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Croatia islands: the 15 best

By Jane Foster

The key to a perfect holiday? Dalmatians call it fjaka - a deliciously lazy mood of utter contentment. To help you find it, we've put together a hit list of the 15 best islands in Croatia , as chosen by a Croatia expert. For more inspiration once you're there, see our definitive list of the best beaches in Croatia or an expert guide to planning the ultimate Croatia island-hopping adventure.

Romanesque churches , walled monasteries, lush vineyards and pretty fishing villages. Joined to the mainland by an impressive bridge, Krk draws visitors from northern Croatia and beyond with its superb konobe (taverns) serving local specialities such as šurlice (handmade pasta) and Kvarner shrimps – reserve a table at Bracera in Malinska, or Rivica in Njivice. Walk or cycle hiking routes that follow time-worn donkey paths over fertile farmland and barren rocky slopes, stopping to explore the underground caverns of Biserujka Cave , sample Žlahtina white wine in the hill village of Vrbnik and swim at Baška.

**Insider's tip:**Call at family-run Utla near Malinska to taste their extra-virgin olive oils made from local Plominka olives.

Croatia 's trendiest island destination, Hvar Town sprawls around a sheltered harbour packed with yachts, a vast paved piazza with a baroque cathedral at its centre. Stroll along the palm-lined seafront promenade and up to the hilltop castle, then wander through cobbled alleys, packed with rustic-chic seafood restaurants (think lobster, champagne, and lavender ice cream), cocktail bars and boutiques stocking handmade jewellery and designer swimwear. Beyond the capital, the rural interior is a haze of lavender fields and vineyards – call at the Tomić winery in Jelsa to taste wines made from local grape varieties Bogdanuša, Pošip and Plavac Mali.

Insider's tip: For authentic home cooking, visit Konoba Lambik in Milna with tables on a stone terrace in an olive grove.

Overlooked by everyone from the Romans to tourists, Dugi Otok has space and silence to spare; both precious commodities in high summer . Its name means 'long island' in Croatian, and while itmeasures 45km in length, it’s only 4km at its widest point. Hilltop hamlets like Dragove shimmer in the heat haze like watercolours, while fishing villages such as Sali and Božava are bleached by a lazy sun. There are cliff-edge panoramas of empty Adriatic in the southern Telašćica Nature Park and white-pebble heaven on the lovely Saharun beach with its warm, shallow waters. Only later do you realise what's missing: traffic, people and noise.

Insider's tip: Dugi Otok is served by ferry and catamaran from Zadar to Božava, Brbinj, Sali and Zaglav. It's also possible to visit as a one-day excursion from Zadar .

Brač is blessed with the magnificent Zlatni Rat beach in the harbour town of Bol, Croatia's top windsurfing destination. The island appeals to adventurous types with its excellent water-sports facilities and well-marked hiking and cycling paths. Behind Bol rises Vidova Gora (780m), the highest point on the Croatian islands – climb to the top for astounding views. Brač's hilly interior supports sheep farming – dine on lamb, roasted whole on a spit, at the lovely Kaštil Gospodnetić in Dol – while the island's quarries have generated a population of skilled sculptors and you can visit the Stonemasonry School in Pušišća to see some of their work.

Insider's tip: Try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) with Aldura in Sutivan on Brač's north coast.

Rising from the sparkling Adriatic, Croatia's most distant island is visited mainly by yachters, who moor up in Vis Town to feast on fresh fish at Villa Kaliopa or Pojoda (Don Cvjetka Marasovića 8; +385 21 711 575), or venture inland to Roki's (Plisko Poje 17; +385 98 303 483) for octopus slow-cooked under a peka (a metal domed-lid pot, buried under glowing embers). The Ancient Greeks settled Vis in the 4th century BC, attracted by fertile fields and sheltered bays, and under Yugoslavian rule it was a military naval base, closed to foreigners. Relative isolation has kept commercialism at bay, so the bounty of, local produce served at the island’s many tiny family restaurants is mostly organic.

Insider's tip: For guided hiking tours, contact Vis-based adventure sports specialists Alternatura .

Christened Felix Arba, ‘Happy Rab’, by the Romans, the greenest island in the Kvarner Gulf is a place of pinch-me beauty. Viewed from the sea, Rab Town has the look of a grand medieval galleon built of pale stone, with narrow, steep staircases in place of rigging and four elegant bell-towers for masts. A warren of terracotta-roofed mansions and Romanesque churches, its cobbled alleys are lit by flickering candles come nightfall. And the island's northern coast, near Lopar, is laced with sandy coves, a rarity in Croatia .

**Insider's tip:**Be sure to try Rapska torta, an almond cake unique to the island and said to have first been created when Pope Alexander III visited Rab in 1177.

