Table of Contents
Introduction
Croatia is a country with a long coastline situated in the Adriatic Sea, with over 1,000 islands just off its shores. Island hopping along the Croatian islands offers the perfect Mediterranean escape with gorgeous beaches, charming seaside villages, rugged cliffs, pine forests, olive groves, crystal-clear water, and plenty of sailing opportunities.
The history of the Croatian islands dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times. The islands have been ruled by various powers over the centuries, from the Republic of Venice to Napoleonic France. This has resulted in a fascinating mix of cultural influences.
Popular Islands to Visit
Some of the most popular islands for tourists to visit in Croatia include:
Hvar
Hvar is one of the trendiest and liveliest islands, known for its vibrant nightlife and upscale restaurants and hotels. The picturesque old town of Hvar is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Korčula
Korčula has a historic old town said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, along with beautiful beaches, vineyards, and tranquil towns.
Brač
Brač is famous for having one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia, Zlatni Rat. It also has the highest peak of all the Adriatic islands.
Vis
Once a strategic military island closed to outsiders, Vis now welcomes visitors drawn to its remoteness, fishing culture, beaches, and gourmet cuisine.
Mljet
Mljet is heavily forested and home to Mljet National Park, where two saltwater lakes connect to the sea via tunnels.
Getting Around the Islands
There are a few main ways to hop between the islands in Croatia:
Ferries
Public ferries run by Jadrolinija provide year-round connections between the major coastal cities and larger islands. Tickets are affordable but seats can fill during high season.
Private boats
For more flexibility, consider chartering a private sailboat with captain or renting a smaller motorboat to navigate the islands yourself. No boat license is required for boats under 10HP.
Island hopping tours
Joining a multi-day tour takes the planning work out of island hopping. Tours typically include accommodation, activities, transportation between islands, and some meals.
When to Go
The Croatian islands have very distinct high and low seasons:
Summer high season
July and August draw huge crowds and peak prices. Reservations need to be made well in advance.
Shoulder seasons
May, June and September are good times to visit with decent weather, fewer tourists, and lower costs.
Avoiding crowds
To escape the crowds, plan your trip during the off-season in the spring or fall. However, many hotels, restaurants and shops may be closed.
What to Do
There are endless options for fun activities while island hopping in Croatia:
Beaches
Relax on renowned beaches like Zlatni Rat on Brač or secluded coves only accessible by sea. Pristine pebbles and turquoise waters abound.
Hiking
For epic panoramas, hike up to viewpoints on islands like Vis, Hvar, and Korčula. Many trails lead through pine forests.
Sea kayaking
Paddle along the rocky coastlines of islands like Mljet to secluded beaches and unreal blue caves only reachable by water.
Sailing
Charter a sailboat or join a cruise to experience island hopping the traditional way, under the power of the wind.
Scuba diving
Dive below the Adriatic to spot shipwrecks, kelp forests, and colorful sea life around islands like Vis, Hvar, and Brač.
Local cuisine
Sample freshly caught fish, octopus salad, olive oil, and Dalmatian wines – pair them with views of the coastline.
Nightlife
Party until dawn at beach clubs, open-air bars, and nightclubs in livelier island hot spots like Hvar Town.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options on the Croatian islands include:
Hotels
Larger islands have hotels ranging from luxury boutique to family-run pensions. Expect peak rates and minimum stays in high season.
Apartments
Self-catering apartments are widely available to rent affordably, offering amenities and privacy plus kitchen facilities.
Hostels
For budget travelers, most inhabited islands have at least one hostel with dorm beds and private rooms.
Camping
Pitch a tent at established campgrounds on the islands offering Sites with electrical hookups, amenities, and scenic Adriatic views.
Island Hopping Itineraries
Possible island hopping itineraries in Croatia:
1 week
Hit a few highlights like Split, Hvar, Korčula, and Dubrovnik.
2 weeks
With extra time, add stops at Brač, Vis, Mljet, and more. Mix major islands with quieter ones.
Mix of islands
Combine the livelier islands like Hvar with more peaceful escapes like Mljet and Vis.
Packing Tips
When packing for island hopping in Croatia, be sure to include:
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Light and breathable clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses
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Swimwear and cover-ups for beach days
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Sandals for warm weather and boat decks
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Sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen
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Cash, as some vendors may not accept cards
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Travel documents and reservations
A backpack or small suitcase is ideal for frequent ferries and boats.
Saving Money
Ways to save money while island hopping include:
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Avoiding high season if possible
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Using less expensive public ferries
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Packing snacks and water to avoid inflated costs
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Getting free island maps to find beaches and trails
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Couchsurfing or camping instead of hotels
Traveling light and skipping fancy meals and clubs also helps.
Final Thoughts
Island hopping along Croatia’s Mediterranean islands is an idyllic getaway for beach lovers, sailors, hikers, and travelers wanting to immerse themselves in unique island cultures and history. The distances between islands are relatively short, making island hopping easy and enjoyable. From lively Hvar to lush Mljet, there are endless combinations of islands to explore on a Croatian island hopping adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get around the Croatian islands?
The most common ways to island hop are by ferry, private boat charter, organized multi-island tour, or small rental boat that you can captain yourself. Using a mix of these methods provides the most flexibility.
How many islands can you reasonably visit in a week?
Most one week itineraries focus on 3-5 islands. You can see the highlights of each island in a few days before moving on to the next. Don’t overschedule yourself.
When is the rainy season in Croatia?
The rainy season in Croatia is generally November through March. The Croatian islands have very hot, dry summers perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Is it safe to travel between Croatian islands alone?
Yes, island hopping solo in Croatia is very safe. Locals are welcoming, crime rates are low, and the ferries and ports are easy to navigate alone. Take normal solo travel precautions.
What is the best way to book accommodations on the islands?
Booking island rooms or hotels in advance online is highly recommended, especially in high season. For more flexibility, reserve one night then book the next lodging on arrival to each island.