The Best Tours for Croatian Island Hopping
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2024
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Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Introduction
When it comes to making the most of the European summer, there are few better options than Croatian island hopping. Not only does Croatia boast a 1,700-kilometer coastline, but it also comprises more than 1,000 islands. Whilst the majority of these are tiny specks, 48 are inhabited, boasting blissful beaches, stunning turquoise seas, and a variety of activities and infrastructure for travelers to enjoy. From Brac to Hvar, Korcula, and Mljet, let’s uncover the best Croatian destinations to visit on an island-hopping holiday, not forgetting gems on the mainland such as Dubrovnik and Split.
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The Best Islands to Visit in Croatia
There are 48 inhabited Croatian islands you can visit on your trip. Cres and Krk are the largest, with a land area of around 406 square kilometers. And at the other end of the scale is Osljak, covering less than half a square kilometer and home to just 35 inhabitants! Here are some of the places we recommend for Croatia island-hopping holidays.
Mljet
With its lush greenery and serene lakes, Mljet is a nature lover's paradise. Explore the pristine landscapes of Mljet National Park, which covers large swathes of the island. The majority of our Croatian island hopping tours include free time for exploring the reserve on foot or by bicycle or for swimming in the pristine lakes of the national park.
Brac
Brac is best known as the home to Zlatni Rat, perhaps the most famous beach in all of Croatia. But wherever you go on this small island, Brac offers crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and windsurfing. Don't miss the chance to visit the ancient stone quarries of Pucisca or hike up Vidova Gora for panoramic views.
Vis
One of Croatia’s more western islands and comparatively isolated, in the aftermath of WWII Vis became a huge military base with restricted access. Now closed, the natural beauty of the island has been kept intact, earning it the nickname ‘the Mediterranean as it once was’. The nearby Blue Cave is well worth a visit too!
Cres
Cres was once connected to nearby Losinj, but the two were separated by a narrow channel dug during Roman times! Medieval Cres town is a delightful place to explore, but it’s this island’s natural charm that really brings the appeal. Don't miss the chance to spot rare griffon vultures in the island's protected areas.
Rab
With its medieval old town, sandy beaches, and lush forests, Rab is a diverse island offering something for everyone. Explore historic landmarks like Rab Cathedral, swim in the turquoise waters of Paradise Beach, or hike through Kalifront Forest Park.
Losinj
Losinj is known for its lush pine forests and crisp air; it’s one of the most popular islands in the northern Adriatic. Travelers can visit the harbor town of Mali Losinj, home to a historic center and pastel-colored buildings. And the tranquil beach of Suncana Uvala is a great place to while away an afternoon.
Island Hopping From Split
Croatia’s second city, Split, is located on the coast and is a popular starting point for island-hopping holidays in Croatia. Well worth exploring in its own right, the city is home to gems, including the summer home of former Roman emperor Diocletian, which starred in Game of Thrones. We offer a number of sailing holidays from Split, and here are some of the most popular!
Island Hopping From Dubrovnik
Perhaps Croatia’s most famous destination is the charming walled city of Dubrovnik, home to an encapsulating Old Town, historic fortifications, and idyllic beaches. We also offer a number of Croatia island tours and sailing holidays from Dubrovnik.
Island Hopping From Zagreb
We also offer a handful of tours that begin in the Croatian capital of Zagreb, taking in highlights of the mainland such as Plitvice Lakes and Opatija before embarking on an island-hopping cruise to Hvar, Korcula, and more.
Why You Should Book a Croatian Island Hopping Trip With Us
Choice of ships
In Croatia, we offer a number of ship categories to give you flexibility on how much you want to spend and the level of comfort you want from your ship. Traditional ships are our cheapest offering, and the cabins on these ships are mostly twin bunk cabins with a washbasin and shared bathrooms. On some trips, you can upgrade to a Traditional Ensuite cabin to enjoy a private bathroom.
Premium ships are a class above, offering a more spacious cabin with ensuite bathroom and twin or double beds. Premium ships are equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and more deck space. Travelers on our premium tours enjoy guided sightseeing in Dubrovnik as well as an included captain’s dinner. You can also upgrade further with a Premium Plus ship, larger and more recently built or renovated than our Premium holidays. These trips also include a further two guided sightseeing tours on islands such as Hvar and Korcula.
Finally, for those after our most luxurious offering, Deluxe ships are spacious newly built boats with well-appointed cabins featuring twin or double beds. All cabins have their own bathrooms, LCD TV, and are air-conditioned. Deluxe boats also offer air-conditioning in most of the common areas whilst sailing (no a/c when boat is stationary), free Wi-Fi when in port, and a spacious deck with sun loungers. Additionally, some Deluxe ships feature gym facilities and a plunge pool. Our Deluxe holidays include additional benefits such as airport transfers, wine tasting, a Captain’s dinner, and even more included sightseeing
Guided sightseeing
A big part of a Croatian island-hopping cruise is doing as little as possible. Sunbathing, snorkelling, lounging on the sundeck with a book. But we also want you to be able to explore the destinations you dock at too. Depending on the level of tour you book with us, you will enjoy guided sightseeing tours in the main destinations we visit, such as Dubrovnik, Split, Korcula, and Hvar.
Range of itineraries
As well as different ship categories, we offer a wide range of different Croatian sailing tour itineraries. The majority are 8 days in length, but we have some 6-day trips too. And as well as tours from Dubrovnik and Split, it is also possible to explore the northern Adriatic from the resort city of Opatija. Whether you want to take in the popular favorites or some of Croatia’s lesser-visited gems, we’re sure to have the itinerary for you.
Trips in both directions
Many of our trips run in both directions, for example, from Split to Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik to Split. This gives you the flexibility to pick a Croatia island tour that bests suits you, depending on your other travel plans, flight availability and budget.The Best Time for Island Hopping Holidays in Croatia
The sailing season in Croatia runs from April to September, with the high season being the warmest summer months of June, July, and August. Prices for flights, accommodation, and tours tend to be highest at this time, but the reward is pleasant temperatures across the country. The shoulder months from April to May and September offer fewer crowds and lower prices, with the weather still perfectly warm for sunbathing and swimming in the Croatian islands azure waters. Deciding when to go is really dependent on your preferences. If you’re happy to pay a little more and experience slightly busier attractions and beaches, then summer is best, while lower prices and fewer crowds can offset the slightly milder temperatures of the shoulder seasons. The majority of our Croatia island-hopping vacations run throughout the season, from April to September, giving you plenty of choice.
Island Hopping in Greece & Turkey
While Croatian island hopping is sure to promise a memorable and relaxing trip, it’s far from the only option. Greece is made up of more than 1,200 islands, with some of the most well-known being Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Paros. And Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is made up of numerous sun-kissed islands and mainland gems such as Fethiye, Izmir, and Bodrum. Browse some of our most popular sailing trips in Greece and Turkey below!
Croatia travel guides
Top destinations to visit in Croatia
Whether it's the vibrant cities of Zagreb and Dubrovnik or the sun-kissed islands of Hvar and Korcula, take in these top spots on your Croatia trip!
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