Seeing Croatia in just 5 days requires a very tight focus, usually choosing between the "North" (Istria/Zagreb) or the "South" (Dalmatia). Most first-timers opt for the South: Start with Day 1 in Split, exploring Diocletian's Palace and the Riva. On Day 2, take a morning ferry to Hvar Town for the fortress views and pristine beaches. Day 3 should involve a day trip to the Blue Cave or Vis Island before returning to the mainland or staying on the island. On Day 4, take a scenic 3-hour bus or private transfer down the coast to Dubrovnik, arriving in time for a sunset walk on the City Walls. Day 5 is dedicated to Old Town Dubrovnik and a cable car ride up Mount Srđ before flying out of Dubrovnik Airport. If you want to see Plitvice Lakes, you would likely have to sacrifice the islands and fly into Zagreb instead. Because the coast is so geographically long and the ferry schedules can be seasonal, a 5-day trip is "breathless" but manageable if you stick to the Split-Dubrovnik corridor and utilize fast catamarans rather than the slower car ferries.