12 nights Croatia narrow down itinerary
 

Hi,
I need help with our 12-night itinerary in Croatia. I've been trying to narrow it down so we only have one 1-night stay (Plitvice) but at this point everything except Dubrovnik is a 2-night stay. We'd prefer longer stays, but I'm not sure how to narrow it down further, given the logistics.
My husband and I like sightseeing, great scenery for photo ops, wandering cobblestone streets and open air markets, good food, wine, people-watching in cafes etc. We're not partiers and while we love the coast and beaches and do want a little r&r time, we're not into spending a lot of time laying on beaches. We do want to see the beautiful Dalmatian Coast and take in at least one island. Here is what we have so far.

Sun, Jun 10 Arrive Ljubljana midday via train from Vienna (2 nights)
Mon, Jun 11 - Ljublijana - city sightseeing
Tues Jun 12 - Ljubljana/Zagreb via morning train; get car drive to Lake Plitvice (1 night)
Wed Jun 13 - Lake Plitvice morning visit ( approx 4 hrs), afternoon drive to Sibenik (2 nights)
Thu Jun 14 - Sibenik
Fri, Jun 15 - Trogir or Split (2 nights)
Sat, Jun 16 - Trogir/Split, turn in car
Sun, Jun 17- ferry Split/Hvar (2 nights)
Mon Jun 18 - Hvar
Tue, Jun 19 -Hvar/Dubrovnik via catamaran (3 nights)
Wed, Jun 20 - Dubrovnik
Thu, Jun 21 - Dubrovnik
Fri, Jun 22 - Depart Dubrovnik

Questions:
- After morning visit at Plitvice Lakes, is it reasonable to drive from Plitvice to Split in the afternoon? Best I can tell it's about 3 hours? I'm thinking then we could use Split or Trogir as a base for day trips rather than staying in Sibenik. Then we'd have 4 nights Split/Trogir.... or too long? Better 3 nights and add a night in Hvar or even Ljubljana?
-- Is a day trip from Hvar to Korcula possible via catamaran?

Thanks

It really depends on what you want to see and experience! The good news is that you don’t have any bad choices here, just some very difficult ones.

FWIW, I’d encourage a walk of at least 6 hours in the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Not only are the lakes connected by travertine waterfall formations, each lake has unique microbiota, and as a result, the lakes are different colors. IME, the best way to see that is to make a single, long loop through the park -- something on the order of 6 hours or more (including time for the boat that connects the lower and upper lakes), and by all means, start at the lowest part of the park so you are facing the falls as you proceed. So I would definitely encourage you to stay near the lakes at least one night, whether before or after depends on your scheduling preferences.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sibenik, but it seems to have less appeal to most people than some of the other places you are planning to visit, and if your goal is to limit the number of places you stay, that might be one place to consider. Doing so wouldn't necessarily give you any more time, as doing so could mean shifting your time to Split as a base rather than splitting your bases -- no pun intended. ;-)

Split is my favorite city in Croatia, so I’d want more time than you are giving it; that said, it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But yes, you can use it as a base for Trogir and Sibenik and even Hvar or other locations – depending on what you want to see and experience.

3 nights in Dubrovnik is actually a lot for the city itself. Depending on what you plan to see / do, you might be able to skip a night there.

Whether to add time in Hvar or Ljubljana or stop in Korcula (preferably overnight, IMO) all depend on your preferences.

Maybe I missed it, but when are you going? That makes a BIG difference for ferry schedules, sunrise/sunset times, crowds, etc.

I’m sure you’ve already considered it, but just in case … with 12 nights, another option might be to see only the north or south, rather than trying to span the distance from Slovenia to Dalmatia in that time frame.

Hope that helps!

The drive from Plitvice to Split is between 3 and 4 hours, usually closer to 3. I would choose fewer bases, personally. Also I would spend two nights at Plitvice so you have the whole day there without a long drive after, but that's just me. Lots of people do exactly what you are doing.

There is a lot to see on Hvar Island but you'd need to keep the car to get around. So probably two nights is enough if you aren't keeping the car.

A day trip to Korcula on the catamaran is possible, but it would be better, to go on the way from Hvar to Dubrovnik and stop off for one night. Otherwise you are backtracking and then backtracking again to go to Dubrovnik.

I think your plans look pretty good. In Dubrovnik try to stay outside the city walls, to escape the hordes.

