Epic Croatia Road Trip: Split, Dubrovnik, Peljesac, Hvar, Vis and Plitvice

Grab your rental car and head to your hotel to check in. If you arrive early enough in the day, head out into Old Town Split, your first of many UNESCO heritage sites on this trip. Head for the Riva and stroll along the bustling waterfront for dinner. There are so many restaurants to choose from - try Skalina Seafood and Steak, a hidden gem just away from the busy harbor area. Finish the night off with some ice cream as you stroll the Riva at night.

Split was founded around 300 AD by Emperor Diocletian — so there is so much history to discover. The Old Town and waterfront (Riva) are pedestrian only, making it a great place to explore and get lost in the narrow, winding streets. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, along with too many sights to see in a day. Some of the must-see things include:

• Diocletian’s Palace: This is less of a palace and more of a section of the city, so you can wander freely through the mix of ancient and modern buildings. Be sure to check out the beautiful Peristyle and relax with a beverage at one of the many outdoor cafes. You might also consider starting the day with a walking tour to get a sense of the history and lay of the land.

• Game of Thrones sites: If you are a fan of the Game of Thrones series, you will want to track down some of the places used for filming. You can find walking tours, and also a museum right in the center of Old Town.

• Riva: The waterfront is pedestrian only, making it a great place to stroll, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes or grab some ice cream from the local vendors. The Riva is especially beautiful, lit up at night.

The drive from Split to Dubrovnik is just over 200 km, and you can take the fast route or the slow route. I highly recommend the slow coastal route, as it is one of the prettiest drives in the world. We found ourselves wanting to stop every 5 minutes to enjoy the sweeping panoramic views of the islands dotting Adriatic’s deep blue water. Along the way, you will pass through numerous picturesque towns, each of which make a great place to stop for a relaxing lunch. We loved exploring the town of Omis as well as the Makarska Riviera. Look out for local fruit stands as you get further south, which will provide for a delicious snack as you take in the views. Check in to your hotel and relax for the night.

Dubrovnik is an amazingly beautiful city, with polished stone streets and sweeping ocean views from the old town walls. If you have more time to stay in the area, you can explore other areas outside of the old town as well. On our visit to Dubrovnik, we focused on the historic old town — here are some highlights I recommend:

• Walk the Walls of Dubrovnik: This walk should definitely be on your list. As with much of the old town, it can get quite busy, so I recommend making this the first thing you do as you enter the old town and try to get there early as soon as it opens — you will be rewarded with lighter crowds and unobstructed views. The walk around the city is less than a mile, but plan on 1–2 hours to be able to take your time and plenty of photos.

• Stradun: This is the main street as you enter the old town. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will recognize many areas in Dubrovnik from the series. There are plenty of shops and restaurants along Stradun which are worth exploring, but keep in mind that they will be a bit more expensive than spots off the main thoroughfare.

• Buza Bar: Built into the cliff just outside the city walls, this is a perfect spot to rest on a hot day with a cold beverage. Part of the fun of Buza's bar is just finding it as you explore the beautiful, winding side streets of the old town. If you plan ahead and bring swimming suits and towels, you can actually jump into the ocean from the rocks just below the bar, as we did on a very hot day in August.

Driving back towards Split, head up the Peljesac Peninsula before crossing back over the Peljesac Bridge. We loved exploring the beaches, wineries and small towns on the Peljesac. There is enough to do here to fill many days. Some of the highlights include:

• The Walls of Ston: The Walls of Ston, dating back to the 14th century, are about three miles long, connecting the towns of Ston and Mali Son. The walk is a bit strenuous, so be prepared to climb and aim for the morning if you are there during the hot summer months. The walk itself is beautiful, with views of the Adriatic as well as the oyster farms and salt fields the area is famous for. Be sure to have some oysters at one of the restaurants or food stands in Ston!

• Divna Beach: There are several amazing beaches on the peninsula, and Divna was our favorite. It is one of the largest beaches in Croatia, and mostly undeveloped, adding to its natural beauty. The water is as clean and clear as it gets. There is a small island just offshore that you can swim or kayak to and some cafes to allow you to spend plenty of time soaking up the sun.

• Korcula: The island of Korcula is a 15-minute ferry ride from Orebic at the end of the Peninsula. There are lots of things to do on Korcula if you have time to stay the night, including visiting some amazing pristine beaches on the far western shores. If you want a shorter day or evening trip, it is well worth taking the ferry to check out the town of Korcula. There are plenty of restaurants and shops, and it is a great place to have dinner and drinks as the sun sets.

Hvar is one of the most popular Croatia Islands, with plenty of nightlife as well as natural beauty to explore:

Beaches:

Hvar has some of the best beaches in Croatia and are a reason why many people visit the island. You have plenty of options to choose from, and I recommend checking out Malo Zerace, Dubovika and Pokonji Dol.

Pakleni Islands:

Take a boat tour through the islands, located just off the coast of Hvar. There are plenty of amazing coves and beaches to visit with mind-blowingly clear water.

Stari Grad:

Stari Grad is less busy than the activity center of Hvar town and is a great place to spend the day. The Riva is beautiful with plenty of places to eat and shop. It is also worth heading up to Glavica Hill, the highest point on the island, for some amazing views of the town and beyond (go there at sunset for a special experience).

• Blue Cave: The Blue cave is located on the island of Bisevo and is well worth a visit. The sun shines through a hole above the cave, causing the water inside to glow a deep, dark blue that you have to experience in person to appreciate. I recommend combining the visit with a full day tour of other parts of Vis, particularly beaches that are harder to get to from land.

• Milna Beach SUP: If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure, stand up paddle boarding at Milna Beach should be on your list! The calm and clear waters are perfect for beginner or experienced paddle boarders. If you are confident, you can head out to some of the small islands just offshore and even stop for a beer along the way!

• Rokis: Roki’s is one of the most memorable dining experiences you will ever have. I would go back to Vis just to eat at Roki’s again.

It will be a long day of travel with the Ferry back to Split and then the drive into the mountains to Plitvice, but it is well worth it to visit one of the most majestic places on the planet. Check in to your hotel for an early bedtime -you will want an early start the next day to beat the crowds that arrive late morning. You enter the park and descend into the valley, but you may as well be entering another world. Wooden walkways and bridges guide you through a wonderland of waterfalls and lakes — a deep blue color due to the algae that grows here. You can choose from a variety of loops, with the longest taking you over 10 miles through the valley. If you are up for it, I highly recommend going in far enough to take the boat ride on Lake Kozjak — it will take you to an island with some interesting old architecture to explore. After a morning of exploring, enjoy lunch and head back to Split.

Spend one more night enjoying the bustling beauty of Split before heading to your flight out the next day.