Ultimate Croatia: Coastal Dalmatia, Historic Fortresses & Island Road Trips

Fuel up before entering the walled city with a warm, flaky cheese or meat burek paired with traditional Croatian yogurt.

Access the 2-kilometer elevated walkway circling the historic core. Start at the main entrance near Pile Gate and walk counter-clockwise for postcard vantage points of the Adriatic and terracotta rooftops.

Perched on a 37-meter sheer rock outside the western walls, this fortress offers striking viewpoints looking back at the Old Town. Entrance is included with the Dubrovnik Pass.

A sheltered cove tucked between Lovrijenac and the city walls, famous as Blackwater Bay and a prime spot to watch sea kayakers launch.

Pass through the 16th-century western portal into the Old Town, where you can refill water bottles at the 15th-century polygonal fountain.

Climb these Baroque stairs leading to the Church of St. Ignatius, renowned worldwide as the backdrop for the iconic Game of Thrones 'Walk of Atonement'.

Explore the peaceful 14th-century cloister housing one of the oldest operating pharmacies in Europe, which has compounded remedies since 1317.

Stop for an innovative seafood lunch in the alleyways; the creator highly recommends trying their signature octopus burger served on black brioche.

Step through a tiny doorway in the fortress walls to enjoy a cold Karlovačko or Aperol spritz perched right on the open cliffside above the sea.

Treat yourself to artisan gelato in unique regional flavors like carob, fig, and premium pistacchio near the central Stradun.

Ride the cable car to the summit of Mount Srđ (412m) for unrivaled panoramic views, visit the 1990s Homeland War Museum inside Fort Imperial, and book a sunset terrace table at Panorama Restaurant.

Pick up a reliable 125cc scooter or rental car just outside Dubrovnik Old Town for flexible coastal cruising along the D8 highway.

Wander the tranquil palm-lined promenade of Cavtat, a peaceful historic harbor town located 20km south of Dubrovnik, and visit the white stone Račić Family Mausoleum by sculptor Ivan Meštrović on the pine peninsula.

Stop for an affordable lunch on the Cavtat waterfront; the creator recommends their oversized club sandwich overlooking the boats.

Head north past Dubrovnik to Europe's oldest botanical garden, established in the late 15th century. Wander through Renaissance Neptune fountains, 500-year-old plane trees, and seaside loggias used as the Red Keep gardens.

A hidden gem in the bay of Slano, this restored 16th-century fortress and administrative estate features medieval defense towers and historic prison dungeons with zero crowds.

Walk along the 5.5km medieval stone defense wall known as the 'European Wall of China', linking the fortified towns of Ston and Mali Ston across the Pelješac isthmus.

Discover the oldest still-active salt pans in Europe, operating unchanged using natural sea evaporation and gravity channels since antiquity.

Indulge in fresh Mali Ston oysters straight from the surrounding seawater beds paired with local Dingač and Pošip wines at this acclaimed local tavern.

Start the morning at Pazar, the vibrant open-air farmers market outside Diocletian's eastern Silver Gate, to pick up fresh seasonal fruits, dried figs, and Soparnik (traditional Swiss chard pie).

Grab a warm, crispy Balkan burek stuffed with minced beef or sheep cheese for a quick, traditional breakfast on the go.

Enter through the Brass Gate off the seafront to explore the vaulted underground chambers of the 4th-century Roman Emperor's palace, impeccably preserved and famous as Daenerys' dragon throne room.

Stand under the open circular dome of the imperial vestibule, where local klapa groups frequently perform traditional Dalmatian a cappella singing with magnificent natural resonance.

Climb the narrow stone and metal staircases of the Romanesque bell tower attached to the world's oldest functioning cathedral for spectacular views across Split's red roofs and port.

A Split institution since the 1960s; grab their iconic ćevapi grilled minced meat sausages stuffed inside warm somun flatbread with kajmak spread and ajvar sauce.

Rub the polished big toe of this colossal 10th-century Croatian bishop statue by Ivan Meštrović outside the Golden Gate for good luck and a guaranteed return to Split.

Regarded by locals and visitors as the premier artisanal gelateria in Split, offering fresh warm waffle cones and flavors like pistachio and salted caramel made in small batches.

Walk up the stone steps from the Varoš neighborhood to the first Marjan hill terrace (Prva Vidilica) for an iced coffee or Aperol Spritz overlooking the entire Split peninsula and Brač island.

A 20-minute bus or scooter drive northeast of Split, this rugged medieval stronghold spans a mountain pass and served as the city of Meereen in Game of Thrones.

Conclude your Split culinary journey with authentic Dalmatian seafood and slow-cooked Peka (octopus and potatoes roasted under an iron bell) at one of the city's finest traditional konobas.

Pick up a rental vehicle at Split Airport or downtown for the easy 55-minute highway drive north to Krka National Park's Lozovac entrance.

Walk the 1.9km network of wooden boardwalks looping over emerald streams and travertine barriers that culminate in the spectacular 17-tiered Skradinski Buk waterfall.

Admire the idyllic 14th-century Franciscan monastery established by monks on a tiny cypress-fringed island in the center of Lake Visovac.

Relax at the rustic stone mill restaurant next to the falls for a traditional Croatian cold cuts platter of Drniš pršut (dry-cured ham), sheep cheese, and crisp local wine.

Wander past the gentle step waterfalls affectionately called 'The Necklaces' before climbing the 517-step wooden cliffside staircase up to the prehistoric cave with panoramic canyon vistas.

Drive to the northernmost and tallest waterfall in the national park (59.6 meters total drop), tumbling through a dramatic limestone canyon rarely reached by typical tour buses.

Catch the Jadrolinija or Krilo ferry departing Split Port across the sparkling waters to Stari Grad or Hvar Town, taking roughly 1 to 2 hours.

Pick up a scooter upon arrival to easily traverse Hvar's winding coastal and mountain roads without parking hassles.

Ride through the ancient agricultural landscape divided by drystone walls by Greek colonists in the 4th century BC, continuously cultivated with olives and vineyards for over 2,400 years.

Known as Hvar's 'Little Venice', this picturesque harbor village features narrow stone footbridges, winding canals, and the 16th-century Fortress Church of St. Mary of Mercy.

Cruise along the northern shoreline into Jelsa for a seaside walk along the pine-fringed bay and a relaxing wood-fired pizza lunch at Toni Pizzeria.

A hidden mountain ghost town completely abandoned in the 1950s when residents moved to nearby Milna. Wander freely among overgrown limestone ruins, ancient olive presses, and stone paths tucked into the canyon.

Climb up to the 16th-century fortress looming over Hvar Town for panoramic views of the harbor, cathedral square, and the offshore Pakleni Islands.

Finish your island expedition strolling St. Stephen's Square in Hvar Town or the relaxed alleys of Stari Grad, stopping for dinner at Kogo restaurant with fresh grilled fish.