Check It Out: Croatia’s Incredible Adriatic Archipelago

Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline is littered with idyllic islands of natural beauty and towns of outstanding cultural curiosity. Fortunately, there’s an excellent travel infrastructure in place to make exploring these different parts as stress-free and easy as can be possible.

The established network of ferries and fast catamarans makes island hopping across the Croatian archipelago as much of an experience as the destinations themselves. Their convenience and regularity makes travel organisation so much more straightforward, leaving more time for exploration. The only dilemma is choosing which of the best resorts in Croatia you’ll visit, and what routes take in the most.

Dubrovnik to Split

The route between these two cities incorporates some of Croatia’s most popular sights and locations. You can, of course, travel by road, but it makes more sense (and is way more relaxing) to take advantage of the ferry and catamaran transfers.

A great starting point is Dubrovnik, which is the quintessential medieval Mediterranean town, boasting glorious architecture, narrow overhanging streets, and guarded by an old wall. Along the way between Dubrovnik and Split there are two stunning stopover points. The island of Brač is home to the famous Zltani Rat pebble beach, and Korčula Town is home to Renaissance and Gothic buildings pretty enough to challenge Dubrovnik as one of the best resorts in Croatia.

Zadar to Rijeka

This journey should ideally be taken over the course of a week – giving you enough time to really savour the Kvarner Gulf. The churches and Roman ruins of Zadar require at least a day to pass through and around, then you can island hop taking in the sights of Lošinj, Pula, Mali Lošinj and Cres. Rijeka bookends this route, and this bustling port city of industry and culture could happily give you a week of adventures on its own.

Rijeka to Prag

Once the charms and vistas of Kvarner Bay diminish from your memory (if that is possible), there is more Croatian charisma to soak up. Not far from Rijeka is Rab Town, one of the most diverse islands in the country. Leave the ancient walls and quaint medieval streets behind for Arcadian pine forests, flawless beaches and fruitful vineyards, which can be explored on foot - although bicycle is best. Resorts in Croatia don’t come much more beautiful than this place. Then you can opt for a change of pace by washing onto the shores of Pag, with the edgy clubs, bars, restaurants and ambience of Zrće Beach.

Where to Stay

Of course this depends on the route, but there are numerous absolutely stunning hotels available on all the islands and towns mentioned above. Dubrovnik Palace is the place to be in the eponymous town, putting you right on the beachfront, with perfect access for urban exploration and gorgeous views across the Lapad peninsula.

Zadar boasts the 5-star Hotel and Spa Iadera. Sleekly designed, and positioned away from the bustle of the city, this is the ultimate experience in Croatian hospitality – and home to Black and White Spa, an incredible boutique retreat.

John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury accommodation in the best resorts in Croatia as well as Sicily, The Canaries, Bermuda and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.