10 Day Croatia Itinerary: Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar and Istria

If you’re planning a 10 day Croatia Itinerary, this route overs the highlights-without rushing-across Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar and Istria.

How many days do you need in Croatia?

7 days works for either Istria or the Dalmatian Coast. If you want Istria + Dubrovnik + islands + Split, 10 days is the sweet spot.

Do you need a car in Croatia?

You’ll want a car in Istria (countryside + hill towns). Once you reach Dubrovnik and the islands, you can go car-free using ferries and transfers.

Where should you stay in Istria?

If you like scenery and great food (and hate crowds), stay in the countryside and day-trip to the coastal towns.

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Croatia Itinerary for first timers Overview

• Days 1–3: Istria (countryside base + hill towns + one coastal day)

• Days 4–5: Dubrovnik

• Days 6–7: Korčula

• Day 8: Hvar

• Day 9: Split

• Day 10: Depart

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Croatia Itinerary Stop 1: Istria (stay in the countryside, day-trip out)

Istria is at its best when you’re not stuck circling for parking in a coastal town. Use the countryside as your base, then do hill towns, food stops, and one early coastal day before it fills up.

Where I like to base: San Canzian (Istria) — calm, polished, and perfectly positioned for exploring without the chaos.

Mini-itinerary ideas:

• Pick 2–3 hill towns (not six) and plan one long lunch
• Do one winery or olive oil stop only if it fits the flow
• Save the coastal towns for a morning/early afternoon and leave when it crowds

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Croatia Itinerary Stop 2: Dubrovnik (worth seeing — just do it smart)

Dubrovnik is iconic for a reason, but in peak season it can feel intense. The trick is staying somewhere that matches your trip style and visiting Old Town early (or late) when it’s at its best.

Hotel strategy for Dubrovnik (this matters)

If you’re staying multiple nights and want downtime, a resort base can be a great move. If you’re only in Dubrovnik for 1–2 nights and want to be in Old Town constantly, pick a closer location.

Option A (resort + space): Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

• Why it works: pools, room to breathe, great for families, a true reset from crowds
• Why it wouldn’t: if your priority is quick Old Town access morning-to-night

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Croatia Itinerary Stop 3: Korčula (the pace shift you’ll be glad you built in)

After Dubrovnik, Korčula is the exhale. It’s scenic, walkable, and perfect for a slower rhythm—morning coffee, swim, one great meal, repeat.

Where to stay:
Tara’s Lodge (more budget-friendly, easy base)

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Croatia Itinerary Stop 4: Hvar (choose style over hype)

Hvar can be chic and fun, but it doesn’t need to be a party trip. If you want a polished stay with a good location and spa perks:

Where to stay:
Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel (a more budget-friendly option that still feels elevated)

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Croatia Itinerary Stop 5: Split (the cleanest exit point)

Split is the perfect final stop: a little history, a lively waterfront, and easy logistics for departing.

Where to stay:
Hotel Ambassador Split (strong final-night hotel choice)

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Day 10: Depart

Use Split as your departure point when possible. It keeps the trip flowing and avoids backtracking.

Croatia logistics that make the trip smoother

• Istria: best with a car (countryside + hill towns)

• Dubrovnik/Islands/Split: ferries + transfers are usually easier than keeping a car

• Book your ferry times as soon as your dates are set (especially summer)

• Plan for crowds in Dubrovnik—go early, and protect your afternoons

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Where to stay on this Croatia itinerary

• San Canzian (Istria): countryside base = best version of Istria

• Sun Gardens Dubrovnik: perfect if you want resort space + multiple nights

• Tara’s Lodge (Korčula): budget-friendly base that works

• Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel: polished, well-located, more budget-friendly

• Hotel Ambassador Split: ideal final night for logistics + comfort

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Croatia itinerary FAQ

Is Istria worth it?

Yes—especially if you love food, scenery, and a calmer pace than the busiest coastal stops.

Is Dubrovnik worth it if I hate crowds?

It can be, if you visit Old Town early/late and choose your hotel based on whether you want proximity or breathing room.

Can I do Croatia without a car?

Yes for Dubrovnik/islands/Split. For Istria, you’ll enjoy it more with a car.

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Want this tailored to your dates and travel style?

If you tell me your travel month and what you care most about (food, hotels, swimming, history, minimal transfers), I can tighten this into a booked-and-balanced version with ferry timing, hotel recommendations, and the smoothest routing.