I don't think that there will be a train coming from Vienna and arriving at Ljubljana before 2pm.
There is more to see at Zagreb than at Ljubljana.
Sibenik is a charming town. Sleep there and visit the Krka Falls Park.
Trogir is a nicer place fo a overnight stay than Split.
I would leave Split on Saturday for either Hvar Island or Korcula Island.

I wouldn't stay overnight in Trogir. A couple of hours plus a bite to eat is enough imo.

The ferry trip from Split to Hvar is great, very scenic, and only takes 2 hours. Hvar Town is party central, so if that's not your scene, then get the Split to Stari Grad ferry.

Ovis and/or Makarska are worth a day trip south from Split, the scenery.....mountains to the left and the Adriatic to the right is pretty good.

For Dubrovnik, check the Cruise Ship schedule, the place gets full very quickly.

There is a lot more to Hvar Town than parties. It is a lovely town with a lot of good restaurants and shops. Stari Grad is very pretty too, but if you stay there I would get a car at least for a day to explore some other places. You can rent cars for just a few hours on the island. There are taxis too, you could maybe take one to Vrboska to do some wine tasting or something like that if you do not want to rent a car.

If you want to take the catamaran to Korcula or Dubrovnik they leave from Hvar Town so it might be easier to base there. There are also catamarans from Split to Hvar Town that take one hour. Jadrolinija, the state line does not have the June schedules up yet, but you can check Krilo Jet.
https://www.krilo.hr/en/sailing-schedule/

Jadrolinija summer timetables:
http://www.jadrolinija.hr/red-plovid...e-linije-2018-

Did you try to look at June neckervd? When I try it does not work, there is "no destination port found."

Never mind I see them now :) I was looking at the drop down menu. Should have scrolled down.

Thanks for all the great tips and for taking the time to share them.
Yes, it would have been better to pick north or south Croatia for 12 nights, but we were committed to coming from Vienna and didn't want to miss the southern Dalmatian coast.

neckervd, you are right, train from Vienna to Ljubljana arrives around 2pm, not midday as I had it.

kja, my husband agrees Plitvice is worthy of spending a good 6 hrs. Thanks for encouraging us to allow more time. We'll stay in or near the park and get there for 8am opening. If we had more days in Croatia we'd spend a second night, but we want to spend more time on the coast. So if we get to Split around 6 or 7pm it will still be light out. While it will be a long day it should be ok I think.

Thanks to several suggestions, we'll stay in Split 3 nights and use it as a base for visiting Split, Trogir and Sibenik. We'll only have 2 full days in Split but if we have time, a visit to Omis or Makarska looks interesting. Though from what I read the road into Omis town get very crowded in summer.

We'll take a catamaran to Hvar and stay in Hvar Town, though I think we should rent a car for a day, as suggested, so we can see other parts of the island too. To see Korcula, it looks like we'd have to do an overnight before heading to Dubrovnik. Still a little on the fence on a 1-night stay there vs staying in Hvar 3 nights or adding a 4th night in Split to do day trips.

By some miracle, there are no cruise ships in Dubrovnik on June 20 according to http://www.cruisemapper.com/ports so that looks like a good day to be there. On June 21 there is only 1 small ship in Bay of Kotor so that looks like a good day for a daytrip, either bus or rent car for day.

Here's updated schedule:

Sun, Jun 10 Arrive Ljubljana 2pm via train from Vienna (2 nights)
Mon, Jun 11 - Ljublijana - city sightseeing
Tues Jun 12 - Ljubljana/Zagreb via morning train 8:25am/10:34am; get car, drive to Lake Plitvice (1 night)
Wed Jun 13 - Lake Plitvice morning visit (approx 6 hrs), late afternoon drive to Split (3 nights)
Thu Jun 14 - Split- visit Trogir, Sibenik
Fri, Jun 15 - Split - maybe Omis and/or Makarska day trip
Sat, Jun 16 - Split/Hvar catamaran into Hvar Town (2 nights)
Sun, Jun 17- Hvar
Mon Jun 18 - Hvar/Korcula via catamaran (1 night)
Tue, Jun 19 -Korcula/catamaran to Dubrovnik (3 nights)
Wed, Jun 20 - Dubrovnik - no cruise ships scheduled, yay
Thu, Jun 21 - Dubrovnik - best day to visit Kotor - only 1 small cruise ship in port
Fri, Jun 22 - Depart Dubrovnik


Question - in Split, if we stay in Old Town do you have a suggestion about what to do with our car? I think we will have to park it elsewhere (paid parking?) and walk to sobe or hotel?

