Croatia Island Hopping | Ultimate Guide From a Local
Are you longing for a relaxing getaway but don’t know where to go? I know I’m not the only one who’s in desperate need of vacation right now. Hence, I created the ultimate guide about the islands in beautiful Croatia! It answers all your questions – when, how, and where to start your Croatia island hopping journey.
Not only will you learn about these fantastic marvels worth a visit, but you’ll also get firsthand insights and recommendations for an unforgettable experience!
To help you navigate all of these majestic locations, I also listed the best starting points on the coast, so you can easily choose the best route that fits all of your needs.
Now all you have to do is let me do the assuring, but we both know the outcome will be you buying that plane ticket to Croatia!
Table of Contents
Where to start island hopping in Croatia
Split
I’d say Split is the best place to be if you’re planning to do some island hopping. From there, you can access all of the tourist favorites, be it Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Vis, or Šolta. All of these islands are easily accessible from the city’s port. There are various places to explore and sights to see, so you don’t have to worry about what to do!
Ferry departures operate regularly, especially during the summer months. As popular routes experience high demand, secure your spot on time by booking your tickets a few days before the departure date. This precaution guarantees a stress-free journey so you can enjoy a scenic ride with a calming sea view.
Before you embark on your island exploring journey, take some time to explore the city as well. There is always something to do in Split, especially in the summer months, when the streets are busy with tourists, locals, and good atmosphere.
Island Tours From Split
Yes, you heard us right, GetByBus now offers tours! Join our guided group tours and make unforgettable memories! So, we know Split is stunning, but do you know what is also stunning? Blue Cave, and Blue Lagoon.
Ever wondered why Diocletian decided to build a palace right here? Well, let us show you! Thanks to its amazing geographical position, Split is a great starting point for day trips to beautiful nearby islands and their caves and lagoons.
Dubrovnik
One of the most renowned gems on this coastline is a great starting point for your Croatia island hopping adventure.
The biggest islands are accessible from Dubrovnik, such as Hvar, Korčula, and Brač. This is a great thing to keep in mind because they are well connected with the surrounding islands.
If you’re searching for a unique experience, there is a famous route that departs from Dubrovnik and it takes you to some of the 13 Elaphiti islands – Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep being the largest of them.
Cars are not allowed on Koločep and Lopud, which makes them a great place to immerse in the untouched nature and get some quiet time.
Elaphiti Islands Tour From Dubrovnik
Ready to shake up your travel plans in Dubrovnik? Our handpicked day trip offers unique adventures beyond the usual tourist traps, with convenient hotel pick-ups and returns by evening. Enjoy a scenic boat ride that takes you to three stunning islands: Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan.
Wander amid the lemon and orange gardens on Kolocep, explore the 15th-century ruins on Sipan, the largest of the Elaphite Islands, and soak up the sun on Šunj, one of southern Dalmatia’s most idyllic beaches. Discover Lopud’s medieval architecture, charming monuments, and pristine beaches. Savor a delicious onboard lunch with traditional meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes, enhancing your island-hopping experience.
Zadar
The great thing about Zadar is the fact that it has an airport, so if you’re coming from afar, you can land directly in the city and do an island-hopping tour from there. The closest islands are Ugljan, Iž, Vir, Silba, Dugi Otok, Pašman, etc. Each island has its unique charm, secluded beaches, and little picturesque villages. The most famous island in the Zadar archipelago is probably Galešnjak, known worldwide for its exceptional heart shape.
Zadar has well-established ferry connections to the islands, interconnected by local ferry routes. Additionally, the islands of Pag and Vir are accessible by car via bridges.
Most of these islands are smaller than you’d expect and are a great option if you require a peaceful getaway. Therefore, consider going by foot, bike, or local transportation. Get informed about the specific transportation options for every island you wish to visit.
Šibenik
Šibenik archipelago consists of more than 200 small islands, so you’ll surely find some that fit all your needs. While some are well-developed and bustling with people during the summer, most of them are uninhabited and traffic-free.
Taking that into account, arrange your travel plans accordingly so you can have a fulfilling vacation.
The boat routes from Šibenik reach the closest islands, which are Kornati, Prvić, Murter, Zlarin, Zmajan, Tijat, Žirje, Obonjan, Kaprije, and more. They are close to each other so you don’t have to waste too much time on the transport.
One of my favorites is Murter – its amazing small villages and beautiful beaches knocked me off my feet, so I keep returning there every summer. Local festivities add a special touch to the experience, so check the official websites for upcoming events during your stay.
Murter is connected with the mainland through a bridge, so you can easily reach it by car as well.
