Split to Dubrovnik Itinerary: The Perfect 10-Day Coastal Route

Need a Split to Dubrovnik itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

Croatia’s coastline is massive. It spans approximately 1,100 miles and this doesn’t even include the many islands just off the coast.

We’ve traveled the full length of the country, from Istria in the north all the way down to Dubrovnik in the south.

There are so many places to explore in Croatia so pinpointing an area to focus on might feel a little challenging.

First-time visitors may want to focus on some of the more popular destinations like Split and Dubrovnik.

Repeat visitors might be more inclined to visit the less-traveled and smaller coastal towns.

That’s the beauty of this 10-day Split to Dubrovnik itinerary. It offers a great mix of the classic must-see destinations and some smaller, off-the-beaten-track coastal towns.

Split to Dubrovnik Coastal Itinerary Map

10-Day Split to Dubrovnik Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrive in Split – Arrive in Split, get settled, and enjoy a relaxed evening by the waterfront.

Day 2: Split – Explore Split’s Old Town, Diocletian’s Palace, and nearby beaches.

Day 3: Day Trip From Split to Trogir – Visit the nearby coastal town of Trogir on a quick day trip.

Day 4: Split to Makarska With a Stop in Omis – Travel south to Makarska, stopping in Omiš for coastal views and exploring.

Day 5: Makarska – Relax in Makarska with a beach day.

Day 6: Makarska to the Peljesac Peninsula – Drive to the Pelješac Peninsula, known for wineries, beaches, and quiet towns.

Day 7: Peljesac Peninsula – Enjoy a relaxing day of beach time, wine tasting, or seafood.

Day 8: Peljesac Peninsula to Dubrovnik – Head to Dubrovnik and start exploring the Old Town.

Day 9: Dubrovnik – Discover Dubrovnik’s highlights like the famous city walls.

Day 10: Depart Dubrovnik – Depart Dubrovnik or enjoy a final morning in the city.

Notes About This Itinerary

This itinerary can be done any time of the year but, ideally, you’d want to do it when the weather is more conducive to coastal activities.
We focus on visits to smaller coastal towns but the itinerary starts and ends in larger cities which offer more flight options.
The itinerary makes more sense as a driving itinerary, however, if you prefer not to drive, private transfers are an option.
This is not an island-hopping itinerary but we’ll include notes about where you can incorporate visits to the islands where it makes sense.
You can do this itinerary in either direction, Split to Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik to Split.
This is a flexible itinerary that can be adjusted to fit your needs so you can make it shorter or longer.
The cities and towns in this itinerary are close enough to each other that you won’t spend your entire day traveling.
Arrival and departure days are flexible so if you want to depart later in the day, that’s not a problem.

Split to Dubrovnik Itinerary: Day-by-Day

There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’ve spent more time getting to a destination than actually enjoying it. Therefore, we’ve designed this itinerary to be at a slower pace than a typical road-trip style itinerary.

We’ve included at least two nights at each stop so you have time to settle in and explore without rushing so you can actually enjoy where you are instead of constantly packing up and moving on.

If you’re able to add additional nights, even better. Extra time gives you more flexibility to slow down, take spontaneous detours, or simply enjoy a quieter day without a full schedule.

Day 1 – An Introduction to Split

Romanesque cathedral with ornate arched colonnade and bougainvillea flowers in Split, a great starting point on a Split to Dubrovnik itinerary

Your first day is focused on arriving and getting settled into your hotel.

After checking in and freshening up, take some time to get your bearings rather than rushing to see everything at once.

Depending on your arrival time and energy level, you might want to start exploring the city at a relaxed pace.

This is a good opportunity to wander nearby streets, stop for a casual meal or coffee, and take mental notes of places you’d like to come back to over the next couple of days.

Where to Stay in Split

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordable Luxury Hotel Pick:

Piazza Heritage Hotel

This is a boutique hotel set in Split’s old town, overlooking the Pjaca Square and steps from the waterfront. Its unbeatable location makes it easy to explore Split on foot.

