Croatia Island Hopping: Dubrovnik to Split via Hvar, Brač & Korčula
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast has 1,246 islands, but the classic island-hopping route from Dubrovnik to Split is the one that belongs on your bucket list. Think Game of Thrones filming locations, medieval walled cities, lavender fields, and crystal-clear Adriatic waters — all accessible by a network of reliable ferries that run like clockwork between the islands.
Start in Dubrovnik: The King’s Landing
Before island hopping, Dubrovnik deserves at least one full day. The Old City (Stari Grad) is entirely walkable — a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by massive stone walls you can climb. Walk the perimeter walls (2km, 1.5-2h) for panoramic views of the red-roofed city and the Adriatic.
Game of Thrones fans: the city was King’s Landing. Fort Lovrijenac (outside the walls, across the harbor) was the Red Keep. Walking tours that visit filming locations cost about $30-40/person and are worth it if you want the context.
Get out of town by midafternoon — Dubrovnik is overrun with cruise ship day-trippers from 10am-4pm. Book your Dubrovnik to Korčula ferry in advance via Kiwi.com to save 10-15% vs. the Jadrolinija counter.
Korčula: The Birthplace of Marco Polo?
The 2-hour ferry from Dubrovnik to Korčula Island deposits you in one of the most picturesque Venetian towns in the Adriatic. Korčula’s Old Town is built on a peninsula, with streets arranged in a fishbone pattern — locals say this was designed so that sea Bora wind wouldn’t sweep through the alleys.
Korčula is quieter than Hvar and much cheaper. The town beach (Banje Beach, a 10-minute walk from the gate) is sandy with shallow water — rare in Dalmatia. Rent a scooter (40-50 EUR/day) and explore the island’s vineyards — the local white wine, Pošip, rivals anything from Greece or Italy.
Hvar: Croatia’s Party Capital
A 1-hour ferry from Korčula takes you to Hvar, the sunniest island in the Adriatic (2,800 hours/year). Hvar Town is built around a natural harbor flanked by the Pakleni Islands. The Spanish Fortress (Fortica) above town offers 360-degree views — hike up for sunset.
Hvar has a reputation for hedonism — in July-August, mega-yachts fill the harbor and international DJs spin at beach clubs until dawn. If you’re here for the party, the summer months are your window. If you want to actually enjoy the island, May-June or September-October are better — lower prices, fewer crowds, same beautiful water.
The Pakleni Islands (a 15-minute water taxi from Hvar harbor) are a must-visit. Sandy beaches, hidden coves, and nudist-friendly areas. Cactus Beach Club is the most famous, with day beds and a DJ.
Brač: The Zlatni Rat Beach
A 45-minute ferry from Hvar to Supetar (Brač’s main town) gets you to the island of Brač. The real prize is Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) — a distinctive V-shaped pebble beach extending 500m into the sea, shifting shape with the tides and currents. It’s consistently rated one of Europe’s top beaches.
From Bol (the town near Zlatni Rat), you can hike or drive to Vidova Gora (778m), the highest peak on the Adriatic islands, for a viewpoint that’s simply breathtaking — you can see the entire Dalmatian coastline on a clear day.
End in Split: Diocletian’s Palace
The final stop on the island-hopping route is Split, Croatia’s second-largest city. The highlight is Diocletian’s Palace — a Roman emperor’s retirement home from 305 AD, now the living heart of the city. Locals have been cooking, sleeping, and socializing within these walls for 1,700 years.
Don’t miss the Riva waterfront, Split’s promenade, for sunset drinks. The palace’s underground cellars (which were used as a filming location in Game of Thrones) are cooler and quieter than the streets above.
Ferry Costs & Tips
Jadrolinija is the state ferry company with the most routes, but other operators (Kapetan Luka, GP安东) often have faster catamarans. Book online 30 days in advance for summer crossings.
| Route | Ferry Type | Duration | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik → Korčula | Ferry | 2h | 25-35 |
| Korčula → Hvar | Catamaran | 1h | 20-30 |
| Hvar → Bol (Brač) | Ferry | 45min | 15-20 |
| Supetar → Split | Ferry | 1h | 15-25 |
Most ferries don’t allow vehicles (catamarans never do), so you’ll need to leave your car at the port and island-hop by foot/public transport.
Budget Reality
Croatia is not as cheap as it was 10 years ago, but it’s still cheaper than Western Europe. A dorm bed costs 20-35 EUR, a private room 50-100 EUR, a modest apartment 80-150 EUR/night. Eating out: local restaurants (not tourist harborfront) serve fresh seafood mains for 15-25 EUR.
Want to turn travel into a career? Join Travel Arbitrage Partners