Croatia
Medieval towns, crystal-clear beaches and the best atmosphere on the Adriatic.
Croatia combines the best of several worlds: turquoise and blue waters like Greece, a short flight away with no border hassle, medieval architecture that makes you feel like you've stepped into Game of Thrones, a young Ibiza-style atmosphere with nightlife to enjoy in the evenings, and all of that at more accessible prices and with less crowding depending on the area.
It's a destination that surprises you because it changes character by the day: one moment you're lost among seven-hundred-year-old stone alleys, and the next you're jumping off a boat into a hidden cove with the clearest water you've ever seen.
Philosophy of this trip
This trip is designed to be:
- full of contrast → the elegance and history of Dubrovnik one day, the party and controlled chaos of Hvar the next
- optimized → without wasting time hunting for ferries or places to stay
- flexible → with more romantic stretches and more party stretches, so whoever you're travelling with finds their trip too
It's not a trip planned down to the minute — it's a structured guide so you have everything under control without losing your freedom.
Must-dos in Croatia
Dubrovnik's walls, early
Enter around 8:00 or 8:30 and allow 1.5 to 2 hours. First thing it's calm; at midday it fills up.
The Old Town at night
The Stradun, Onofrio's Fountain and Luža Square, and even better at night, when the crowds thin out.
A boat day
The 3-island tour includes blue caves, hidden beaches and small villages. Carry cash and sunscreen.
Beaches with character
Banje has direct views of the Old Town; Sveti Jakov is quieter. None have sand: bring water shoes.
Hvar's fortress and Dubovica
Climb to the fortress when you arrive, and the next morning go down to Dubovica beach, with turquoise water.
Beach clubs and the Pakleni Islands
Hula Hula and Carpe Diem for the party, and as a counterpoint the Pakleni Islands by taxi boat, hopping between coves.
Getting around
The Dubrovnik-Hvar route is done without a car: on foot in Dubrovnik, by ferry to Hvar and by taxi boat to the Pakleni Islands. Book the ferry in advance in high season: how to do it.
Who is it for?
It's a trip of contrasts: history and elegance in Dubrovnik, beaches and nightlife in Hvar, in just 7 days. If you're torn between the two, see Dubrovnik or Hvar.
Our favorite activities in Croatia
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Prepare your trip to Croatia
Best time to visit Croatia: summer, spring or autumn?
Croatia is very seasonal. Temperatures, sea temperature, atmosphere and prices in high, shoulder and low season, and what closes outside summer.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik: Old Town, Ploče or Lapad
Sleeping inside the walls or outside them changes the trip a lot. How to choose between the Old Town, Ploče and Lapad, with real hotels.
Dubrovnik to Hvar ferry, Croatia: how to book it
The ferry between Dubrovnik and Hvar is the key leg of the route. How long it takes, why to book ahead and how not to miss your flight home.
Best things to do in Croatia: our favorite experiences
Dubrovnik's walls first thing, a boat tour, Hvar's fortress, the beach clubs and the Pakleni Islands: what we recommend most in Croatia.
Croatia entry requirements: Schengen, EES and ETIAS
Croatia is in the Schengen area. Which documents you need depending on your nationality, how the EES works at the border and what's happening with ETIAS.
Where to stay in Hvar, Croatia: harbor or quiet bay
Sleeping at Hvar's harbor puts you in the middle of the party; Milna or Jelsa are the calm alternative. Real hotels by budget.