Croatia Split Island Hopping: Unveiling Croatia's hidden gems by car
ISLAND HOPPING ADVENTURE
Your island-hopping tour from Split to some of the most beautiful Croatian Islands can last from a single day to a whole summer! To fully experience the beauty, lifestyle, and daily life of the islands, we definitely recommend 2-3 nights minimum per island. It's a good idea to rent a car in Split when going island hopping because public transportation is not ideal on most of the islands. Having your vehicle will give you the freedom to explore every hidden spot.
Table of Contents:
- When is the ideal time for island hopping?
- The best island hopping day trip from Split
- Island hopping from Split by FERRY
- Island hopping from Split by Catamaran
- Go by car or as a foot passenger?
- Where to buy ferry tickets?
- How expensive is it to island hop in Croatia?
When is the ideal time for island hopping?
The best time to go island hopping on the Croatian Islands is spring and autumn. These are the best times of year to experience the local cuisine and culture as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and there are no crowds. Try to organize your island hopping tour from Split in June or September and avoid crowds in ferry ports and expensive ferry tickets. The sea is usually warm enough so you can enjoy your holidays like in the middle of summer.
The best island hopping day trip from Split: Discover the island of Brač
The island of Brač has the best ferry and catamaran lines and the ride lasts only 50 minutes (from Split to Supetar).
Visit Zlatni Rat Beach: Zlatni Rat, or the Golden Horn, is one of the most famous beaches in Croatia and is located in the town of Bol on Brac. It's known for its unique shape that changes with the wind and currents. The crystal-clear waters and the long pebble beach make it a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Explore Bol: Bol is a charming town on the southern coast of Brač, and besides Zlatni Rat, it has much to offer. Wander through its narrow streets, visit the Dominican Monastery, and explore the local shops and restaurants. Bol has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to experience local culture.
Climb Vidova Gora: Vidova Gora is the highest peak on the island and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and neighboring islands. You can hike or drive to the top, and it's a fantastic spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Visit Supetar: Supetar is the largest town on Brac and serves as the island's main ferry port. Take a stroll along the charming waterfront, explore the old town with its historical buildings and churches, and enjoy a meal in one of the local restaurants.
Tour the Blaca Monastery: Located in a remote area accessible by hiking or boat, the Blaca Monastery is a fascinating historical site. Founded in the 16th century, the monastery is built into the rocks and offers a glimpse into the monks' way of life. The trek to Blaca Monastery provides both adventure and cultural exploration.
Island hopping from Split by Ferry
If traveling by car here are the best routes by ferry to some of the most beautiful islands in Dalmatia.
With a Car by Ferry:
- Split - Rogač (Šolta Island)
- Split - Supetar (Brač Island)
- Split - Stari Grad (Hvar Island)
- Split - Vela Luka (Korčula Island)
- Split - Ubli (Lastovo Island)
- Split - Vis (Vis island)
Island hopping from Split by Catamaran
If traveling by foot you can choose to go to some awesome places like Bol on the island of Brač directly. That's an awesome one day trip where you can enjony on of the most beautifull beaches in Dalmatia.
On Foot By Catamaran:
- Split - Bol (Brač)
- Bol (Brač) - Hvar
- Hvar - Korčula
- Korčula - Dubrovnik)
Go by car or as a foot passenger?
ADVANTAGES of traveling with a CAR / FERRY:
- Flexibility: Having a car allows you to explore the islands at your own pace and reach more remote areas that may not be easily accessible by public transportation.
- Discover remote beaches and villages: You can explore every corner of the island quickly and easily.
- Convenience: If you have a lot of luggage or prefer the comfort of having your vehicle with you, taking a car on a ferry might be more convenient.
- Family tour: The best thing about going with a car is to have everything that you need for the kids right there with you.
ADVANTAGES of going by FOOT / CATAMARAN:
- Speed: Catamarans are faster than regular ferries, allowing you to reach your destination more quickly.
- Convenience: Traveling without a car can be more convenient, especially if you plan to explore the islands on foot, use local transportation, or rent a vehicle locally. You will also avoid traffic jams and waiting to board the car on a ferry.
- Island-Hopping: Catamarans often connect several islands in one journey, providing opportunities for efficient island-hopping.
- Pricing: You will save a lot of money when traveling by catamaran to Dalmatian islands. Ferry tickets for vehicles are really expensive, so do the math before deciding.
Where to buy ferry tickets?
Ferry Terminals/Ports: The primary and most direct place to buy ferry tickets is at the ferry terminals or ports. Ticket offices are usually available on-site, and you can purchase tickets for immediate or future travel.
Click to show the: LIST OF ALL TICKET SELLING OFFICES
Online Platforms: Many ferry companies and agencies offer online ticket booking services. You can purchase tickets in advance through their official websites or other online platforms specializing in ferry reservations. This can be convenient, especially during peak travel seasons.
Travel Agencies: Local travel agencies in Dalmatian cities often sell ferry tickets. These agencies may have physical offices in popular tourist areas, and you can visit them to inquire about ferry schedules and purchase tickets.
How expensive is it to island hop in Croatia?
Accommodation is usually booked very early so try to book in advance as soon as possible. Ferry tickets are pretty expensive so aim for June or September. If you plan to save some money, book an apartment and prepare your own meals.
Transportation:
Ferries and Catamarans: Ferry and catamaran tickets vary in price based on the distance traveled, the type of vehicle, and the season. Ferry tickets for foot passengers are more affordable than those for passengers with vehicles.
Car Rental: If you decide to rent a car for island hopping, rental costs, fuel, and potential parking fees will contribute to your expenses.
Accommodation:
Accommodation Costs: Accommodation prices can vary significantly depending on the island's popularity, the type of accommodation (apartments, villas, hotels), and the time of year. Popular tourist destinations like Hvar and Vis tend to have higher accommodation prices.
Food and Dining:
Restaurant Meals: Eating out at restaurants can range from budget-friendly to upscale. Dining habits and the type of cuisine you prefer will influence your food expenses, but generally dinning is more expensive on islands than on the mainland.
Local Markets: Consider buying groceries at local markets, which can be a more cost-effective way to manage your food budget.
Activities and Excursions:
Tours and Excursions: Participating in guided tours, water sports, or cultural activities may add to your expenses.
Entrance Fees: Some attractions and historical sites may have entrance fees, but there a lot of free things to do and visit.
Seasonal Variation:
High Season: Traveling during the peak tourist season (summer months) is generally more expensive. Prices for accommodation and activities may be higher, and popular routes may be busier.
Off-Season: Traveling in the shoulder or off-season can result in lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.