Knowing how to get to each island in Croatia can help you choose your favourite. So, to help out with you holiday planning we have created a guide to help you get to some of the most popular islands.
The Ferry Service
Ferry services can take passengers and cars. In high season (mid-July to the end of August), Saturdays are the busiest days at ports, so it is essential to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure and a queuing system operates, but don’t worry there is usually a cafe nearby! It’s important to note that even though you may have a ticket for a ferry at a certain time, it doesn’t always guarantee your entry - especially if it’s busy as these islands are very popular! So, once the ferry is full it will depart, and then you just wait for the next one.
Island of Krk - Located in the Kvarner Bay
There are two ferry routes to Krk from Valbiska port – one to Merag on the island of Cres (only 25 minutes crossing) and the other to Lopar on the island of Rab (90 minutes crossing). Rijeka airport is located on the north of Krk island near the village of Omisalj. Flights from London Gatwick and London Stansted, and often most visitors from the UK fly to either Rijeka, Pula or Zagreb airports in Croatia.
Losinj - Located in the Kvarner Bay
There is a catamaran service from Pula and Zadar stopping at some of the smaller islands on the way including Losinj. From April – September there is also catamaran service between Losinj and the island of Rab. A ferry service from Valbiska on Krk to Merag on Cres is one access route for those with cars. For both routes there is then a drive southwards across Cres to Losinj over a tiny road-bridge at Osor (so small that many people don’t even realise they have driven over it!).
Losinj also has a tiny airport with scheduled summer flights by Silver Air from Lugano, Venice and Zagreb, the Croatian Capital. There are also privately operated flights by our featured hotel group (using our own, small aircraft) as private transfers from most Croatian, Italian and Austrian airports. Most visitors fly from UK to Pula or Rijeka and travel onwards to Losinj by road and sea.
Rab - Located in the Kvarner Bay
There is a daily catamaran service from Rijeka, a ferry service from Valbiska on the island of Krk to Lopar on the island of Rab. From the mainland at Stinica there is also ferry service to Misnjak on Rab – one of the shortest ferry journeys in Croatia, barely 15 minutes. Most visitors access Rab island using flights to Rijeka (on Krk island) or to Zadar (mainland) with transfer times almost the same.
Brac - Located in the Central Dalmatia region
Brac can be reached by regular ferry from Split on the mainland to Supetar or by catamaran from Split to Bol. The only way to travel by sea direct between the island of Brac and the island of Hvar is by catamaran between Bol and Jelsa – and the journey time is only 25 minutes.
Hvar - Located in the Central Dalmatia region
Hvar can be reached by regular ferry from Split on the mainland to Stari Grad on Hvar. Only catamarans can dock in Hvar Town and these are from Split and points between Split and Dubrovnik.
If driving from Dubrovnik, the ferry from Drvenik (on the mainland) to Sucuraj in Hvar, is a good option with just a 35-minute crossing.
Vis - Located in the Central Dalmatia region
This is the farthest offshore, inhabited island in the Adriatic and is located 35 miles from the mainland Croatian coast. Vis can be reached using catamaran from Split or ferry service from Split.
Korcula - Located in the South Dalmatia region
Korcula can be reached either by catamaran or ferry from Split or Dubrovnik (including islands in between). Or if coming by road from Dubrovnik city or airport, by driving across the fertile Peljesac peninsula and taking the ferry from Orebic to Domenice near Korcula town with a crossing time of only 15 minutes. Catamaran service can also call at Vela Luka on Korcula from Split and other places!
Sipan- Located in the South Dalmatia region
Sipan can be reached by passenger ferry from Dubrovnik and some hotels including our featured Hotel Bozica have their own speedboat service from Dubrovnik’s Gruz harbour!
Lopud - Located in the South Dalmatia region
Lopud can be reached by passenger ferry from Dubrovnik and some hotel transfers involve private boat direct to a jetty near the hotel.
