Culture guide
Split · Croatia
Croatia Travel Guide
The Croatia guide: Zagreb, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik and the ferries.
8 min read · 7 days · Updated September 20, 2026
- croatia
- travel guide
- Destination
- Split, Croatia
- Duration
- 7 days
- Best time
- May-Jun
- Style
- Culture · Food · History
- Daily budget
- 110 EUR
Croatia's coast is a ferry map: Zagreb's capital calm inland, then Split's Roman palace, Hvar's lavender island, and Dubrovnik's walled pearl at the south — connected by catamarans and the coastal road. Planning figures: Zagreb ~€85/day, the coast €100–130.
The classic route: Zagreb (1–2) → Split (2–3) with island days → Dubrovnik (2–3) by ferry or coast road.
What this guide covers
The Coast Week
Zagreb to Dubrovnik.
Day 1
Zagreb
The funicular, the market, the museums.
Day 2
To Split
The palace at dusk; the Riva.
Day 3
Split — islands
Hvar or Brač by catamaran.
Day 4
Coast to Dubrovnik
The Pelješac oysters on the way.
Day 5
Dubrovnik — walls
The wall circuit at opening.
Day 6
Dubrovnik — islands
Lokrum and the kayak loop.
Day 7
Farewell
The last swim; DBV.
Where to Go
Split anchors the middle with Diocletian's Palace. Hvar and Brač are the island tier. Dubrovnik is the walled finale. Plitvice's lakes and Istria's truffle towns serve the inland-and-north trips.
- Classic: Zagreb 1 → Split 3 → Dubrovnik 3.
- Islands: Split 2 → Hvar 2 → Korčula 1 → Dubrovnik 2.
- Inland: Zagreb 2 → Plitvice 1 → Istria 3.
The Ferry Arithmetic
Catamarans (Krilo, Jadrolinija) run Split–Hvar–Korčula–Dubrovnik in high season — book days ahead in July–August. The coastal bus is the slower, cheaper alternative.
What to know before you go
Money
- Zagreb ~€85/day, the coast €100–130.
- Catamarans €15–40 per leg.
When
- May–June and September–October are ideal.
- July–August is peak cruise season — book ahead.
Turn this guide into a trip
The trip planner opens pre-filled with Split — adjust the dates and interests to fit your trip.
Plan around this destination
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Ready-made trips
Frequently asked questions
Split or Dubrovnik first?
Split — it's the transport hub with the islands. Dubrovnik finishes the route.
Is Croatia expensive?
The coast is mid-priced (€100–130/day); Zagreb is the value.
How many days for Croatia?
A week does the coast; ten adds Plitvice and Istria.