Exploring Croatia: Island Hopping for 7-10 Days

Island hopping by boat

Island hopping in Croatia by private boat is the best way to see and experience the coast—no crowds, no rigid schedules, just you and the sea. I worked with a trusted private boat company that took us to each island with an itinerary tailored for us: morning swims in hidden coves, lunch on quiet islands only reachable by water, and afternoons cruising past dramatic mountain landscapes that are even more stunning from the water.

Every day, a mix of exploring, relaxing, and enjoying Croatia at your own pace. A bit more work to set it up, but this approach allowed us to get the most of our days on the water and explore some off-the-beaten-track spots like Langanini and Vrnik Arts Club—see below in Beach Clubs.

Old City exploration

Exploring Croatia’s old cities on foot is one of my favorite parts of traveling here—wine, art, shopping, historical landmarks all tucked inside centuries-old walls. I love the history and culture that live within these “old towns,” and we were lucky enough to explore Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, and Korčula.

Walking through their cobblestone streets feels like stepping into a living time capsule. You can imagine generations before you strolling the same lanes, sharing meals, laughter, and music—only the faces and sounds have changed, like a new track on the same album cover. The walls keep the soul of the place intact, letting you admire the architecture, pop into hidden cafés and boutiques, and become part of a story that’s been unfolding for hundreds of years.

Beach clubs

Croatia’s beach clubs each have their own rhythm—some hum with music and clinking glasses until the sun dips, others feel like a secret hideaway where time slows to match the tide. You might spend one afternoon stretched out on a lounger, Aperol in hand, watching the sea change shades of blue, and the next hopping off a boat straight into a cove with just a few tables and the smell of grilled fish in the air. From laid-back “no hurry” spots like Laganini to the high-energy of Carpe Diem, every club has its own personality—part of the joy is finding the one that matches your mood.

Here’s my POV on them:

• Laganini, Hvar: “Laganini,” a Croatian term for a state of mind that embraces enjoying the moment, “take it easy,” “there’s no hurry”. Wow—we loved this place. A highlight of our trip. It is a higher-end experience, white tablecloths, high quality foods, and luxe service, but it met the mark! The wine selection was great—we enjoyed delicious, crisp, and cold Croatian white wine. And the food was one of our fave meals—fresh, local ingredients, local green salads with flavorful cheeses, oysters—the meal was a delight, and not too heavy while in our bikinis ready to hit our next stop (a 10 minute boat ride to Hvar).

• Hula Hula, Hvar: Where sunset is the main event. Music picks up as the afternoon goes on, cocktails flow, and the view is all golden skies and sparkling sea. It’s definitely a scene with a bit of a bounce to it. You can jump in the water, with a couple floating rafts, but the tide is quick when the boats go by. If you are looking for super chill, this is not your spot. We loved it—great balance of vibe, good cocktails, swimming, and people-watching.

• BOWA, Dubrovnik: Only reachable by boat, BOWA feels like a private island escape. Wooden cabanas, crystal-clear water, and long, lazy lunches on the terrace make it unforgettable. It’s hard to get to, by boat only, so the crowd is curated in a good way. It’s a great stop if you’ve got access to a boat.

• Beach Club, Hvar: A modern, stylish spot where the vibe is as much about people-watching as it is about the sea. Perfect for a day that blends sun, swimming, and socializing. Really mellow and refined.

• La Banya, Korčula: Set on a quiet stretch of shoreline, a 10 minute drive from the old city of Korcula, La Banya is where you go to unwind. The service is warm, the loungers are plush, and the water is just steps away. Great spot for families with kids as they have a bunch of beach activities available. We were two couples, so we found chairs towards the end of the beach, had delish cocktails, and lunch with great service. The DJ was on point with chill hip-hop vibes. We loved the playlist!

• Vrnik Arts Club: On a tiny island just off Korčula (10 minute boat ride), this beach club blends rustic charm with island ease. Arrive by boat to a tiny dock, order fresh seafood (the Scorpion Fish is prepared over the grill—and divine), swim in clear water that feels unreal. The restaurant only seats 20 people at a time, so it’s a super chill dining moment.

• Splash: Fun and lively, with music, cocktails, and easy swim access—it’s a spot made for an upbeat afternoon with friends. There are big lounge beds right on the water with a chill swimming area to hang in the water. Medium on the party barometer.

• Carpe Diem, Hvar: The party beach club Croatia is known for. Go for the late-night DJ sets, stay for sunrise over the Adriatic (this was me for me circa 2000). It’s definitely more of a young party scene than some of the other spots mentioned.

