Girls' Getaway: A 7-10 Day Adventure in Croatia

If you’re traveling to Croatia from the US, you will likely arrive in Dubrovnik in the early evening. After checking into your accommodations, head out for dinner at Gradska Kavana Arsenal (a seaside restaurant in the Old Town square) or Restaurant Kopun (family-owned with traditional Croatian cuisine).

In the morning, you can grab a delicious breakfast pastry at Pekarnica Klas or Mlinar before spending a few hours exploring the city. In the late afternoon, head to the port to catch your 3hr. sunset ferry to the island of Hvar.

West Harbor - a picturesque, small harbor with beautiful views

Old Town - stroll through the limestone alleyways and visit sites such as Loggia Square, - Onofrio Fountain, Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, Pile Gate & Ploče Gate, and the Stradun

City walls of Old Town - a 2km walking path around the old city walls

Lovrijenac - a spectacular fortification that sits atop jagged cliffs

Buza Bars - have a drink at this bar built into the cliffs and watch the cliff jumpers

* If you are able to extend your trip to 10 days, I recommend spending an additional night in Dubrovnik to allow for jet lag rest and more exploring.

Although Hvar is known for its summer nightlife scene, it is more laid-back in the shoulder season while still giving off a lively vibe. Its historic charm, sun-soaked beaches, and ancient cobblestone streets make it an irresistible island destination. Over the course of 3 days on Hvar, you can get your fill of both adventure and relaxation. Below are some of our favorite activities on the island, which you can plan at your leisure.

Boat to Paklinski/Pakleni Islands - The crystal clear waters all around this island archipelago offer a chance to sunbathe, swim, and snorkel in a plethora of coves. There are many boat operators all throughout the marina, offering different experiences based on preferences. We loved our private tour guide, Adi, and I’d be happy to book him directly for your group. If you have your own captain, be sure to request 2 stops at Laganini and Konoba Mareta to soak up the island life.

Day By The Beach - Depending on your style and budget, you can either rent a beach lounger from local vendors around the island for 10-20€, or get a little fancy and reserve a chair or cabana at Beach Club Hvar.

Tvrdava Fortica - Just a short ~20-minute walk up through the old town and hillside is a medieval castle dating to before 500 BC. The fortress has a small entry fee and then you can explore on your own once inside. The view of the town and the surrounding islands is worth the effort to get to the top.

Bike/walking path - Walk or bike around the perimeter of Hvar, admiring the historic architecture and azure waters.

There is no shortage of amazing dining & drinks in Hvar. Some of our favorites include:

Mediterraneo - An outdoor-only, Michelin-recommended restaurant featuring incredible service, exquisite atmosphere, and excellent food & wine

Don Quijote - Stunning rooftop terrace offering fabulous sunset views and serving innovative dishes

Giaxa - A farm/sea-to-table dining experience tucked away in the charming old town

Kogo - Casual cafe in the main square serving up great pizza & salads

L’Amore - Gelato

Ka'lavanda Bar - Aesthetically pleasing cocktail & wine bar in old town

Backlane - A quaint outdoor bar tucked away in an alley that projects old movies

Northern Croatia offers everything from waterfalls to curvy scenic drives to truffle hunting. Depending on what you/your group is looking for, you can customize your itinerary accordingly. After taking a quick one-hour ferry over to Split and picking up your rental car, head North to your desired destinations.

Covering almost 30,000 hectares and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is one of Croatia’s most iconic destinations. Its magnificent lakes and waterfalls are a sight of beauty, and there are different ways to take in the sites based on skill and ability. Spend 3-6 hours exploring nature in Croatia’s oldest and largest national park.

Opatija is a quaint, coastal town filled with Habsburg-era architecture. Enjoy walking the Lungomare promenade, shopping at boutiques, sunset happy hour at Amadria Park Hotel Milenij, and dinner at Ružmarin (one of my favorite restaurants we visited on our entire trip).

Rovinj is a fishing village on the Western coast of the Istrian Peninsula. Spend the day exploring the picturesque cobblestone streets and alleys, stopping into local artisan shops, and admiring the views from the top of the town at the church of St. Euphemia. For dinner I recommend Puntulina, a Michelin Guide restaurant “tucked away on a rocky spur in the old town”. Afterwards, grab some authentic Italian gelato at i nonni.

* If you are able to extend your trip to 10 days, I recommend spending 1 extra day in Rovinj before driving back to Split.