Looking to spend one week in Croatia? Perfect. You can see Split, Dubrovnik and the island of Hvar for three unique destinations all with amazing access to the Adriatic Sea. Seven days is a perfect amount of time for your first visit to these cities.

This itinerary is based off of my extremely similar itinerary from June-July of 2025. My friends and I loved Croatia in a way we had never expected to.

The breakdown

You’ll start your week in Split. When I followed this itinerary, I flew to Split from Rome. It was a short flight – just under one hour.

Days 1-4: You’ll stay in Split with a day trip to Hvar.

Days 5-7: After a ferry ride on day 5, you’ll spend the rest of your week in Dubrovnik.

Day 1: Split

Today is your arrival day in Split, Croatia.

Get to know the Old Town! It’s easy to dive right into if you’re staying near the Old Town, or in it. You’ll fall in love with the historic feel, the ocean front Riva Promenade, and the sights and symbols of Croatia all around.

Picture yourself browsing shops with authentic olive oil and truffles, tasting food with a Mediterranean influence, being surrounded by the bluest water contrasted with Roman architecture.

While you’re in Split, you need to:

• Walk the Riva Promenade
• Take a tour of Diocletian’s Palace
• See the Cathedral of St. Dominus and the Bell Tower
• Shop for souvenirs (Don’t skip Adriatic Memories!)
• Visit a public beach

You’ll fall in love with the energy of Split right away – I know I did.

For dinner, get dressed up and grab pizza at Portas.

Then enjoy the bustling promenade at night in one of the many bars.

I was so surprised by the nightlife! The young crowds, busy bars and music all along the promenade. It was a party after sunset.

Day 2: Day trip to Hvar

This morning, you are going to grab a quick breakfast on the Riva Promenade on your way over to the port. Catch your 1 hour ferry to the island of Hvar.

Hvar is one of the Dalmatian Islands off the coast of Croatia. It’s sunny, bright, and blue.

Explore the center of the town, maybe opt for a historical walking tour, and watch the luxury yachts dock at the ports.

Eventually, arrive at Beach Club Hvar. This beach club is extremely chic and has spectacular views. Relax and enjoy being one just away from swimming in the Adriatic Sea.

Make sure you book your reservation at Beach Club Hvar in advance! A single bed is 60 euros for the day, and most have a front row view of the water.

Day 3: Boat day!

Today is an easy day, and a wildly fun one, too! All you have to do is book your ticket on the Summer Blue’s Catamaran and spend the day swimming in the Adriatic sea and dancing on a catamaran.

The boat day was one of my favorite days for sure. The Summer Blue’s staff is fun and friendly. They take you to three different swimming spots around the Pakleni Islands, you get a hour or so of free time on Hvar, and there’s music, fresh fruit and great vibes as you sail the Adriatic.

It’s a long day – 10 hours port to port. Be prepared to be in the sun all day.

This guided day trip makes for a memorable day at sea that you can’t miss if you find yourself in Split.

Day 4: Split

Start your day by taking a walk around the Old Town before the crowds. And treat yourself to some seriously good brunch at Ciri Biri Bella.

Spend the rest of the day lounging on the beautiful public beaches, like Kasjuni or Bacvice Beach. The beaches here are worth the visit. They are pebble beaches, so be prepared for some painful steps into the sea.

Another great part about the beaches? There are so many public beaches. Just show up with your towel to enjoy.

Day 5: Travel day (Off to Dubrovnik!)

Wake up early so you can catch your 4.5 hour ferry from Split to Dubrovnik. Settle in, unpack, and unwind…

…By early afternoon, you have to be at Buza Bar, an incredibly fun (and literal) hole in the wall. Exit the city walls to a cliff side bar with swimming, cliff jumping, and ocean views.

Buza Bar is an incredibly hip hangout spot.

Cross your fingers that you can find a table with an upfront view. Drink, swim, and chat all afternoon with the Adriatic Sea as your view.

In the evening, make your first visit to the center of the Old Town. Enjoy the night there. Tomorrow, you’ll see it all in the daylight.

Day 6: Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is rich with history, and some Game of Thrones filming spots which might be cool to see if you’re a fan!

First things first: take a tour walking the city walls for insane views. But aside a few hours for this, and bring your water.

When it’s time for lunch, you won’t want to miss the food at Lady Pi Pi. It’s in such a peaceful part of the old town – a little more secluded, quiet and peaceful. The walk there is quite uphill, but so worth it for the octopus salad.

The afternoon is yours! Do what speaks to you in Dubrovnik. But get ready because…

Tonight, you’re going clubbing! And it’s not just any club – you’re going to Revelin, a club in an old castle located in Old Town Dubrovnik.

Either sign up to be part of a pub crawl like my friends and I did (where the last stop of the night is Revelin!) or, go on your own. But even if you aren’t the biggest fan of clubbing, this is an incredibly unique experience.

Yes, it is expensive, as most clubs are, to buy drinks inside. But you don’t need to – make it your last stop of the night, and all you have to do is pay the entry. Being at Revelin is more for the vibe of the cave ambiance and the music from the DJs.

Check clubbing in a medieval fortress off your bucket list after tonight!

Day 7: Dubrovnik (Last day)

You had a full day yesterday, so lounge today at Banje Beach. Get there early to claim your spot.

Bring your water shoes, or don’t! This beach is rocky, but once you get into the water and can tread, it’s wonderful.

The water was cool and refreshing in the intense summer heat, and the views were those that make you say “Wow, I never want to leave here!”

Head back into the Old Town for some take away sandwiches from Franco Romano. Enjoy a sweet treat, maybe gelato, and stock up on some waters. Then head back to the beach.

End the night at Moskar in the Old Town for excellent pasta and seafood. (My truffle gnocchi and octopus salad actually take the cake as the best meal I had in Croatia).

Try some of the Croatian white wines they serve for one more authentic taste of Dubrovnik.

Time to book your flight

If you follow this itinerary, your days in Croatia will be full. Your stomach will definitely be full, too. Just don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, your watershoes (?) and your camera.

If you get the privilege to visit any of these cities, here’s your reminder to be present. Just enjoy existing in such a remarkable place – that’s what I want to remember to do more of next time I’m in Croatia.