Island Hopping in Croatia: Best Islands to Visit and How to Get There

Croatia’s Best Islands and How to Hop Between Them

Picture this: sun on your shoulders, salty breeze in your hair, and your feet dangling off the edge of a boat as you drift between islands.

Island hopping in Croatia feels like summer the way it should be: unrushed and full of small surprises. There are a thousand islands along the Adriatic, and every single one has a story and atmosphere of its own. Some buzz with beach clubs and sunset bars, while others are quiet with sleepy harbors and pebble beaches you’ll have all to yourself.

That being said, planning your Croatia itinerary can get tricky when every island seems more tempting than the one before. One day you might crave beachside music and lively streets, the next you might just want to float in silence with no one else around.

Luckily for you, this guide covers some of the best islands to visit and how to reach them. When you know which islands to pick and how to get around, you can jump straight into the good stuff.

Ready to chase the sun across Croatia’s coast? Let’s dive into your island adventure.

So, how many islands should you visit on your trip?

That depends on what kind of traveler you are. If you love easing into your day, low-key beaches, and slow travel, then one or two islands might be just right. Island hopping in Croatia doesn’t have to mean packing in six stops in five days. You can pick a base like Vis, Šolta, or Ugljan and settle in. These islands are laid-back, scenic, and close enough to the mainland for an easy journey.

If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to experience a bit of everything, you can plan a route that links a handful of islands. The Dalmatian coast is a popular starting point, with ferries connecting Split to Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Mljet, eventually reaching Dubrovnik. Each island offers something different, from beach clubs and vineyards to forests and fishing villages.

Another great region to explore is the Kvarner Gulf. Between Rijeka and Zadar, islands like Krk, Rab, and Lošinj are less busy but replete with local charm.

How many should you plan on seeing? A good number would be three to four islands if you have a week to ten days. That’s a comfortable stretch to travel, settle in, and experience local life properly.

What’s the best time to go island hopping in Croatia?

Ferry routes, weather, and crowd levels all shift throughout the year, so it helps to know what to expect. If you’re looking to relax, eat well, and experience the culture without the rush, late spring and early autumn are great picks. Island hopping in Croatia during May, June, or September means fewer crowds, comfortable weather, and enough ferry options to get around with ease.

Summer is the peak season for a reason. The sun’s out, the sea is warm, and nearly every restaurant, beach bar, and ferry line is in full swing. July is lively but manageable. August, on the other hand, is when both locals and tourists flock to the coast. You’ll still have a great time, but prices spike and calm corners become harder to come by.

Festivals are a big part of island life too. Korčula’ summer nights come alive with the Moreska, a bold and theatrical sword dance that dates back hundreds of years.

Meanwhile, in Rabska Fjera is a three-day medieval festival that celebrates the island’s heritage, originally established in 1364. The old town of Rab transforms into a lively medieval market with costumed locals, traditional crafts, blacksmiths, weavers, herbalists, and ancient games.

Over on Hvar, the Za Križen (Following the Cross) procession reflects a more spiritual side of island life. This overnight Easter tradition in spring involves barefoot villagers walking in a solemn loop through six villages, carrying a heavy cross and stopping at churches along the way. Although only locals take part in the procession itself, visitors are welcome to observe along the route and experience the reverence and community spirit of this centuries-old tradition.

As the mercury drops and the air grows cooler, the islands and coastal towns take on a different kind of rhythm. In Dubrovnik, the Feast of Saint Blaise is held every year on February 3 to honor the city's patron saint. Locals gather for a procession through the Old Town, dressed in traditional attire holding relics and banners. It’s a deeply meaningful event, rooted in faith and centuries of history.

Further inland, Advent in Zagreb lights up the capital from late November to early January. Though not on the islands, it’s worth mentioning for its festive atmosphere, handmade crafts, nativity scenes, and family-friendly activities that center more on tradition than entertainment. These winter events are more subdued than their summer counterparts, but they display the same strong sense of community and culture that defines Croatia year-round.

If you don’t want to miss out, double-check ferry schedules when planning your days.

Winter travel is possible, though most places feel empty and still. Ferry services scale back, many businesses shut for the season, and cold winds are common. Unless you’re looking to unplug or write a book, it’s not the best time to hop between islands.

So, when should you go? If you're hoping to explore the islands with decent ferry access, pleasant weather, and a good mix of local life and cultural activities, aim for late spring or early autumn. Those few weeks on either side of summer give you the best of both worlds: room to breathe and plenty to see.

Which Croatian islands match your travel style?

Now that you’ve decided when to go, the next step is figuring out which islands match your travel plans. Each one has its own personality, so it’s worth thinking about what kind of experience you want. Island hopping in Croatia can feel completely different depending on where you go. Some places are tucked away far from the city bustle. Others are full of music, nightlife, or winding trails waiting to be explored.

