Adriatic and Greek island cruises to smaller islands: Tips

 Plenty of small vessels do island-hopping cruises of the Dalmatian islands from the town of Trogir, in Croatia, about an hour's drive north of Split, and closer still to the city's international airport. Most of these operate on a one-week itinerary, and you'll be taking in the sights, swimming, lapping up the sunshine and drinking rajika, the local firewater, late at night in village squares in Vis, Korcula, Hvar, Brac, Pag and other islands off the Croatian coast. The cruisers are mostly gulet, small, traditional timber sailing vessels that carry between 12 and 20 passengers, and facilities vary quite a bit with price. Check the Visit Croatia website and you'll find plenty of choice, but view your selection on Tripadvisor , some of the cheaper cruises are aimed at young travellers looking to party long and loud.
 

 No ferries operate between Croatia and Greece, and hopping aboard a cruise vessel  for this journey is not a practical proposition. Your best bet would be to fly from Split to Athens and catch ferries to the islands.

While the Bora can send temperatures plummeting along the Adriatic coast at any time of the year, it is most common between November and March. In May or June, you'd be unlikely to feel its effects. Although these are popular islands and they attract big crowds, you should be well ahead of the pack.