Dalmatia encompasses Croatia’s western border with the Adriatic Sea, running roughly from the island of Rab just below the Istrian peninsula to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. From historic cities and quaint mountain towns to tucked-away beaches and sprawling vineyards, there's a lot to do and see on the many islands that dot the coast. Here’s a guide to the region's top five islands to get you started—Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis, and Mljet.
Hvar Island encompasses everything visitors love about Croatia: golden beaches, emerald waters, lavender fields, craggy peaks, ancient towns, and unique cuisine. For these reasons, it's one of the most popular islands. On Hvar, you can hike on medieval trails to scenic vistas, explore villages founded by the Greeks, go wine tasting, kayak to secluded coves, and visit neighboring islands. When hungry, eat a traditional meal cooked in a peka and take advantage of Hvar Town's buzzy nightlife.
One of the most popular activities in Croatia is sailing, which should come as no surprise considering the country's long and narrow shape hugs the Adriatic Sea. With over 3,000 miles of coastline and more than 1,000 islands, the country is a prime spot for sailing excursions. So whether you're looking for day trips to the archipelagos or an entire itinerary sailing from spot to spot, you can find it in Croatia. Discover islets, caves, lagoons, and rugged coves all by boat.
Enjoy five days of sailing on a private boat between three of Croatia's most popular Adriatic islands: Brač, Hvar, and Vis. You'll bask in the sun on deck, taking in the island setting as you leave historic Split and the mainland behind and chart a course for nearby islands, including the Pakleni archipelago off the coast of Hvar. Seek out aquatic wildlife and drop anchor to swim and snorkel secluded bays as well as disembark to visit charming coastal towns.
Enjoy 9 days of sun and sea on a private sailboat as you cruise around some of Croatia's most popular—as well as more remote—Adriatic islands. From Split, you'll chart a course to quiet Vis Island for two nights before continuing to the untouched paradise of Lastovo, the saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park, fortified Korčula, picturesque Hvar, and rugged Brač. You'll swim and snorkel secluded bays, dine on fresh seafood and drink local wine, and drop anchor to visit frozen-in-time island villages.
Enjoy 10 days of sun and sea on a private sailboat as you cruise to and between some of Croatia's most popular—as well as more remote—Adriatic islands. From Split, you'll chart a course to quiet Vis Island for two nights before continuing to the untouched paradise of Lastovo, the saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park, fortified Korčula, picturesque Hvar, and rugged Brač. You'll swim and snorkel secluded bays, dine on fresh-caught seafood and drink local wine, and drop anchor to visit frozen-in-time island villages.
This 10-day Croatian island adventure explores the best of the Dalmatian Coast and five of its loveliest islands. Start with a private walking tour in Dubrovnik, then board a ferry to Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Join a private wine tour across Lumbarda, and hop over to Hvar to cycle across Mediterranean landscapes. Next up is Vis, where curious caves and ancient history await. Finally, visit Split, where you'll taste Croatian favorites on a food tour and take a day trip over to the island of Brac.
Sail to four of Croatia's most popular Adriatic islands—Vis, Korčula, Hvar, and Brač. Enjoy the sea breeze and sunshine as you relax and delight your senses onboard your private sailboat, stopping along the way to swim, snorkel, and explore charming coastal towns. You'll begin and end in Split and chart a route to nearby islands with time spent to discover the beautiful Pakleni archipelago.
Explore Croatia's Dalmatian islands on this active tour, starting on the rural island of Šolta with its traditional way of life. Then set sail to the islands of Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Mljet, cycling through the pastoral wilderness, villages, and Mediterranean shrubbery, all while discovering ruins, ancient old towns, and national parks. End your trip on the small island of Šipan and sail to the city of Dubrovnik, where you can walk its historic walls, peruse its Old Town, and climb to Srđ Hill for outstanding panoramic views of the region.
A perfect combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation on this 8-day private sailing trip sees you sail from the ancient coastal city of Split to chart a course for nearby famous islands of the Adriatic. You'll spend the night in the harbor of five different islands, from isolated Lastovo to the larger islands of popular Korčula and Hvar as well as enjoy a little time on land discovering each of the island's character.
Explore the highlights of Croatia as you cross the country starting in the Istrian Peninsula in the north and working your way down the Dalmatian Coast to the "Adriatic Pearl", Dubrovnik. Along the way, you will explore ancient Roman ruins, medieval fortressed towns, and beautiful national parks. You will also bike, hike, kayak, and zip-line on this tour that highlights both adventure and cultural discovery.
This epic Central Europe itinerary highlights the top cities and attractions of the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia. From the cobblestone streets of Prague, you'll head south and discover a new level of elegance and pastoral beauty in Austria, from opera houses to Alpine lakes. Then it's off to Slovenia to explore the charms of Lake Bled and the Karst region before a weeklong tour of Croatia from Zagreb to the sunny Dalmatian coast.
Discover the best of Croatia's Dalmatian coast in a week. Starting in the historic port city of Split, you'll wander through Diocletian's Palace and ancient Roman ruins before taking off for the islands of Hvar and Korčula, Marco Polo's former home. End the trip with a scenic drive through the Pelješac Peninsula—Croatia's famous wine region—before enjoying two nights in the fortressed city of Dubrovnik.
