Dubrovnik Must-Visit Checklist
Croatia · Dubrovnik + Hvar Island · Summer Carnival Simplified Version
Route: Dubrovnik (3 days) → Hvar Island (3 days), 7 days 6 nights
Core Experiences: Walk the King’s Landing city walls + cliff bar diving + Hvar jelly sea + Blue Cave day tour + island party
🏰 Dubrovnik · King’s Landing 3 Days
Day 1 Old Town Tour
· Old City Walls Walk: Go at 7 AM for fewer crowds, ticket €35, overlooking the Adriatic Sea’s gem-blue gradient
· Stradun Street: Find the Jesuit Staircase, the “Walk of Atonement” from Game of Thrones
· Evening: Buža Bar cliff bar, jump into the crystal-clear sea from the city wall gap
Day 2 Panorama + Beach
· Mount Srđ Cable Car: Round trip €27, dine at Panorama Restaurant with squid risotto and sunset views
· Banje Beach: Next to the Old Town East Gate, free entry, sunbed rental €50-100/set, clear water and fine sand, often hosts sunset parties in summer
· Alternative: 3-hour sea kayaking tour (~€30), snorkeling around Lokrum Island
Day 3 Game of Thrones Deep Dive + Island Option
· Fort Lovrijenac: Filming location for Game of Thrones’ Red Keep, best spot for city wall panoramas
· Afternoon: 15-minute boat to Lokrum Island, visit the monastery + naturist beach
· Accommodation: Recommended to stay inside the Old Town or near Ploče Gate (convenient for beach access)
🌿 Hvar Island · Party and Jelly Sea 3 Days
Transport: Dubrovnik → Hvar, high-speed catamaran about 3-3.5 hours, book tickets 1 week in advance in summer (Jadrolinija/Krilo)
Day 4 Arrival + Town Stroll
· Hvar Town: Be amazed by the jelly sea right after disembarking, visibly glassy blue
· Spanish Fortress: Ticket €7, climb at dusk for panoramic views of the Pakleni Islands
· Dinner: Kava37 specialty coffee, Dalmatian black squid risotto
Day 5 Blue Cave Day Tour
· Classic itinerary: Blue Cave → Green Cave → Stiniva Bay → Palmizana Island, about 8 hours, €80/person
· Note: Green Cave may be canceled in rough seas, bring windbreaker + seasickness pills + swimsuit
· Pakleni Islands: Rent a boat to drive yourself (experience required) or join a group tour, jelly sea snorkeling
Day 6 Island Exploration
· Rent an electric scooter to circle the island: €20/day, visit Stari Grad to see lavender fields (bloom June-August)
· Hidden Villages: Seafood in Vrboska fishing village, hike in the abandoned village of Malo Grablje
· Evening: Hvar Town nightlife, beach clubs or drinks at the harbor
Day 7 Return
· Morning for last-minute activities, afternoon boat to Split or fly out from Dubrovnik
💰 Budget · Peak Season Real Costs (per person / Euros)
Item Budget Comfortable
Accommodation (6 nights) €420-720 (hostels/B&Bs) €900-1,800 (sea view hotels)
Intercity Ferry Tickets €50-70 €50-70
Tickets/Activities €100-150 €200-300
Meals (6 days) €180-300 €360-600
Total €750-1,240 €1,510-2,770
⚠️ Summer Must-Knows
✅ Book Early: Accommodation 3 months ahead, ferry tickets 1-2 weeks ahead, Blue Cave tours 2-3 days ahead
✅ Sunscreen + Water Shoes: Essential for rocky beaches, sun is intense
✅ Avoid Crowds: Walk city walls at 7 AM, avoid sun 2-5 PM
✅ Save Money: Buy water/bread at supermarkets for picnics, check Google reviews to avoid bad restaurants in Old Town
In short: Dubrovnik’s rich history + Hvar’s party jelly sea = Croatia’s perfect summer formula.