7 days in Dalmatia for a first visit to Croatia

Day 1 – Old Town, the sea, and your first sunset in Split

Split • Riva and Old Town

Start your first day in Split as soon as you arrive in the morning, without too much rush, but with a good plan that follows the city’s natural rhythm. If this is your first time here, we recommend reading Top 15 things you need to know about Split , so you can find your way around more easily and make the most of your stay. It is best to stay in an apartment close to the center so that you can explore most locations on foot. Split is actually smaller in area than many people expect, so most of the main sights are easily reachable by walking. If you do not feel like walking, city buses run frequently and are well connected to the rest of the city. You can easily buy tickets via the Promet Split app, where they are often cheaper, and it is also practical for transportation from the airport to the city center.

Right after arriving, head out to explore Diocletian’s Palace, the heart of Split and one of the most impressive Roman complexes in the Mediterranean. Walk through the Peristyle, step into the palace cellars, visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and do not forget to stop by the statue of Gregory of Nin – they say touching his toe brings good luck.

After that, continue at an easy pace toward the Riva, the city’s main seaside promenade, and then on to Marmont Street, the best-known shopping zone in Split. This is the perfect part of the day for a relaxed walk, coffee or ice cream, and soaking up the city’s atmosphere.

For lunch, choose trusted places in the center such as Bokamora, Konoba Fetivi, Villa Spiza, or Adriatic Grašo. Here you will get an excellent introduction to Dalmatian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.

After lunch, it is time for the sea. The closest option to the center is Bačvice, known for its shallow water and sandy bottom, while Kašjuni on Marjan is a better choice if you are looking for cleaner water and a somewhat calmer setting. Both options are great for your first true “Mediterranean reset.”

Set aside the late afternoon for sunset. Walk toward the West Coast promenade and continue to Sustipan, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Split. The view of the sea, the islands, and the boats in the harbor at this time of day is truly special.

End the evening in the city with dinner and drinks. Good options for dinner are Konoba Matejuška (fish), Villa Spiza, or Basta (pizza), and for drinks you can choose Fabrique Pub, Central Club, or one of the many bars within Diocletian’s Palace itself. Split at night has a special energy and is worth experiencing without rushing.

Day 2 – Excursion, nature, and evening Split from a different perspective

Blue Lagoon • Islands and excursion

Start your second day more actively, with one of the most popular options – a half-day 3 islands tour (approximately 09:30 – 14:00). These tours usually include a visit to Trogir, swimming at the Blue Lagoon, and a stop in Maslinica on Šolta. It is a quick and attractive way to experience the islands even if your time is limited.

If you prefer to stay on the mainland, an excellent alternative is a visit to Salona, once the main Roman city of Dalmatia, or a trip to Klis Fortress, known for its spectacular view and scenes from Game of Thrones.

After returning to Split, it is time for lunch and a short rest. In the center, you can again choose trusted options such as Uje Oil Bar or Bokeria. If you have a car and want a more local experience, an excellent choice is Familija restaurant in Žrnovnica, not far from Split. After lunch there, you can take a walk along the Žrnovnica River, which offers a completely different, calmer experience compared to the city rhythm.

In the late afternoon, return toward Split and head to Marjan Forest Park. A walk through the pine forest and the view from the lookout over the city and islands is one of the most beautiful moments of a stay in Split. If you are looking for more ideas for being active and spending time outdoors, check out how to spend time actively in Split .

End the day at Žnjan, a newly renovated city plateau that becomes one of the liveliest places in the city in the evening. Here you can enjoy dinner, drinks in modern bars, night swimming, or even play beach volleyball under the lights.

Tip: in summer, temperatures are high, so plan activities early in the morning and in the late afternoon, and use the hottest part of the day for the sea or resting in the shade.

Day 3 – An excursion or a slow transfer toward Makarska

Krka National Park • An oasis of peace

You can use the third day in two ways, depending on the pace you want and whether a bit more exploring suits you before heading to the sea.

If you want a more active day, take a trip to Šibenik and Krka National Park. If you are still not sure why this trip is a must-do, read 4 reasons why you must visit Krka National Park . By car, it takes about 1 hour from Split, and organized tours and bus lines that depart daily from the city take a similar amount of time. Krka is one of those trips that leaves a strong first impression – arranged walking paths, waterfalls, and nature provide a completely different rhythm from the previous two city days. This is the more active option and includes more driving, but it is doable if you want to make the most of the day.

