The Ultimate Guide to Small Ship Croatia Cruises

Above all else, a small-ship cruise around Croatia offers a more relaxed, personal way to explore the Adriatic. On Unforgettable Croatia’s fleet of ships, you’ll find a maximum of 40 passengers on board. The friendly Captain is a true expert of the shores and will know every hidden bay, inside out, while the family-like crew will know your name and your favorite lunchtime wine or post-dinner tipple.

You’ll also discover a myriad of top-notch facilities, including stylish and spacious cabins (some with balconies), a sun deck complete with a jacuzzi and plush loungers, perfect for lazing away the day with a good book. Add to this, there is incredible local food and wine — think fresh tuna steak, roast pork, and chargrilled Mediterranean vegetables to tempt the taste buds, all served in the ship’s contemporary restaurant. The atmosphere here is laid-back and has a completely different vibe from mega cruise ships — no crowds, no long lines at the buffet, and more time in port with overnight stays as standard, making it an ideal choice for those who want to get an authentic taste of local Croatian living.

So, just why is Croatia a spectacular destination for a small ship cruise? Well, largely because it’s home to more than 1,000 scattered islands and endless stretches of rugged coastline — where you’ll get to discover the hidden gems bigger ships simply can’t reach.

The tourist season in Croatia generally starts in April and finishes in October, and cruising itineraries tend to fall in line with this, sailing from May onwards. During the summer months, temperatures typically range from 80 to 86°F (27 to 30°C). There is always a slight chance of rain, but along the glistening coast, you’ll get a true Mediterranean summer climate.

If you visit during the shoulder season, such as April, May, or October, you may not be sunbathing every day, but there will be fewer crowds in the bigger ports, like Dubrovnik and Split, and it’s also an excellent time for outdoor adventures such as hiking and kayaking.

If you plan your trip in July or August, you may be able to catch the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. In 2025, it will take place from July 10th through August 25th. As part of the festival, the Old Town plays host to open-air evening performances, including classical music from the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, as well as an art exhibition, ‘Toutes Les Femmes’ by famed artist Dimitrije Popović.

Split

Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is often where you’ll embark or disembark your cruise, so if you have time, be sure to spend a couple of days pre or post-cruise exploring this enchanting place that’s packed full of centuries of history. Unforgettable Travel Company offers excellent extension options, making it easy to discover even more of what Split has to offer.

Ships dock right on the waterfront, just a stone’s throw from the lively Riva promenade, which is lined with top-rated restaurants and cool cafés and bars — perfect for watching the world go by. Take a few steps beyond the promenade, and you’ll be transported into the enormous Roman palace that encompasses the city. Diocletian’s Palace — built at the end of the third Century AD as a retreat for the emperor — is still one of the most impressive structures in existence.

Visitors can wander through a labyrinth of streets, and the ancient ruins and columns are intertwined with busy ice cream parlors and independent boutiques, where you’ll be tempted to stop for sure. You’ll feel like you’re getting lost in the maze of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, stumbling across gorgeous courtyards and narrow alleyways that look familiar, but it’s all part of the joy of discovering the beating heart of Split.

One tip: to get a 360-degree panoramic view of Split, you can climb the Bell Tower.

Trogir

Tiny Trogir is yet another island that boasts architecturally rich surroundings, including its must-see Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of St. Lawrence, which was constructed in the 13th century on the site of a Christian church that was destroyed in the 1100s. It took around 300 years to be completed and sits proudly in the town’s main square. One of its most impressive features is its ornately carved main portal, which was carved by local master Radovan, and is considered as one of the finest examples of Romanesque sculpture in Croatia.

Dubbed the pearl of the Croatian coast, Trogir is connected by the Croatian Veterans Bridge to the mainland and the larger island of Čiovo. A stop in Trogir is all about wandering through this pint-sized Medieval city and soaking up the history by visiting its ancient churches and charming squares — the entire center is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason. It really is compact, and you can walk the length of the main street in just minutes. However, for beach lovers, just a couple of miles from the center of town is Medena Beach. It features a long promenade lined with casual bars, tennis courts, mini-golf, and jet ski rentals.

Have a sweet tooth? Be sure to try the Trogir Rafioli, a tasty cookie filled with almonds, that can be found in many local spots, including pastry shop Vila Rafijola.