Rijeka
As the biggest port of Croatia, Rijeka serves as a great base for exploring the enchanting northern islands on the Adriatic. This vibrant city is surrounded by several captivating islands in the Kvarner Bay. It has easy access to Cres, Rab, Novalja, Mali Lošinj, Susak, etc.
The biggest and most developed island you can reach is Krk. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge, which is partly the reason
If you want to be fully immersed in the natural beauty of Croatia’s islands and not have to fight the annoying crowds of tourists, Kvarner island hopping may be the right choice for you.
When to go island hopping in Croatia
The answer to this question depends on your preferences. Are you willing to do Croatia island hopping when the temperatures are high and the streets are lively?
Or are you longing for a peaceful getaway with no one to be found around?
Well, if you want to have a fulfilling summer experience, the high season is the perfect time for you!
The period from late May to early October is a great time to take in the best things Croatian islands have to offer. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities, especially swimming and suntanning. Such a shame to visit Croatia and not come back home with sunkissed skin!
But just a heads up, the prices are higher during the summer, so book your stay in advance.
For a quieter experience with milder weather, early spring or late autumn might be more suitable. These two seasons offer a more relaxed atmosphere and are a great choice if you want to escape the crowds. Also, the prices are more economical. Accommodation is more affordable, along with other complementary services, and there is no need to book it months prior.
As for the frequency of ferry departures, they operate all year round, with a more persistent schedule during the peak season. The ticket prices tend to increase during that time as well.
If you’re not going in high season and the weather is extremely bad (i.e. strong wind is blowing followed by rain and thunder), sometimes the departures can be delayed or even canceled due to the safety of all passengers.
Nonetheless, I’d advise you to be up-to-date with the schedules and possible changes, especially if you decide to go in winter.
Itinerary suggestions for island hopping in Croatia
Island hopping in Croatia is relatively easy because the islands run parallel to the coastline. I highly recommend embarking on a captivating adventure from the city of Split, my lovely hometown. All of the most popular islands are easily accessible from the city’s port.
Begin your journey with a ferry ride to the amazing island of Brač. Visit all of the island’s most renowned beaches, such as Zlatni Rat, and stroll the promenades of Bol and Supetar. After that, embark on a boat ride to the enchanting island of Hvar, famed for its lively atmosphere and historical sites such as Hvar Fortress. What I love about Hvar is the fact that you will never be bored, so don’t skip this amazing destination on your journey.
Continue your trip on the charming Pakleni islands surrounded by crystal clear waters perfect for a refreshing swim. Visit the renowned Laganini bar on Palmižana Bay Conclude your island hopping journey with the serene beauty of island Vis or a visit to Šolta, both of the islands offering a peaceful getaway from the hassle of coastal towns.
Generally, if you ask a local to suggest an island-hopping itinerary, it will most likely include previously mentioned islands, as they’re some of the most popular summer destinations.
Transportation between islands in Croatia
You can easily navigate between Croatia’s enchanting islands thanks to the well-established transportation network. The diverse options ensure an enjoyable experience through this captivating archipelago, allowing you enough time to dive into the beauties of each island you visit.
The most popular ferry routes between the islands include the following:
Getting around islands in Croatia
Ferries and catamarans are the backbone of the island transport system, connecting major ports of the mainland with those on the islands. Moreover, certain islands, such as Krk and Pag, are connected to the mainland through bridges, which makes traveling a lot easier.
A convenient way to get around the islands in Croatia is by car. Even though it is quite expensive to board the car on a ferry, it allows you to arrive quickly at a destination and have the freedom of choosing where to go.
If you’re considering Croatia island hopping by car, especially on more remote islands, get informed about whether the roads are well constructed and if there are adequate parking facilities.
As not every island is well-developed in terms of infrastructure, other popular ways to get around are by foot, by motorcycle, or by bicycle.
It’s important to note that the islands have no train system, and the frequency of local transportation varies depending on the season.
The most popular islands in Croatia
Brač
As one of the most visited islands of Croatia, Brač maintains its status as one of the country’s trendiest destinations. The most popular town on the island is Bol, famous for its eclectic atmosphere.
It’s home to the iconic Zlatni rat beach, a pebbly horn-shaped haven that adorns postcards all over Dalmatia. Hiking enthusiasts, you are going to love the highest point of the island – Vidova Gora.
Brijuni
Despite offering plenty to do, Brijuni, encompassing Veliki and Mali Brijun islands, along with its National Park remains less crowded than other Dalmatian islands.
One of the greatest highlights of the island is the unique safari experience with exotic animals such as zebras and giraffes, and the former residence of Yugoslavian president Josip Broz Tito. For a glimpse into the past, you can also rent his Cadillac and drive it around the island.
