T e Travel Guide - brought to you by APL Media • Wednesday 4 March 2026 T e Travel Guide Welcome I


n need of travel inspiration? From the Croatian islands to


the mountains of Chile, browse these pages for all the recommendations you’ll need. The Travel Guide features content taken from National Geographic Traveller (UK), as well as material and ideas from our advertisers. Always review FCDO advice before travelling. Katie Sipp-Hurley, Editor


3


Croatia’s islands


A practical guide to visiting the land of a thousand islands. Words: James Stewart


Read more at living360.uk @living360uk


SUBSCRIPTION Living360’s monthly newsletter


Scan the code to stay up to date with all things travel, wellness, health, fi tness and beauty


More from


If you’re seeking more inspiration for travel, healthy lifestyle tips and deep dives into wellness trends, head over to living360.uk, where you can discover our top stories for the week.


Mother’s Day afternoon teas in London


T e perfume trends set to defi ne 2026


Best pre-dinner theatre menus in the city


The Travel Guide is distributed with The Daily Telegraph on behalf of APL Media Limited. The following content is provided by advertisers, and while every care is taken in ensuring the content complies with the Advertising Standards Authority and the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code), the publishers assume no responsibility in the effect rising therefrom, and readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information. Neither APL Media nor The Daily Telegraph accept any liability for views expressed, pictures used or claims made by advertisers.


RAB BEACH AERIAL/ALAMY I


sland-hopping is a charming way to discover Croatia, allowing you to enjoy shots of espresso


and shimmering sea views on deck as you sail from coast to coast. National ferry operator Jadrolinija and private competitors link most of the inhabited islands in the country. The majority of inter-island trips run during the daytime and vary in length from just 20 minutes to a few hours, so no cabin is required for bookings. To get the most from an island-hopping trip, however, some pre-planning is required.


How easy is it? National company Jadrolinija operates car-ferries and passenger- only catamarans throughout the islands, which are supplemented by vessels run by private operators such as Kapetan Luka. Key short crossings depart every hour, if not more often. Longer routes tend to run only once or twice a day, often at hours tailored to island commuters. Jadrolinija operates year-round, although at lower frequencies over winter,


while bookable private services typically run from April to October. jadrolinija.hr krilo.hr


Should I hire a car? You’ll be glad of your own wheels in the quieter Kvarner Gulf but, in summer, a car can limit your travel options in south Dalmatia. Costs can spiral unpredictably with a vehicle here — on ferries, you pay for the car plus each passenger — and reservations are essential in July and August. You’ll also need to backtrack at least once — from Vis back to Split to continue to Hvar, for example — which means more spending, plus precious days lost to transport. Foot passengers not only travel more cheaply, they’re guaranteed passage on car ferries and can also access passenger-only catamarans running useful routes between islands — Kapetan Luka is excellent in south Dalmatia (reservations are advisable in peak season), for example. Where ports are isolated, there tends to be a local bus timed to meet the car ferry.


Can I still explore larger islands without a car? Absolutely, although allow a couple of extra days at each destination for logistics. Local bus services shuttle around islands — plan on around three services a day — but taxis are also available. In summer, boat taxi services go from major hubs like Hvar Town and Vis Town to the most popular beaches. On all islands, private tourism agencies are the traveller’s friend, off ering bike and scooter hire plus day trips to less accessible corners of the islands.


Do I need to book accommodation? While hotels are available across Croatia’s islands, accommodation is limited on the smaller ones — Šolta and Mljet have just one hotel each, Vis only three. Book ahead to guarantee a bed or, for more spontaneous travel, consider a private room off ered by a local family. Advertised in windows and on plaques as sobe, meaning rooms, or booked through local tourism agencies — the easier option — these are plentiful at most destinations.


What should I pack? Less is better for island-hopping, especially on foot. The weather is classically Mediterranean and Croatia is informal, so smart dress isn’t required even at top-end restaurants. Be aware that most beaches are fi ne shingle rather than sand, so you may prefer swimming shoes, which will also protect you from sea urchins, common on rocks.


APL Media Limited, Highgate Studios, 53-79 Highgate Road, London NW5 1TL aplmedia.co.uk T: 020 7253 9909 E: sales@aplmedia.co.uk


YACHT MOORED IN BOBOVIŠĆA VILLAGE BAY, BRAČ ISLAND/GETTY


First published in the June 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). Read the feature in full at nationalgeographic.com/travel


ESSENTIALS GETTING THERE & AROUND


British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and Wizz Air fl y to Split and Dubrovnik from airports throughout the UK. In the Kvarner Gulf, Ryanair fl ies to Rijeka from Stansted. Alternatively, EasyJet and Jet2 fl y to Pula; you can cross quickly to Cres island from Brestova, an hour’s drive north. Average fl ight time: 3h. Jadrolinija is the nationwide ferry operator, providing the majority of roll-on, roll-off car ferries, plus some fast passenger-only catamarans, often scheduled for commuters. Private operators offer tourist- friendly routes in Dalmatia; the most useful for these itineraries are Kapetan Luka and TP Line.


WHEN TO GO Spring and autumn, especially, are the perfect seasons to visit, with average temperatures around 23C in both May and October. The sea is at its warmest in September, hovering between 22-24C. Temperatures in July and August are around 30C, but a bigger issue is visitor numbers; reservations are essential for accommodation and ferries.


HOW TO DO IT Utracks’ eight-day Kvarner Bay Bike and Boat Deluxe itinerary offers accommodation and travel aboard a 17-cabin yacht, plus optional guided e-bike cycling in Cres, Lošinj, Dugi Otok, Zadar, Pag and Rab. From £1,990 per person, B&B, including fi ve lunches and two dinners. Flights are excluded.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28