Croatian island hopping ‒ is it for you?

If you are planning your first visit to Croatia, you will want to see as much of this beautiful country as possible. An island hopping tour lets you take in a number of destinations, see the sights and still find time to relax on the stunning beaches.

Island hopping can also be an affordable way to visit Croatia, depending on how you do it. You could book an organised gulet cruise, travel with your own rental boat or even use public ferries and car rental to get from island to island, although you will need to plan your itinerary careful if using ferries. These run most frequently from June to September, but remember that accommodation will also be dearer at this time of year and can book up well in advance.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is where we would recommend starting your Croatian adventure. This city in southern Croatia is known for its distinctive walled Old Town ‒ the walls date back to the 16th century.

Don't miss the Rector's Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption. You could even take a Game of Thrones walking tour to visit the city locations used in the hit TV series.

Korcula

Why not hop across to Korcula, the home of famous explorer Marco Polo? One of the Mediterranean's best-preserved medieval towns, Korcula retains much of its charm with its narrow cobbled streets and quaint atmosphere. It is the perfect place for some downtime away from the bustling city and there are shops, markets and cafes to while away the lazy sunny days.

Hvar

The island of Hvar is a must-see on any traveller's list and one of Croatia's most popular tourist resorts, attracting around 20,000 visitors a day in the summer months.

The scenery here is stunning ‒ traffic-free streets and Gothic palaces are around every corner, with beautiful beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Well-heeled travellers will feel instantly at home here, but dining out can be expensive.

Head for St Stephen's Square to see the Cathedral of St Stephen and enjoy al fresco drinks in the sunshine at one of the many bars or cafes.

Split

The perfect way to end your island hopping adventure, the town of Split is home to a number of historical and cultural sites to explore.

The most famous of these is Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Romans in the 4th century. This sprawling complex is at the heart of the town and is well worth spending a half day ‒ or longer ‒ exploring. The Cathedral of St Domnius is also a must-see ‒ climb the rickety stairs to the top of the bell tower for awe-inspiring views across the city and out to sea.

Croatia is the perfect destination for anyone wanting a multi-centre holiday, from couples to families and history buffs to beach lovers. Why not check it out for yourself this year?