How to travel in Croatia without a car? With a (charter) boat
1244 is the total number of islands, islets, and reef along the rugged coastline of Croatia with 48 of them being inhabited. Exploring these islands is made easier if you have a boat. In case you are not planning of buying one, chartering it is the next best thing. Renting a yacht in Croatia maximizes the possibilities of your vacation, allowing you to effortlessly discover Croatian coastline and islands. This makes them a perfect choice for your summer holiday.
Car-free Croatian Islands
Surprisingly, among the 48 inhabited islands, there are numerous car free islands. Scattered across the Adriatic, these car-free islands offer a tranquil escape, clean air, and a deep connection to nature. Some of the most popular car-free islands are Silba, Zlarin, Prvić in the Northern Adriatic.
Dalmatia
Prvić is known for its peaceful atmosphere, scenic nature, and historic villages like Prvić Luka nad Šepurine. It’s home to the Memorial Center Faust Vrančić, dedicated to the Croatian inventor. The island’s rocky coastline offers secluded coves for relaxation and summer fun. Prvić offers an ideal tranquil vacation for those seeking to immerse themselves in rich history and natural charm. Make sure to visit the Faust Vrancic museum with exhibits of his work and most important inventions and projects.
Zlarin is another car free island in Croatia, situated near Šibenik. Known for its historic coral harvesting industry, Zlarin offers crystal clear waters, splendid beaches, and enchanting Mediterranean scenery. Its main settlement has charming stone houses with tranquil atmosphere, perfect for winding down. Visit the Croatian Coral Center Zlarin to learn everything about the island’s famous history via the innovative display from 2023.
Enjoy the secluded coves such as Velika and Mala stupica or the fact that this island is also the first in Croatia with the title of a plastic-free island. Bring your own tote bag, as shops and businesses don’t offer single-use plastics, including bags.
Last but not least, Silba, an island in the Zadar archipelago. It is known for its natural beauty, sandy beaches, and clear waters. It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and relaxing vacation. Silba’s main settlement, also called Silba, features charming narrow streets, traditional Mediterranean architecture, and a relaxed island vibe.. The island offers several picturesque coves and beaches such as Sotorišće, Pocukmarak, and Saplun. This makes Silba a secluded getaway for travelers looking to unwind amidst stunning natural surroundings.
All these islands are perfect holiday destinations for those preferring quieter holidays away from the large crowds, busy city life and car noise. Having your own charter boat also allows you to do some island hopping in Croatia, giving you an opportunity to explore numerous islands on your holidays here.
How to get around on car-free islands
As we have already mentioned, the best way to explore these islands is by boat. On the islands, the only modes of transportation are walking and/or biking. The lack of cars on these islands makes it perfect for cycling around and enjoying the lush scenery and the sea views. However, keep in mind that during summer, you can only ride bicycles on Silba Island between 7 and 10 am.
Luckily, these islands took the advantage of being car free and have created bike routes and walking routes. All of these routes on Prvić and Zlarin are self-guided bike tours. Just imagine, island hopping from Prvić to Zlarin and conquering all the bike routes. Prvić only has one bike route and that is because the island itself is so small that there was only room for one. It’s a circular route around the island. The route “Okolo Prvića/Around Prvić” is 9 kilometers long and average route duration is 4 hours. Quick disclaimer, you can walk around the islands by foot regardless of any specific routes.
Zlarin on the other hand has two bike routes and one walking route. The walking route, “Zlarinski krug,” spans 13.9 kilometers and takes 5 hours to complete. Careful planning went into creating two scenic bike routes—one covering the northern part of the island, the other the southern. The northern route, “Put polja/Towards the fields,” stretches 5 kilometers along the coastline, while the southern route, “Put Borovice/Towards Borovica,” runs 7.3 kilometers inland and towards the south. You can find more information of the routes at https://www.bikeandhike.hr/.
Exploring Croatia’s car-free islands by chartering a boat offers an unparalleled blend of adventure and tranquility. The freedom to sail at your own pace and anchor in secluded coves allows you to experience the pristine beauty and unique charm of each island. Bringing a bike on your journey adds another layer of exploration, as many of these islands boast well-maintained bike routes. Whether you’re navigating the serene routes of Zlarin or the hidden gems of Prvić, a boat charter ensures a seamless and enriching experience, making your Croatian island adventure truly unforgettable.