Vis

An intriguing island, Vis was a military base closed off to the public until 1989. Fast forward 35 years, and it’s now a hotspot for visitors looking to experience its wonderfully unspoiled beauty and authentic fishing villages like Komiža, where you can enjoy freshly grilled straight from the sea. It has slowly opened to tourism, but given that Vis is harder to reach than some of its counterparts, it still feels miles away from the hustle and bustle when you’re arriving in its gorgeous little harbor with fishing boats bobbing gently about.

Vis’ popularity is growing, however, as it was a backdrop for ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,’ and you’ll feel like you’re walking onto a movie set as soon as you step ashore with its pastel-colored buildings with little jetties and a quaint promenade, which is made for leisurely strolls.

Aside from its military history, the pristine beaches and glimmering bays are a big draw on Vis, and visitors can explore the hidden coves such as Stiniva, Milna, and Zaglav. To round off your day, watch the sunset with a glass of the island’s famous white wine, Vugava.

Hvar

Often dubbed the most glamorous of Croatia’s islands thanks to its glitzy marina, world-class restaurants, and buzzing nightlife, Hvar will likely be a highlight on your cruise. Ships dock in the trendy harbor alongside the luxury yachts, where you may catch a glimpse of celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio if you’re lucky.

If you don’t get tempted to stop for a cocktail at one of the chic waterfront bars like Carpe Diem route to the town center, you’ll soon find the main square, which has walkways leading off into the typically narrow Croatian streets. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you should add an invigorating hike up to Fortica, a 16th-century hilltop fortress, to your to-do list when in town. A perfect spot for sunset — and well worth the walk — it has panoramic views over bustling Hvar Town, the sparkling harbor, and the pristine Pakleni Islands.

For a quieter side, visit Stari Grad, around a 30-minute drive from Hvar. The journey will show you another face of Hvar with its fields blanketed in lavender. Stari Grad is also home to the vineyard Vina Tomić, a local, family-run producer of refreshing white and rosé wines, as well as aromatic red wines. Its winemaker, Andro Tomić, is a native of Hvar and trained for 20 years at wineries and institutes in France and beyond before returning home to produce his own wines. The vineyard offers tastings of five wines in its cool stone cellar, which comes complete with artisanal cheese, crusty bread, and cured meats.

Korcula

Korčula is a real highlight on a small-ship Croatia cruise, with scenes that look like they have quite literally come straight from a storybook. Korčula (pronounced Kor-chew-la) is often called ‘mini-Dubrovnik,’ and it offers a mix of Mediterranean and Dalmatian influences intertwined with coastal beauty. The Old Town is packed with terracotta-roofed houses amongst Medieval fortified walls and the impressive St Mark’s Cathedral.

History buffs can also visit the Marco Polo Museum to learn about the life and legacy of the 13th-century namesake explorer. While it’s generally believed he was born in Venice, some records state his birthplace was, in fact, Korčula. Another must-see cultural experience is Moreška, a traditional sword dance that dates to the 13th century. It is usually performed during the summer months for tourists in the evenings and is part of local festivals like Saint Theodore’s Day on July 29, when there is a big parade through town in striking costumes and religious regalia.

If you’d rather soak up the Croatian rays, head to the cool cocktail bar, Massimo. Perched atop the medieval Zakerjan Tower, it takes a little bit of climbing two ladders to reach the roof, but it’s worth it. Sip martinis or margaritas as you watch a panoramic sunset and the buzz of the old town below.
After sundown, enjoy dinner al fresco and be sure to sample some superb Posip white wine. Our pick is the Michelin-recommended Restaurant Filippi, which is located right on the waterfront Petar Kanavelić walk. Serving Mediterranean cuisine, it’s a beautiful spot to dine and gaze out to the islands of the Korčula archipelago.

Slano

Scenic Slano is a great spot if you’re looking to slow the pace down a bit. While it’s just over 30 miles from Dubrovnik and boasts its ancient buildings, Slano is a tranquil village with serene bays that are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge. Food-wise, you’ll find a few konobas (local taverns) serving plenty of fresh seafood like sea bass, sea bream, and mackerel. Slano is also close to the Pelješac Peninsula, which makes for a good day trip and the chance to visit Ston, known for its old town walls and salt pans.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular Croatian destinations for holidaymakers and cruise ship visitors alike. For small ships, it’s often the embarkation or debarkation port on a cruise, and not spending a couple of days immersing yourself in its 7th-century Old Town would be a crime. The city, of course, famously served as the backdrop for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, drawing fans to its dramatic ramparts.

