Itineraries
Croatia island hopping: a 10-day route from Split to Dubrovnik
Hvar, Brač, Vis and Korčula by ferry and catamaran, with timings, the best months and how to beat the crowds.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Fly into Split, hop to Brač, Hvar and Korčula by catamaran, and finish in Dubrovnik, flying home from there.
- June and September are the best months: warm sea, all ferries running and far fewer crowds than in July and August.
- Catamarans are fast but book up in summer; buy tickets online a few days ahead and arrive early at the port.
| Fly into / out of | Split / Dubrovnik |
|---|---|
| Flight from London | About 2.5 hours |
| Split–Hvar by catamaran | About 1 hour |
| Best months | June, September |
| Currency | Euro |
Days 1–2: Split
Split's old town is built inside the Roman emperor Diocletian's palace. Wander its lanes, climb the cathedral bell tower and walk up Marjan hill for views. Krka National Park's waterfalls make an easy day trip.
Days 3–4: Brač
A short ferry or catamaran ride brings you to Brač, home of Zlatni Rat at Bol, a pebble beach that changes shape with the wind and currents. It is great for windsurfing and for families, with shallow water near the shore.
Days 5–7: Hvar
Hvar Town has a Venetian square, a hilltop fortress and lively bars, while Stari Grad and Jelsa are calmer. Take a boat to the Pakleni Islands for swimming, or a day trip to the island of Vis and the Blue Cave on Biševo, which is best visited in the late morning when the light shines in.
Days 8–10: Korčula and Dubrovnik
Korčula's walled old town sits on a small peninsula and is one of the prettiest on the coast. From there, continue by catamaran to Dubrovnik.
Walk Dubrovnik's city walls first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon, ride the cable car up Mount Srđ for sunset, and take a boat to Lokrum island. Cruise ships make the old town very busy in the middle of the day, so plan around them.
Ferry and booking tips
- The state ferry company Jadrolinija runs car ferries and catamarans; private operators such as TP Line and Krilo add fast catamarans in summer.
- Timetables are much reduced outside June to September, so check them before planning a route in spring or autumn.
- For Plitvice Lakes National Park, buy timed entry tickets online in advance in summer.
- Croatia uses the euro and joined the Schengen area in 2023. Check the latest entry rules on GOV.UK before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Croatia island hopping?
Ten days lets you see Split, two or three islands and Dubrovnik without rushing. With a week, choose Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik.
Which Croatian island is best?
Hvar for a mix of nightlife, history and beaches; Brač for Zlatni Rat beach; Vis for a remote, unspoilt feel; and Korčula for its beautiful old town.
When is the best time to go to Croatia?
June and September: warm sea, reliable ferries and fewer crowds and lower prices than July and August.