Any sobes you can recommend in Split, Hvar Town or Korcula?

Thanks so much!

Looks good! And lucky on the cruise ships, it will still be crowded but not AS crowded.

I have recommended many times on these forums, Apartments Komazin in Hvar Town. They are 15 minutes walk outside the center in a residential area.
http://croatia-hvar-apartments.com/

Down the street from there you can get a car from Dino, he's super cool. http://www.dinorenthvar.com/

In Split you might try something closer to the sea and not inside the walls if you have a car. I stayed at a little hotel close to the cruise terminal in October, there was parking there but its not a sobe.

Do the stop in Korcula, why not, it will break up the long catamaran ride. Just make sure to pack light, pulling too much stuff on and off the catamaran can get old fast.

I agree with rialtogrl -- looks good!

I don’t think you’ll regret the time in the Plitvice Lakes, and FWIW, I thought a single night sufficient.

Please don’t forget time for Split itself! I felt hardpressed to see just the highlights with about 1.5 very busy days there. Visiting Sibenik and the Krka National Park from Split can take a full day; Trogir can take about a half-day. Seems to me you’re running out of time, and that doesn't count any of the other places you're considering! Of course, you can always decide on day trips once there.

As mentioned above, Hvar Town in June can be party hearty central – I found it too much so in May! But it is beautiful, so I can understand the draw.

If you stay in Korcula (which I loved), you might look at the Royal Apartments.

BTW, sorry for missing the dates – that you are traveling in June was actually quite clear.

Enjoy!

Thank you for your advice! Yes Split we will play by ear and see how much we have time for because we do want to see Split itself and don't want to be go-go-go every minute. Since we're going to Plitvice we'll likely skip Krka, though I know it has it's own charms.

I'm a little concerned about Hvar Town because I've heard it's party-town and that's not our scene. But my cousin loved it and he's not a party guy either. Maybe with a rental car we could stay in a different town.

Thanks for the accommodation recommendations. I will check them out.

We're definitely traveling light, carry-on roller bag and daypack. Don't want to be schlepping around with massive luggage. I made it through 3 1/2 weeks in France with just a carryon and still didn't wear everything :)

Even if you aren't party-people, I would trust rialtogrl's recommendations for Hvar Town.

I go to Hvar every year. Last year I was there three times. Yes there are parties and people drinking on yachts but that is not the entire scene. If you sleep away from the main harbor, it will be more "island life" and not a bunch of drunk people walking around in flip flops. They are there, but if you are not at the harbor at midnight, or going to the sunset party at Hula bar, you can avoid them. I would not be going there every year if it was just a party scene.

You can stay outside the center and go in for dinner early, and just absorb the early evening vibe, which is magical.

I would tweak itinerary to reduce to one 1 night stop, no long drive after hiking Plitvice for 6+ hours, reduce train days from 2 to 1, could even turn in car on arrival in Split, increase Korcula stay to 2 nights. Seems less rushed and more relaxing to me. Save Ljubljana for when you can visit more of Slovenia and Istria.

Sun, Jun 10 Arrive Zagreb 5pm via train from Vienna. Zagreb (2 nights)

Mon, Jun 11 - Zagreb - city sightseeing

Tues Jun 12 - Get car in am, drive to Plitvice. Visit Plitvice, Plitvice (1 night)

Wed Jun 13 - Drive to Split in am (arrive Split at lunch time). Palace /Riva in afternoon. Could even stop in Trogir en route. Split (2 nights).

Thu Jun 14 – Split and surroundings- visit Trogir etc.

