Croatia Round Trip | Croatia Island Hopping

The Adriatic Sea sets the scene for an 11-day journey along three of Croatia’s highlights: Brač, Hvar and Split. Think quiet bays, historic old towns built in white limestone and landscapes that shift in colour as you travel. You’ll explore Šibenik with its fortresses and narrow lanes, walk past the waterfalls of Krka and discover the coastline from the water. From there, you continue to the islands themselves: the raw white stone of Brač, the elegant harbours of Hvar and the lively centre of Split, built within the walls of a Roman palace. A well-structured journey for travellers who enjoy variety, Mediterranean calm and an authentic island atmosphere.

Day 1: Arrival in Split & drive to Šibenik

Your journey begins with a flight to Split. After landing, you collect your rental car and follow the coast to Šibenik. The road winds past bays, pine forests and small villages before reaching the marina. You stay four nights at D-Resort Šibenik, a stylish waterfront hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short stroll along the promenade or a first drink at sunset.

Day 2: Trogir & Šibenik, medieval charm and Unesco heritage

Today you explore the beauty of two historic towns. In Šibenik, the strategic past is immediately visible: St. Michael’s Fortress and Barone Fortress watch over the bay. In the old town you admire the impressive St. James Cathedral (Unesco) and wander through narrow lanes filled with small shops, squares and cafés.

Day 3: The waterfalls of Krka National Park

After breakfast, you head inland towards Krka National Park. From the village of Skradin, a fifty-minute walk leads to the heart of the park, or you can opt for a short boat ride along the river.

At Krka, the water flows over seven waterfalls from terrace to terrace, surrounded by lush greenery and wooden pathways. On the island of Visovac, in the middle of the river, stands a monastery founded in 1445 and still home to Franciscan monks. Small boats take you there to visit the library and a few artworks, a peaceful moment in a beautiful natural setting.

Day 4: The Dalmatian coastline from the water

Today you discover the Dalmatian coast from the sea. From the marina of Šibenik, you depart for a half- or full-day boat excursion. Depending on the route, you sail along the Kornati archipelago or nearby islands.

You enjoy rocky shores, hidden coves and deep-blue water, with plenty of opportunities for a refreshing swim. Back on land, the marina and old town of Šibenik invite you to unwind. Later, you continue to Trogir, a compact island town connected to the mainland by a bridge. Its car-free centre is an open-air museum of churches, palaces and loggias in pale stone.

Day 5: On to Brač, island of white stone

After checking out, you drive back to Split and take the ferry to Supetar on Brač. As the island comes into view, the atmosphere shifts: olive groves, vineyards and sea views guide your way to Pučišća. This charming village is known for its white limestone, used worldwide—from Diocletian’s Palace in Split to the White House in Washington. You stay two nights at Hotel Puteus Palace, a historic and elegant address in the heart of Pučišća.

Day 6: Beaches, monasteries and villages on Brač

Today you explore more of Brač. A visit to Zlatni Rat, the iconic “Golden Horn” near Bol, is a must. This white-pebble beach stretches into the sea and subtly changes shape with the wind and currents.

For more nature and culture, walk from Bol to the fishing village of Milna and continue to the Blaca Monastery, hidden in the rocks and accessible only on foot. Once home to hermit monks, it remains a remarkable site overlooking the valley.

Day 7: To Hvar, elegant & Mediterranean

After breakfast, you return to Split by ferry and continue by boat to Hvar. Upon arrival, the atmosphere shifts again: elegant yachts, lively terraces and marble squares glowing in the sun. You stay two nights on Hvar. In the afternoon, explore the town, climb up to the fortress for a panoramic view and enjoy the vibrant waterfront in the evening.

Day 8: Hvar & the Pakleni Islands

Hvar is much more than a fashionable hotspot. Across the island you’ll find quiet beaches, villages where locals chat on benches and vineyards stretching towards the sea. You visit a few of these villages, taste local wine or olive oil and take time to enjoy the scenery.

For a day on the water, take a boat taxi to the Pakleni Islands—a collection of eleven small islands just off the coast. Expect sheltered bays, beach bars and crystal-clear water.

Day 9: Back to the mainland: Split

After a final morning on Hvar, you take the ferry from Stari Grad back to Split. You stay the final two nights at Hotel Vestibul Palace, located inside Diocletian’s Palace. Use the rest of the day to explore the pedestrian streets and soak up the city’s atmosphere.

Day 10: Split, living inside a Roman palace

Today is all about Split. The city is built in and around the 1700-year-old palace of Emperor Diocletian. Wander through the underground halls, the Peristyle, the cathedral and the narrow streets where laundry hangs between stone façades.

Later, stroll back via the market and fishing harbour to the Riva promenade, the perfect place for an aperitif overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Day 11: Return or extension

After breakfast, your journey comes to an end. You return your rental car and fly home from Split. Prefer to extend your stay? Extra nights on the coast or inland are always possible.