If you only do one thing while you’re there, take a walk along the city’s famous UNESCO-listed medieval walls that stretch for 1.2 miles. Not only will you get a great view of the Old Town’s maze of streets, but you’ll also have the refreshing Adriatic Sea to take in, too.

Dining in Dubrovnik is a treat — from casual konobas tucked into the alleyways to upscale seafood restaurants on the waterfront. If you’re looking for something special, you’ll want to make a reservation at Michelin-recommended Restaurant Dubrovnik, which takes Dalmatian fine dining to the next level. Tucked away on a rooftop in the middle of the Old Town, dishes include meals such as octopus with sweetcorn, beetroot and broccoli cream with black Truffle, and lamb fillet with pistachio and thyme sauce.

Opatija

Opatija offers a completely different feel to most of the other ports of call along the Croatian coastline. In the west of the country, it’s close to the Italian border and has an old-world Riviera charm. Opulent 19th-century villas are set in the manicured parks, which you can’t miss. Taking a walk through Angiolina Park is a highlight as it’s full of lush greenery and blooming camellias, the flower that gave Opatija its nickname, ‘the city of camellias.’

It’s also home to the elegant Villa Angiolina, which now houses the Croatian Museum of Tourism. But for those with a sweet craving, head into the main town itself to the Hotel Continental to discover a chocolate factory, Milenij Choco World, making delicious chocolate on-site with cocoa from Madagascar.

Zadar

Spending a day in Zadar is all about soaking up the mix of old and new. With 3000 years of history, the city center is surrounded by Medieval walls and is protected by UNESCO. Start with a walk through the Old Town, and if you’re in port when the market is on (every day except Sunday), you can browse the stalls that are packed with an abundance of fresh produce such as ripe tomatoes, watermelons, and sweet oranges, to name just a few.

Grab a coffee and cake or even a rakija (fruit brandy) along Kalelarga, the main street. Don’t miss the Sea Organ, a cool immersive art installation that plays music through holes carved into the steps using the rhythm of the waves to make sounds.

Sibenik & Krka National Park

In our opinion, no trip to Croatia is complete without a visit to Krka National Park, renowned for its lush forests and rushing waterfalls. It shows off the country’s natural beauty, and your camera roll will be full as you capture the mix of turquoise waters set against the lush greenery. Of its seven waterfalls, Skradinski Buk is the most photographed, and you can walk on the wooden trails alongside it to take in the views.

For small ship cruises, Šibenik is usually the gateway to the park, but it’s also worth checking out. You will have just enough time to explore St James Cathedral and dine out on grilled octopus (which you may have to share with the local cats!). Our particular favorite is Restoran No 4, which offers top service and is set in a quaint little courtyard.

Rab Island

Rab Island, also known as ‘Felix Arba’ (Happy Island), is just that. As soon as you arrive in the small port, you feel a sense of calm and a warm glow both day and night. Once you’ve taken a wander to discover Rab’s four iconic bell towers and narrow stone streets, dip into shops selling coral jewelry, local art, and Posip wine.

The super-sweet Rab Cake must be sampled on its namesake island, too. Made of almonds, lemon and orange zest, and Maraschino liqueur, it is sold in pretty much every store, but head to The House of Rab Cake (Rabska Torta), which also has a workshop where you can watch the staff make the cake for you to enjoy. If you’d rather make a beeline for the beach, Rab is home to plenty, including Paradise Beach (Rajska Plaža) in Lopar, which is one of the country’s few long sandy beaches.

• Plan ahead. While a vacation is all about enjoying the moment, if you’re visiting in high season, you may want to make a reservation for dinner in port so you’re not left disappointed. The team at Unforgettable Travel can go to their little black book of contacts and make you a reservation in advance of your trip.
• Go with the flow. One of the best things about small ship cruising is the freedom and flexibility – your Captain may add in an extra stop along the way to a point of interest or a hidden little island.
• Learn a few Croatian phrases. A friendly ‘Hvala’ (thank you) or ‘Dobar dan’ (good day) goes a long way. Most locals speak English, but they’ll appreciate the effort. And the most important one – ‘Zivjeli’ (cheers)!