Fri, Jun 15 - Split/Hvar Town KL catamaran (leaves 7:40 am, arrives 8:40am). Hvar (2 nights)

Sat, Jun 16 - Hvar

Sun, Jun 17- Hvar/Korcula old town KL catamaran (leaves 8:50 am, arrives 10:00 am). (2 nights)

Mon Jun 18 - Korcula

Tue, Jun 19 -Korcula/KL catamaran to Dubrovnik (leaves 10:10 am, arrives 12 noon). Dubrovnik (3 nights)

Wed, Jun 20 - Dubrovnik - no cruise ships scheduled, yay

Thu, Jun 21 - Dubrovnik - best day to visit Kotor - only 1 small cruise ship in port

Fri, Jun 22 - Depart Dubrovnik

If you want to enjoy the crossing to Hvar, rather than just getting there fast, then opt for the ferry and not the catamaran. There'll be limited outside space on the catamaran, whereas on the ferry there's a full outside deck that can wander round to take in all the wonderful views, get a bit of sun, and a bit of breeze.

dugi_otok on Jan 3, 18 at 10:53pm

"I would tweak itinerary to reduce to one 1 night stop, no long drive after hiking Plitvice for 6+ hours, reduce train days from 2 to 1, could even turn in car on arrival in Split, increase Korcula stay to 2 nights. Seems less rushed and more relaxing to me. Save Ljubljana for when you can visit more of Slovenia and Istria."

I like that idea...in fact I was trying to do just that but Vienna/Zagreb schedules I saw either arrived late eve or had multiple connections or almost 9 hrs. Can you point me to the train schedule you refer to?

LancasterLad on Jan 3, 18 at 11:37pm

"you want to enjoy the crossing to Hvar, rather than just getting there fast, then opt for the ferry and not the catamaran."

Thanks. Good option and I think ferry is only an hour longer.

kja and rialtogrl - thanks I will trust your experience in Hvar Town.

IMO you waste a full day at Ljubljana (1 1/2 days in all). If you want to visit another Austrian style city, stay a few hrs at Zagreb instead.
If I had a car, I would probably go by car ferry from Split to Korcula Island and then to Dubrovnik along the road.

>>I like that idea...in fact I was trying to do just that but Vienna/Zagreb schedules I saw either arrived late eve or had multiple connections or almost 9 hrs. Can you point me to the train schedule you refer to?<<

I use DB Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) for inter country train planning. www.bahn.com

For June 10:
Leaves Vienna 8:25am, 1 change at Villach, arrives Zagreb 5:10pm

Exploring the countryside and natural sights is a large part of Slovenia’s appeal. Save Ljubljana for another time, you would need at least a few more days in the area to make it worth your while.

Check www.bahn.com for train timetables. There is a connection leaving Wien Hbf at 8:25 connecting in Villach to arrive in Zagreb at 17:10. There are also several direct buses daily, which only take about 5 hours as opposed to 8 hours by train; check www.flixbus.com.

You can also fly nonstop from Vienna to Zagreb.

Again, it really depends on what YOU want to see and experience. I enjoyed Zagreb, but thought Ljubljana uniquely delightful, and about 1.5 days there, IMO, just about perfect. (In contrast, I wanted 3 days for Zagreb.) BUT if you defer Ljubljana until your next trip, you could spend a bit of time in Zagreb or add time to one of your other destinations.

As already noted, 2 nights in Split would not be enough for me. One night (about 24 hours) was enough for me in Korcula – which I loved, but it’s small!

I would NOT try to drive in Dalmatia, but would instead return the car ASAP and take public transportation because the scenery is absolutely stunning, and the driver – or at least a responsible one – really can’t fully enjoy the scenery because the roads require his/her attention.

And to repeat: no bad choices, just differences in opinion – which makes perfect sense, given that we are different people with different interests and preferences.

P.S. I'd return the car in Split or, if you take it to Hvar, there.

Another thought. Substitute Mostar for Korcula. Then:

Sun, Jun 10 Arrive Zagreb via train or plane from Vienna. Zagreb (2 nights)

Mon, Jun 11 - Zagreb - city sightseeing

Tues Jun 12 - Get car in am, drive to Plitvice. Visit Plitvice, Plitvice (1 night)

Wed Jun 13 - Drive to Split in am (arrive Split at lunch time). Palace /Riva in afternoon. Could even stop in Trogir en route. Split (3 nights).

Thu Jun 14 – Split and surroundings- visit Trogir etc.

Fri, Jun 15 - More Split and surroundings

Sat, Jun 16 - Hvar (2 nights)

Sun, Jun 17- Hvar

Mon Jun 18 - Hvar to Mostar.Jadrolinija Car Ferry am Hvar(Stari Grad)to Split. Drive 2 hrs to Mostar ( 1 night).

