Split waterfront with Diocletian's Palace and the Adriatic Sea
6 Days
Split & Dalmatian Islands

Split & Dalmatian Islands

6 Perfect Days in Croatia

Historic Split, sun-drenched Hvar, untouched Vis, medieval Korčula — culture, swimming, boat days and relaxed Mediterranean evenings.

The Itinerary

The heart of Dalmatia in 6 days

This 6-day itinerary focuses on the heart of Dalmatia — combining historic Split with the beauty of Croatia's Adriatic islands. From the ancient walls of Diocletian's Palace to the lavender-scented hills of Hvar and the untouched shores of Vis, this route captures the best of the Dalmatian coast.

Perfect for travelers who want culture, swimming, boat days and relaxed Mediterranean evenings — all connected by scenic ferry crossings and stunning island landscapes.

Your Journey

Day by Day Across Dalmatia

From the ancient palace of Split to sun-drenched Hvar, untouched Vis, medieval Korčula and back — six days of island hopping and coastal magic.

Diocletian's Palace in Split with ancient Roman architecture
Day 1

Ancient palace, living city

Arrival in Split

Settle into Split and explore one of Europe's most remarkable Old Towns — a living city built within the walls of a Roman emperor's palace. Wander through Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discover the grand Peristyle Square and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, then stroll the Riva waterfront promenade as the evening light hits the harbour.

Explore

  • Diocletian's Palace (UNESCO)
  • Peristyle Square
  • Cathedral of Saint Domnius
  • Riva waterfront promenade

Evening

  • Dinner inside the palace walls
  • Sunset from Marjan Hill
Trogir UNESCO old town with medieval architecture on the Adriatic
Day 2

Markets, courtyards and a UNESCO gem

Split & Trogir

Spend the morning exploring Split's local markets and hidden palace courtyards — the kind of details that reveal the city's layered history. In the afternoon, take a 30-minute day trip to Trogir, another UNESCO-listed old town set on a tiny island. Wander its medieval streets, linger in seafront cafés, then return to Split for the night.

Explore

  • Split local markets
  • Hidden palace courtyards
  • Trogir UNESCO old town
  • Seafront cafés

Travel tip: Trogir is approximately 30 minutes from Split by car or bus.

Hvar Old Town harbour with yachts and Mediterranean architecture
Day 3

Sun, lavender and Adriatic glamour

Hvar Island

Take an early ferry to Hvar (approx. 1 hour) and discover one of the most celebrated islands in the Mediterranean. Explore the elegant Hvar Old Town, climb to Fortica Fortress for sweeping views across the Pakleni Islands, and find hidden swimming spots along the coast. Overnight on Hvar.

Explore

  • Hvar Old Town
  • Fortica Fortress views
  • Hidden swimming spots

Optional

  • Pakleni Islands boat tour
  • Sunset cocktails overlooking the harbour

Travel tip: Book ferries in advance during summer. The catamaran from Split to Hvar takes approximately 1 hour.

Crystal-clear waters around Vis island with dramatic coastal landscape
Day 4

Choose your own adventure

Island Hopping or Vis

Slow down and choose your island adventure: join a boat tour to the legendary Blue Cave on Biševo, the Green Cave and hidden coves scattered across the Vis archipelago — or stay on Hvar for a day of beach clubs, lavender hills and slow island life. For a quieter experience, spend the night on Vis.

Option A — Island hopping tour

  • Blue Cave (Biševo)
  • Green Cave
  • Hidden coves

Option B — Stay on Hvar & relax

  • Beach clubs
  • Lavender hills
  • Slow island life
Korčula old town peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea
Day 5

Medieval charm or iconic beaches

Korčula or Brač

Choose your style for the penultimate day. Ferry to Korčula for a medieval old town with fishbone-pattern streets, local wine bars and a boutique island atmosphere — or head to Brač for Croatia's most iconic beach, Zlatni Rat, and dramatic viewpoints across the channel. Overnight on your chosen island.

Option A — Korčula

  • Medieval old town streets
  • Local wine bars
  • Boutique island feel

Option B — Brač

  • Zlatni Rat beach
  • Scenic viewpoints
View of Split from Marjan Hill with harbour and mountains in the background
Day 6

Final island farewell

Return to Split

Ferry back to Split for your final day. Depending on your schedule, fit in a half-day trip to Krka National Park with its stunning cascading waterfalls, or simply enjoy a relaxed waterfront lunch and soak up the last of the Adriatic sunshine before departure.

Optional

  • Half-day Krka National Park
  • Relaxed lunch by the waterfront
  • Departure from Split Airport

Who It's For

Is this itinerary right for you?

This 6-day Split and islands route is designed for travelers who want culture, swimming, boat days and relaxed Mediterranean evenings.

Couples & Honeymooners

Sunset harbours, Hvar's Mediterranean glamour, wine bars on Korčula and romantic Old Town dinners — Dalmatia is made for couples.

Friends

Island hopping, beach clubs, boat tours and buzzing harbour nightlife — this itinerary offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for groups.

Travelers Short on Time

Six well-paced days that cover Split's history, three stunning islands and optional day trips — ideal for those who want to see Dalmatia without rushing.

First-Time Island Explorers

This route is the perfect introduction to Croatia's Adriatic islands — covering Hvar, Vis, Korčula and Brač with easy ferry connections from Split.

Timing Your Trip

When to go

The Dalmatian islands are best enjoyed between May and September, but timing your trip around the shoulder months makes for a more relaxed experience.

Ideal

May – June

Warm sea temperatures, sunshine and quieter islands before the peak summer rush. Ferries run frequently, beaches are uncrowded and the evenings are long and balmy — the perfect window for island hopping.

  • Warm & sunny days
  • Fewer crowds
  • Pleasant sea temperatures
Shoulder Season

September

The sea is at its warmest after a full summer, crowds thin out and the golden light makes every island view even more stunning. September offers the best of both worlds — summer weather without the peak-season rush.

  • Warmest sea temperatures
  • Quieter islands
  • Golden autumn light
Peak Season

July – August

The liveliest time on the Dalmatian islands — Hvar is buzzing, beaches are full and the nightlife is at its best. Book ferries and accommodation well in advance. Expect higher prices and busier harbours.

  • Hottest weather
  • Busiest period
  • Vibrant nightlife

Start Planning

Ready for your Dalmatian island escape?

Six days, one coastline, endless islands. Book ferries in advance during summer, travel light for easier island transfers and consider a private boat rental for extra flexibility.