With countless gorgeous towns and over 1000 captivating islands tucked away along the Adriatic Coast, Croatia boasts some of Europe’s best kept secrets. There is simply no better way to explore these beautiful places than by ship.
For a sneak peak into these dreamy destinations, watch our video below for a taste of their enchanting Old Towns. Home to some of the best views, it’s not hard to see why so many travellers love Croatia as much as they do!
Table of contentsHow to get around the islands in Croatia
Island Hop Using Ferries
Almost every island in Croatia is served by a public ferry, making it easy to explore independently via public transport. Ferries in Croatia are efficient, cheap, and range from high speed catamarans to slower ferries that can also accommodate cars and scooters. Most ferries operate a reduced schedule during the off-season winter months, however during the peak of summer, you’ll find up to 5 departures a day on some of the more popular ferry routes!
If you’re looking to explore independently taking advantage of the ferry system, try starting or ending your trip at one of the major cities, which offer the best connections to many of the nearby islands.
Below are a few examples of the best places to start if you’re looking to visit particular islands:
- From Split – regular ferries run to Hvar, Korcula, Brac, and Vis
- From Dubrovnik – regular ferries run to Mljet, Sipan, and Korcula
- From Zadar – regular ferries to the Kvarner Gulf, Susak and Pula
Join a Croatia Cruise
This option is by far the most hassle-free and popular way to explore the vast islands along the Croatian coast! Jump onboard a small ship cruise for 7 days and experience the best of Croatia with other like-minded travellers. Cruises generally visit between 5 and 7 islands throughout the week, and you have the added bonus of your accommodation, some meals, transport and guides all organised for you! If you’re looking for more of an active adventure, a Cycle Croatia Cruise may be a great option for you!
Hire a Yacht
Hiring a yacht is one of the most exciting ways to island hop through Croatia! Explore at your own pace and tick off all of your bucket list destinations along the way with a flexible itinerary! If you’re an experienced sailor, booking a Croatia Yacht Charter allows you to select the yacht or catamaran of your choice and take the helm for a week at sea! If you’d prefer to leave the navigation in the capable hands of a professional skipper, a Private Yacht Tour may be more your style! However you choose to sail through the Croatian islands, there’s an abundance of secluded bays, historical towns and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered!
Fly
If you’re not on a budget, there is always the option to island hop via seaplane, hopping from town to town and experiencing the islands from the air! Whilst this is certainly the most expensive way to island hop in Croatia, it can be a great option if you’re short on time!
Sample Croatia Island Hopping Itinerary
7 days is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the charm of Croatia! Follow the below sample itinerary when exploring independently using local buses and ferries, or join a small ship cruise for a hassle-free vacation.
Split - Makarska (Day 1):
Travellers can take a short bus journey between Split and Makarska (approximately 1.5 hours).
Makarska - Stari Grad (Day 2):
Makarska and Stari Grad are connected via a local ferry (approximately 2.5 hours).
Stari Grad - Hvar Town (Day 3):
Stari Grad and Hvar Town are both located on Hvar Island, and are easily connected via a 30 minute bus journey, or a 15 minute taxi ride.
Hvar Town - Vis (Day 4):
You can get to Vis Island from Hvar Town via a 55 minute fast ferry.
Vis - Korcula (Day 5):
Vis is the most outlying island in all of Dalmatia, and as such there is no direct ferry line between Vis and Korcula. You have the option of travelling back to Korcula via ferry, or booking a private water taxi / tour.
Korcula - Mljet (Day 6):
A 45 minute ferry connects the islands of Korcula and Mljet
Mljet - Dubrovnik (Day 7):
Mljet and Dubrovnik are connected via a ferry line, which takes approximately 1.5hours.
From the mainland to the islands, there is rich history, culture and beauty found throughout Croatia which begs the question, ‘where do I even go?’. While we love all of Croatia the following sample itinerary covers 8 locations that you simply shouldn’t leave off your bucket list.
