When it comes to planning your Croatian adventure, the dilemma of how to divide your time between Split and Dubrovnik can be a delightful challenge.
After much contemplation and firsthand experience, I recommend spending at least one full day in Split and two full days in Dubrovnik. This allocation is focused solely on exploring these cities themselves, excluding any additional day trips or excursions.
Our own journey followed this plan (two nights in Split and three nights in Dubrovnik), and despite initial concerns, we found ourselves delighted with our decision to prioritize Dubrovnik.
Before our trip, we were apprehensive about Dubrovnik’s reputation for being overly touristy, wondering if Split might offer a more authentic experience. However, our experiences led us to appreciate the distinct charms of each city.
Split is a paradise for history enthusiasts and food lovers alike. The heart of Split lives within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that integrates ancient ruins with bustling shops and restaurants.
Check out my detailed guide on what to do in Split here.
On the other hand, Dubrovnik has timeless elegance and coastal charm. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik’s old town has medieval architecture, surrounded by imposing city walls that offer panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik is also well known for being a filming location in Game of Thrones.
Discover more about Dubrovnik’s highlights in my guide on what to do in Dubrovnik here.
We ultimately felt that while Split was lovely, we ran out of things to do inside the city walls after our two-night stay.
If you have more time, there are always things that can be done outside the city walls (visiting nearby beaches, attractions outside the city walls, or even using Split as a home base for day trips).
We felt the must-sees in Dubrovnik required more time overall. Three nights were enough for us to see all the main attractions, but we easily could have spent more time visiting other areas of the city.
Another great part about Dubrovnik is that it can be treated more as a relaxing getaway than Split. More time can be spent here in a room with a view that overlooks the water.
With the insights shared here, I hope you are able to plan a trip that allows you to make the most of both cities’ unique charms. Whether you’re drawn to Split’s historical allure or Dubrovnik’s coastal beauty, your Croatian journey will be filled with unforgettable experiences.