EXPLORING CROATIA IN 10 DAYS: THE ULTIMATE SOUTH CROATIA ITINERARY (2026)
If you’re looking for an itinerary to help you explore southern Croatia in 10 days, I really try to do that with this one!
When you only have 10 days to see Croatia, it can be difficult to decide what to prioritise and how to organise your trip. While I also have a more fast-paced 10-day itinerary that covers the country from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, this one is more laid-back. In this one I focused only on the southern part of the country, so you could truly enjoy the coast without constantly rushing from place to place. It’s also shorter and more to the point, with several additional resources you can use to help plan your trip in more detail.
As a local Croatian, I’ll probably still suggest a few too many options, but that just gives you flexibility to adapt the itinerary to your own travel style. This is exactly how I would spend 10 days in southern Croatia!
Short on time?
This is how you’ll explore Croatia in 10 days with this itinerary:
• You’ll get to walk Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and streets, and swim on sandy beaches at Lopud
• You’ll take a lovely day trip from Dubrovnik
• You will explore Korcula, Croatia’s most beautiful island (in my opinion!)
• You’ll experience Hvar through beaches, old towns, nightlife, and the Pakleni Islands
• You’ll walk through Split’s lively Old Town and see the waterfalls of Krka National Park
It really doesn’t get much better than this, so save this itinerary for later!
WHAT DOES THIS CROATIA 10-DAY ITINERARY INCLUDE?
- Which historic towns you should visit: Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, Split (optional day trips: Mostar, Kotor, Cavtat, Ston)
- What islands and beaches are worth visiting: Lopud, Brac (optional), Hvar’s Pakleni Islands
- What natural beauties you have to see: Krka National Park
- How to get around Croatia: Ferries between islands, car rental optional for flexibility
WHERE TO STAY IN EACH OF THE PLACES IN CROATIA?
CROATIA IN 10 DAYS – THE ULTIMATE ITINERARY FOR SOUTH CROATIA
DUBROVNIK – 4 DAYS
Start your trip in Dubrovnik. The city is very well connected to the rest of Europe and even the US, so it’s one of the easiest starting points for your holiday. It’s absolutely beautiful, and there’s plenty to see and do both in and around the town, so four days is just enough time to properly explore Dubrovnik without feeling rushed. I’ve spend several summers in Dubrovnik, so I have some really great recommendations for you!
Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik
- Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls
- Stroll down Stradun, the main street of the old town
- See the sunset at Mount Srd via cable car
- Swim at Banje Beach or Sveti Jakov Beach
- Visit Fort Lovrijenac
Best Dubrovnik tips you must know
- Book the Dubrovnik Pass for museums, restaurants, and transport discounts
- Walk the walls early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
- For sandy beaches, take a short ferry to Lopud Island
- Eat at restaurants off Stradun Street for better value
- Walk the Lapad Promenade at sunset for amazing views
Dubrovnik 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Walk down Stradun, visit the Dubrovnik Cathedral, wander through the narrow side streets, and enjoy some of the city’s amazing restaurants. End your day with sunset drinks at Buza Bar, because it’s one of the most unique spots in town for a drink with a view (I love it!)
Helpful Blog Posts:
- How to Easily Reach Dubrovnik Old Town from the Airport
- Dubrovnik Old Town Guide: Hotels, Things to Do, Restaurants & Hidden Gems
Day 2: Start your day with an early walk along the iconic Walls of Dubrovnik to avoid the crowds and enjoy the views in peace. Then visit the museums included in your Dubrovnik Pass for a more detailed history lesson. In the afternoon, you can relax at Banje Beach or Sv. Jakov Beach, both are absolutely stunning. To end the day, take the cable car (or an Uber) up to Mount Srd for sunset. This is my favourite thing to do in Dubrovnik because the panoramic views are absolutely unforgettable. If it’s in your budget, book a table at Panorama for dinner. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Helpful Blog Posts:
Day 3: Go for a day trip! Dubrovnik has so many incredible options to choose from, and this is the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the Old Town. These are some of my favourites!
