4 Days In Croatia: The Best Croatia Itinerary

Are you thinking of visiting Croatia? If you’re looking to spend a long weekend away, basking in the sun, swimming in the sea, eating fresh seafood, and exploring beautiful Fortresses and cobblestone streets, then lucky you- you’re in the right place!

Croatia is known for its warm dry summers and mild winters due to it being along the Adriatic Coast. This makes it a destination hot spot for tourists! I’m told Game of Thrones also contributed to putting Croatia on the map. Although I’m embarrassed to say I’m yet to watch it!

Many of the popular towns and cities in Croatia include Dubrovnik, Makarska, Split and islands such as Pan, Brac, Korcula, and Hvar to name a few. Due to its location, Hvar is sometimes overlooked, but I can confidently say it was my favourite island. So this is where we will base our itinerary.

You can read more about what to do in Hvar, Croatia on my Ultimate Guide to Hvar, Croatia blog post.

Fun Fact: From above, Croatia seems to take on the shape of a croissant!

Table of Contents

Here is my 4-Day Itinerary for Hvar, Croatia

Where to stay in Hvar, Croatia

If you want to stay right on the promenade, then Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel has great views of the sea and many yachts and you don’t have to walk far. Prefer something quieter? It’s a bit of a walk/cycle, but Hotel Podstine is far more secluded with its own private beach surrounded by palm and pine trees.

Day 1:

I suggest getting to know your local area. Walk around Old Town. Get lost in the cobblestone streets and stairways leading to the views of the beautiful red roofed houses and turquoise sea. Grab a quick snack and a coffee by the main square, which is a no car zone, and admire the architecture of the buildings.

After lunch, walk along the promenade and enjoy the turquoise waters filled with fish. Maybe even get an ice-cream to enjoy. Take a quick swim in the many swimming spots along the promenade

Helpful Tip: The ice cream stands on the promenade have local flavors and you get more ice-cream than in the cafes and restaurants.

Have dinner in one of Hvar’s Konobas. The further you wander from the tourist strip along the harbour, the better the food will be as it is less commercialised for tourists. I recommended trying to local dish, Buzara, which is a seafood stew!

Enjoy after-dinner drinks at Falko Bar. It’s a bit of a walk from the main square, but you might need it after such a big dinner. The views of the sea from Falko Bar make the walk worth it.

Day 2:

If you’re a sea mermaid, like me- you’ll be desperate for a proper swim! Spend the day at one of the many different beaches around Hvar, or hire a boat (self-navigated or guided). I recommend Pokonji Dol Beach. It’s near Hvar Old Town and is great for swimming. There’s even a little spot to grab some lunch! Or, pack your own and have a picnic.

Slightly further from Hvar, about 8km, is Bay Dubovica. Known for its picturesque landscape, pebbly beach as well as underwater views, this is another great beach destination especially if you want to get away from the city noise! I rolled my ankle running into the sea, classic me, so be mindful of the pebbly beach!

Helpful Tip: The beaches are quite pebbly so pack beach shoes or flip-flops

Then, you have to check out Hula Hula Beach bar! With it’s waterfront views, reasonably priced cocktails, dancing and live music. You can also sit out on the beach loungers.

Day 3:

Take a break from the sun after your beach day, and take a tour of Hvar’s Lavender Fields. You will need to book this tour in advance, and it leaves at 9:30 from Taxi Hvar Beleca (there is no hotel pick-up).

The trip duration is about 4-6 hours. You will learn everything about Hvar and Mediterranean herbs, visit the old Hvar villages and get to speak with locals. It is one of the easier hikes considering the vast hills in Hvar. Snacks and beverages are included in the tour, too!

You can book a Lavender Small Group tour here.

Helpful Tip: The best time to visit the Lavender Fields is in June-July. We went in August and although still beautiful, the season was nearly over.

Depending on the time you get back, you might want to walk around Old Town, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which is in the heart of the Town, and admire its beautiful history and stained glass windows as the sun sets.

Have dinner at a nearby Konobas, just remember that the further you go from the promenade the more authentic of an experience you will have!

Day 4:

Visit the Blue and Green caves. You will need to hire a guided tour for this, but it is well worth it! Most of the tour companies provide lunch, so make sure you ask. You need to book in advance so be sure to do this when you arrive in Hvar so you don’t miss out!

When you get back in the afternoon, you need to visit Tvrdava Fortica, voted Travellers’ Choice in 2020, and for good reason! The views once you get to the top are magnificent. You will be able to walk around the fortress and admire the different viewpoints. The entry fee to the museum can be pricey, but if you just want to walk around the fortress then it is free. The afternoon is the best time to walk around, if you go early in the day you will be so hot in the direct sunlight.

After you’ve been through Tvrdava Fortica, walk to Fort Napojun which is just above. You will see the best views of Hvar Old Town and the harbor.

Helpful Tip: You can’t actually go in Fort Napojun

There is so much to do and see in Hvar, and you could easily spend a week or more here (contrary to the recommended 2 days) so be sure to check out my list of must-see and do activities in Hvar in case you want to stay longer!