What's the easiest way to get around?
By Ferries
Jadrolinija car ferries serve the main islands. And state-owned
Jadrolinija provides transport for locals as well. Passenger-only catamarans are faster but more expensive. Both Jadrolinija and Krilo Jet operate catamaran services.
A multitude of ferry services link the Croatian mainland with the Adriatic islands. Most of them are run by Jadrolinija, the main state ferry firm, although private operators (such as the Krilo catamaran fleet) are beginning to offer competition.
All ferries, apart from simple shuttle services, will have a buffet where you can buy a full range of drinks, although food may consist of crisps and nuts, so it’s best to bring your own picnic if you’re likely to get hungry.
Short hops to islands close to the mainland – such as Brestova to Porozina on Cres, Stinica to Mišnjak on Rab, or Orebić to Dominće on Korčula – are handled by simple roll-on-roll-off ferries, which either operate a shuttle service or run fairly frequently – every hour or so.
By Plane
European Coastal Airline seaplanes offer another option for Croatia island hopping. They fly from
Pula, Rijeka and
Split to Lošinj, Hvar, Korčula and Lastovo.
The obvious attraction of flying is the time it saves: the plane journey from Zagreb to Dubrovnik takes an hour, compared to a whole day to get there overland. Croatia Airlines operates domestic services between Zagreb and Pula (1 daily), Split (summer 4 daily; winter 3 daily), Zadar (summer 2 daily; winter 1 daily) and Dubrovnik (summer 3 daily; winter 2 daily).
The price of flights vary enormously according to time of year and how far in advance you are booking – Zagreb– Dubrovnik can cost as little as 300Kn/€40 if booking online, outside peak periods; otherwise expect to pay three times this amount.
On a yacht
Motorsailer cruises on the Adriatic coast are increasingly popular. Prices vary widely according to the size of craft. Dalmatia start at around £800 for seven days. To learn the rudiments of sailing, you can arrange a one-week beginner’s course – prices start at around £800 per person.
The cheapest seven-day holiday in an eight-berth yacht is typically £700–800 per person (rising to £900–1000 in a two-berth yacht), depending on the season. Prices rise steeply for fancier yachts. You can also charter a smallish three- to four-berth bareboat yacht for upwards of £900 a week, while prices for larger craft can run into thousands; a skipper will cost around £200 a day extra.
If you want to experience the Dalmatian coast from a whole different perspective, then this trip is for you! With our tailor-made tour hop aboard a beautiful cruiser and sail along some of Croatia's most stunning islands.
