Croatian Island Odyssey

Exploring Croatia's Northern Islands

Summary

This island-hopping holiday in northwestern Croatia blends history, stunning landscapes, and authentic island life. Start in Pula, then explore the serene islands of Cres, Krk, Rab, and Pag before finishing in Zadar. Enjoy Roman ruins, medieval streets, sandy beaches, and dramatic coastal scenery, with ferries and transfers pre-arranged for a seamless, stress-free journey.

Activity code: CRIH03

Duration: 12 Days

 

Northwestern Croatia Island Hopping – Pula, Cres, Krk, Rab, Pag & Zadar

Discover some of Croatia’s most beautiful and lesser-known islands on this island-hopping holiday, book-ended with stays on the mainland in Pula and Zadar. Using the excellent ferry network and optional private transfers, this itinerary blends historic towns, natural beauty, and coastal charm with effortless travel between islands.

Begin in Pula, exploring its impressive Roman amphitheatre and charming old town. Take day trips to Rovinj or the Brijuni Islands, enjoy waterfront cafés, or relax along the coast.

Travel to Cres, a tranquil island with quiet bays, pine forests, and traditional villages. Cycling, kayaking, or coastal walks offer a peaceful way to explore the natural scenery.

Krk offers medieval streets, local markets, and rolling vineyards. Stay in a historic town or harbour village, enjoy coastal walks, and sample the island’s wines and cuisine.

Rab is renowned for its golden beaches and historic old town. Wander cobbled streets, relax on sandy shores, and explore inland villages surrounded by olive groves.

Pag’s dramatic, lunar-like landscapes and distinctive culture make even a brief stop memorable. Visit the salt pans, sample famous cheese, and enjoy seaside views.

Finish in Zadar, with its Roman and Venetian architecture, lively promenade, and the Sea Organ. Optional day trips to nearby islands or national parks add extra variety.

Flexible Options
This itinerary can be reversed, extended with extra nights, or adapted to include other locations. Pre-booked ferry tickets and optional transfers ensure a smooth, relaxed journey.

Important Information

Flights available to book with us through a range of airlines, from various UK airports to Croatia. If we book your flights this means that your holiday will also be fully ATOL protected.

Prices shown are a guideline "from" (in UK Pounds) and are based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. Single supplements may need to be applied to the twin/double price and discounts for children (under 12yrs) and/or a 3rd adult sharing a room are available upon request. Quoted prices for individual enquiries will depend upon your chosen accommodation, room availability and dates of travel. We always aim to match a high quality experience with exceptional value for money. Discounts will apply if there are 3 or more people in your travelling party as fixed costs such as transportation and guides will be shared equally between the group.

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What's included in your Island Hopping holiday?

  • Private airport transfers.
  • Private transfers to / from ports & hotels throughout.
  • OR 8/9 days fully-inclusive car hire
  • Pre-booked ferry/catamaran tickets
  • 11 nights accommodation on B&B.
  • Ferry timetables
  • Fully detailed itinerary with sightseeing suggestions
  • FREE travel app with all your documents, timetables, maps, weather & much more
  • All local tourist taxes
  • 24hr representative services

 

Highlights

Itinerary

Fly into Pula airport; private transfer to your hotel in the city centre.
Begin your journey in Pula, a city steeped in history with its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre at the heart of the old town. Spend your days wandering through cobbled streets, visiting nearby coastal towns such as Rovinj, or taking a boat to the Brijuni Islands, where pine forests, Roman ruins, and wildlife await. Enjoy local cuisine in seaside restaurants or relax at the waterfront. Take a second day to explore slightly further with a day trip to either Rovinj or the nearby Brijuni Islands National Park.

Private transfer from Pula up the east coast of Istria to the ferry terminal at Brestova, for the short crossing to Cres Island. Onward transfer to your chosen hotel, we suggest Martinšćica. Cres is one of the largest and least visited islands in the Adriatic. Explore quiet bays, pebble beaches, and walking trails through fragrant pine forests. The island’s traditional villages offer glimpses of local life, while cycling or kayaking along the coast is a delightful way to spend the day.

* route would be the same for self-drive.

Recommended places to stay

Private transfer to Merag for ferry crossing to Krk island (Valbiska) and onward transfer to your choice of hotel - e.g. Krk Town or the small resort of Malinska. Krk island is located in the centre of Kvarner bay and is considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia. Its mild Mediterranean climate, good geographical position and variety of natural and cultural wonders gave it, even in ancient times, the name "Golden Island". Wander the medieval streets, visit local markets, and perhaps sample some of the island’s renowned wines. Coastal walks and swimming in hidden coves provide a tranquil contrast to the cultural experiences.

* route would be the same for self-drive.

Recommended places to stay

Private transfer from your hotel on Krk Island to the ferry terminal at Valbiska for the short crossing to Rab island (Lopar); onward transfer to your hotel in Rab Town. Rab island is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic and probably one of the most magical as well. It is covered with pine forests and has a number of beautiful sandy beaches, and is well known for its mild climate that differs from the mainland. For a quieter experience, head inland to hilltop villages, where olive groves and stone houses showcase a more authentic side of Rab. Evening walks along the harbour promenade offer spectacular sunset views.

* route would be the same for self-drive.

** a direct catamaran service runs from Krk Town to Rab Town in High Season (June-Aug).

Recommended places to stay

Private transfer from Rab Town to the ferry port for your catamaran crossing to Pag Island (Novalja); onward transfer to Pag Town to your chosen hotel. Pag island doesn't look quite like a typical island in the Adriatic, it is renowned for its unique lunar-like landscapes. It is an island with no rivers or streams, no trees and little vegetation. However, Pag is known for the Paski Sir, which is a cheese made from sheep milk.Even a short stop on this island offers opportunities to explore its distinctive scenery and cultural heritage. Drive or take local transport to the salt pans and small villages, and enjoy a seaside meal overlooking the Adriatic.

* self-drive route requires two very short crossings to get from Rab to Pag via the mainland.

Recommended places to stay

Private transfer from Pag island to Zadar (via bridge). Conclude your holiday in Zadar, a historic city on the Dalmatian coast and one of the most interesting cities in Croatia, but still flies under the general tourist radar. It is famous for its mesmerizing sunset which Alfred Hitchcock once described as “the most beautiful sunset in the world”. New age installations “Sun Salutation” and “Sea Organ “celebrate and complement such magnificent sunsets.

* route would be the same for self-drive.

There are plenty of places to visit on your free day here such as the Church of St. Donat, Zadar Cathedral, Five Well square, the Roman Forum and many museums. If you fancy slightly further afield then the beautiful village of Nin, the Kornati Islands, Paklenica or Krk National Parks and Lake Vransko offer plenty of choice for all.

Final day, private transfer to Zadar Airport (or Split).

Flexible Tailor-Made Holidays

  • We believe passionately that no two holidays should be the same.
  • With our flexible tailor-made holiday options you can travel at your own pace.
  • Rediscover a city, a resort or an island in a weekend or longer.
  • Take a small group tour or embark upon a more adventurous trip.

Trusted Service

  • ATOL cover for flight inclusive holidays.
  • One of us at Rediscover the World is very likely to have visited the hotels and travelled along the routes on your itinerary.
  • Dynamic, comprehensive travel app with all your documents, maps and much more.
  • Full financial protection for your holiday (TTA).

Why book Croatia with us ?

  • More than 30 years experience of the region
  • Unrivalled expertise of local partner
  • Fly-drive holidays in Croatia & neighbours
  • Island Hopping / Activity holidays
  • Food-themed breaks & Christmas Markets
  • Honeymoons
  • 24hr assistance in Croatia