Island hopping in Croatia - Visit the best islands in Croatia

The magical rugged coast scattered among countless beautiful islands, bordered by the largest peninsulas in Croatia, invites tourists to discover the charms of this corner of Europe and experience unforgettable moments of their vacation in Croatia. Therefore, by traveling along the Croatian coast, we discovered the most famous and beautiful islands and peninsulas in Croatia. Let our new blog help you plan your visit to the Croatian coast, and just some of the islands to which we will digitally travel together are:

• Hvar - Party island in Croatia 
• Mljet - Island and national park in one
• Island of Cres – Hint of Venice in Croatia
• Islands in Croatia - Map of the island hopping tours 

Things to know before island hopping in Croatia 

Still don't know if this is the right choice for you? Let's look at some ground rules for that come with this type of travel to put your mind at ease: 

• How many islands are in Croatia: We can't be that precise, but there are over 1,200 islands in Croatia! These also include islets and reefs. Around 50 are inhabited, so you'll have plenty to explore. Most of the islands in Croatia have rich tourist offers. 
• When is the best time to go island hopping in Croatia: Although some of the islands can be visited and offer exciting activities all year round, you need to rely on transportation to be able to visit as many of them as possible in one go. That's why the island hopping season is from April to September, and you can expect a couple of ferry and catamaran rides daily. 
• How much time is enough for Croatia island tours: 7-10 day tours for up to five islands are a good balance of fun and action, leaving you enough time to appreciate the beauty of these islands but also keeping you active. 
• What are the best island hopping routes in Croatia: You should follow the path between coastal cities to get the best of both worlds. We suggest starting from the south and moving up - from Dubrovnik to Split and/or from Zadar to Pula. 

Dubrovnik to Split island hopping 

A week of island hopping in Croatia is the best thing you can do for yourself, trust us. Starting from the glory that is Dubrovnik is the best course of action, as you’ll be following the trail of the exciting island all the way to Split. Here’s how to do it. 

Mljet - Island and national park in one

We are, and you should be, starting with Mljet - one of the largest and most intriguing islands on the Dubrovnik coast. The warm embrace of the Mediterranean climate makes the Mljet one of the sunniest islands in Croatia. This most wooded Adriatic island, surrounded by clear sea, promises its visitors numerous historical contents, sports, recreational activities, and enjoyment of gourmet specialties. The most beautiful sandy beach of the island of Mljet, Saplunara, is a real oasis of peace and quiet.

• Fun fact about Mljet: According to popular belief, the largest place on the island of Mljet - Babino polje, was named after the grandmother who ruled it in ancient times - supposedly the nymph Calypso. Legend has it that she, on the wooded beaches of the island of Mljet, on the former Ogygia, prevented Odysseus from returning home for seven years. This is the starting point for the adventure of discovering Odysseus' cave.

• Mljet National Park: Due to its beauty and lush vegetation, one of its corners was declared Mljet National Park, the oldest marine park in the entire Mediterranean. The beautiful lakes - Veliko and Malo - connected by a channel with the sea will reveal a fairytale scene, but also a Benedictine monastery and a church from the 12th century, built on an island in the middle of the Great Lake. Traces of the past have remained in Polače, a place that preserves the ruins of a Roman palace from the 5th century in vineyards and olive groves.

Korčula - Home of the Polo family 

One of the most forested islands in the Adriatic, with more than 65% of the island's surface under lush Mediterranean vegetation, this island in Croatia represents a combination of untouched nature and rich cultural and historical heritage.

• Was Marco Polo actually born on Korčula: So, historians say that Marco Polo was born in Venice. But his family has Korčula roots. He was also once imprisoned in a Korčula prison. To this day stands a house connected to him and his family. It was turned into the Marco Polo Museum, and you should definitely check it out.
• Rich tourist offer of Korčula: Where to even start! Vela Cave, one of the oldest prehistoric sites in Europe, attracts tourists to discover the beauty of this open cave, which preserves material evidence of the settlement from the Stone Age. The town of Korčula is adorned with medieval squares, churches, palaces and houses, which give it that Dubrovnik charm and the nickname "little Dubrovnik". Among the buildings of sacred architecture, the island is proud of the Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral of St. Mark, which dates to the 15th century, and the Church of St. Anthony. Note that you have to 101 steps through a row of cypress trees. In addition to the sights, the island of Korčula also offers beautiful beaches to enjoy on the Croatian coast, among which Pupnatska Luka and Bilin Žal are the most famous. On this island in Croatia, the beaches are mostly rocky, concrete or gravel, with some sandy beaches, where tourists can enjoy the benefits of fresh and healthy air permeated with the medicinal smell of pine, in the embrace of a dense forest.

Hvar - Party island in Croatia 

The sunniest island in the entire Mediterranean, the birthplace of lavender and wine, Hvar attracts many tourists year after year and is one of the most beautiful vacation spots in Croatia. In addition to the mild climate, numerous beaches with crystal clear sea and rich cultural and historical contents, tourists choose this Croatian resort for the rich nightlife.

