At a glance

  • Allow half a day for Split’s Old Town and a full day for Hvar, including the round-trip ferry time.
  • Ferries and accommodations fill up quickly in peak season, so spontaneous travel can be difficult.
  • Adding Dubrovnik means more travel days, so you’ll need to visit fewer cities.

Day by day

Suggested itinerary

See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.

Day 1

After arriving in Split, explore Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva on foot. If you plan to take a ferry the next day, check the pier location and boarding time first.

Day 2

Decide before you leave whether to take a round-trip ferry to Hvar or stay overnight there. For a day trip, focus on Hvar Town and one nearby viewpoint, then return to the pier aiming for a ferry earlier than the last return service.

Day 3

Set aside a separate half day for Trogir from Split. If you’re traveling on to Dubrovnik, leave that day open for the journey.

History and context

A city within a palace

Split’s Old Town is a unique place where a Roman emperor’s palace became a living city.

Adriatic island network

On Croatia’s coast, ports, islands, and ferry schedules shape which cities you choose.

Places and meals

Diocletian’s Palace

The heart of a Split visit. Explore both the lanes and the underground spaces.

Google Maps
Split Riva

A good spot for an evening walk and a feel for the harbor.

Google Maps
Hvar Town

For a day trip, limit your plans to the Old Town and a viewpoint.

Google Maps

Food and restaurants

  • Coastal cities offer plenty of seafood, but prices and quality vary widely at restaurants near the harbor.
  • On ferry travel days, bring breakfast or snacks ahead of time to keep your schedule on track.
Bokeria Kitchen & Wine

A dining option in Split’s Old Town.

Split Google Maps
Villa Spiza

An option for a casual meal.

Split Google Maps
Dalmatino

A dining option in Hvar. Check reservations and opening days.

Hvar Google Maps

How to fit it in

A good choice if you want to use Split as a base for island trips rather than just a stop on your Croatian coast itinerary.

Reality check

Transport

Ferry operators and port locations may differ. Check the names of the departure and arrival ports on your ticket carefully.

Time

Getting to and from Hvar already takes a significant amount of time, so don’t try to visit several beaches on the island in one day.

Cost

Ferry fares and island meal costs may rise in peak season. Compare the cost of staying in Split with the cost of staying in Hvar.

Safety

The area around the ferry pier gets crowded and can be very sunny. Bring water and a hat, and plan for time spent waiting for the ferry.

If plans change

Alternative if ferries to Hvar are canceled

Instead of rushing to buy a ticket to another island, spend the day at Diocletian’s Palace, below Marjan Hill, or at a beach in Split.

Alternative if return ferries from the island are fully booked

Don’t wait until you arrive to buy a ticket for the last ferry. Don’t set out unless you’ve confirmed seats for both directions.

Small tip

If you visit Hvar as a day trip, the last ferry sets your cutoff for the day. Decide in advance whether to have dinner on the island.

Final check before departure

  • Check the operator, pier, and arrival port.
  • Secure round-trip seats and make sure you can catch the last return ferry.
  • Check the high-wind forecast and bus schedules on the island.
  • If you plan to visit a fortress or museum in Hvar, check its opening hours and finish your visit well before your return ferry. Travel on the island varies depending on whether your port is Hvar or Stari Grad, so don’t book a ticket to a different port just because it’s cheaper.

For ferries to Hvar, check the operating company’s actual departure ports and service status for your travel date, rather than relying on a train timetable. If you can’t secure both legs of the trip, skip the day trip and switch to plans in Split.

Information checked: 2026-07-30