Croatia’s rugged coastline makes it the perfect destination for island hopping. There are countless beautiful islands varying in size and location throughout the Adriatic Sea. Some of them are inhabited and have larger towns similar to those on the coast, while some are still untouched, with wild nature.
The Croatian islands aren’t symmetrically positioned all over the coast but rather grouped in smaller archipelagos. This is one of the main reasons for choosing an island-hopping vacation in Croatia.
Since most of the islands in these archipelagos are close to each other, you won’t spend much time travelling, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore them. However, if you want the trip to be perfect, island hopping should be planned and there are some things you should keep in mind while travelling.
Before island hopping in Croatia
Since you’ll be visiting several different islands, make sure to have a plan for where you’ll be eating and sleeping. The whole trip will be much less enjoyable if you’re tired and unsure of where you’ll stay each night. Reserve your accommodation in advance, and find your villa for the best experience.
Another thing to take care of before you start your tour is transportation. Island hopping requires flexibility and mobility – it’s relatively hard to do it with only regular public transport. Find a local taxi boat service and book them a few months in advance, or even rent a boat. This will allow for most freedom and you’ll be in charge of everything.
Check out local festivals and events when choosing the dates – it pays off to adapt your schedule a bit and enjoy the authentic Croatian traditions. Luckily, every Croatian island is special in its own way.
During island hopping in Croatia
Once you’ve prepared for your island hopping tour, you can head to Croatia. However, there are some important things to keep in mind once you’re here.
Firstly, even though you might be visiting Croatian islands as a tourist, people are living here. This means that you’ll come across private parcels which might look perfect for a hiking trip, but they’re someone’s field. The locals are often really warm and open if you’re polite and not too loud. Rather than partying around the small island towns at night, enjoy the privacy and luxury of holiday villas in Croatia.
Also, some smaller islands aren’t so tourism-oriented so remember to plan what you’ll eat at the start of every day. Keep note of working hours as there are multiple state and religious holidays throughout the summer, on which all grocery stores will be closed as well as restaurants and cafes. It’s best to check the working hours of whichever store or museum you’re headed to a few days in advance so you can adapt your schedule to it. Follow these guidelines and you’ll get the perfect island hopping experience.