Click here to check rates

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Luxury Splurge Hotel Pick:

Palazzo President

This elegant hotel sits in a prime part of Split close to the Old Town. It’s a great choice if you want easy access to Split’s historic sights while enjoying a touch of upscale comfort during your stay.

Click here to check rates

Day 2 – Explore Split

Stone courtyard and illuminated bell tower at Diocletian’s Palace in Split, an essential highlight on a Split to Dubrovnik itinerary.

Split is one of Croatia’s most visited coastal cities, attracting people who want to explore its beautiful old town, plus, it serves as a gateway to many of the nearby islands.

The Old Town and the palm-lined waterfront promenade were our favorite places to explore in Split.

They tend to be the main hubs of activity so you’ll find many restaurants, cafes and boutique shops in these areas.

Top Things To Do In Split

Wander through the heart of Split’s Old Town, including Diocletian’s Palace.
Climb the bell tower of St. Domnius Cathedral for panoramic views of Split and the Adriatic.
Stroll the Riva Promenade which is lined with palm trees and waterfront cafés. It’s a great place for morning coffee, people-watching, or sunset drinks.
Visit the Split Green Market (Pazar) located just outside the palace walls. It offers produce, cheeses, honey, and other local products.
Enjoy a scenic walk up Marjan Hill for views overlooking Split, nearby islands, and the coastline.
Relax at Bačvice Beach which is known for its shallow water and fun atmosphere, This sandy beach is within walking distance of the Old Town.
Enjoy Dalmatian cuisine at some of the tucked-away restaurants within the Old Town walls.
Visit the Ivan Meštrović Gallery to see the work of Croatia’s most famous sculptor in a coastal villa setting.
Take a boat or ferry to nearby islands like Brač, Hvar, or Šolta.

Day 3 – Take a Day Trip to Trogir from Split

Historic stone buildings and church bell tower with red spire in Trogir, Croatia, a charming town near Split

Trogir is located only about 30 minutes from Split, which makes it an ideal day trip for anyone looking to incorporate some islands into their itinerary.

It’s technically an island and a town which is connected by bridges to the mainland on one side and the larger island of Čiovo on the other.

Although Trogir is small, you can easily spend hours wandering the tiny cobblestone alleyways.

You’ll find many specialty boutiques and quaint cafes scattered throughout the Old Town but we recommend grabbing lunch or drinks at a cafe along the waterfront promenade.

We opted for drinks (no surprise there) and spent some time people-watchIng and admiring the mega-yachts that came and went from the harbor..

Top Things To Do In Trogir

Wander through Trogir’s Old Town with its maze of narrow stone streets.
Visit the Cathedral St. Lawrence and climb the bell tower for sweeping views over Trogir and the surrounding islands.
Stroll along the waterfront promenade and admire the yachts, cafés, and palm trees. It’s an ideal spot for a coffee break or early evening drinks.
Explore Kamerlengo Fortress, a 15th-century fortress with views over the marina and Adriatic.
Stop by the town loggia and Cipiko Palace.
Browse local boutiques and artisan shops for handmade jewelry, lavender products, and local crafts.
Enjoy a waterfront meal or wine bar.
Take a short boat trip to nearby islets if time allows.

Alternate Itinerary Option #1:
If you want to incorporate an overnight stay in Brac or Hvar, you can add it after your stay in Split. You will need to travel back to Split in order to continue with the itinerary. Alternatively, you can add additional nights in Split and then take some day trips to the islands.

Day 4 – Split to Makarska (1 hour) with a Stop in Omis

Aerial view of Omiš Croatia, small coastal town with dramatic cliffs, Cetina River mouth, and terracotta rooftops along the Adriatic Sea

Omiš is located about 40 minutes south of Split and makes for an easy and worthwhile stop on the drive to Makarska.

The town sits where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic so it has a unique look and feel to it compared to other coastal towns.

It really is something you need to see in-person to truly appreciate.

Omiš itself is fairly compact, which makes it easy to explore in a short amount of time without feeling rushed.

A quick walk through the old town, a stop along the river, or a stroll by the beach is usually enough to get a good sense of the area.