If you want calm beaches and plenty of space, Cres is a great choice. It’s laid-back and never crowded. There’s a stillness to it that pairs perfectly with slow mornings by the sea. If you're into cycling, wine, or long scenic walks, Hvar is a solid pick. It has lively towns, rolling hills, and lots of sunshine. Korčula is known for its wine and historic charm. It’s ideal if you like wandering old streets and finding cozy spots to eat. For late nights and big parties, Pag is the place to be. It comes alive in summer with beach clubs and music festivals.

Brač is home to Zlatni Rat, one of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches. And Krk has something a little different: a crumbling, once-luxurious hotel in Malinska that draws curious travelers.

Think about how you want your days to feel. If you’re looking for a mix, plan to visit two or three islands. Try to stay at least two nights in each spot so you're not always on the move. An unhurried pace helps you settle in and enjoy the small things like watching the light change over the sea, taking a still swim, or lingering over lunch.

Should you book accommodation and transport ahead of time?

Croatia gets busy during the warmer months, so sorting out your stay and getting around early can save you a lot of stress later. You won’t want to waste time hunting for a room or a ferry ticket when you could be relaxing by the water.

Start looking at accommodation a few months ahead if you’re going during peak season. Places with sea views, central locations, or a bit of charm tend to fill up fast. Booking early gives you more options and better prices. If you're traveling in May, June, or September, you might still find good spots closer to your dates, but it’s always better to be prepared.

Transport needs some attention too. Ferries between the popular islands like Hvar, Brač, and Korčula run often in summer, but seats can still sell out. Booking a few days ahead is usually enough, but during July and August, don’t leave it too late. You can grab tickets online, at the port, or through ferry company apps.

If you plan to use local buses to travel within the island, check their routes and times beforehand. Arriva Croatia handles many of them, and their mobile app often has lower fares.

Trains between cities like Zagreb and Split are another option. But the tickets are hard to get at the last minute because they’re small and scenic. Lock your tickets in before your travel day. That way, you’ll avoid long lines and full bookings. Plus, you’ll have more time to enjoy the islands, meals, and sea views you came for.

What are the best ways to get around the islands in Croatia?

After you’ve picked your route and booked your stay, it’s time to figure out how you’ll move between the islands. Island hopping in Croatia becomes a piece of cake when you understand the options. Fortunately, the “land of a thousand islands” has something for every kind of commuter, from public ferries to relaxed cruises to private yachts.

Ferry

Public ferries are the most common and budget-friendly way to get around. Most islands are connected by regular ferry routes, with high-speed catamarans for passengers and slower ferries that carry cars and scooters too. Schedules are more frequent during summer, with some popular routes offering up to five trips a day.

In winter, ferries are infrequent, so plan accordingly. If you’re using ferries, try starting or ending in one of the major cities. Split has routes to Hvar, Korčula, Brač, and Vis. Dubrovnik connects to Mljet, Šipan, and Korčula. From Zadar, you can reach the Kvarner Gulf islands, Susak, and even Pula.

Cruise

If you prefer a more relaxed trip, joining a Croatia cruise might be your thing. These small ship cruises usually last seven days and visit around five to seven islands. They include transport, meals, and lodging, so you don’t have to plan every detail. For something more active, there are also cycle cruises where you explore the islands by bike.

Yacht

Want more freedom? You can charter a yacht or catamaran. If you know how to sail, take the wheel. If not, hire a skipper and enjoy the ride. You’ll have the freedom to stop at hidden bays and explore towns that stay off the main tourist radar.

Flight

If you’re short on time and don’t mind the splurge, seaplanes are another option. They fly between islands and give you a great view of the coast from above. It's a quick way to cover more ground when time is tight.

What are a few things you should know before you set off?

Finally, before you start packing for your Croatian adventure, there are a few things that can make your island-hopping journey a lot smoother. With ferries, hotels, and sunny afternoons to juggle, a little planning upfront saves time and helps you take in the island lifestyle as it comes.

First off, book your ferry tickets in advance. It might seem like something you can do at the last minute, but ferries between busy islands can reach full capacity when the tourist season picks up. Apps like Ferryhopper are handy for checking schedules and grabbing your seat before someone else does.

The same goes for accommodation. Islands like Hvar or Korčula tend to book out quickly, and last-minute options can be limited. It’s best to secure your rooms a few days before you leave the mainland or your current island.

Try traveling in the mornings. Morning ferries give you a head start so you can arrive, check into your hotel, grab lunch, and still have time for the beach or a walk through town. This schedule works well with hotel check-in times and leaves your afternoons wide open. If you’re hoping to enjoy a special dinner or try one of the popular restaurants along the coast, reserve a table early, particularly when you’re not travelling alone. Some places do accept walk-ins, but not all.

And lastly, pack light. You’ll be walking with your bags more than you might expect, from ports to guesthouses and through cobbled alleys. A carry-on and a backpack should be enough. Traveling light makes moving around the islands a lot more enjoyable and leaves more room for souvenirs.

Happy island hopping in Croatia!