- Lopud Island – best for swimming at sandy beaches, an hour away by ferry
- Mostar (BiH) – culture, history, local food, need a car or a tour
- Cavtat – charming coastal town near Dubrovnik, can reach it by bus, Uber, water taxi
- Ston – amazing oyster tastings and the second-longest walls in the world, use car, bus, or a tour
- Kotor (Montenegro) – incredibly charming old town, best visited by car or tour
Day 4: Relax and explore Lapad Bay before grabbing a ferry to Korcula. Lapad has an absolutely gorgeous seaside promenade and some excellent restaurants, so it’s definitely worth visiting even though it’s not right next to the Old Town. It’s the perfect place to relax a bit before continuing to one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands.
Helpful Blog post:
KORCULA – 2 DAYS
Korcula is an absolutely incredible island and, in my opinion, one of the prettiest in Croatia. While you won’t be able to explore the entire island in just two days, it’s still completely worth visiting. You can explore the cobbled streets of beautiful Korcula Old Town, visit the Marco Polo Museum, and relax at some of the nearby beaches. You can also take a day trip to explore more of the surrounding islands and coastline.
Top Things to Do in Korcula
- Explore Korcula Old Town
- Visit the Marco Polo Museum
- Relax on Lumbarda’s sandy beaches
- Do a wine tour on Korcula or Peljesac
- Dine at traditional konobas
Best tips you must know for Korcula
- Agree on taxi fares before the ride
- Rent a scooter or come with a car to explore the island
- You can reach Orebic in 15 minutes if you want to explore it
Korcula 2-Day Itinerary
Day 5: Explore Korcula Old Town by wandering its charming narrow streets. The old town is my favourite part of the whole island, so give it enough time! Visit the Marco Polo Museum, browse local shops for authentic souvenirs, and end your day with a delicious dinner at a traditional konoba.
Day 6: If you’re looking to relax, head to the sandy beaches of Lumbarda. For a more active day, go on a wine tour on Korcula or nearby Peljesac. In the evening, catch a ferry to Hvar and continue your island adventure!
HVAR – 2 DAYS
Hvar is another incredible Croatian island that you absolutely must visit. I love it because the island offers so much to see and do, and even though you can’t fit everything into two days, you’ll still get a wonderful taste of Hvar’s charm.
I’ve suggested two nights on Korcula and two days on Hvar because I believe both islands are worth visiting. Of course, you could also choose to spend all four days on one island if you’d rather explore only one island is a more relaxed way!
Top Things to Do on Hvar
- Explore Hvar Old Town
- Go to Spanish Fortress (Fortica) for sunset
- Take a boat tour to Pakleni Islands for swimming and quiet beaches
- Visit Stari Grad’s historic town
- Enjoy nightlife and waterfront dining
Best tips you must know for Hvar
- Book hotels and Pakleni Islands trips early if you’re visiting in peak season
- Rent a scooter or come with a car to reach beaches and villages (Zarace, Stari Grad, Jelsa)
- Visit main sights early or late to avoid crowds
- Expect it to be more crowded than Korcula
Hvar 2-Day Itinerary
Day 7: Explore Hvar Town by strolling along its gorgeous harbour promenade. In the evening, climb up to the Spanish Fortress for sunset and enjoy the best panoramic views of the town and sea. Finish the day with a delicious dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants!
Day 8: If you want to go swimming, take a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands or relax at Dubovica Beach. If swimming isn’t on your agenda, spend some time exploring Stari Grad before catching a ferry to Split.
Helpful Blog Post:
SPLIT – 2 DAYS
Finally, your last stop is Split, Croatia’s second-largest city and one of the most popular destinations on the coast. While Split is a large city, the Old Town, which is a must-see, is fairly small, so you won’t need more than a day to explore it. There are plenty of other sights and experiences to enjoy during your two days in Split. At the end of your trip, fly back home from Split!