We recommend grabbing lunch while you’re here, and Puljiz Restaurant is a great option if you’re looking for a relaxed meal before moving on.

Top Things to Do in Omiš

Walk through Omiš Old Town with its stone streets and cafés.
Climb to Starigrad (Fortica) Fortress, a hilltop fortress with panoramic views over Omiš, the Cetina River, and the Adriatic.
Relax on Omiš Beach (Velika Plaža), one of the rare sandy beaches in this part of Croatia.
Explore the Cetina River Canyon with a boat ride or scenic walk.
Try rafting or kayaking on the Cetina River
Enjoy a waterfront meal along the river or near the marina for views of both the mountains and sea.
Visit Mirabella Fortress (Peovica) with a short climb above town leading to another viewpoint.

After spending some time exploring Omis, make your way to Makarska and check into your hotel.

WHERE TO STAY IN MAKARSKA

Heritage Hotel Porin Makarska – A historic boutique hotel set inside a former palace, located right on Makarska’s waterfront.
Boutique Hotel Mirjam – Adults-only boutique hotel with modern rooms, sea views, and a peaceful setting just outside the town center.

Day 5 – Makarska

Stunning white pebble beach in Makarska, a great place to stop between Split and Dubrovnik, with turquoise Adriatic waters and mountain views

Makarska sits between the Adriatic Sea and the Biokovo Mountains.

The town has a beautiful waterfront promenade with long pebble beaches so it’s ideal for anyone who wants a little relaxation in a quieter atmosphere outside the major cities.

The main beach stretches for miles and is lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars, making it easy to enjoy a full beach day.

You can book day trips from Makarska to nearby islands like Hvar and Brač as well.

Top Things to Do in Makarska

Stroll the Makarska Riva, the palm-lined waterfront, where you’ll find cafés, boats, and sea views.
Relax on Makarska’s beaches like Punta Rata or Makarska Beach, which are known for clear water and views of the Biokovo Mountains.
Visit St. Mark’s Cathedral a small landmark in the main square.
Explore the Makarska Old Town behind the promenade.
Take a day trip to Biokovo Nature Park for a scenic drive and hiking trails.
Enjoy sunset drinks by the sea along Makarska’s waterfront.
Use Makarska as a base for island excursions to nearby islands like Brač or Hvar.

Day 6 – Makarska to Peljesac Peninsula (1.5 hours)

The drive from Makarska to the Pelješac Peninsula is probably one of the most scenic stretches of the trip.

The winding coastal roads will eventually change over to vineyards and small villages.

This was honestly one of our favorite drives during our trip. It only takes around 1.5 hours without stops but you’ll likely want to take pictures along the way.

Once you check into your hotel, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding area.

WHERE TO STAY on peljesac peninsula

Heritage Boutique Hotel Adriatic – A boutique hotel set in a historic waterfront building.
Aminess Vival Grand Azur Hotel – A seaside hotel with easy beach access and views across the Pelješac Channel.

Day 7 – Peljesac Peninsula

Aerial view of Ston, Croatia, a small coastal town with red-roofed buildings, ancient defensive walls, and salt pans; a great stop when traveling between Split and Dubrovnik.

The Pelješac Peninsula is one of our favorite places in Croatia because it’s very different from the typical coastal towns.

It’s known for its vineyards and views of the Adriatic, but overall it’s much quieter and less crowded than many spots along the mainland coast.

We like Pelješac because it offers beautiful scenery and it doesn’t feel like a beach town, but you still get great sea views.

It makes it a nice change of pace if you’re traveling through southern Croatia.

Top Things to Do on the Pelješac Peninsula

Visit the town of Ston to explore its medieval walls and salt pans.
Walk the Walls of Ston for panoramic views over the salt flats, vineyards, and sea.
Taste local wines, like Plavac Mali at local wineries.
Enjoy fresh oysters in Mali Ston.
Relax at quiet beaches that are usually less crowded than the ones farther north.
Drive the scenic coastal roads for beautiful views.
Visit small fishing villages like Orebić or Trpanj.

