Island hopping in Croatia

After the trip around wonderful Slavonian cities on the endless fields, it’s time to switch more south, to our islands. We have carefully selected 5 islands in southern Dalmatia for an unforgettable experience – beaches, caves, hills, delicious traditional food and much more!

1) Brac

We will start our island tour with the closest island to the coast, Brac. Brac is very popular among families with children because it has many activities and a lot of places to see and explore, but still peaceful enough to rest and enjoy in fresh Mediterranean air. On Brac is situated probably the most popular and most beautiful beach on Adriatic Sea – Zlatni rat, which translates as Golden Cape. The great pebble beach is known as the symbol of Croatian tourism and it is specific because it changes its shape depending on the type of wind blowing. Those who aren’t fan of beaches can climb up to Vidova gora, hill with the highest peak on the Adriatic islands. Once you get up there, you will find typical Dalmatian tavern with stone tables and benches where you can try some of the best dishes in the region, such as Dalmatian prosciutto, roasted lamb and finish it all with a glass of exquisite Brac wine.

How to get to Brac:

• By ferry/catamaran from Split:  to Bol (timetable), to Milna (timetable) and Supetar (timetable)
• By ferry from Makarska to Sumartin (timetable)
• Check here how to get around Brac and all bus lines on the island

2) Hvar

Our next stop is Hvar, the island with most hours of sunshine during the year (more than 2500!). Unlike Brac, Hvar is much more oriented towards nightlife which makes it the most visited island among the young. For the past three years Hvar has been the co-host of Ultra Europe festival, and this year the organizers promise the best pool party yet! As for the sightseeing, you definitely won’t be disappointed with what Hvar has to offer. The square in Old Town is among the largest in Croatia with almost 4500 square metres. On top of hill overlooking the Old Town is situated the famous Fortica fortress which once represented the central defensive fort of the town of Hvar. Today is great. If you have extra time, make sure you visit nearby island of Bisevo, known for the magnificent Blue Cave which reflects sunshine in the sea through cracks thus making the grotto glow.

How to get to Hvar:

• By ferry/catamaran from Brac: from Bol to Jelsa, Hvar (timetable), from Milna to Hvar (timetable)
• Check here all available bus lines on Hvar

3) Vis

Vis is the most remote out of all islands and in the past it was not that popular among tourists because it was hard to reach. However, in the past few decades it has been attracting visitors who are looking for a different, more authentic experience than anywhere else in Dalmatia. Vis is ideal if you want crystal clear, but peaceful beaches. Luckily, there are so many of them that you don’t have to worry about crowdedness. For a perfect day trip visit Komiza, the settlement separated from the rest of Vis by Hum hill. Due to its isolated position, Komiza developed fishing to the fullest, so if you seek to have a taste of a proper Dalmatian fresh fish, then Komiza is -the- place for you. Adventurers have the opportunity to explore many caves on Vis, such as Queen’s Cave or Tito’s Cave, dedicated to former Yugoslavian leader.

How to get to Vis:

• By catamaran line from Hvar (Old Town) to Vis → timetable
• See here bus lines on Vis to get around more easily

4) Korcula

Korcula may not be the biggest, or the most popular, but it is definitely one of the most authentic islands on Dalmatian archipelago. The centre of the Old Town is characteristic for its St. Mark’s cathedral, made of typical Korčula limestone in a Gothic-Renaissance style. Some of you may not know it, but Korcula is famous for the historical traveller Marco Polo and you can even visit his birthplace. The explorers will enjoy the most important archaeological site on the Mediterranean, Vela Spila. The cave is located above the Kale Bay in Vela Luka. In Vela Spila was found Stanko – the oldest skeleton on the Mediterranean, which lived 9000 years ago.

How to get to Korcula:

• By catamaran: Unfortunately, there is no direct ferry line from Vis, but there is one from Hvar so you can go for a day trip to Vis from Hvar, come back and then get on the ferry to Korcula → timetable
• See here bus lines on the island of Korcula

5) Mljet

Last on our hopping tour is Mljet, one of the most attractive islands in Croatia. The majority of the island is actually a national park, where you can do many activities, such as cave exploring or kayaking on Great Lake. This island is perfect for families or for those who love sports and recreation. One of the main local celebrations is the Night of Sobre – a folk celebration followed by rich cultural programme and traditional dances. We suggest you not to miss Odyssey Cave, the spectacular cave located in the rocks on the sea. According to the legend, Odyssey was trapped in this very cave for long seven years. As for the gastronomy of the island, Mljet is known for eel caught in lakes near Blato and Sobre and they’re either prepared on grill or as a broth.

How to get to Mljet:

• By ferry from Korcula (Old Town) to Mljet (Pomena) → timetable

Cost of island hopping:
Transportation: If you do this trip as a ferry trip as we have suggested, the transportation will cost your 49€ (370 kunas since the prices are paid in kunas).
Accommodation and food: As for the accommodation, you should expect to pay around 40-50€ per night in each of these islands because most of them are private apartments (sometimes even more) but the food is really not that expensive unless you dine in restaurants.
All in all, the trip should not cost more than 300-400€, but it plan it out carefully and on time, the cost will be smaller.