Island Hopping Croatia's Adriatic Coast by Ferry

Visit Picturesque Dalmatian Coast Towns and Islands with Jadrolinija

Dec 17, 2008

Croatia's 6,000-odd kilometres of rugged coastline with the Adriatic Sea forms some of the Mediterranean's most pristine scenery.

Thanks to Jadrolinija, Croatia’s ferry giant, visitors can explore its entire length from Rijeka in the north right down to picturesque Dubrovnik.

Jadrolinija runs car ferries, hydrofoils and catamarans the length of Croatia the year round, performing a vital service in linking the country’s numerous islands of various shapes and sizes with each other and the mainland.

Dalmatian Coast

The biggest Croatian cities along the Dalmatian Coast - (north to south) Rijeka, Zadar, Sibenik, Split and Dubrovnik - are all regularly served along the Adriatic route.

Ferry travel is common among Croatian travellers up and down the coast, a pleasurable alternative given the sheer length of road travel involved and the country’s non-existent rail network south of Split.

For those interested in quick travel whilst sitting back among the beautiful coastal surroundings, the bigger car ferries complete the entire journey between Rijeka and Dubrovnik in a little under 24 hours.

Island Hopping

Meanwhile, for those interested in a spot of ‘island hopping’, this same route allows for gradual progression along the coast, stopping at the stunning and popular islands of Hvar and Korcula. The former enjoys the highest number of hours of sunshine on the Adriatic Coast, with some 2715 per year.

Hvar Town and Stari Grad are both excellent bases on Hvar from which to explore the fine beaches dotting the island, the famous vineyards or just the mix of cultures ranging from Roman to C15th Venetian. Forested Korcula boasts hidden coves and harbours, prehistoric cave dwellings and the birthplace of Marco Polo.

Further south the route takes in bustling Split, home to the C4th UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace and it’s final destination at pristine Dubrovnik, the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, praised by no less a person than George Bernard Shaw as ‘heaven on Earth’.

Jadrolinija Car Ferries

For the particularly adventurous traveller, many of Croatia’s habitable 1,185 smaller islands are now accessible via Jadrolinija. An extensive development in the smaller routes means that based on last year the company envisages 500 daily departures for next summer.

In addition, Jadrolinija links the Italian coast, with international car ferry lines operating between Zadar-Ancona, Split-Ancona and Dubrovnik-Bari.

Example prices for a north-south coastal trip from Rijeka to Dubrovnik starting January 2009 (low season) begin at €28.50/$40 for deck travel and €46/$64 for a couchette, up to €106.50/$149 for a luxury two-berth outside cabin, with all the trimmings included. All prices include breakfast and there are discount fares for children, group travel and round trip fares. Taking a standard car on the same journey costs an additional €76.50/$107.

April-May and September-October are ideal low season times of the year for visiting this area of the country, with long sunny days typically remaining comfortably into the ‘teens temperature-wise.

For those seeking a highly scenic introduction to Croatia, the Jadrolinija offers an excellent way to see this beautiful area of the Balkans.

For details on routes, prices, timetables and locations of Jadrolinija booking offices throughout Croatia and other European countries visit them here.

The copyright of the article Island Hopping Croatia's Adriatic Coast by Ferry in Croatia Travel is owned by Andrew Latham. Permission to republish Island Hopping Croatia's Adriatic Coast by Ferry in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.