Top Things to Do in Split
- Explore the Old Town and the Diocletian’s Palace
- Walk the Riva promenade
- Climb Marjan Hill for panoramic views
- Go for a swim at Kasjuni or Znjan Beach
- Take a day trip to Omis, Trogir, or Krka National Park
Best tips you must know for Split
- Stay within or near Old Town
- Visit Diocletian’s Palace early or late to avoid crowds
- Watch out for slippery stone streets
Split 2-Day Itinerary
Day 9: Use your first day in Split to explore Diocletian’s Palace, the streets of the Old Town, climb Marjan Hill for panoramic views, and finish the day with a delicious dinner (for budget-friendly Buffet Fife, for mid-range Bakra).
Day 10: On day two in Split, you can either relax on the city’s beaches or take a tour (or rent a car) for a day trip. Here are some of my favourite day trips from Split to help you make the most of your time!
- Krka National Park – gorgeous waterfalls, easily reachable by tour or car
- Omis – a charming town perfect for adventurists, you can go by car or bus
- Trogir – a lovely town very close to Split, you can reach it by car or bus
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS IF YOU HAVE EXTRA TIME!
- Plitvice Lakes National Park instead of Krka – even more beautiful but requires longer travel
- Brac or Vis Island – more “authentic” than Hvar, perfect for nature lovers
- Makarska Riviera – the place with the best beaches in Croatia
FAQS: CROATIA IN 10 DAYS
Is 10 days in Croatia enough?
You can’t see everything, but it’s enough to see the main attractions in south Croatia like Dubrovnik, Dalmatian islands, Split, and Krka National Park without rushing. If you can add a few days you could see even more of Croatia!
Where to start exploring Croatia?
I’d recommend starting in Dubrovnik and finishing in Split for the classic coastal route, but you can also reverse it, starting in Split and ending in Dubrovnik. If you want to explore all of Croatia in 10 days, check out my other 10-day itinerary that starts in Zagreb and finishes in Dubrovnik!
Do I need a car in Croatia?
That really depends on your travel style. I personally always recommend renting a car because Croatia is best explored on your own schedule. That way you get the most flexibility, can visit hidden spots, and explore the islands more easily.
However, if you prefer not to drive, you can still do this entire itinerary using ferries between the islands, and rent a scooter or rely on taxis once you arrive. While a car isn’t strictly necessary, I’d highly recommend it for maximum freedom and convenience.
Can I do Krka and Plitvice in one trip?
I really wouldn’t recommend combining the two. Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park are too far apart for a single day trip. You’ll need a few hours to properly enjoy Krka and at least 4–5 hours for Plitvice, so trying to do both in one day would make for an extremely tiring experience. Here’s a comparison guide to help you decide which one is better for you!
MY PERSONAL TAKE ON SEEING SOUTH CROATIA IN 10 DAYS
If you have 10 days to explore southern Croatia, you’re in for an amazing experience. I try to include as many locations as possible in my itineraries because I love Croatia and there’s so much to see. However, focusing on Dubrovnik, Split, and one or two islands is the perfect balance. You’ll see the highlights while still having time to relax and enjoy your holiday without rushing. If it’s your first visit, I truly believe this itinerary is ideal!
CONCLUSION: CROATIA IN 10 DAYS
Croatia is absolutely doable in 10 days, especially if you focus on southern Croatia. The destinations in this itinerary are the ones you truly must see, and having enough time to explore them without rushing will make your 10 days unforgettable!
Helpful resources for planning your Croatia trip 🇭🇷
• Find your accommodation on Booking.com, Expedia.com or Hotels.com, depending on your budget and preferences
• Rent your car with DiscoverCars
• Buy your ferry tickets at Jadrolinija, TP Line, or Krilo
• Find your public transport options on Omio
• Get your e-Sim from SimLocal
• Grab your tours and entrance tickets at GetYourGuide, Viator, or Tiqets
