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Dalmatian Coast: 8-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

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The 8-day version for September: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 6-day plan · 8-day plan · best time to go.

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8
days
390 km
distance
17.1 h
in transit
35
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Zadar → Šibenik

4 curated stops
Transit
3h10
Finish
~16:20
Temperature
20.9°C–23.1°C
Rainy days
~13
Daylight
12.3h
09:00
Morske orgulje read more map ↗
Listen to waves play a tune through 35 organ pipes.
50 min · Zadar · free
10:00
Crkva svetog Donata read more map ↗
Admire this preserved pre-Romanesque church, now a museum.
50 min · Zadar · €2.70/adult (cash only)
13:45
Katedrala sv. Jakova sibenska-biskupija.hr read more map ↗
Admire intricate stonework in this UNESCO basilica.
50 min · Šibenik · €2
open: 9:30-18:30
14:50
Fortress of St. Michael read more
Take in panoramic city and bay vistas uphill.
90 min · Šibenik
Overnight: Šibenik
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 2 Around Šibenik

4 curated stops
Transit
0h18
Finish
~12:50
Temperature
20.9°C–23.1°C
Rainy days
~13
Daylight
12.3h
09:00
Srednjovjekovni vrt sv.Lovre gimnazija-privatna-pravojavnosti-si.skole.hr map ↗
Discover rare medieval plants in a quiet garden.
50 min · Šibenik · Only for guided groups €2, check with Cromovens Tourist Agency
open: 08:00-23:00
10:00
Gradska vijećnica search map ↗
See Renaissance architecture in the old town hall.
50 min · Šibenik
11:00
Biskupska palača search map ↗
Gaze at Gothic bishops' residence walls.
50 min · Šibenik
12:00
Crkva sv. Barbare search map ↗
Spot a clock on a small, historic church facade.
50 min · Šibenik
Overnight here
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 3 Split

4 curated stops
Transit
1h52
Finish
~15:25
Temperature
17.3°C–23.8°C
Rainy days
~13
Daylight
12.3h
10:35
Peristylium search map ↗
Stroll under Roman arches in the palace square.
50 min · Split
11:35
Katedrala sv. Duje read more map ↗
Marvel at the world's oldest cathedral's mix of Roman and Catholic styles.
50 min · Split · €3.40
12:35
Jupiter temple read more map ↗
See where an ancient Roman temple became a church.
50 min · Split · €0.70
13:35
Galerija Meštrović mestrovic.hr read more map ↗
Admire intricate sculptures by Ivan Meštrović in a serene gallery.
50 min · Split
14:25
Theatrum Bar & Food theatrumbarandfood.com map ↗
Savor fresh ingredients in a cozy setting with Wi-Fi.
60 min · Split · Dishes €7-17, drinks €4-15, wine €8-95
open: Daily 07:00-01:00
Overnight here
e.g. Tchaikovsky Hostel · Adriatic Hostel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 4 Around Split

4 curated stops
Transit
0h18
Finish
~13:50
Temperature
17.3°C–23.8°C
Rainy days
~13
Daylight
12.3h
09:00
Archaeological Museum in Split armus.hr read more map ↗
Explore ancient Roman artifacts from Salona and Narona.
50 min · Split · Adults €8; children, students, disabled €4
10:00
Froggyland froggyland.net read more map ↗
Discover whimsical taxidermy frogs posed in everyday human scenes.
50 min · Split · €13
11:00
Getski vrtal search map ↗
Notice tiny tiramolas drying in a palace park.
50 min · Split
12:00
St. Duje's bell tower search map ↗
Ascend for sweeping city and island views.
50 min · Split · €4
12:50
Popaj m.facebook.com map ↗
Indulge in affordable pizzetas and hearty ham sandwiches.
60 min · Split
open: Mon-Thu winter 08:00-00:00, summer 08:00-01:00, Fri Sat winter 08:00-13:00, summer 08:00-14:00, Sun winter 15:00-00:00, summer 15:00-01:00
Overnight here
e.g. Tchaikovsky Hostel · Adriatic Hostel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 5 Hvar

1 curated stops
Transit
3h35
Finish
~14:25
Temperature
21.2°C–23.4°C
Rainy days
~11
Daylight
12.3h
Travel connections

Transport is not booked. Confirm departures, local transfers and vehicle pickup before travel.

  1. 09:00–09:00
    Transfer
    Split
    Record the same reserved journey car already in use before the first vehicle ferry
    Planning allowance: 0 min
    Check source
  2. 09:00–09:15
    Road estimate
    Split → Split vehicle-ferry terminalCheck source
  3. 09:15–10:00
    Transfer
    Split vehicle-ferry terminal
    Check in with the car before the booked Split–Stari Grad sailing
    Planning allowance: 45 min
    Check source
  4. 10:00–12:00
    Ferry
    Split vehicle-ferry terminal → Stari Grad vehicle-ferry terminal
    Cross to Hvar Island with the same car aboard
    Planning allowance: 120 min
    Check source
  5. 12:00–12:35
    Road estimate
    Stari Grad vehicle-ferry terminal → HvarCheck source
12:35
Grapčeva cave read more map ↗
Marvel at stalactites and stalagmites in this ancient Dalmatian cave.
50 min · Hvar
open: entrance only allowed with a guided tour, available only on certain days
13:25
Konoba Humac facebook.com map ↗
Enjoy traditional dishes in a romantic, scenic atmosphere among fields.
60 min · Hvar
open: closed on Sundays

Time to spare on this day

One stop and a free afternoon. We don't book activities, but these partners do.

