January 19, 2019 - To no one’s surprise, traveling from Split to Dubrovnik may be the most frequented route for tourists coming to Croatia - and specifically Dalmatia. While there are more than a few options on hand when going from one coastal town to the other, depending on whether you choose the bus, plane, boat, or car, you’ll get from the Dalmatian capital to the Pearl of the Adriatic anywhere between 1-6 hours, give or take.
Though if our opinion had any influence on your choice, we’d suggest you take a drive down the coast - and this is primarily because of the roadside charms you’ll find along the way.
Here’s how we think your road trip itinerary should look from Split to Dubrovnik.
Split to Omiš
Your first stop after leaving Split should be in Omiš, which is less than an hour away (though you should potentially factor in seasonal traffic). Omiš is known as the town where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic - and it’s also known for its history of pirates and klapa singing. Omiš also boasts many attractions, such as fortresses from the 13th (Mirabella) and 15th-century (Fortica), a precious old town, a 10th-century church, and perhaps best of all to keep your road-trip-hunger curbed - Soparnik, a Swiss chard savory pie that has been declared as intangible cultural heritage of Croatia by the Croatian Ministry of Culture.
From Omiš to the Makarska Riviera
Your next stop on the road trip should be, well, literally anywhere on the Makarska Riviera. While the town of Makarska marks the center of the Riviera and is perhaps the most famous for its Franciscan Monastery, unique museums, and churches, there are other stops you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Take one of Croatia’s best beaches, Brela, for example, or the town of Tučepi, which is known for having one of the longest beaches in Croatia. Or if you have more time to kill, don’t miss out on visiting Biokovo Nature Park!
From Makarska to Neum in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Did you know that you have to pass through Bosnia and Herzegovina on the road to Dubrovnik? Just an hour and a half away from Makarska is the town of Neum in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is the country’s only access to the Adriatic Sea. A seaside resort town, Neum offers a variety of food, drink, and tobacco products at much lower prices than in Croatia - and if you’re hungry, make sure you try a mixed grill (and specifically čevapi) or a burek!
PS: Don't forget your passport!
From Neum to Ston
Just about a half hour away from Neum is the town of Ston, known for its oyster farming, salt works, and wall that is known as Europe’s equivalent to the Great Wall of China. Ston is a small town with just a few restaurants, but trying the oysters are a must - as is tasting the Ston risotto, which can be found at Kapetanova Kuća (Captain’s House), which was also named one of Croatia’s 100 best restaurants. And if you feel like you need to work off all the food from the trip, take a hike up the 3 kilometer Ston wall, which was built in the 14th century.
From Ston to Dubrovnik
The light at the end of the tunnel, Dubrovnik, is located less than an hour away from Ston, though one more stop could interest you. Precisely, the Trsteno Arboretum is known as the oldest arboretum in this part of the world - and it was also used as a filming location in the third and fourth seasons of Game of Thrones.
But the best part? If you don’t feel like making the drive but wish to see all the charms along the way, Solo Transfers is here to save the day. One of Croatia’s most trusted private transfers companies, Solo Transfers will take you door-to-door, and everywhere you wish in between on your Croatian adventure.
For more information on bookings, visit the Solo Transfers website.
To learn more about Split and Dubrovnik, follow TCN's travel section.
