A Perfect 2 Week Croatia Itinerary (Dalmatian Coast)

Before heading to Croatia, most two week itineraries I saw took in pretty much every place available and had me exhausted before I’d even started. I’m a bit of a ‘slow traveller’ and prefer to spend longer in fewer places enjoying them in depth, than rushing around not properly enjoying more places.

So this itinerary is aimed at *properly* seeing the Dalmatian Coast, rather than *trying* (and failing) to see all of Croatia in 14 days. That said, of course you could spend months exploring the Croatian Dalmatian Coast and still not see it all, but it’s a great amount of time to really start getting under its skin.

Important information about visiting the Dalmatian Coast

When to visit Croatia

Croatia is beautiful to visit all year round with mild weather even during the winter months. That said, a lot is closed during the off season, so for me the best time to visit is either May or September – that way the crowds are thinner, the temperatures are more manageable, and everything is still open.

Language, Currency & Time Zone

• Croatian is the national language, but English is widely spoken, especially in the tourist hot spots.
• The currency changed in Croatia in 2022, and it now uses the Euro. We heard American tourists asking if it took the USD so please know in advance it doesn’t!
• Croatia is 1 hour ahead of the UK, and 6 hours ahead of New York time

The Itinerary

Days 1 – 5: Dubrovnik

Start off your two week jaunt in one of Croatia’s most famous cities. Truly one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited, Dubrovnik is well worth more than just a day. Start off your holiday with a relaxing few days exploring the Old Town.

Day 1: Arrival, Dubrovnik Old Town

Arrive to Dubrovnik and explore a bit of the Old Town and its harbour, enjoying a nice dinner.

Day 2: Dubrovnik City Walls, Old Town, Mount Srd

Walk the city walls, visit the monasteries and their incredible cloisters, hit the museums of the city or shop and enjoy the sunshine, finishing off with a sunset view over the Old Town from Mount Srd.

Day 3: Fort Lovrijenac, Lokrum Island

Climb to Fort Lovrijenac and then spend the rest of your day relaxing on Lokrum Island, home to peacocks, monasteries and lovely rocky beaches.

Day 4: Trsteno Arboretum

After two days in the Old Town, it’s time to escape the city and explore more of the region around Dubrovnik accessible by easy bus or ferry.

First up, it’s a visit Trsteno Gardens, some of the most beautiful gardens in all of Croatia, all looking out over the Adriatic.

Day 5: Elaphiti Islands

Visit the Elaphiti Islands on a cruise, or take the ferry independently. Our favourite was Lopud island for a relaxing day by the beach, or an active day hiking to one of the most stunning points along the entire Dalmatian Coast.

Day 6 – 7: Peljesac Peninsula or Korcula Island

After already spending time along the coast, it’s time to make a choice as to whether you want to see a bit more inland, or visit another beautiful Croatian island.

Day 6 & 7: Peljesac Peninsula

Explore Croatia’s wine region, the Peljesac Peninsula. Tour a few wineries, eat in traditional pubs, and I recommend staying in the beautiful town of Ston, home to Europe’s ‘Great Wall of China’.

Alternate Day 6 & 7: Korcula Island

Relax on Korcula and explore its enchanting old town, beaches and wineries soaking in more of the sea breeze and sunbathing.

Day 8 – 10: Hvar Island

Another of Croatia’s coastal gems is Hvar Island, known as one of the most upmarket islands in the country. There are two main towns on the island. Hvar Town buzzes with billionaire yachts and boats, with parties raving until sunrise. Stari Grad is the opposite, with a quieter and more authentic vibe. Spend a day in each to really soak in the island and what it has to offer.

Day 11 – 14: Split

Transfer from Hvar to Split on Day 11 and then spend your time exploring Split and the surrounding region with your final few days in Croatia.

Day 11 – 12: Split Old Town, Marjan Hill

Spend your time in central Split, exploring the town, visiting Diocletian’s Palace and climbing Marjan Hill. Take it easy and chill in the sunshine with drinks and good food.

Day 13: Klis Fortress

Take a day trip to Klis Fortress to see one of the most impressive fortresses in Croatia. Full of history, it’s great to explore and learn a bit about the story of the area too.

Day 14: Trogir, Departure

Enjoy your final morning in Split with a quick jaunt to Trogir, just outside the centre of Split – before heading home at the end of the day following a wonderful two weeks in Croatia!

Getting around the Dalmatian Coast

There are no trains up and down the Dalmatian Coast.

Driving is easy in the area, however parking is not. Parking in central Dubrovnik is virtually impossible so I don’t recommend hiring a car for this itinerary unless you are staying outside of city centres.

Instead I recommend using buses and ferries which is another reason to visit between May and September, as ferries often don’t run during the off season.