1. Split
As Croatia’s second-largest city, Split boasts an authentic feel, with traditional culture dating back to Roman days, while also having an element of modern day influence. As the home of Diocletian’s Palace, Split has an abundance of shopping alleyways filled with boutique shops and cafes. By night, the city comes alive with an endless selection of nightclubs, live music venues, bars and restaurants along the Riva.
2. Hvar
Best known as Croatia’s summer resort and party island, Hvar is also famous for its gothic palaces, 13th-century walls and hilltop fortresses. Hvar Town is the hub of the island where thousands of tourists flock each year to enjoy the many restaurants, bars, hotels and beaches. If you’re looking to spend the day doing something a little more relaxing, then Stari Grad is the perfect place to be – indulge in a glass (or two) of fine Croatian wine at one of the many vineyards in the region. By night, Hula Hula Beach Bar is a popular spot to sip cocktails and watch the sun go down.
3. Makarska
Located between the cities of Split and Dubrovnik, along the Adriatic Coast, Makarska is home to crystal clear beaches, baroque palaces, medieval churches and 16th century monasteries. With a spectacular backdrop that is the Biokovo mountain range, the long waterfront promenade is enjoyed by thousands in the summer each year. Makarska is a favourite destination for active types, with plenty of hiking, climbing, paragliding, mountain biking, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Makarska is also home to the popular nightclub, Club Deep, where guests get to party all night long inside a cave!
4. Mljet
As one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, Mljet is rich in Mediterranean vegetation, clean waters, sandy shorelines and underwater sea life. Half of Mljet Island is a pristine National Park, which is made up of two inland saltwater lakes, connected to the ocean by a narrow canal. Visitors can enjoy walking or cycling along the water’s edge, swimming in the crystal clear waters or exploring the area by kayak.
5. Zadar
A quirky city located in Northern Dalmatia, Zadar is unique to our Split Northern routes and boasts a historic old town of ancient and medieval churches, ruins and museums. Relatively new on the tourist scene, it is not overly crowded with visitors and its two main attractions are the sound-and-light spectacle of the Sea Organ, and the Sun Salutation. It has often been stated that Zadar boats some of the best sunsets in the world - it's not hard to see why!
6. Vis
Out of all the inhabited islands in Croatia, Vis is the furthest away from the mainland - but also holds some of Croatia's best kept secrets. From the 1950's right up until 1989, Vis island was cut off from foreign tourists as it served as a Yugoslav military base. Due to this, the island remained preserved from development and was unpopulated for many years. Vis island is also home to the 2016 best beach in Europe, Stiniva Beach, where only boats that are small enough can pass through a tiny gap between the cliff faces to get to the shore. The Blue Caves is also another natural phenomenon located only 5kms south of the island, and is known for its breathtaking blue glow from beneath the waters when the sunlight reflects off the sea surface.
7. Korčula
One of Croatia’s most treasured islands, Korcula is often referred to by the locals as “little Dubrovnik” with its medieval squares, terracotta rooftops, churches and palaces. Local legend has it that Korcula Town is the birthplace of Marco Polo, with his rumoured house of birth being one of the primary attractions for visitors. The slim belltower of St Mark’s Cathedral stands tall in the town centre which is also home to quaint little alleyways, full of medieval treasures. After a long day of sightseeing, you can enjoy a cocktail at one of Korcula’s famous rooftop bar - Massimo.
8. Dubrovnik
Last, but by no means least, Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most prominent tourist destinations. Affectionately known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik has an abundance of things to see including the city’s marble streets, baroque buildings, forts, monasteries and cathedrals. For the ultimate view of the terracotta-tiled rooftops from above, be sure to take the Dubrovnik Cable Car to the very top of Mt Srd. As a popular destination amongst travellers, it’s the perfect location to set off on a Dubrovnik Cruise - just make sure you leave time before or after your cruise for exploring!
However you choose to explore Croatia and it’s hidden gems, we’re certain the beauty, culture and friendly locals will have you coming back time and time again! If you’re planning your trip to Croatia, make sure you check out the weather in Croatia and choose the best time to explore this impressive country!
