Croatia’s Adriatic coast is an absolute jewel in the Balkan crown. It’s home to over a thousand islands, each with its own story to tell. With turquoise waters, ancient towns, and a lively culture, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d mixed it up with Greece – but at incredible price points and often, with fewer crowds too.
If you’ve got 8 days to spare, you might be torn between two fantastic ways to explore this paradise: hopping between islands or settling in one spot and taking day trips. Let’s check out some pros, cons, and possible itineraries for both options to help you figure out which suits you best.
Option 1: The Island-Hopping Adventure
Island hopping means you’ll move from one island to another, staying overnight on each. It’s a chance to really get a feel for the different vibes each island offers, so you get a chance to experience lots of unique places both morning and night.
What’s to Love About Island Hopping:
- Variety is the Spice of Life: From Hvar’s energetic nightlife to the peaceful forests of Mljet, you’ll get a taste of the different types of experiences Croatia’s thousands of islands provide.
- Authenticity and More Time: Staying overnight lets you experience the islands when the day-trippers have left, so you’ll see the more authentic side of island life and get to enjoy a whole day and night there, instead of just a few hours.
- Further Reach: You can get to further-afield islands and explore a little more off the beaten track if you choose to island hop, because you don’t have to return to the mainland each day.
Things to Consider:
- Pack and Unpack Routine: Moving around means you’ll need to pack your suitcase loads of times, as well as carry it on and off boats and public transport.
- Planning Ahead: Ferry schedules and accommodations need to be sorted out in advance to keep your trip smooth – unless you’re joining an island-hopping guided tour, where this is all sorted out for you.
Sample Itinerary for Island Hopping in Croatia
If spending your eight days island hopping sounds appealing, how on earth do you plan an itinerary? Seeing even a tenth of the islands in one trip would be impossible, but you can certainly tick off some of the major must-sees, both on the mainland and the archipelago.
Days 1-2: Split
- Explore Diocletian’s Palace: Wander through the labyrinthine streets of this ancient Roman palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Visit Marjan Hill: Hike or bike up for panoramic views of the city and coast.
- Enjoy Bačvice Beach: Swim and play picigin, a traditional ball game played in shallow water.
Day 3: Hvar
- Relax on Dubovica Beach: A secluded pebble beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Climb to Fortica Fortress: For stunning views over Hvar Town and the surrounding Pakleni Islands.
- Experience Nightlife: Visit famous spots like Carpe Diem or Hula Hula Beach Bar.
Day 4: Korčula
- Explore Korčula Old Town: Known as “Little Dubrovnik” for its medieval squares, churches, and palaces.
- Wine Tasting in Lumbarda: Taste local varietals like Grk and Pošip at family-run wineries.
- Attend a Traditional Moreska Dance: A captivating sword dance unique to Korčula.
Day 5: Mljet
- Discover Mljet National Park: Rent a bike or kayak to explore Veliko and Malo Jezero (the Great and Small Lakes).
- Visit St. Mary’s Island: Home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery.
- Dinner in Pomena: Enjoy fresh seafood at a local konoba (tavern).
Days 6-7: Dubrovnik
- Walk the City Walls: Get a bird’s-eye view of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.
- Ride the Cable Car to Mount Srđ: For breathtaking sunsets and a visit to the Homeland War Museum.
- Explore Lokrum Island: Just a 15-minute ferry ride away, with botanical gardens and peacocks.
Day 8: Farewell from Dubrovnik
- Last-minute Shopping: Pick up souvenirs like lavender products or olive oil at the local markets.
- Coffee on the Stradun: Enjoy a final espresso on Dubrovnik’s main street before you depart.
Option 2: Staying Put with Day Trips
If you’d rather not be on the move constantly, basing yourself in a city like Split or Dubrovnik and venturing out on day trips might be your style. Both have plenty of gorgeous islands within easy reach, but also offer all the conveniences of larger cities; like nightlife, shopping, and transport links.
What We Love About It:
- Settle In: Unpack once and make yourself at home.
- Flexible Schedule: Pick and choose your adventures each day without the hassle of changing hotels. You can balance island life and day trips with more chilled days exploring on the mainland.
- Ease of Travel: Organised day tours take care of the logistics for you, so there’s no worrying about how to plan your island-hopping tour.
Things to Consider:
- Less Time on Each Island: Day trips give you a taste, but not the full experience of each destination.
- Travel Time: You’ll spend part of each day getting to and from your spot which can feel like you’re always rushing from one place to another.
Sample Itinerary for 8 Days Based in Split
Decided you like the idea of staying put and then doing day trips to the surrounds? You could base yourself in a number of cities, but Split is one of the best. If you decide to book one spot in Split and stay there for the 8 days, here’s one idea for how you could spend your time.
Days 1-2: Split
- Diocletian’s Palace: Spend time exploring this living museum with its shops, cafes, and ancient history.
- Riva Promenade: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with street performers and seaside views.
- Marjan Hill Park: Rent a bike or walk through this forested park with hidden churches and lookout points.
Day 3: Hvar Day Trip
- Morning Ferry to Hvar and Explore Stari Grad: One of Europe’s oldest towns, rich in history and culture.
- Pakleni Islands: Rent a boat or join a tour to these small, picturesque islands.
- Return to Split: Enjoy dinner back in the city.
Day 4: Krka National Park
- Skradinski Buk Waterfalls: Walk the wooden pathways around these stunning falls.
- Boat Ride to Visovac Island: Visit the Franciscan monastery set on a tiny island in the middle of the lake and take a dip to cool off.
Day 5: Brač Day Trip
- Visit Zlatni Rat Beach: Famous for its unique shape that shifts with the tide and wind.
- Supetar Town: Explore this charming town with its quaint streets and seaside cafes.
- Olive Oil Museum in Škrip: Learn about traditional olive oil production and sample local products.
Day 6: Trogir and Šibenik
- Trogir’s Cathedral of St. Lawrence: Climb the bell tower for panoramic views.
- Šibenik’s St. James Cathedral: Admire the UNESCO-listed Renaissance architecture.
- Local Dining: Try Dalmatian specialties like black risotto or peka (meat and vegetables baked under a bell).
Day 7: Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Early Departure: Join a guided tour for convenience.
- Explore the Trails: Choose from various routes to see cascading lakes and waterfalls.
- Electric Boat Ride: Cross the largest lake, Kozjak, by boat.
Day 8: Until Next Time, Split
- Relax at Bačvice Beach: Enjoy a final swim or simply relax on the sand.
- Shopping for Souvenirs: Visit local shops for authentic Croatian goods.
- Evening Stroll: Take a leisurely walk through the Old Town before departing.
So, What’s Your Travel Style?
If the idea of waking up in a new place every few days fills you with excitement, and you’re up for the adventure of planning and moving around, island hopping might be calling your name. On the other hand, if you prefer a home base with the comfort of returning to the same bed each night, staying put and exploring via day trips could be the perfect fit.
Whichever type of holiday you choose, Croatia is ready to welcome you with open arms. And to make your trip truly seamless,Flight Centre South Africa. Our travel experts can tailor your journey to match your preferences, taking care of all the details so you can focus on making memories.
Ready to pack your bags? Croatia’s islands and coastlines are waiting for you!