If a slower pace suits you better, you can head straight to Makarska. The drive takes about 1 hour, but during the season and with traffic on the coastal road, it can easily stretch to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The seaside route is very scenic, so the journey itself becomes part of the experience.

Upon arrival in Makarska, it is recommended to stay in the Donja luka zone or by the waterfront, where you are closest to the beach, restaurants, and evening events. After check-in, leave your things and head straight to the sea.

For the first day, Donja luka beach is ideal because of its proximity to the center, while Cvitačka is a great choice if you want a calmer setting and cleaner sea. Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing without too much planning – that is exactly the best introduction to Makarska’s rhythm.

In the late afternoon, take a walk along the Makarska waterfront, which is the heart of evening life. Here you will find numerous cafés, ice cream shops, and restaurants, and the atmosphere is lively yet still relaxed.

Good choices for dinner are Hrpina, Konoba Kalalarga, or Restoran Riva. After that, stay for drinks by the sea – the first day in Makarska is best ended slowly, without rushing.

Day 4 – Makarska and a true summer day by the sea

Makarska • A blend of nature and town

The fourth day is reserved for complete rest and enjoying the sea. This is a day without a strict schedule – the focus is on swimming, sunshine, and the slower pace that Makarska naturally brings.

Start the day by going to the beach earlier to avoid the biggest heat and crowds. Combine swimming and relaxing in the shade, and around noon take a break for lunch in one of the beach bars or seaside restaurants.

The easiest options are Cvitačka and Biloševac. Cvitačka offers a nicer setting and a somewhat calmer atmosphere, while Biloševac is a practical choice if you want to stay close to facilities and have everything at hand.

If you want to explore a bit, it is worth going to Nugal, one of the most beautiful and most hidden beaches in the area, reached by a short walk through nature. For a quieter day without crowds, Ramova is also a good option, while Tučepi is ideal if you want long, well-kept beaches with plenty of space, and you can find extra inspiration in the guide 5 most beautiful beaches of the Makarska Riviera .

Spend the afternoon visiting Skywalk Biokovo, one of the most attractive viewpoints in Croatia. The glass platform offers a spectacular view of the Makarska Riviera and the islands, and the road to the top passes through the impressive landscape of Biokovo Nature Park. The drive to the Skywalk takes about 30 minutes, and it is best to check opening hours and entry conditions in advance on the official Biokovo Nature Park website (most often until 19:00). You can also switch the schedule around and visit the Skywalk in the morning, leaving the beach for later.

In the late afternoon, walk through the town and along the waterfront, and for a sweet break stop for pancakes at Romana, which are among the most famous in Makarska.

End the evening with a light dinner and drinks by the sea. If you want a livelier atmosphere, there is often music and events along the waterfront and the beach, but you can still easily find a quieter corner to relax.

Makarska is ideal for exactly this kind of day – without too much planning, with the sea within easy reach and the feeling of a true summer holiday.

Day 5 – The journey to Dubrovnik and a relaxed start

Stradun • Dubrovnik Old Town

The drive from Makarska to Dubrovnik takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. It is one of the more beautiful coastal stretches, so it is worth setting off without rushing and perhaps making a short stop on the way.

For the final part of the trip, you do not necessarily need to stay inside Dubrovnik’s historic core. In practice, it is often more comfortable to choose accommodation in the surrounding area, especially if you want quieter evenings, easier parking, and somewhat more affordable accommodation. Good choices are Sustjepan, Zaton, Lapad, or the wider Dubrovnik area with good connections.

After arriving, have lunch at one of the restaurants such as Orsan, Konoba Veranda, or Panorama, depending on whether you are looking for something more relaxed by the sea or a more special view.

Use the afternoon for swimming and your first touch of Dubrovnik. Good options are Danče, Šulić, Buža, or Banje. Each of these spots offers a slightly different experience of the city and the sea – from swimming beneath the walls to better views of the old town.

Later, stroll through the old town, have ice cream on Stradun, and enjoy a drink in one of the narrow side streets. Dubrovnik in the evening has a completely different atmosphere than during the day: it is less scorching, the lights are softer, and the city feels even more impressive.

Day 6 – Dubrovnik in full glory

Mount Srđ • Spectacular view

The sixth day is reserved for Dubrovnik and its classics that are truly worth experiencing on a first visit. Start early to avoid the biggest crowds and the strongest sun.

What to see in Dubrovnik for the first time

• Stradun
• City Walls
• Old Pharmacy
• Rector’s Palace
• Lovrijenac

Start the day by walking the city walls while it is still not too crowded or too hot. After that, head down to Stradun and slowly explore the old town – walk through the narrow streets, step into the Rector’s Palace, and then visit the old pharmacy, one of the oldest in Europe.