Tue, Jun 19 - Drive Mostar to Dubrovnik (3 nights)

https://goo.gl/maps/NzPpK67qhA62

Wed, Jun 20 - Dubrovnik - no cruise ships scheduled, yay

Thu, Jun 21 - Dubrovnik - best day to visit Kotor - only 1 small cruise ship in port

Fri, Jun 22 - Depart Dubrovnik

I agree with dug_otok that Mostar is worth seeing and is best seen with an overnight stay.

BUT no one can see the highlights of this part of the world in 12 nights -- it's just not possible! I spent a month, on the go throughout (and thoroughly exhausting myself in the process -- but that was OK by me), and I still didn't see everything I would have liked.

The OP needs to decide what they most want to see and experience....

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. So much to see in so little time!

I think I finally have it figured out. I found buses from Vienna to Zagreb are faster than trains, good schedule and cheap, so we'll sadly skip Ljubljana and go straight to Zagreb. We'll have to leave early a.m. to get to Plitvice at opening time, but it will save having to drive all the way to Split after touring the lakes. It seems like there is a lot to do around Split (thanks kja), so we're going to stay 3 nights there and then turn in car. Maybe just rent car for the day on Hvar to see more of the island. Since Korcula is so small, we'll just do the one night. Mostar sounds intriguing but not sure if we'll have time or deal with driving. I know we'll love this area or the world so much we'll want to come back to see more. Here is what I have now:

Sun, Jun 10 Arrive Zagreb via Eurolines bus 8am/12:25pm from Vienna (2 nights)
Mon, Jun 11 - Zagreb sightseeing
Tues Jun 12 -Zagreb drive early to visit Lake Plitvice (1 night)
Wed Jun 13 - Lake Plitvice/morning drive to Split, (3 nights)
Thu Jun 14 - Split- visit Split, Trogir
Fri, Jun 15 - Split, maybe visit Omis
Sat, Jun 16 - Split/Hvar (ferry 2 hrs for scenic or morning catamaran) into Hvar Town (2 nights)
Sun, Jun 17- Hvar
Mon Jun 18 - Hvar/Korcula via catamaran (1 night)
Tue, Jun 19 -Korcula/catamaran to Dubrovnik (3 nights)
Wed, Jun 20 - Dubrovnik - no cruise ships scheduled
Thu, Jun 21 - Dubrovnik - best day to visit Kotor - only 1 small cruise ship in port
Fri, Jun 22 - Depart Dubrovnik

Maybe I'm not looking at the right schedule, but it seems the ferries Split to Hvar are in afternoon vs catamaran, so we'll have to decide where we want to spend our time.

Thanks again for all the tips and ideas.

Looks great! There are several car ferries to Hvar but they are going to Stari Grad, not Hvar Town. This may be why you are not seeing them if you are looking at Hvar Town.

Stari Grad is a terminal outside of both Hvar Town and Stari Grad. It is about a 20 minute drive into Hvar Town from there, sometimes the host of your sobe will be willing to pick you up, or there are buses and taxis. The catamaran to Hvar Town drops you off right at the harbor.

>>Maybe I'm not looking at the right schedule, but it seems the ferries Split to Hvar are in afternoon vs catamaran, so we'll have to decide where we want to spend our time.<<

Jadrolinija has a ferry that departs Split 8:30am, arrives Hvar(Stari Grad) 10:30am

http://www.jadrolinija.hr/en/schedul...31794/10062017

See rialtogrl post above.

https://goo.gl/maps/fjd3RAw9wr62

Kapetan Luka has a catamaran which departs Split at 7:40am, arrives Hvar(Hvar Town) 8:40am with one stop in Brac.

Both lines have afternoon ferry and catamaran schedules for Split to Hvar.

http://www.jadrolinija.hr/en/ferry-croatia
https://www.krilo.hr/en/

I agree -- looks great!

BTW, you don't need a car for Trogir, and having a car while in Split can pose challenges.

When I was at Plitvice in October there was some talk that entrance will be by pre-booked ticket. Not sure it will happen this year but it is something to keep an eye on. If I hear anything more I will post about it. They have to do something because the park is too crowded. Getting there as early as possible in June is a super idea. You can also pre-book your catamaran tickets (for the car ferry it is not really necessary if you are planning to walk on.)

@dugi_otok<<<Mon Jun 18 - Hvar to Mostar.Jadrolinija Car Ferry am Hvar(Stari Grad)to Split. Drive 2 hrs to Mostar ( 1 night).>>>

The drive to Mostar is 3+ hours.....and you haven't factored in time stuck at the Border checkpoint.

