Whenever issues of Island vacation are at stake, it is the Caribbean that gets the credits. What people fail to understand is that there is more to do with island vacations other than visiting the Caribbean. Island Hopping is a fun-filled activity every island enthusiast needs to experience at least once in their lifetime.
Island hopping in Croatia is a great adventure with thrilling experiences. From the beach-to-beach kayak riding experience to sailing around in a rented boat, Croatia is an absolute vibe.
Here is a guide to island-hopping in Croatia.
Take Note Of The Seasons
Weather is a key factor to consider when planning an island vacation. The biggest blunder most vacationers make is ignoring the weather aspect. The Croatia island vacation isn’t any different. Going too early or too late in the year means the fun activities of the area will be missed.
The best season to visit the Croatia island is during summer. While the coastline is accessible all year round, sometimes the sea is too chilly for any activity. Chilled ocean waters are not ideal for the movement of water vessels.
Anywhere between May and September is a good time to travel. The warmed-up seawater creates the perfect conditions for ferry services, which form a vital part of the Croatia Island-hopping experience.
July and August are the peak months. It is the high season, so keep that in mind. However, the traffic during that time is immense and hotels charge exorbitant rates to cover the losses of the low season.
- Recommendation: June and September are the best times to travel for an ideal solo or family experience. The traffic is low and rates are decreased, thanks to the fall in demand.
Key Places To Visit
Identifying the key places of interest is also part of the Croatia experience. With 1244 islands and islets along a 6,000km coastal stretch, vacationers have quite a huge task identifying the best areas to visit. One day is never enough in Croatia. More visits will be needed for an expansive Island experience.
The following areas will be a good way to spend the first few days of one’s vacation.
- Mljet: Being home to one of Europe’s most popular national parks, Mljet is an area no vacationer should ignore. While most island tours are recommended for the evenings, visitors get the most out of Mljet during the daytime. Visit the park and witness first-hand what part this part of Europe has to offer in the heritage aspect.
- Split: Ignore the name; there is nothing split about this town. Instead, it is among the most popular cities to visit, thanks to it being home to one of Croatia’s crucial airports. From its magnificent waterfront lined with multiple cafes to Hajduk Split’s Poljud Stadium, visitors have a lot more to explore on this island.
- Kornati Archipelago: Covering 114 square miles, the Kornati archipelago is a huge island that splits into 140 different islets. Unlike Split and Mljet, which are largely inhabited by humans, there is hardly any sign of human life in any of the 140 islands. More interestingly, there is no public transport in this area, meaning vacationers have to part with something extra. The epic views from the sea make the Kornati archipelago a key part every vacationer needs to try out.
- Brijuni: 15 minutes away from the mainland is an island whose picture depicts a completely different world. Brijuni is the hotbed of history lessons in the whole of Croatia. Its national park says it all. Inspired by post-war leader Tito, this island has an entire section dedicated to the exotic animals he brought to the island from other parts of the world.
Dubrovnik, Korčula, and Hvar are other island options to consider.
Early Planning Of Movement Between Islands
Being largely an ocean-dominated area, water vessels are the real deal here. But then, who needs a car yet all they are after is some island-hopping experience. During high season, getting a seat in any of the vessels is a struggle. Advance booking is advised to overcome the pressure that comes with a last-minute rush.
One of the means of movement every vacationer needs to consider is the publicly funded ferry. While these ferry services are designed to facilitate tourism activities in the various islands, they can also be chaotic depending on the time of the year. However, they are a great option for tight-budget vacationers.
Renting a boat is the other applicable option when island hopping in Croatia. While boats are popular here, adventurers are advised to book in good time to pick the best there can be. Renting one for a week may seem to be expensive but in the long run, it is the cheaper option compared to daily rentals.
Kayaks are also common vessels on the Croatian coastline. Booking one with the help of respective companies is a wise plan. Seaplanes are also available for those who want a better view of the ocean and can afford them.
Hopping in the Croatia Islands doesn’t discriminate against anyone. From free rides for the low-budget vacationers to seaplanes for those who need a bit of luxury, there is something for everyone.