Croatia island-hopping on a budget: 7-day Split → Dubrovnik plan

The 7-day route

Slow enough to enjoy each island, fast enough to see the highlights.

• Day 1–2: Split. Walk Diocletian's Palace at sunrise, day trip to Trogir.
• Day 3–4: Hvar (1h ferry). Sunset at the fortress, beach club at Hula Hula.
• Day 5: Korčula (1.5h catamaran). Old town walls, marco polo museum, wine tasting in Lumbarda.
• Day 6–7: Dubrovnik (2h catamaran). Walk the walls at 08:00, sunset cable car.

Booking the boats

Jadrolinija and Krilo Kapetan Luka are the two main operators. Book online 1–2 weeks ahead in July/August; same-day is fine in shoulder season.

• Catamarans are faster, pedestrians only.
• Car ferries (Jadrolinija) are cheaper and stable in rough weather.
• There's no 'island pass' — book leg-by-leg.

Saving money

Stay in sobe (rooms in private homes) rather than hotels — €25–€45/night with breakfast in shoulder season. Eat the daily 'marenda' lunch menu in old town konobas for €8–€12.

What to see

• Stari Grad Plain
  Hvar's UNESCO Greek vineyards
• Pakleni Islands
  Water taxi from Hvar town, hidden coves
• Korčula wineries
  Try Grk and Pošip whites in Lumbarda

Where to eat

• Konoba Menego, Hvar
  Dalmatian small plates, ancient stone room
• LD Restaurant, Korčula
  Sea view, splurge meal at €40 a head
• Bota Šare, Split
  Best oysters straight from Ston

Watch out for

• !Last catamarans often leave by 18:00 — don't get stuck on an island accidentally.
• !Cruise ports (Korčula, Dubrovnik) are mobbed 10:00–16:00. Time your sightseeing around them.
• !Tipping is 5–10% in restaurants. Round up taxis.