This thorough 12-day self-guided tour covers Croatia's best, from cultural stops in Venetian-infused cities to the exploration of ancient Roman ruins. Explore medieval hilltop towns, lively markets, historic fortressed cities, and glittering salt pans. You'll sip local wine native to Korčula, ride through vineyards and olive groves across Hvar Island, and relax on Split's inviting Bačvice beach.
Explore Croatia's Adriatic islands and Dalmatian coastline in comfort and style with private transfers and guided tours to and from luxury hotels. Sample sweet and savory local delicacies on a food tour of the ancient coastal city of Split, take a dip in the emerald-green lagoon of Krka National Park's Skradinski Buk waterfalls and discover Hvar's undulating island terrain, accented with vineyard-covered hills, thick olive groves, and fragrant fields full of rosemary and lavender. You'll spend time in Lumbarda wine country, admire the baroque buildings of Dubrovnik's Old Town, and while away the hours lazing on a private cove near Cavtat.
This short and decadently sweet itinerary is perfect for travelers who are short on time and love indulging in luxurious travel experiences. You'll tour the Dalmatian coast beginning with a food tour of local delicacies in Split, then it's off to Hvar to explore dazzling beaches and rugged island scenery before joining a private boat tour to nearby islands. Your holiday ends in Dubrovnik, where you'll enjoy a walking tour of the historic city as well as visit the rustic countryside of the Konavle region.
This grand luxury tour features the lively capital of Zagreb, the romantic Istrian peninsula, and the coastal cities and island towns of the picturesque Dalmatian coast from the ancient Roman city of Zadar to medieval Dubrovnik. You'll navigate the network of cobblestoned streets in historic Rovinj, feast on fresh-caught seafood from a world-class restaurant in Zadar, tour the Lumbarda vine-covered countryside on Korčula, and learn to cook like a local on a family-run estate in the Konavle.
Spend 12 days among Croatia's finest architecture, cuisine, and scenery on this luxury tour starting in dynamic Zagreb. Explore waterfalls and travertine lakes in Plitvice Lakes and Krka, dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Zadar, and take a private food tour of historic Split. Travel to the Adriatic islands to discover the idyllic settlements and hilly terrain of Hvar and sip on wines native to Korčula. End with two nights roaming the limestone-paved streets of Dubrovnik, the "Adriatic Pearl."
Experience the best of the southern Dalmatian coast with this cultural and active 9-day itinerary. Starting in historic Dubrovnik, you'll work your way to the islands of Korčula and Hvar, before ending your trip in the ancient coastal city of Split. Along the way, you'll paddle to the nearby Pakleni Islands, sail to the famed waters of the Blue Cave and Vis Island, and tour unique points of interest on Brač Island.
Immerse yourself into the coastal culture of the Dalmatian region with this 13-day journey through Croatia. You'll see incredible national parks, sail among beautiful islands, and explore the country's most popular city, Dubrovnik. Thanks to the international flight options to Split and Dubrovnik, it is possible to travel open-jaw too. Learn more with these diverse itineraries, below.
Experience all the highlights of Croatia, beginning in the ancient fortress city of Dubrovnic and ending in the historic capital of Zagreb. You'll cover the length of the country as well as spend some time exploring charming Adriatic islands. Discover Roman ruins, medieval fortressed towns dotted with ornate baroque and renaissance buildings, and secluded beaches. Explore UNESCO-certified national parks, meander and climb the narrow laneways and parapets in Ston, and dine on fresh seafood in Zadar.
Discover Croatia's highlights on this 15-day itinerary. Starting from Dubrovnik, you'll tour the Konavle wine region, head to Ston on the Pelješac Peninsula and on to Korčula, Hvar, and Vis to sail and kayak the Adriatic and to relax on idyllic pebble beaches. Visit the ancient port city of Split before checking out the stunning national parks of Krka and Plitvice and ending the trip with a self-discovery tour of Zagreb's museums, galleries, and parks.
From the energetic capital city to the peaceful Konavle villages, explore Croatia's cities and Dalmatian coastline on this comprehensive luxury tour. Starting in Zagreb, you'll discover the stunning architecture and historic landmarks on a guided walking tour. Then head to the coast for a decadent spa treatment in Opatija and tour the travertine lakes at Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll sample the country's best cheese on Pag, visit Lumbarda wine country on Korčula, and cap off your trip in the medieval city of Dubrovnik.
Take 13 days to venture across Croatia on this luxury itinerary from the charming capital city of Zagreb to the medieval fortress town of Dubrovnik. Along the way, you'll visit ancient Roman coastal cities of Zadar and Split, stopping to discover the turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes and Krka national parks. You'll end your stay with time spent covering island terrain on Hvar, sipping native wines on Korčula, admiring the Blue Cave on Biševo, and relaxing on gorgeous Stiniva beach on Vis.
Blending culture and history with adventure, this 13-day tour begins in Dubrovnik and takes you up the Dalmatian coast through the Pelješac Peninsula to Korčula. You'll ferry to Hvar, kayak to the Pakleni Islands as well as sail to Vis before returning to the mainland to visit Diocletian's Palace in Split. From there, head north to the emerald lakes of Plitvice National Park before ending your trip in Zagreb, Croatia's charming capital.