Hvar
Known as the sunniest island in Croatia, Hvar flourishes during the summer. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the fortress in Hvar town offering breathtaking views of surrounding islands. Take a short trip to the bays, stroll down the lavender fields, or experience the magic of Hvar’s nightclubs.
My standout favorite is the Carpe Diem Beach Club. It is located in the forest of Pakleni islands, so it gives you a one-of-a-kind clubbing experience.
Korčula
The enchanting Korčula, the birthplace of legendary Marco Polo, offers more of a serene escape rather than a bustling tourist hotspot.
The culture of Korčula is a mosaic of ancient traditions, lively music, captivating folklore, and a strong sense of community. Besides the rich cultural marvels, visitors can enjoy wine-tasting tours, see olive oil production, or discover authentic fisherman towns.
Krk
Nestled in Kvarner Bay, Krk reigns supreme as the largest island in the Adriatic Sea. When here, don’t miss the majestic Cathedral of St. Mary and vibrant settlements like Punat, Omišalj, Baška, and Malinska offer unique local experiences.
Baška proudly carries the title of being number 14 on our list of Top 50 Instagram Locations in Croatia, so imagine how beautiful this little town is!
Lastovo
One of the lushest islands nestled in the crystal waters of Croatia, Lastovo is often referred to as the “Island of bright stars.” The island is a haven for nature lovers, with the breathtaking Mount Hum and secluded beaches like Saplun, Uvala Zaglav, Mihajla, and the hidden gems of Skrivena Luka and Uska Bay.
Taking into consideration the fact that Lastovo is never overcrowded with tourists or residents (even in the high season), it is a perfect place that allows visitors to unwind.
Mljet
Mljet is mostly known for its National Park, which occupies the majority of the island. The crown of the park is the two picturesque lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero (Large and Small Lake), interlinked by a narrow passageway.
A famous attraction of this mesmerizing island is the Odysseus Cave, a place where you can jump into the crystal clear water from various heights.
Vis
Have you ever seen the movie Mamma Mia 2? If the answer is yes, you probably recognize the beaches and the narrow streets of Komiža.
The iconic Stiniva Bay stands out as the most popular beach, holding the title of the most beautiful beach in Europe in 2016. Vis is not as much of a party island as Brač or Hvar but is a perfect haven to put all your worries aside.
You can’t even imagine the pain I felt in my legs after a whole day of riding around. But at least we got some cool shots! 📸
Can you island hop with a car in Croatia?
Catamarans are designed only for foot passengers, whereas typical ferries can board both people and vehicles. So yes, it is possible to go Croatia island hopping with a car and embark on a road trip along the stunning Adriatic coastline.
However, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind when going island hopping with a car:
- Not every island has a great infrastructure. While some offer well-maintained roads and enough parking areas, others may lack these amenities.
- Book your tickets in advance. You want to avoid the potential sell-outs, especially if you’re going in the summer months.
- Secure your spot in time – Car ferries follow a first-come-first-serve system when boarding vehicles. Get to the port around an hour before so you can find your carrier in time and avoid the hassle.
- Your trip may be influenced by weather conditions and unexpected delays. Keep your itinerary flexible.
Overall, going with a car is a great way to do island hopping if you value convenience and safety. You will never be too hot or too cold, you have all the freedom to go where you want to and you don’t have to rely on anybody’s schedule!
Isn’t that great?
Can you do day trips to Croatian islands?
Yes, day trips to Croatian islands are possible. If departing from Split, consider exploring Brač, Hvar, or Šolta, as more distant islands may require too much travel time. From Dubrovnik, opt for the nearby Elaphiti islands or Korčula. Zadar offers access to Ugljan, Iž, and Dugi Otok, whereas from Šibenik you could visit Kaprije, Zlarin, Žirje, or Prvić. Prioritize easily accessible islands to make the most of your day without excessive transit.
Are there ferries between Croatian islands?
Yes, Croatia boasts an extensive network of ferries connecting its enchanting islands, especially those most visited in the high season. The most popular route between the islands is the one that goes from Hvar town to Bol on the island of Brač. The frequency of the departures tends to vary depending on the time of the year and weather conditions.
What is the easiest island to get to in Croatia?
Reaching Croatian islands from the mainland varies based on the starting point and available transportation. Brač stands out as one of the easiest islands to access, with frequent ferry departures from Split, particularly in summer. Ferries to Supetar (eastern side, closer to Split) or catamarans to Bol (opposite side) provide convenient options.
What is the most visited island in Croatia?
According to the latest research, Hvar has been the number one visitor destination in the last couple of years. Being an island that offers both leisure and cultural activities, Hvar is a priority when it comes to planning a perfect island vacation. It has vibrant beaches, modern restaurants, culturally significant architecture, and a never-ending nightlife.