Alternate Itinerary Option #2:
You can incorporate a visit to Korčula Island by adding an extra night and visiting as a day trip or overnighting on the island. It’s easy to do by taking a quick 15-minute ferry ride from Orebić.

Day 8 – Peljesac Peninsula to Dubrovnik (1 hour)

While the drive from the Pelješac Peninsula to Dubrovnik is short it’s incredibly scenic.

The road winds along the shoreline with occasional views of the sea. As you get closer, you’ll see Dubrovnik’s city walls and terracotta rooftops come into view.

This is a great time to stop for a panoramic picture of the city and sea.

After arriving and checking in to your hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore the city.

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK

Boutique Hotel Stari Grad – A boutique hotel tucked inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town, steps from historic sights.
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik – A luxury cliffside hotel with stunning sea views, a private beach, and easy access to Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Day 9 – Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town

Historic stone buildings with terracotta roofs cascading down a hillside in Dubrovnik

One of our favorite things about Dubrovnik’s Old Town is how walkable it is. The entire area is compact and completely car-free making it easy to explore without worrying about traffic.

We suggest starting at Pile Gate which will bring you to the beginning of Stradun, the main street that runs through the heart of Old Town.

From there, you can spend the day exploring the cobblestone side streets and visiting the famous city walls and other landmarks.

Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik

Walk the Old Town city walls for panoramic views over terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic.
Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town on foot through the limestone streets, alleyways, and squares.
Visit Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace.
Ride the Dubrovnik cable car to the top of Mount Srđ for stunning aerial views of the city and Adriatic.
Relax at Banje or Šulić Beach.
Take a boat trip to Lokrum Island, a short ferry ride from the Old Town Port.
Visit the Franciscan Monastery, one of Europe’s oldest working pharmacies.
Wander the Old Port where fishing boats and small tour vessels come and go.

Day 10 – Depart Dubrovnik

Today, you have to say goodbye to Dubrovnik and, if you have extra time, take one last walk through the Old Town or along the city walls to soak it all in.

Grab a final coffee, revisit a favorite place, or wander a few quieter side streets before heading out.

If you’re adding extra nights to your stay, this is a great point in your itinerary to slow things down and take a few easy day trips, especially to nearby islands.

They’re easy to reach and offer a nice change of pace from the city.

How to Get Around Dubrovnik’s Coast

The best way to explore Croatia’s coast is by car. This gives you the most flexibility to move at your own pace and to make stops in smaller towns along the way.

While ferries work well for reaching major islands, many of the smaller coastal towns don’t have ferry service at all or are only served a few times per day or week.

Even then, the routes aren’t always practical for a tight itinerary.

Having a car makes it much easier to visit these places.

If you’re not comfortable with a self-drive itinerary, we recommend private transfers as a solid alternative.

They allow you to travel directly between destinations without worrying about schedules or logistics, and they’re especially useful if you’re short on time or traveling with luggage.

FAQs

You probably have more questions about traveling between Split and Dubrovnik. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers.

Where should I stop between Split and Dubrovnik?

There are several places to stop between Split and Dubrovnik. Some options are Omis, Makarska, the Peljesac Peninsula and Trsteno.

How long is a ferry ride from Split to Dubrovnik?

The ferry ride from Split to Dubrovnik is approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.

Is it better to drive or ferry from Split to Dubrovnik?

We recommend driving if you want to explore the coast but taking a ferry if you want to island-hop.

Final Takeaway: Split to Dubrovnik Itinerary

There is so much to see in Croatia beyond the larger cities which is why we’ve created this Split to Dubrovnik itinerary.

We’re hoping to provide some inspiration to anyone looking to explore beyond the larger cities.

By including a few of the smaller coastal towns in your itinerary, you may discover that these stops turn out to be some of your most memorable experiences.”

Exploring the mainland coast doesn’t mean you can’t also explore the islands.

Some of the coastal towns offer easy access to the islands just off the coast. That means you really can have the best of both worlds. Enjoy!

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Split to Dubrovnik Itinerary: The Perfect 10-Day Coastal Route

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