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Travel advice for Croatia
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written by Jonathan Bousfield
updated 12.12.2022
The Croatian Adriatic is one of Europe's most compelling seascapes. And it's something of an island-hopper’s paradise. Considering a trip? Find what you need to know about island hopping in Croatia here.
The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia.
Gorgeous gems of Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia
From the spas of Budapest to Lake Bled with its castle and further on to Croatia - this itinerary takes you across 3 countries, with a special focus on Slovenia's lake area and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.
customize ⤍Sailing Croatia
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this trip is for you! Hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
customize ⤍Southern Pearls
This ten-day trip will take you around three adjacent countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Your tour starts in Split, Croatia, moving south (hence the name "Southern Pearls") over the island of Hvar and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to end up in Montenegro.
customize ⤍Gourmet Tour
You will visit three different adjacent countries and experience traditional local food and wines. You will visit some of the most intriguing restaurants and wineries in the area taste the delicious contrast between fine restaurants, and more traditional, authentic taverns.
customize ⤍Culinary Secrets of Croatia
This vintage holiday celebrates the wine and olive oil-making traditions of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, which form the foundations of the country's Mediterranean culinary heritage. Visit world-class wineries, and sample Dalmatian delicacies as you travel south to Dubrovnik.
customize ⤍Balkan Extended
The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.
customize ⤍Love Thy Neighbor - Croatia and Slovenia
Slovenia and Croatia are neighboring countries, and the close proximity of Slovenian and Croatian Istria make them a perfect destination for a single trip. The area has numerous stories waiting to be discovered, from magical alpine landscapes of Slovenia to charming historical towns inland.
customize ⤍Croatia's Best Kept Secret - Vis Island
Surrounded by an archipelago of other islands and islets, the island of Vis is simple, sleepy and authentic. As a military base, the island was closed until 1991 and has remained its original charm. Come for the unique experience, stay for the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.
customize ⤍The Ultimate Croatian Adventure
This trip is designed for people searching for an exciting lifestyle and never-ending adventure. With so many different landscapes, beautiful nature, stunning mountains, and picturesque Adriatic coast, Croatia is a place that can offer a truly incredible and adventurous experience.
customize ⤍Dalmatian Honeymoon
This honeymoon trip was inspired by love towards our home that Dalmatia is. The tour is planned out to the last possible detail, but still respecting the time you wish to spend at your own pace in privacy. It will take you around the most romantic islands of Korcula and Hvar.
customize ⤍Alternatively, the #37 Trogir–Split bus passes along the main road some 200m in front of the airport, terminating at the suburban bus station on Domovinskog rata, a 20min walk north of the centre.
Split is also the Adriatic's largest ferry port. Serves many popular islands. And has crossings to Šolta, Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Vis.
Catamarans to Šipan, Sobra, Polače, Korčula and Lastovo are operated by TP Line (tickets sold online or from the booth on the ferry quay). Tickets for the Dubrovnik-Mljet-Korčula-Hvar-Brač-Split catamaran run by Krilo Jet (April– Oct) are sold by Avansa Travel.
You will find some more tips about travelling in Croatia in our list of 10 tips for first-time travellers.
A multitude of ferry services link the Croatian mainland with the Adriatic islands. Most of them are run by Jadrolinija, the main state ferry firm, although private operators (such as the Krilo catamaran fleet) are beginning to offer competition.
All ferries, apart from simple shuttle services, will have a buffet where you can buy a full range of drinks, although food may consist of crisps and nuts, so it’s best to bring your own picnic if you’re likely to get hungry.
Short hops to islands close to the mainland – such as Brestova to Porozina on Cres, Stinica to Mišnjak on Rab, or Orebić to Dominće on Korčula – are handled by simple roll-on-roll-off ferries, which either operate a shuttle service or run fairly frequently – every hour or so.
The obvious attraction of flying is the time it saves: the plane journey from Zagreb to Dubrovnik takes an hour, compared to a whole day to get there overland. Croatia Airlines operates domestic services between Zagreb and Pula (1 daily), Split (summer 4 daily; winter 3 daily), Zadar (summer 2 daily; winter 1 daily) and Dubrovnik (summer 3 daily; winter 2 daily).
The price of flights vary enormously according to time of year and how far in advance you are booking – Zagreb– Dubrovnik can cost as little as 300Kn/€40 if booking online, outside peak periods; otherwise expect to pay three times this amount.
The cheapest seven-day holiday in an eight-berth yacht is typically £700–800 per person (rising to £900–1000 in a two-berth yacht), depending on the season. Prices rise steeply for fancier yachts. You can also charter a smallish three- to four-berth bareboat yacht for upwards of £900 a week, while prices for larger craft can run into thousands; a skipper will cost around £200 a day extra.
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this trip is for you! With our tailor-made tour hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
July and August can be hot in Croatia. Ideal if you're splashing around in the Adriatic. But exhausting weather for urban sightseeing, hiking or cycling. Popular catamaran sailings often sell out in high season. So getting stranded during your trip is a possibility. Costs for everything are highest in midsummer. So late spring or early autumn travel are almost always better value.
Island hopping is inseparable from a beach holiday. Find attractive beach options in our guide to the best beaches of Croatia.
On Brač, avoid over-hyped Zlatni Rat beach. Instead, make for quieter Lovrečina Bay. Or head to the rocky shores around bike-friendly Sutivan. Don’t just stick to the main town on Hvar. Make time for equally historic, but more mellow, Stari Grad as well - consider a stay at Hotel Antica. A visit to Proizd on Korčula is another must. It's the alluring rocky islet off the port of Vela Luka.
If you prefer the idea of a tailor-made island hopping trip, get in touch and we can connect you with a local expert to plan and book your ideal holiday.
Vis island is the independent traveller’s favourite. It lacks package hotels, has a reputation for bohemian cool, and its rugged scenery, individual cuisine and stunning beaches invite superlatives.
However, Vis is notoriously difficult for island hopping in Croatia. A weekly catamaran service to Hvar Town is the sole direct island link. All other ferries are via Split. Meaning you have to backtrack to the mainland for onward travel. But, plan carefully, and a Croatian island cruise to Vis is always worth the effort.
Make the uniquely sandy island of Susak your first stop. Follow up with bustling Mali Lošinj for spa hotels and palm-fringed promenades. Then travel on to Silba. This snoozy Shangri-la for independent travel has banned both cars and bikes.
From Silba, head south by catamaran or ferry to historic Zadar. Zadar port is the gateway to another group of low-key islands. Or return to Lošinj. From here, European Coastal Airlines’ seaplanes whisk you to Split. And you can start island hopping all over again.
Intrested in exploring historic Zadar? Read our guide on the reasons why you should visit this destination in Croatia.
If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Croatia without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
Ready for a trip to Croatia? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Croatia. If you travel further in Croatia, read more about the best time to go, the best places to visit and best things to do in Croatia. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Croatia and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.
We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.
written by Jonathan Bousfield
updated 12.12.2022
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