• Lux Beach Club, Peroj, Korčula: A sleek, modern setup with big Bali beds, full-service drinks, and panoramic views. Ideal for a polished, pampered day in the sun. A bit of a drive from Korcula’s old town, but worth it if you want to sit seaside for the afternoon.

Dubrovnik

It’s Old Town is a late-medieval fortified city, known for its architecture and 13th-century walls. Sitting atop the stunning Adriatic Sea, the city offers killer views and a unique atmosphere within its charming, pedestrian-only streets. Perfect combo of history and natural beauty, including tours of the top-filmed spots in Game of Thrones, including the ‘Walk of Shame’.

We hired a local tour guide to walk us through the city walls—it was the perfect amount of history and culture in this beloved city. If you have time, take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd at sunset at make a dinner reservation at Panorama in advance.

Korcula

We loved staying right inside Korčula’s city walls—waking up to grab a coffee at a café overlooking the Adriatic, watching locals take their morning swims, and kite surfers gliding across the bay. We wandered in and out of little shops and art galleries, finding hidden nooks and shady, narrow streets that felt cool even in the summer heat. The whole Old Town is only about 10–20 small blocks, completely surrounded by water with gorgeous yachts in the harbor, charming restaurants tucked into corners, and a surprisingly lively nightlife for such a small, magical place.

Hvar

In Hvar, we based ourselves in Stari Grad, a peaceful, family-oriented harbor town that felt worlds away from the island’s party reputation. Mornings started slow—coffee by the water, fishing boats coming and going, and kids riding bikes along the promenade. We wandered cobblestone lanes lined with pastel houses, popped into tiny shops. Evenings were for fresh seafood dinners by the sea and watching the sky turn pink over the harbor—it was the kind of place that makes you instantly relax.

In Hvar Old Town, don’t miss the walk up to the old fortress overlooking Hvar Town. The climb winds through shady paths and charming side streets, and at the top you’re rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the terracotta rooftops, the harbor dotted with boats, and the Pakleni Islands in the distance. It’s the perfect mix of a little exercise, a lot of history, and one unforgettable view.

Split

Split’s historic identity is centered around the remarkable Diocletian’s Palace, a 4th-century Roman complex whose ancient walls and cellars form the living, breathing heart of the Old Town. This ancient center spills onto the Riva, a vibrant, palm-lined harbor promenade that serves as the city’s social heart, buzzing day and night with the relaxed energy of countless cafes and people enjoying the sea views.

This unique fusion of a living monument with a bustling Mediterranean port makes Split a dynamic destination and the primary gateway to the Dalmatian islands. Watch out for timing—the cruise ships dock in the harbor, and it can get overloaded with people, but they clear out at night.

We stumbled upon the oldest synagogue in Croatia, which is the Split Synagogue, located within Diocletian’s Palace in Split. It was built in the early 1500s by Jewish refugees escaping the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisition. We met current-day congregants whose families (including Holocaust survivors) have been members for decades. Built in the walls of the old city of Split, it was a special moment on our trip.

Signature dishes:

• Black Cuttlefish Risotto—made with ink, garlic, and olive oil.

• Grilled Adriatic Fish—fresh-caught, simply prepared with local olive oil and herbs.

Top picks for favorite cocktail & dining spots:

• Massimo: A rooftop cocktail bar in a medieval tower in Korcula, where drinks are delivered by a pulley—the sunset views are perfect.

• Cave Bar in Dubrovnik: Tucked into a natural seaside cave, where you can sip a cold beer or canned wine while watching cliff jumpers make their daring leaps into the Adriatic.

• Pani Naro in Dubrovnik: They serve up the best ham sandwich—layers of savory prosciutto tucked into warm, fresh focaccia that’s worth seeking out.

• Fig Hvar: A gem for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Located in a charming alleyway, it’s a departure from the Adriatic cuisine, which we needed after five days. Loved the flatbreads and salads... Yum, I want to go back right now. *Great vegetarian and vegan options.*

• Antika, Stari Grad/Hvar: Tucked away in a little cobblestone neighborhood, we loved their Mediterranean & Dalmatian specialties and great selection of local wines. We even got their specialty Sardine dish that was a super yummy appetizer to kick off our meal.

• Panorama, Hvar: A rooftop spot with sweeping views of the town and harbor, perfect for a sunset drink while taking in the sparkling Adriatic below.

• Blue Doors, Stari Grad/Hvar: With a charming courtyard, this hidden gem has standout dishes, prawn and truffle triangles, black risotto, a must-visit for anyone exploring the historic town of Stari Grad.