History without museum hopping. Beautiful towns worth wandering. Incredible food. And some of the clearest water in Europe. But one of my favorite things about Croatia? The boat can be part of the trip.
Instead of treating transfers as the boring part, use the water to get from Split to Hvar and eventually down to Dubrovnik. Stop at smaller islands. Swim in hidden coves. Have a long lunch somewhere you can only reach by boat.
You unpack less, see more and avoid spending half your vacation sitting in a car. For a first luxury trip to Croatia, I’d give yourself 7–9 nights and combine Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik. If you have more time, add Istria.
Here’s how I’d do it.
The Best Way to Travel Croatia: By Boat
Croatia has more than a thousand islands, islets and reefs scattered along its Adriatic coastline. And while you certainly don’t need to visit all of them, you should see more than the view from the highway.
A private boat can double as your transportation between destinations.
Start around Split, head to Hvar, and eventually make your way toward Dubrovnik. Along the way, stop at Vis, Komiža, the Pakleni Islands or whichever little swimming spot looks particularly good that day.
Some of my favorite Croatia days don’t require much of an itinerary:
Boat. Swim. Lunch. Repeat.
It also works particularly well with kids. You’re still getting from A to B — it just doesn’t feel like a transfer.
Where to Stay in Croatia
Maslina Resort | Hvar
WHY I LIKE IT: It’s on the quieter side of Hvar — away from the scene.
Maslina Resort sits on Maslinica Bay near Stari Grad rather than Hvar Town. That distinction matters. If you want to visit Hvar but don’t necessarily want to be in the middle of the nightlife every night, I prefer this setup. There are suites as well as villas, which makes Maslina worth looking at for families who need more space. There’s also a strong wellness focus and the whole property feels much more relaxed than the busier side of the island.
I’d send: Families, couples and anyone who wants to experience Hvar without being in the middle of Hvar Town.
Villa Dubrovnik | Dubrovnik
WHY I LIKE IT: The views.
Villa Dubrovnik looks across the Adriatic toward Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town. It’s sophisticated and intimate without feeling overdone, and you get those incredible Dubrovnik views while being just outside the busiest part of town. Dubrovnik can get crowded, particularly during summer days when cruise ships are in port. I like having somewhere peaceful to retreat to when you’ve had enough.
I’d send: Couples, families with older children and anyone who wants easy access to Dubrovnik without sleeping in the middle of the crowds.
San Canzian Hotel & Residences | Istria
WHY I LIKE IT: A little bit Tuscany, a little bit Croatia.
Istria is the Croatia I’d add when you have more time.
San Canzian is a small hotel set in a restored Istrian village surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, truffles and hilltop towns. There are just 26 rooms, suites and villas, so the experience feels completely different from Croatia’s coastal resorts.
Eat. Drink wine. Find truffles. Wander through tiny towns. Repeat. If your Croatia trip is long enough, I love pairing a few days here with the islands and coast.
I’d send: Food and wine lovers, couples and repeat Europe travelers who want something beyond the standard Croatia itinerary.
Where to Eat in Croatia
Croatia is somewhere I’d resist the urge to make a dinner reservation at the fanciest restaurant every night.
Fresh seafood, local wine and small family-run restaurants are a huge part of the experience.
In Dubrovnik, make a day out of BOWA rather than treating it as just lunch. Go by boat, swim, order seafood and wine and plan to stay awhile. For dinner, Nautika is worth it for the setting and views.
In Split, try Bokeria, right in the Old Town.
On Hvar, I like Antika, and in Stari Grad, Jurin Podrum is a small family-run restaurant that feels much more local.
Some of the best meals in Croatia are the least complicated ones.
What Not to Miss in Croatia
Eat Oysters in Ston
Head toward the Pelješac Peninsula for a local oyster experience. Rather than simply ordering them at a restaurant, get out on the water, see where they’re grown and taste them right there with a glass of crisp Croatian wine. Even better if you work it into a boat day rather than making it a standalone excursion.
Visit Vis + the Pakleni Islands
Take a boat to Vis, Komiža and the Pakleni Islands. This is the Croatia I love — smaller islands, clear water, swimming stops and lunch somewhere along the way.
Spend a Day at Krka National Park
For a break from the coast, head inland to Krka National Park for its waterfalls and walking trails. I’d combine the waterfalls with lunch at a local tavern rather than rushing back to the hotel.
