North Dalmatia Small Ship Cruises

Top things to do and see in North Dalmatia

Croatia Island hopping cruises in North Dalmatia may include visits to some of the places below;

Zadar - is the capital city of Dalmatia and considered the center of North Dalmatia. With its numerous historical sites and buildings, Zadar also hosts many museums and exhibitions. Take a walk along the promenade (Riva) at sunset to enjoy an unforgettable view. The old city center hosts a great selection of restaurants and taverns situated in the small alleys near to the main square.

Vodice - Surrounded by numerous islands, Vodice is a picturesque town on the coast with several fish restaurants to visit in the old town. Nearby are small fishing villages such as Betina with a baroque church & bell tower.

Sali - is a fishing village on the longest island in North Dalmatia, Dugi Otok (Long Island). Known for its contemporary architecture, ancient olive groves, and Mediterranean vegetation it's a great place for both the adventurous and those looking for some peace and quiet. Enjoy cruising around the National Park Kornati with its amazing scenery and diverse marine ecosystem.

Molat Island - Situated in the northern part of the Zadar archipelago, covered in pine forests, it's an ideal place for hiking. Escape the hustle and bustle of the cities, Molat is perfect to relax on a beach or just grab a drink at a bar and watch the world slowly go by.

Skradin - Often described as a ‘Romantic' town with narrow paved streets and passages. Steeped in history the entire town is a protected cultural monument. The oldest settlement here dates back to 3500 B.C. Amazing views can be had of Skradin from the Belvedere (a medieval fortress) and the bridge leading to Split.

Kvarner & Istria - These northern areas offer fantastic places to visit such as Rovinj, Poreč, Pula, Losinj, and Opatija. Take a bicycle tour to explore the local areas and see the amazing views on offer in these scenic regions.

Best time to cruise North Dalmatia

Plan ahead for the best time to visit North Dalmatia. Most of the year, you'll expect good weather and all of the possibility to do all the activities you desire. Traveling to North Dalmatia in May and June or September and October is a good option because it is just before or after the most popular summer seasons. Activities are open and the weather is pleasant, usually warm enough for swimming.

July and August, tend to be busier months with the most people arriving and attractions can start to get crowded. However, exploring the area from your cruise boat will allow you to beat most of the day-tripper crowds as you will be well-positioned for great access. The temperatures can creep up, making this a great time of year to lounge on the beach or play in the clear water along the pebble beaches.

November to April sees most cruises to North Dalmatia ceasing, focusing on the more reliable months for weather between May to October.

Where do North Dalmatia cruises depart from?

Depending on which itinerary you choose for your small ship cruise in Croatia, you will fly into one of the international airports in Croatia such as Zadar, Split, Opatija, and Pula. Best to consult your specific itinerary to see your departure port. This will help you choose the closest airport to land at.

Many of our Adriatic cruises depart from the port in Split. In that case, you can fly directly to the airport. Members of your crew will meet you to help you with your luggage and escort you to the ship. Otherwise, you may need to consider arranging further domestic flights or transfers to your departure point.

Top Tips for visiting North Dalmatia on a cruise

Your North Dalmatia cruise will visit many interesting areas during its itinerary, some useful things to remember are;

• Cycling is a great way to explore the different towns and villages along the coast and islands. If you plan to cycle remember to bring along any personal cycle clothing, accessories to make your ride more comfortable.
• Remember your sun protection and clothes you can layer for your comfort.
• A pair of water shoes is also important in case you want to jump into the water.
• We recommend that guests bring a waterproof dry bag with them to protect their valuable electronics. Upgrade to a water-resistant phone or bring a watertight sleeve for it to keep it extra safe.
• A good sturdy pair of footwear is recommended for exploring the area on foot
• Take a camera to capture some amazing scenery and don't forget your sense of adventure!

Our reservations team is available to help arrange your next Croatia island hopping cruise to North Dalmatia. Contact us today.