where to visit in croatia for 4 days

Croatia The perfect 4 days itinerary

Croatia, a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, is known for its diverse terrain of glacial lakes, soaring mountains, and a stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea. The country is also rich in history, with medieval cities, Roman ruins, and ancient fortresses. Croatia's islands offer a unique blend of luxury, rustic charm, vineyards, and crystal-clear waters. Let's explore the itinerary for your trip to this beautiful country.

What to do in Croatia?

This 4 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in Croatia. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.

Day 1: Exploring the Pearl of the Adriatic - Dubrovnik

Start your day by exploring the Old Town of Dubrovnik , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk along the city walls for a panoramic view of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Visit the Rector's Palace and the Dubrovnik Cathedral .

Take a cable car ride to Mount Srđ for a breathtaking view of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. Visit the War Photo Limited , a gallery dedicated to war photography.

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Stradun , the main street of Dubrovnik. Try some local Croatian cuisine at one of the many restaurants lining the street.

Day 2: Discover the Ancient City of Split

Take a ferry from Dubrovnik to Split. Visit the Diocletian's Palace , a UNESCO World Heritage site that forms about half of the old town of Split. Explore the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the Temple of Jupiter .

Stroll along the Riva Promenade , a bustling waterfront with numerous cafes and shops. Visit the Marjan Forest Park for a panoramic view of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

Explore the vibrant nightlife of Split. Visit the Bačvice Beach , known for its lively beach bars and clubs.

Day 3: Experience the Natural Beauty of Plitvice Lakes

Spend the day at the Plitvice Lakes National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the park's 16 terraced lakes, interconnected by waterfalls and set in deep woodland populated by deer, bears, wolves, and rare bird species. Take a boat ride on the largest lake, Kozjak , and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the park.

Day 4: Relax on the Island of Hvar

Take a ferry from Split to Hvar. Visit the Hvar Fortress , which offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding islands.

Relax on the Pakleni Islands , a group of small, secluded islands off the coast of Hvar. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply sunbathing on the beach.

Explore the nightlife of Hvar Town . Visit some of the local bars and clubs, and try the local Croatian wines.

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4 Days In Croatia: The Best Croatia Itinerary

Are you thinking of visiting Croatia? If you’re looking to spend a long weekend away, basking in the sun, swimming in the sea, eating fresh seafood, and exploring beautiful Fortresses and cobblestone streets, then lucky you- you’re in the right place!

Croatia is known for its warm dry summers and mild winters due to it being along the Adriatic Coast. This makes it a destination hot spot for tourists! I’m told Game of Thrones also contributed to putting Croatia on the map. Although I’m embarrassed to say I’m yet to watch it!

Many of the popular towns and cities in Croatia include Dubrovnik, Makarska, Split and islands such as Pan, Brac, Korcula, and Hvar to name a few. Due to its location, Hvar is sometimes overlooked, but I can confidently say it was my favourite island. So this is where we will base our itinerary.

You can read more about what to do in Hvar, Croatia on my Ultimate Guide to Hvar, Croatia blog post.

Fun Fact: From above, Croatia seems to take on the shape of a croissant!

Table of Contents

Here is my 4-Day Itinerary for Hvar, Croatia

Where to stay in hvar, croatia.

If you want to stay right on the promenade, then Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel has great views of the sea and many yachts and you don’t have to walk far. Prefer something quieter? It’s a bit of a walk/cycle, but Hotel Podstine is far more secluded with its own private beach surrounded by palm and pine trees.

I suggest getting to know your local area. Walk around Old Town. Get lost in the cobblestone streets and stairways leading to the views of the beautiful red roofed houses and turquoise sea. Grab a quick snack and a coffee by the main square, which is a no car zone, and admire the architecture of the buildings.

After lunch, walk along the promenade and enjoy the turquoise waters filled with fish. Maybe even get an ice-cream to enjoy. Take a quick swim in the many swimming spots along the promenade

Helpful Tip: The ice cream stands on the promenade have local flavors and you get more ice-cream than in the cafes and restaurants.

Have dinner in one of Hvar’s Konobas. The further you wander from the tourist strip along the harbour, the better the food will be as it is less commercialised for tourists. I recommended trying to local dish, Buzara, which is a seafood stew!

Enjoy after-dinner drinks at Falko Bar. It’s a bit of a walk from the main square, but you might need it after such a big dinner. The views of the sea from Falko Bar make the walk worth it.

If you’re a sea mermaid, like me- you’ll be desperate for a proper swim! Spend the day at one of the many different beaches around Hvar, or hire a boat (self-navigated or guided). I recommend Pokonji Dol Beach. It’s near Hvar Old Town and is great for swimming. There’s even a little spot to grab some lunch! Or, pack your own and have a picnic.

Slightly further from Hvar, about 8km, is Bay Dubovica. Known for its picturesque landscape, pebbly beach as well as underwater views, this is another great beach destination especially if you want to get away from the city noise! I rolled my ankle running into the sea, classic me, so be mindful of the pebbly beach!

Helpful Tip: The beaches are quite pebbly so pack beach shoes or flip-flops

Then, you have to check out Hula Hula Beach bar! With it’s waterfront views, reasonably priced cocktails, dancing and live music. You can also sit out on the beach loungers.

Take a break from the sun after your beach day, and take a tour of Hvar’s Lavender Fields. You will need to book this tour in advance, and it leaves at 9:30 from Taxi Hvar Beleca (there is no hotel pick-up).

The trip duration is about 4-6 hours. You will learn everything about Hvar and Mediterranean herbs, visit the old Hvar villages and get to speak with locals. It is one of the easier hikes considering the vast hills in Hvar. Snacks and beverages are included in the tour, too!

You can book a Lavender Small Group tour here.

Helpful Tip: The best time to visit the Lavender Fields is in June-July. We went in August and although still beautiful, the season was nearly over.

Depending on the time you get back, you might want to walk around Old Town, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which is in the heart of the Town, and admire its beautiful history and stained glass windows as the sun sets.

Have dinner at a nearby Konobas, just remember that the further you go from the promenade the more authentic of an experience you will have!

Visit the Blue and Green caves. You will need to hire a guided tour for this, but it is well worth it! Most of the tour companies provide lunch, so make sure you ask. You need to book in advance so be sure to do this when you arrive in Hvar so you don’t miss out!

When you get back in the afternoon, you need to visit Tvrdava Fortica, voted Travellers’ Choice in 2020, and for good reason! The views once you get to the top are magnificent. You will be able to walk around the fortress and admire the different viewpoints. The entry fee to the museum can be pricey, but if you just want to walk around the fortress then it is free. The afternoon is the best time to walk around, if you go early in the day you will be so hot in the direct sunlight.

After you’ve been through Tvrdava Fortica, walk to Fort Napojun which is just above. You will see the best views of Hvar Old Town and the harbor.

Helpful Tip: You can’t actually go in Fort Napojun

There is so much to do and see in Hvar, and you could easily spend a week or more here (contrary to the recommended 2 days) so be sure to check out my list of must-see and do activities in Hvar in case you want to stay longer!

Bonus: If you have a spare day, you NEED to go to KrKa Waterfalls National Park. The Park is filled with beautiful waterfalls, wooden trails, and a beautiful swimming area at the bottom. You can read more about Krka Waterfalls on my Krka Waterfalls blog post here.

Hvar, Croatia is perfect if you a travelling solo, as a couple or even a family.

Love,

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