each so unique. One of my favourite things to do in Dubrovnik was just wandering, seeing adorable new corners of the city, and taking photos as I went. Make sure to walk along the city’s harbour,

Day 9: Dubrovnik – Mount Srd and Beachside Drinks

Morning: Lovrijenac Fortress – The “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik”

You can’t leave Dubrovnik without making the short hike up to Lovrijenac Fortress. This is the imposing fortress perched on a cliff face directly across from Old Town. It was built in the 13th century to defend against Venetian invasions and now hosts unique concerts and events.

The fortress itself is nothing special compared to others in Croatia, but the highlight is the insane views you get of Dubrovnik’s old town. It sits directly across from the tall stone walls, so you can get some amazing photos of the old town on the rocky sea cliffs.

Midday: Cable Car to Mount Srđ & Lunch at Panoramic Restaurant

Another fantastic activity on your 10-day Croatia itinerary is to overlook Dubrovnik’s old town from Mount Srd. It is the mountain behind Dubrovnik and has a cable car up to the top.

The cable car platform is 405 metres above sea level, so you’ll have a complete view of Dubrovnik’s old town, orange rooftops and all. At the top, you’ll find a restaurant, viewpoints, an old fortress with a museum inside, buggy safari tours, and even some hiking trails.

Lunch at Panoramic Restaurant

Before heading back down into Old Town, grab lunch at the Restaurant Panorama. It has a beautiful patio with white umbrellas looking down over the old town. It serves Dalmatian specialties like grilled seafood and black risotto.

Afternoon: Swim at Dubrovnik’s Best Hidden Swimming Spot

After lunch, head to a secret swim spot in Dubrovnik. It’s on a rocky section near the old port with stone platforms for sunbathing and ladders to get in and out of the water. This swimming spot is far less crowded than the main beaches in Dubrovnik and is unique for being on the city walls.

Evening: Dinner & Drinks on Banje Beach

Spend your last evening in Dubrovnik soaking up the atmosphere at Banje Beach. Head to Banje Beach Restaurant and Lounge for dinner. You’ll be right on the beach with views over Dubrovnik’s old town and the illuminated city walls as the sun goes down. If you have some more time on your 10-day Croatia itinerary, you can also choose to spend at least 4 days in Dubrovnik. There is simply so much to do and see.

Day 10: Lokrum Island and Back to Split

Spend your final morning of your 10-day Croatia itinerary on Lokrum Island. Lokrum is a tiny island visible from the old town. It is easy to get to, only 15 minutes by ferry. The island is a nature reserve with no cars, hotels, or permanent residents on it. There are just a couple of restaurants and public facilities.

Lokrum Island has botanical gardens with wild peacocks roaming around, swimming coves along the coastline, and a fortress at the top of a hill with views of Dubrovnik’s old town. When you get there, grab one of the island maps that has all the points of interest numbered.

The first ferry to Lokrum is at 9 am in the morning. Hop on that one to make the most of your last day, but also to escape the crowds. When you get to the island, no one else will be there except your boat that has just arrived.

Things To Do on Lokrum Island

• Swimming in rocky coves: There are swimming spots with ledges and ladders leading into the sea along the entire coast of Lokrum Island. You’ll come across many of them as you walk the island’s trails, and some of the best are right beside where the ferry docks.
• Hike to Fort Royal: The fort ruins are at the highest point of Lokrum Island. The fort was built by Napoleon’s army, but now has the best 360-degree views of the island and the nearby old town. The fort itself is also eerie and cool to explore. It takes about 20 minutes to hike to the top from the main trails by the ferry dock.

Early Afternoon: Return to Dubrovnik & Travel to Split

After exploring Lokrum, take the ferry back to Dubrovnik’s Old Port and grab a quick lunch before catching your transport back to Split. Your 10-day Croatia itinerary has come to an end.

Final Thoughts on the Perfect 10-Day Croatia Itinerary

Croatia’s medieval cities, dramatic fortresses, island sunsets, and secret swim spots make for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. With this 10-day Croatia itinerary, you’ll get a taste of the country’s best places to visit, like Split, Hvar Island, Omis, and Dubrovnik. You’ll find insider tips for making the most of every stop and discover hidden gems I only found once actually being there. I left already planning to return, and I hope this guide helps you feel the same.

Don’t forget to save this 10-day Croatia itinerary for your trip!