Island Hopping in Croatia

Croatia, located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, is getting increasingly popular – it’s an odd one though. Why is somewhere with over 1,200 islands, a sparkling coastline, captivating cities and really breathtaking landscapes, only really grabbing the attention of the masses now? I don’t know the answer but here’s a few reasons why you might want to visit …

Did You Know?

Croatia once held the Guinness World Record for having the smallest town in the world. It was a town called “Hum” that had only 17 residents;
There are over 1,200 islands dotted along Croatia’s Adriatic coast. From the glamorous shores of Hvar to the serene beauty of Vis, Croatia’s islands are a playground for adventurers and sun-seekers alike;
Croatia is home to an impressive seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park, a natural wonderland of cascading waterfalls & emerald-green lakes and the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace in Split, a marvel of Roman architecture;
Croatia served as the real-life backdrop for many iconic scenes in the hit TV series “Game of Thrones.” So, if you’re a fan of this hit series, this place will surely leave you spellbound;
There are eight national parks, 11 nature parks and two nature reserves in Croatia – covering about 10% of its total land area;
The Dalmatians (yes, the dog breed!) are said to have originated in Croatia and used historically as carriage dogs. The Dalmatian coast, along the Adriatic Sea, has been known as ‘Dalmatia’ since the Roman era.

Three of Croatia’s gems

If you are a little time poor, but want to experience some of what Croatia has to offer, here are three places that you probably won’t want to miss!

01 – Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’

The English poet Lord Byron was the first to describe Dubrovnik as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. Utterly enchanting, this pearl has to be experienced at least once in your life. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, the city’s Old Town is encircled by massive stone walls, stretching 2km and dating back to the 16th century. Dubrovnik’s ethereal beauty, charming streets, baroque buildings, and historic landmarks, such as the Rector’s Palace and the Sponza Palace, attract visitors from everywhere.

02 – Hvar, the Island Paradise

The island of Hvar is the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands. Claiming to be the sunniest spot in all of Europe, this island is the perfect destination for tourists seeking the beauty of Mediterranean beaches without the crowds associated with more well-known destinations. Pathways lined with lavender vines lead to secluded coves, small fishing villages and local vineyards.
Hvar Town itself is a vibrant hub with a stunning Venetian harbour, perfect for strolling along the waterfront and checking out all the cool yachts and sailboats. There are adorable cafes with outdoor seating begging you to grab a drink and people-watch, little boutique shops overflowing with unique treasures and enough delicious restaurants to keep your taste buds happy for weeks. It’s simply beautiful.

03 – Makarska Riviera, Seaside Beauty

Located in the heart of central Dalmatia, the Makarska Riviera stretches 60 kms along the Adriatic coast. The Makarska Riviera boasts a string of charming towns and villages, each with its own unique personality. I’m referring to quaint cobbled streets lined with local shops, delicious fresh seafood restaurants with oceanfront views and a laid-back atmosphere that will melt your stress away faster than gelato on a hot day.

How to Plan An Island Hopping Escapade to Croatia

By boat is really the best way to see the most of what this country has to offer. I was lucky enough to experience my island hopping holiday aboard a stunningly beautiful and very luxurious ‘mini-ship’ with not only everything one could dream of but also enough large cabins for my large family. As well as the 11 double cabins there’s a swimming pool, jacuzzi on the sundeck, a cinema, gym, sauna, beauty spa and a full range of water toys, not to mention sensationally cooked and prepared food and warm, fun and extremely knowledgeable crew – I want to live on it!

Crafting Your Dream Itinerary

With a boat as your home base, the possibilities for exploration are endless. Here is the itinerary crafted out for my group after a long discussion with the Captain after embarkation:

Day 1: We left from Split, Croatia’s vibrant second-largest city and explored the historic Diocletian’s Palace, wandering the charming streets. Back to our home on the water to enjoy a delicious welcome dinner aboard.

Day 2: Off to Hvar Island, famous for its lavender fields, charming harbour town and vibrant nightlife. We relaxed on a particularly pristine beach, explored ancient fortresses and even managed to fit in some wine tasting at a local vineyard.

Day 3: Next was the Pakleni Islands, a stunning archipelago known for its secluded coves and excellent snorkelling opportunities. We had the best barbecue on the shores of a hidden cove.

Day 4: Mljet National Park. The forests are beautiful; some of us kayaked through a saltwater lake, others discovered the historic Benedictine monastery on this lovely island.

Day 5: Korčula Island is nicknamed ‘Little Dubrovnik’ for its medieval architecture. Most of us climbed the Town Hall tower for stunning views and learnt all about the island’s rich cultural heritage; others stayed aboard for spa treatments!

Day 6: Vis Island has some great secluded beaches. We went to visit Tito’s Cave (a former military base used by Yugoslavia’s leader) and had the best seafood lunch at Konoba Jastožera.

Day 7: Sadly, time to return to Split. Once we had disembarked we went on one last trip to Krka National Park, famous for its stunning, cascading waterfalls.

Finally, whilst I believe that Croatia is well, well worth a visit, there are a few things to be aware of:

Croatia is very safe but just be wise regarding pickpocketing;
LGBT – this is not a problem but discretion in public is strongly encouraged;
Croatians take pride in how they dress. Don’t wear swimwear if not at the beach, wear long trousers or a long skirt if in at any sacred site and keep your shoulders covered;
The war of the 1990s, which led to the breakup of Yugoslavia, is a delicate subject and should be approached with care. Croatians do not like being labelled as Yugoslav or Balkan. It’s important too to remember that it is a Catholic country;
Public drinking (except in a restaurant of course) is not permitted and heavy fines are administered for public drunkenness and having a lie down in public after one too many!

“Croatia: where history and beauty merge into an eternal dance.”