• Experience Hvar: The island of Hvar warmly welcomes its visitors all year round, providing an average sea water temperature of around 20℃ during most of the year. Suppose you’re looking for an active holiday. In that case, we recommend a trip to the Pakleni Islands and Zavala, a walk along the sandy beach of Jelsa, discovering quiet coves to enjoy the blue sea, and exotic parts of the island - Ivan Dolac and Milna - ideal for jumping off the rocks into the sea. The jewel of the island of Hvar, the old town of Hvar, will make all you history buffs fall in love.

• Party scene of Hvar: With the beginning of the season, this island in Croatia is bursting with laughter and murmurs of tourists who spend their quiet days socializing in numerous local bars, discos, and restaurants. The island of Hvar is most lively in its homonymous town. The rich offer of nightlife includes the most popular nightclub "Carpe Diem," the club "Veneranda" in the walls of the former monastery, and the bars "Atelier" and "Kiva" - places of entertainment that keep this city awake during summer. During the day, get to know the spirit of the island of Hvar in small local taverns, which will introduce you to traditional tastes with the cheerful spirit of the hosts and music to the rhythm of the waves, or look for a daily dose of fun in the famous beach bars "Carpe Diem Beach" and "Hula Hula".

The island of Brac - The white pearl of Croatian islands

Home to the stone that adorns the White House and Diocletian's Palace in Split, Brac is one of the most famous Croatian islands. This highest island in the Adriatic Sea, imbued with the scent of cypress and pine trees, hides numerous magical places and beautiful beaches for unforgettable experiences of the Croatian coast.

• Tourist attractions of the island of Brač: Škrip, the oldest place on the island of Brač, will introduce you to the defensive walls of the Illyrian settlement from the 3rd century and the Brač Island Museum with its treasure of stone and ethnographic exhibits. The baroque Church of St. Mary, considered the most monumental church on the island, the Chapel of St. Peter, whose stone-paved apse roof grows a pine tree, and the Blaca hermitage, are the most important objects of sacred architecture. For lovers of mysticism, the Dragon's Cave, which hides unusual sculptures whose meaning has not yet been discovered, is a must-see attraction.

• Brač, the island of adventure: The island of Brac is an unmissable destination for fans of active vacations. Experience windsurfing on Zlatni Rog in Bol or parasailing from Vidova Gora, the 778m high peak of the island of Brač. Hiking trips to the top, from which there is an unforgettable view of the Adriatic sea, the Dragon Caves or the deserts of Blac, as well as walks along numerous paths to discover the history and traditions of this island in Croatia, will create an indelible postcard worth remembering, along with an active vacation in the embrace of nature.
• One of the world's most beautiful beaches is located on Brač: The island of Brač is best known for its Zlatni rog beach in Bol, crowned with the title of one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. The very name of the beach alludes to its shape, interesting because of the tip that turns the direction of the sea currents, and the white sand and turquoise clear sea give it an exotic charm. Zlatni rog beach, 530 meters long, is perfect for a walk by the sea, with an unreal view of the pine and cypress forests and the sea expanses of the Mediterranean.

Go island hopping from Zadar to Pula 

Another route you can take is the strip of islands from Zadar to Pula. This will also put you close to Italy if you need a bit of change of scenario. Here's how to do it right. 

The island of Pag - The giant of the Croatian coast

The island of Pag is the fifth largest island in Croatia. It is widely known for its famous Pag cheese, wine and lamb, crystal clear sea, and numerous beaches, but also Pag lace, a unique art inscribed in the UNESCO Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

• Tourist attractions of the island of Pag: This corner of Croatia bears traces of Roman culture, early Christian communities, and the Venetians, Austrians, and French, under whose long and alternating siege the island of Pag survived. The tourist center of Pag is Novalja, which is particularly attractive due to its old Mediterranean charm, and the beautiful sandy and pebble beaches surrounding it, which boast Blue Flags. The city museum in Novalja, with an underground water supply from the ancient era, is one of the main tourist attractions. About 30 minutes from Novalja, there is Lun, a protected wild olive botanical reserve. In Stomorica, look for a collection of Christian antiquities, as well as the remains of a large Roman military camp in Casca, a place that used to be called Cissa.

• Active vacation on Pag: This Croatian island is a paradise for adrenaline junkies. Ski lift, bungee jumping, sailing speedboats, and jet skiing are available from May to October. The island of Pag is synonymous with good time and can easily give Hvar a run for its money. Thanks to numerous music festivals,  clubs, day and night parties, and rich animation programs, this island in Croatia attracts tourists from all over Europe, proudly bearing the title of Croatian Ibiza. Among the beaches that promise a good time, the world-famous Zrće beach stands out.