That said, the drive and Mostar are worth the divertion.

From 1000 to 1500 Trogir is mobbed with tour groups moving at snails pace The lanes are narrow and will be congested. The place could really just have been part of Split old town. Basically it's a tourist trap, and be on guard against pick-pockets and leaving your bag under a cafe chair.

@dugo_otok<<<Jadrolinija has a ferry that departs Split 8:30am, arrives Hvar(Stari Grad) 10:30am>>>

That's the sailing we got at the end of September, and returned on the 1730 sailing.....a perfect way to spend a day, and we were treated to a wonderful sunset on the way back.

I booked tickets [94 kuna return for a foot passenger] online on the Jadrolinija website, but there is a kiosk at the beginning of the ferry pier.

I must disagree about Trogir -- the stonework there is truly exceptional, well worth visiting IMO.

Just noticed you're going in June. I'm 99% certain the Croatian schools break-up mid June, so it'll be busy at all the popular spots.

Keep your eye on the Dubrovnik Cruise schedule, as it does change without a lot of notice

@kja<<<I must disagree about Trogir -- the stonework there is truly exceptional, well worth visiting IMO.>>>

I agree with you.....but you'll only really appreciate the place if you visit outside of the core 1000-1500 tour group hours. It's like anywhere popular, avoid the crowds to make the most of it.

We got there at 0930, for the first 30 minutes or so the lanes were empty.....after that I couldn't wait to leave.

VIENNA - ZAGREB:
The bus is about 2 hrs faster than the train. But the direct train (EC Croatia, Vienna dp 4pm - Zagreb ar 22.42) has a dining car where you can have dinner.

TROGIR:
Trogir is a charming place in the evening and early morning, when people who sleep there will be in town. These people will of course go to other places (Islands, museums and Roman buildings of Split, archeological zone of Solin, etc.) during the day and will never see the mentioned 10.00-15.00 crowds.

"Since KORCULA is so small"
The homeland of Marco Polo isn't a big Island (280 square kms, compared with the 297 square kms of Hvar or the 98 square kms of Mljet), but people who like scenic medieval cities, nature and beaches will easily be kept busy there during more than a week.

I'm amazed at the fountains of information you all are and appreciate your generosity in providing it! I've been making notes of your comments and it will definitely help make our trip run more smoothly.


@rialtogrl<<<When I was at Plitvice in October there was some talk that entrance will be by pre-booked ticket.>>>
Thanks for heads-up. I'll keep an eye on their website in case of changes.

@kja<<<I must disagree about Trogir -- the stonework there is truly exceptional, well worth visiting IMO...BTW, you don't need a car for Trogir, and having a car while in Split can pose challenges.>>>

@LancasterLad<<<I agree with you.....but you'll only really appreciate the place if you visit outside of the core 1000-1500 tour group hours.>>>

@neckervd<<<Trogir is a charming place in the evening and early morning, when people who sleep there will be in town.>>>

It's clear we should plan to visit Trogir in the late afternoon/early evening to avoid the worst crowds. Appreciate the insight.

So unless we plan to visit outside of Split surroundings where a car is a more of a necessity, it looks like we can get rid of the car when we get to Split. From everything I've read, parking can be very difficult in many places.

@kja -- what are your favorite sights in Split area?

Ferry and catamaran info is very helpful. Good to have options. I saw there are buses Stari Grad to Hvar Town for the 20-30 min ride if our host can't pick us up.

@neckervd<<<VIENNA - ZAGREB: The bus is about 2 hrs faster than the train. But the direct train (EC Croatia, Vienna dp 4pm - Zagreb ar 22.42) has a dining car where you can have dinner.>>>

Thanks for info on the direct train and dining car. Never thought of that.

In Split, my favorites include: exploring Diocletian’s Palace, the stunning and unusual Cathedral, the lungamare and various public squares, its delightful and colorful open-air market, the view from Marjan…. Split also has an impressivel array of small museums, some of which are well worth visiting if they mesh with your interests. I'll let you decide about that, but will note that I’m glad I saw all of the ones I visited (there were several), and would draw your attention in particular to the Meštrovic Gallery and associated Kaštelet. All of these sites are covered well in the Rough Guide; if you don’t already have it, I strongly recommend it.

BTW, I believe the buses between the port at Stari Grad and Hvar Town are timed to meet the main ferry.