A Croatia Road Trip: From Venice to Split and the Island of Hvar
Croatia has a way of layering history right into everyday life — you could be sitting on your balcony and find yourself staring straight through the arches of an ancient coliseum.
History around every corner
That’s what struck me most about Croatia — how casually the ancient sits next to the ordinary. Centuries-old ruins show up mid-city, tucked between cafés and apartment balconies, like nobody thought to make a big deal out of it.
Rocky shores made for swimming
My favorite part, though, was the coastline itself. Instead of the sandy, lay-your-towel-out beaches we’re used to in the U.S., Croatia’s shoreline is rocky, with ladders bolted straight into the cliffs leading down into the Adriatic. The water here isn’t for lounging next to — it’s made for swimming, and it’s some of the clearest, most inviting water I’ve been in.
From Venice to Split to Hvar
We took the ferry over from Venice, rented a car, and drove down the west coast of Croatia toward Split, stopping in a handful of towns along the way. From there, we caught another ferry out to the island of Hvar — hands down my favorite stop of the whole trip. Add in genuinely incredible food and surprisingly affordable luxury hotels, boat rentals, and cars, and it’s easy to see why Croatia stays on my list of favorite countries.
My only regret? Not giving ourselves more time there. If you’re planning a Croatia itinerary of your own — or want a travel photographer along for the ride — I’d love to help you capture it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Croatia a good destination for a road trip?
Yes — driving the coastal route from north to south lets you stop in multiple towns along the Adriatic, and ferries make it easy to add islands like Hvar to the itinerary.
What is Hvar known for?
Hvar is one of Croatia’s most popular islands, known for its rocky coastline, clear Adriatic water, and lively harbor town.
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