If you want to explore some of the prettiest islands Croatia has to offer, go island hopping from Split!
Croatia has over 70 islands, and most of them are absolutely gorgeous. Of course, you can’t visit them all, but you can definitely check out some of the most popular ones, and trust me, they won’t disappoint. Keep reading to see which of those beautiful Croatian islands you can visit from Split!
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WHY GO ISLAND HOPPING FROM SPLIT
Island hopping from Split is one of the best ways to experience the magic of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Split is the second largest city in Croatia and centrally located in Dalmatia, so it’s a great starting point for exploring the islands. Split is also easy to reach from almost anywhere in Europe and often included in most Croatia itineraries, so chances are you’ll end up there anyway. Use that opportunity to hop on a ferry and explore some of the most beautiful islands in the country.
WHAT ISLANDS SHOULD YOU VISIT
Split is close to some very popular Croatian islands, so if you decide to follow this itinerary, you’ll find yourself hopping to Hvar, Croatia’s most popular island, and Brac, an island with the most popular beach in Croatia. After these two, I’d highly recommend going to Korcula, which is in my opinion, Croatia’s most beautiful island.
If you had more than 7 days, I’d definitely add a few more islands like Vis, Solta, and especially the green and peaceful Mljet. But since this is just a week-long trip, the first three islands, Hvar, Brac, and Korcula, are an absolute must. Each one has its own charm and personality, which makes them perfect picks for this short island-hopping holiday.
HOW TO GET AROUND THE ISLANDS
Getting around the Croatian islands from Split is surprisingly easy, thanks to a well-connected network of ferries, catamarans, and private boat tours. For this itinerary, I’d recommend catamarans by Krilo and Jadrolinija, since they specifically do this exact route.
Once you’re on the islands, you’ll need some type of transportation, depending on what kind of holiday you want. Since you’re travelling by catamaran, you won’t have a car. If you can, I’d suggest renting a scooter on the islands you really want to explore. Bikes are also a great option, or you can rely on local buses (if they’re available) and taxis.
7-DAYS OF ISLAND HOPPING FROM SPLIT:
DAY 1 & 2: SPLIT – BRAC
On day one, catch a ferry from Split to Bol, on Brac Island. The ferry (by Krilo) leaves at 8 a.m., and by 9 you’ll be on the island. Use the first day to explore Bol, which is the most popular town on Brac. It’s home to the stunning Zlatni Rat beach, the most famous beach in Croatia.
Zlatni Rat is famous for its unique shape that shifts with the wind, so plenty of people come here to enjoy the sea, the windsurfing, and other watersports. Spend at least a couple of hours on Zlatni Rat, then use the afternoon to explore some of the other beautiful beaches near Bol. In the evening, head back for a fun drink either right by the beach or at one of the many bars in and around Bol.
On day two, head out of Bol and explore more of Brac. You can rent a scooter, take a bus, or grab a taxi from Bol to Pucisca. It’s a beautiful little village known for its white stone and charming setting. It’s definitely worth a visit, so take your time to stroll through the town, enjoy lunch by the sea, and maybe pick up a few local souvenirs before heading back. Return to Bol and grab a ferry (by Jadrolinija) from Bol to Hvar at around 4:45 p.m. You’ll be on Hvar by 5:30. Use the evening to grab some dinner and enjoy a drink in some of Hvar’s popular bars.
DAY 3 & 4: BRAC – HVAR
Wake up on day three, and start your day with a breakfast in Hvar Town. After breakfast, explore the town. Make sure you visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Square, the Theatre (and the terrace for great pictures!), the harbor, and the lovely waterfront promenade. Find your way to one of the beaches for the afternoon. If you want something close you can reach on foot, spend the afternoon at Pokonji Dol. If you want something more exciting visit Dubovica or Zarace Beach, but you’ll need a taxi or a scooter to get there. In the evening, find your way to Fortica Fortress for the most incredible views of Hvar Town and the surrounding islands.
On day four, start your day by going to Stari Grad, another lovely town on Hvar Island. You can reach it by taxi or by bus (112) in about half an hour. Stari Grad is super cute, less crowded than Hvar Town, and has an even lovelier old town. There’s not much to do so a couple of hours will be more than enough there. After Stari Grad, visit one of the beach clubs in Hvar Town, such as Hula Hula or Beach Bar Hvar, before hopping on a ferry (by Krilo) to Korcula around 6 p.m. You’ll be on Korcula Island around 8 p.m., just in time for dinner!
DAY 5 & 6: HVAR – KORCULA
Day five of your island-hopping itinerary use for a detailed exploration of Korcula Town. There’s plenty of things to see and do in Korcula Town. Wander through the beautiful, narrow streets of the Old Town, shop local souvenirs, visit the house of Marco Polo and the Revelin Tower. In the afternoon, grab a taxi or a bus to Lumbarda, where you can get a winery tour. Korcula has its own wine called Grk, and you can try delicious wine in Vitis Winery or Popic Winery.
Day six, and the last whole day of this trip, go back to Lumbarda and enjoy some of Korcula’s sandy beaches. Vela Przina beach and Bilin Zal beach are the two most famous sandy beaches on the island, and they’re definitely worth visiting. Spend the last day relaxing at the beach, and in the evening go for a drink at Massimo Cocktail Bar where you’ll get the most amazing sunset to end your trip.
DAY 7: KORCULA – SPLIT
On day seven, grab a ferry (by Jadrolinija) from Korcula to Split at 9:40 a.m. The ride is around 3 and a half hours, and you’ll be in Split just in time for lunch, around 1 p.m. Use the remaining day to explore Split, or catch a flight back home!