Island of Rab - Sandy paradise on the Croatian coast

Only one can be called the lucky island - the island of Rab. This picturesque island in Croatia is adorned with beautiful landscapes and sandy beaches, rich cultural heritage, and irresistible smells and tastes.

• Why is Rab called the lucky island: The Romans gave this island in Croatia an unusual name. As a quarter of the island is covered by forests, it should be no surprise that Arba, the Illyrian word for "wooded", is at the core of this name. Amazed by its nature, they named it Felix Arba - "Happy Rab".
• Experience medieval times on Rab: Every July Rab travels through time to the Middle Ages as the islanders and tourists alike gather to host the Rabska Fjera festival. During the festival, it seems that time has turned back, with unforgettable experiences of the glorious history and past, old crafts and numerous gourmet restaurants, and a knight's tournament. Witness the performance of the Rabi crossbowmen, who have renewed the tradition of shooting arrows and bring the spirit of island chivalry from the 11th century.

• How to spend your time on Rab: Rab, the island's largest city and port in Croatia, is recognizable by its four bell towers, streets, squares, and medieval walls that reveal its rich culture and history. The Kormčar Forest Park, not far from the town of Rab, is an excellent spot for nature lovers. If hiking is more your speed, go to the highest part of Rab - the 408m high Kamenjak massif, which represents the natural protection from storms. In search of coves and peaceful rest in nature by the sea, tourists also visit Kalifont, the island's most famous forest with rich Mediterranean vegetation. If you want pebbles, go to Barbata and Banjola, while Paradise Beach, Kampora, and Lopara stand out among the favorite sandy beaches.

Krk - Island of Blue Flags 

An unusually diverse relief, from gentle bays to fertile fields and forests, along with two lakes and three streams, make this island in Croatia one of the most attractive tourist destinations.

• Tourist attractions of the largest island in Croatia: The island of Krk, the largest island in Croatia, is the cradle of culture and literacy, as well as a treasure trove of cultural and historical monuments and landmarks of sacred architecture. Visit the remains of the medieval city of Krk, one of the oldest urban settlements in Croatia. Discover the beginnings of Croatian literacy not far from Baška, in the Church of Saint Lucia, where there is a replica of the Bašća Tablet, the most precious Croatian monument. Head to Košljun and visit the Franciscan monastery, which preserves the cultural heritage of the island of Krk. The island of Krk can boast of impeccably clean nature, thanks to numerous ecological projects and dedicated to the preservation of its environment. Due to the arrangement and cleanliness of the sea, the island of Krk is called the island of Blue Flags, which are flying on as many as 15 beaches, and only some of them are in the city of Krk, Baška, Malinska, Njivice, Omišlja, Punat, Marina Punat, Glavotok and Šil. These are also the reasons why tourists most often choose to spend their summer vacation on the island of Krk.

• A tailor-made vacation on the island of Krk: In addition to numerous tourist attractions, the island of Krk is also known for a variety of activities that provide an unforgettable experience to all visitors to this island in Croatia. Lovers of an idyllic family vacation, lovers of the luxury of the underwater world, and fans of active vacations will find on the island of Krk everything they need for a custom-made vacation. The island of Krk is also attractive to gourmets, who can taste local gastronomic specialties, but also to wine lovers, who can indulge in the aromas of indigenous wine varieties from the island of Krk.

Island of Cres – Hint of Venice in Croatia

In the heart of Kvarner, the island of Cres has a unique geographical position that makes it a combination of perfectly functional opposites of nature and one of the most beautiful Croatian islands.

• The natural beauty of the island of Cres: The western and southern parts Cres are adorned with numerous bays and beaches, while a rocky landscape characterizes the northern and eastern sides. In the center of the island of Cres is the freshwater lake Vrana. A rich flora and fauna inhabit this island in Croatia, also known as one of the last natural habitats of the rare griffon vulture.
• Get to know the island of Cres through its attractions: In addition to its natural beauty, the island of Cres preserves this region's rich cultural and historical heritage, tangible at every step. Visit the city of Cres and experience its art and culture by admiring the walls, towers, palaces, and churches, magnificent examples of sacred and profane architecture. Find peace in the Tramuntana forest with labyrinths or a vacation by the sea - the Blue Grotto cave and the beautiful beach of Sveti Ivan invite you to explore this piece of paradise. For a touch of history, visit the towns of Beli and Lubenica, where there are remains of the Roman era in this area.

• Active vacation on Cres: Numerous recreational activities will satisfy both lovers of a quiet and active holiday. Tourists are happy to choose this destination for family vacations on the Croatian coast because the comprehensive tourist offer is suitable for all ages. Marked hiking and biking trails, kayaking, and parasailing will show you the beauty of this island in Croatia from land, sea, and air. Your little ones will love the water park on the island of Cres, and you will too. 

Islands in Croatia - Map of the island hopping tours 

We've created this map to make your trip even easier - get the complete picture of all the routes, review the terrain, and plan some more on your own.