Make BOWA an Afternoon
Yes, BOWA gets its own mention twice. Arrive by boat. Swim. Have fresh seafood and wine. Stay for the afternoon.
Swim the Caves + Coves
Leave yourself at least one day without much of an agenda beyond being on the water. Explore caves and little coves you can’t reach from land. Stop to swim when you feel like it. This is one of those times when doing less is doing Croatia better.
How Many Days Do You Need in Croatia?
For a first trip, I’d plan on 7–9 nights.
That’s enough time to combine a few places without feeling like you’re packing your suitcase every other morning.
A good first itinerary could look something like:
Split → Hvar → Dubrovnik
If you have more time, add Istria at the beginning or end.
I wouldn’t try to see the entire country in one trip.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Croatia?
My favorite months are May, June, July and September.
August is beautiful, but it’s also busy and hot — particularly in Dubrovnik.
If your schedule allows it, June and September are especially good months to consider. You still get the warm-weather Croatia experience without being there at the absolute height of the summer rush.
How Far Ahead Should You Book Croatia?
For summer, I’d start planning 6–9 months ahead.
Go earlier if you have your heart set on a particular hotel, need family suites or connecting rooms, or want a specific private boat.
The best combinations disappear before Croatia itself feels “sold out.”
That’s an important distinction.
You may still find a hotel room later, but it might not be the room that works for your family — or the boat and guide you would have chosen first.
What’s the Best Way to Get to Croatia?
It’s easier than you might think.
For a Split-Hvar-Dubrovnik itinerary, I like flying into Split and out of Dubrovnik, or doing the reverse, depending on the best flights. There are easy connections through major European hubs. Once you’re there? Let the boat do some of the driving.
Anything to bring, unexpected?
Water shoes.
Kanes. Crocs. Pick your poison. Not glamorous, but useful. Many Croatian beaches are rocky or pebbly rather than soft sand, and nobody needs to spend the first afternoon of vacation learning this barefoot.
My Croatia Quick Take
Best for families: Hvar + Dubrovnik with plenty of boat time
Best hotel for families: Maslina Resort, especially if you need more space
Best for couples: Villa Dubrovnik
Best for food + wine: Istria
Best day: Private boat, swimming + long lunch
Don’t miss: Vis + the Pakleni Islands
Best time to go: June or September
How long: 7–9 nights
What I’d skip: Trying to squeeze too many places into one trip
What I’d pack first: Water shoes. Sadly.
Croatia Travel FAQs
Is Croatia a good destination for families?
Yes — especially for families who like being active without needing a heavily scheduled vacation.
Boat days, swimming, islands, small towns and good food make Croatia particularly easy with school-age kids and teenagers. Villas and larger suites also make it possible to find accommodations that work well for families.
What is the best Croatia itinerary for a first trip?
For a first visit, I like Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik over 7–9 nights.
It gives you history, islands, beaches, restaurants and plenty of time on the water without changing hotels constantly.
Is Hvar good for families?
Yes, but I’d pay attention to where you stay on Hvar.
Hvar Town has a livelier scene, while the Stari Grad side of the island is quieter. That’s one reason I like Maslina Resort for families.
Do you need a private boat in Croatia?
No.
Would I budget for one? Yes.
You can travel between destinations by ferry and car, but using a private boat for at least part of the trip changes the experience completely. Your transfer becomes one of the best days of the vacation.
Is Dubrovnik worth visiting with kids?
Yes, particularly with older children.
The Old Town is compact and easy to explore, and you can balance sightseeing with boat days and swimming rather than spending every day touring historic sites.
Is Croatia a beach vacation?
Yes — but don’t expect endless Caribbean-style sandy beaches.
Much of the coastline is rocky or pebbly. What you get instead is incredibly clear water, beautiful coves and some fantastic swimming.
Hence the Crocs.
Why Book Your Croatia Hotels With Us?
You can certainly book these hotels yourself. But if you’re already booking a luxury hotel, there are often extra benefits available when you book through us — at no additional booking fee to you.
As a Virtuoso Partner agency, our clients booking eligible rates typically receive benefits such as:
- Complimentary breakfast
- Hotel or resort credits
- Priority for room upgrades, when available
- Exclusive offers and amenities
- VIP recognition with the hotel team
- Priority for the best available rooms and suites
- Competitive hotel rates, plus the added benefits
And in Croatia, the room matters. At one hotel, that may mean choosing a villa instead of two separate rooms. At another, it could be the difference between the view you came to Croatia for and one you didn’t. Let that be our job.
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