Tours & day trips here →
Overnight here
e.g. Luka's Lodge · Villa Pepi
Find a stay →

Day 6 Makarska

4 curated stops
Transit
4h14
Finish
~17:45
Temperature
12.9°C–23.2°C
Rainy days
~11
Daylight
12.3h
Travel connections

Transport is not booked. Confirm departures, local transfers and vehicle pickup before travel.

  1. 09:00–09:00
    Transfer
    Hvar
    Continue in the same reserved journey car carried to Hvar on the Split–Stari Grad vehicle ferry
    Planning allowance: 0 min
    Check source
  2. 09:00–10:45
    Road estimate
    Hvar → Sućuraj vehicle-ferry terminalCheck source
  3. 10:45–11:30
    Transfer
    Sućuraj vehicle-ferry terminal
    Queue and check in with the car for the booked Sućuraj–Drvenik crossing
    Planning allowance: 45 min
    Check source
  4. 11:30–12:05
    Ferry
    Sućuraj vehicle-ferry terminal → Drvenik vehicle-ferry terminal
    Cross to the mainland with the same car aboard
    Planning allowance: 35 min
    Check source
  5. 12:05–12:45
    Road estimate
    Drvenik vehicle-ferry terminal → MakarskaCheck source
12:45
Sveti Petar search map ↗
Explore a lush park with a charming lighthouse on a peaceful peninsula.
50 min · Makarska
13:45
Osejava Park search map ↗
Stroll quiet woodland paths with glimpses of small sandy beaches.
50 min · Makarska
14:45
Kotišina search map ↗
Admire ancient church ruins surrounded by rugged karst mountains.
50 min · Makarska
15:55
Vepric search map ↗
Discover a serene woodland grotto featuring a sacred shrine nestled in trees.
50 min · Makarska
16:45
Konoba Veza konoba-veza.eatbu.hr map ↗
Experience traditional Croatian cuisine in a hilltop setting.
60 min · Makarska
open: Tue-Sun 12:00-23:00, Mon 18:00-23:00
Overnight here
e.g. Hotel Dalmacija Sunny · Hotel Park
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 7 Dubrovnik

4 curated stops
Transit
3h24
Finish
~16:55
Temperature
20.2°C–23.8°C
Rainy days
~15
Daylight
12.3h
12:00
City Walls search
Walk along the historic defensive walls with multiple entrance points.
50 min · Dubrovnik · for adults, for children (aged 7-18, under 7s are free) and students with a valid student card
open: 08:00-19:30 summer, 10:00-15:00 winter, daily
13:05
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary read more map ↗
Marvel at the impressive Roman Baroque cathedral in Poljana Marin Držić.
50 min · Dubrovnik
open: Mon-Sat 08:00-20:00, Sun 11:00-17:30
14:05
Bell Tower read more map ↗
Listen to the bronze statues strike the giant bell on the hour.
50 min · Dubrovnik
15:05
Sponza Palace read more map ↗
Admire the Gothic Renaissance architecture and historic archives inside.
50 min · Dubrovnik · €5
open: Daily 10:00-22:00
15:55
Pizzeria La Luna pizzeria-la-luna-dubrovnik.com map ↗
Enjoy large, fresh pizza portions with friendly, albeit slow, staff.
60 min · Dubrovnik · €6/medium pizza
open: Daily 08:00-00:00
Overnight here
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 8 Around Dubrovnik

4 curated stops
Transit
0h18
Finish
~13:50
Temperature
20.2°C–23.8°C
Rainy days
~15
Daylight
12.3h
09:00
Franciscan Monastery read more map ↗
Discover the Romanesque cloister and the world's third oldest pharmacy.
50 min · Dubrovnik
open: 09:00-18:00
10:00
Rector's Palace read more map ↗
Explore the museum dedicated to Dubrovnik's rich history within its walls.
50 min · Dubrovnik · €15
11:00
Fort Lovrijenac read more map ↗
Stand atop the 37-meter rock and feel the historic fortifications around you.
50 min · Dubrovnik · €15, or free with City Walls ticket
open: Daily 09:00-19:00
12:00
Synagogue and Jewish Museum read more map ↗
Discover centuries-old Sephardic heritage and European Jewish history.
50 min · Dubrovnik
open: Daily 10:00-15:00
12:50
Buffet Škola search map ↗
Savor fresh, focaccia-like bread with delicious prosciutto and cheese.
60 min · Dubrovnik

🚌 Buses & ferries for this route →

🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

Use this plan → Change month, pace or interests →