3-Day Croatian Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Croatian Islands itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCroatian Islands travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Croatia Coastal Itinerary, incl. Split and Dubrovnik

  

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  • Day 1

    Split to Makarska

    Plan to arrive at Split's harbor by 12:30 PM for a 1:00 PM departure. The 4-hour cruise to Makarska includes a swimming break. Bring water shoes for the pebbly beaches and a light jacket for cooler afternoon breezes. When you reach Makarska walk 15 minutes from the port to the main square. The waterfront area gets busy after 6 PM with local music and cafe culture. Walk to the lighthouse path to watch the sun set behind Biokovo Mountain.

    
  • Day 2

    Makarska to Mljet Island

    Leave early at 7 AM to make the most of your Mljet visit. You'll stop for a swim at Pelješac peninsula where the waters are usually calm and clear. On Mljet you can rent bikes ($15 for 3 hours) to explore the national park's salt lakes. Take the small ferry to St. Mary's Island which runs every 30 minutes until 5 PM. Get there before the tour groups arrive. Remember to bring cash for the national park entry ($25 during peak season).

    
  • Day 3

    Mljet to Dubrovnik

    You'll reach Dubrovnik in the early afternoon. After lunch take the included city tour but wait until after 4 PM to walk the walls when there are fewer people and better light for photos. Book cable car tickets to Srđ Mountain online to skip the lines. You can walk the entire city walls (1,940 meters) or just do the northern section (about 1 hour) for the best views.

    

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• 3 Day Dubrovnik Itinerary, incl. Old Town and Lokrum Island

  A three-day coastal getaway lets you settle in on arrival, enjoy a full day of optional island visits or beach relaxation, and winds down with leisurely morning hours before your private airport transfer.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival and Old Town First Look

    Book an afternoon flight to avoid rush hour on the 30-minute airport drive. After checking in, take an evening walk through the Old Town when it's cooler and less crowded. The limestone-paved Stradun main street looks beautiful as the sun sets. Consider booking your stay in the Ploče area for easy Old Town access and great views without the steep stairs you'll find near Pile Gate.

    
  • Day 2

    UNESCO Heritage Exploration

    Get to the city walls by 8:00 AM to walk before the crowds and heat arrive. You'll need about 2 hours for the full 2 km circuit. Bring water and wear good shoes since the limestone can be slippery. Take the cable car up Mount Srđ afterward for sweeping views of the Old Town and Elafiti Islands. Visit Fort Lovrijenac in the afternoon (Game of Thrones fans know it as the Red Keep). A recent visitor shared: "The Fort offers the best photo angles of the city walls - go late afternoon when the light hits the orange rooftops perfectly."

    
  • Day 3

    Morning Escape to Lokrum

    Start your last day with a quick ferry ride to Lokrum Island (boats leave every 30 minutes, taking just 10 minutes). You'll find peaceful botanical gardens and peacocks roaming the paths, quite different from the busy Old Town. Bring your swimsuit to enjoy the rocky coves. Head back to your hotel by noon to catch your airport transfer with plenty of time before your flight.

    

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• 3 Days in Split, incl. Diocletian's Palace and Krka National Park

  Croatia's coastline unfolds over three days, highlighted by a full-day boat excursion to several islands including the Blue Lagoon. Early morning starts maximize your time for swimming and island hopping before returning to Split.

  

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  • Day 1

    Split Old Town & Adventure Activities

    Start at Diocletian's Palace before 9 AM to avoid cruise ship crowds. Visit the basement halls in the morning when they're cooler and more comfortable. Walk up to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and climb the bell tower for city views. The steps are worn smooth so wear sturdy shoes. In the afternoon, pick between white-water rafting on the Cetina River or ATV rides in the countryside. The rafting location is about 45 minutes from Split by shuttle. If you choose rafting, wear quick-dry clothes and secure sandals. The Class II-III rapids work well for beginners but still offer excitement.

    
  • Day 2

    Island Hopping Boat Tour

    Take a full-day boat tour of Split's archipelago. Get to Split harbor by 8:40 AM to grab water and snacks from Konzum supermarket before the 9 AM departure. Your first stop will be the Blue Lagoon near Trogir about 1.5 hours away. The crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming. Pack water shoes for the pebbly beaches and bring a light windbreaker for afternoon breezes. The boat stops at various islands where you can enjoy fresh seafood at local konobas and spend time swimming and snorkeling in quiet coves.

    
  • Day 3

    Krka National Park

    Visit Krka National Park first thing in the morning. It's about an hour from Split, and getting there for the 8 AM opening lets you see the waterfalls before crowds arrive. Take the main trail to Skradinski Buk waterfall, a 1.5-mile wooden walkway loop that's easy to walk but can be slippery. Note that swimming isn't allowed at the main waterfall anymore, but you can swim in designated areas downstream. Bring good walking shoes and a hat since the trails don't have much shade.

    

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