Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast: Dubrovnik, Islands & Hidden Gems

Begin with three nights in Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s most iconic destinations. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is surrounded by its famous medieval walls and filled with narrow stone streets, historic buildings, and incredible views of the Adriatic.

Old Town

Spend a day exploring Old Town with a private guide and walking the city walls. I recommend leaving plenty of time to wander on your own afterward—stopping for lunch, shopping, or simply getting lost among the streets.
But don’t spend your entire stay inside Dubrovnik. Some of the most beautiful experiences are found just offshore.

Take a private boat to Mljet National Park

One of my favorite days in Croatia began with a private speedboat from Dubrovnik to Mljet National Park, one of the country’s most naturally beautiful islands. We rented bikes and rode through the park, surrounded by forests and saltwater lakes. During the warmer months, you can also swim, kayak, and spend time on the water.

From Mljet, continue by boat through the Elaphiti Islands for lunch at BOWA. Tucked away in a secluded island setting and accessible by boat, this truly felt like being lost in paradise. It’s the kind of place where the journey is as memorable as the destination—arrive by boat, settle in by the water, and enjoy a long Mediterranean lunch before cruising back toward Dubrovnik.

You will make your way from Dubrovnik → Ston → Pelješac Peninsula → Korčula. This is one of those days when the transfer becomes part of the trip.

Leave Dubrovnik and travel north along the beautiful Pelješac Peninsula, stopping in the historic town of Ston, known for its medieval walls, centuries-old salt pans, and oysters.

Taste oysters straight from the sea in Ston

One of the most memorable experiences of my trip was heading out onto the water with a third-generation oyster-farming family. They showed us how oysters are cultivated and explained the tremendous amount of work that goes into farming them before pulling oysters directly from the sea for us to taste.

And, yes—this is where I tried my very first oyster!

Wine and lunch on the Pelješac Peninsula

Continue through one of Croatia’s important wine regions to Villa Korta Katarina for wine tasting and a gourmet lunch.

The property itself is gorgeous, with just eight luxury suites overlooking the Adriatic. It would also make a wonderful stop for travelers who want to slow the itinerary down and spend a night or two surrounded by vineyards and sea views.

From the peninsula, take the short ferry across to Korčula.

Begin the morning exploring Korčula Old Town, a beautifully preserved medieval town with narrow stone streets, Venetian influences, and a lovely waterfront. Then head into the countryside for a completely different side of the island.

Visit a family-run eco-farm on Korčula

One of my favorite experiences of the trip was a visit to Eko Škoj, a family-run eco-farm focused on sustainable living and organic production.

This is the kind of experience I love finding when I travel. We had the opportunity to spend time with the family, learn about their approach to farming and life on the island, and enjoy an incredible farm-to-table meal made with local ingredients. The setting was beautiful, the experience felt genuinely personal, and the food was exceptional (I asked to take some homemade bread to go)!

It offered a wonderful glimpse into a quieter, more traditional side of Korčula—and was one of those experiences I would absolutely recommend building into a Croatia itinerary.

In the late afternoon, take the catamaran from Korčula to Hvar.

Hvar may be known for its glamorous harbor and nightlife, but there is another side to the island that I loved even more.

Spend time exploring Hvar Town, its waterfront, and historic center, but make sure you venture into the island’s interior as well.

Private dinner in an olive grove at sunset

Travel into the countryside for an intimate dinner in a secluded olive grove overlooking the island. Dinner is timed around sunset, and the remote setting makes it feel completely removed from Hvar’s busy waterfront.

It was one of those evenings that reminded me why the experiences surrounding a destination can be every bit as important as the destination itself.

Leave Hvar by catamaran and continue to Trogir, a small UNESCO-listed town near Split.

Its beautifully preserved Old Town is filled with stone alleyways, Romanesque churches, and Venetian architecture. Pair a guided walk through Trogir with a visit to a local winery in the Dalmatian countryside for lunch and wine tasting before continuing to Split.

Explore Split

At the center of Split is UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, built for the Roman emperor at the turn of the fourth century. What makes Split so interesting is that the palace isn’t simply a historic site—it is part of the living city. Restaurants, shops, cafés, and homes are woven throughout ancient Roman structures, medieval courtyards, and narrow streets.

Explore with a private local guide and then spend some time wandering the waterfront and Old Town independently.

Visit Krka National Park

For your final full day, head outside Split to Krka National Park.

The park is known for its waterfalls, waterways, and walking trails, and is a beautiful way to add some nature and activity to the end of the trip. Pair your visit with lunch at a traditional local tavern before returning to Split for your final evening.