If you plan to visit several attractions, it is recommended to get the Dubrovnik Pass, which often offers better value and easier organization, especially on a first visit when you want to see more in one day.

Around noon, take a lunch break – choose something lighter within the old town or just outside it to avoid the biggest crowds. After lunch is the ideal time for a short rest or escape from the heat.

Use the afternoon for the sea. The closest option is Banje Beach with a view of the old town, while Sveti Jakov is a better choice if you want something quieter and cleaner. If you are ready for a short drive outside the city, set aside time for Pasjača Beach – a hidden gem south of Dubrovnik, known for its steep cliffs and spectacular view.

In the late afternoon, visit Lovrijenac, an impressive fortress located outside the city walls. Besides offering one of the best views of Dubrovnik and the open sea, it often provides a calmer atmosphere than the main attractions.

In the early evening, take the cable car up to Srđ. The view of Dubrovnik from above is one of the best in Croatia and perfect for photos, especially before sunset. It is one of those moments that often remains among the strongest memories of the whole trip in the end.

In the evening, return to the city for dinner. A good option is to stay inside the old town for the atmosphere or go a little outside the walls for a more relaxed experience. After dinner, take a walk along Stradun – at night Dubrovnik has a completely different, calmer, almost cinematic atmosphere.

Tip: walk the city walls early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and use the hottest part of the day for lunch, the sea, and rest. Dubrovnik is far more pleasant when you do not try to “tick it off,” but to truly experience it.

Day 7 – Mljet or one more day by the sea

Mljet • Complete relaxation

The final day is best left flexible and adapted to the pace that suits you most. This is a day for a relaxed end to the trip – without rushing and without too much planning.

Option 1 – Mljet National Park

If you have the time, the best choice is to explore Mljet National Park, one of the most beautiful day trips from Dubrovnik. More details about organizing your trip and useful tips can be found in the guide for a day trip to Mljet from Dubrovnik.

The most common way to go is by catamaran or organized excursion from Dubrovnik. Fast boats (catamarans) usually depart from Gruž port in the morning between 8:00 and 9:00, and the ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to the ports of Pomena or Polače, which are located within or right next to the National Park.

The return is usually in the afternoon, between 16:00 and 18:00, which leaves you enough time to explore the park. The exact departure and return times depend on the season and the carrier, so it is recommended to check the schedule in advance. If you want an easier option without worrying about schedules, organized trips from Dubrovnik often include transport and entrance tickets.

Spend the day combining swimming, an easy walk, or cycling around the Big and Small Lake. A special experience is visiting the islet of Saint Mary, located in the middle of the Big Lake, reached by a short boat line included in the park entrance ticket.

This part of Mljet is known for its peace, crystal-clear sea, and untouched nature, making it ideal for a relaxed end to the trip.

Option 2 – one more day in Dubrovnik

If you want a calmer ending without extra moving around, stay in Dubrovnik and dedicate the day to the sea and relaxation.

For a more relaxed and local atmosphere, head toward Lapad and Babin Kuk. There you can spend the day at Copacabana Beach, one of the more arranged beaches in Dubrovnik, or enjoy Coral Beach Club, which offers sunbeds, drinks, and a great atmosphere for an easy end to the day by the sea.

Whichever option you choose, let the last day be simple – one more swim, a gentle walk, and the feeling that you have rounded off the trip without stress.

Quick overview of the trip by hour

Practical tips for the whole trip

• - Drink plenty of water because summer temperatures are high
• - Use sunscreen and be sure to bring SPF
• - Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day
• - Choose apartments close to the sea or the center to reduce driving
• - For Split and Dubrovnik, bring comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot
• - Do not try to see everything – leave room for enjoyment and spontaneity

- If you are looking for a more affordable holiday, you will save the most by booking accommodation a little outside the very center, choosing apartments instead of hotels for longer stays, and spending part of the day on local beaches instead of organized excursions.

Final tip: do not try to “do” Dalmatia

The biggest mistake on a first trip to Croatia is not missing an attraction, but trying to see too much in too little time. This route works precisely because it is realistic. In one week, you will get Split, part of the rhythm of the Makarska Riviera, a calmer stay by the sea, and a finish in Dubrovnik – without the feeling that you are constantly in the car or repacking suitcases.

If you want a first visit to Dalmatia that combines city, beaches, seaside apartments, local details, and enough freedom, these 7 days can be exactly the kind of trip that will make you want to return to Croatia.