Korčula Town, sitting compact on a tiny medieval-walled peninsula, reveals stone stairways, noble palazzi and a Gothic-Renaissance cathedral – seen from the sea, it has hardly changed since its most famous citizen, Marco Polo (said to have been born here), embarked on his voyages to the Orient. At dusk, watch a performance of the moreška sword dance, then head into the hills clad with pine woods, vineyards and olive groves, to Konoba Maha or Konoba Mate , two rustic agrotourism eateries serving island specialities made from home produce. To sample the local white, Pošip, visit the welcoming family-run Toreta Winery in Smokvica.

Insider's tip: Explore the Korčula archipelago by sea kayak with Korčurla Outdoor .

Combine urban culture and island escapism (as local nobles did in the 17th century, when they built summer villas here), by visiting Šipan (population 436), one of the Elafiti islets, connected to Dubrovnik's Gruž port by ferry and catamaran. Šipan's two main settlements, Suđurađ (on the east coast) and Šipanska Luka (on the west), both have tumbledown limestone cottages and villas lining sheltered bays filled with fishing boats and yachts. They're connected by a 5km rough track – hire a bike and cycle across the islet, past olive groves and orchards of orange, lemon, fig and carob.

Insider's tip: Eat at informal Konoba Kod Marka in Šipanska Luka – there's no menu but daily specials might include octopus fritters, fresh sea bass and divine homemade chocolate cake.

Teddy Wolstenholme

Trish Lorenz

Marti Buckley

Homer eulogised this wave-washed island of Aleppo pine and holm oak in his Odyssey, and the World Wide Fund for Nature has named it among the last paradises in the Mediterranean. Mljet's northern third encompasses Mljet National Park , where two interconnected turquoise saltwater lakes are set amid dense woodland. Pomena, the entrance to the park, is just 80 minutes from Dubrovnik by catamaran. Climb up Montokuc for a view of aromatic pines cascading down to the silver-blue Adriatic, or hire a bike and peddle round Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) – in the middle rises a tiny islet, capped by a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, which you can visit by boat.

Insider's tip: Mljet's boutique Stara Skula Gallery hosts painting exhibitions and craft workshops.

An idyllic islet devoted entirely to glamping , Obonjan is served by private shuttle boat from Šibenik. It opened in 2016, and can host up to 700 glampers in its wooden forest lodges and canvas bell-tents under towering pines. There's a beach with sunbeds, straw parasols, DJ music, sea kayaks and SUPs; a spa offering holistic treatments; yoga and meditation classes; an outdoor pool; a stone amphitheatre for concerts; and several eating options, including pizza and Sri Lankan street food. It’s popular with hipsters and the concept is great but Obonjan's eco-credentials could be improved – after all, who needs air-conditioning when you're camping?

**Insider's tip:**While in Šibenik , be sure to explore the old town, with its Unesco-listed cathedral and a number of sturdy hillside fortresses.

Kornati islands

Incomparable to any other form of transport in Dalmatia, sailing is an absolute must for exploring the pristine waters of Kornati National Park . Encompassing 89 wild, rocky largely uninhabited islands, islets and reefs, it's named after the largest, sage-scented Kornat. Most visitors arrive by private yacht, and come here to drop anchor in one of its sheltered bays (several host simple waterside restaurants), and sunbathe, snooze and snorkel in a blissful blurry blue of endless sea and sky. While looking up, you might even spot rare peregrine falcons.

Insider's tip: On Kornat, fisherman Darko Šimat runs Konoba Darko Strižnja (+385 98 623 168), serving freshly caught seafood – on request, you can join him on an early-morning fishing trip.

Lošinj's main town, Mali Lošinj, sits at the end of a long narrow bay on this self-titled ‘island of vitality’. Once a busy shipyard filled with merchant vessels, its moorings are now home to yachts and excursion boats overlooked by 19th-century villas with gracious gardens, some now boutique hotels . Lošinj's natural attractions include the Aromatic Garden planted with lavender, sage, rosemary and other Mediterranean shrubs, and dolphin watching trips organised by the Blue World Institute, while the Apoxyomenos Museum displays an Ancient Greek bronze sculpture of an athlete, discovered nearby on the sea bed in 1996.

**Insider's tip:**Shop for essential oils, natural soaps, herbal teas and homemade jams at the Lošinj Aromatic Garden.

Sveti Klement

Southwest of Hvar Town (served by taxi-boat), the Pakleni archipelago is a scattering of islets covered in pine woods and sheltered coves, where yachters drop anchor to swim and snooze. The largest, Sveti Klement, is a real back-to-nature escape, with rough footpaths leading through lush Mediterranean vegetation to secluded pebble beaches , several overlooked by seasonal waterside restaurants and cafés. Best of all is Palmižana, an overgrown botanical garden of pines, palms, mimosa, lilies and fragrant herbs, plus a dozen quirky villas and bungalows – the owner, Dagmar, is a contemporary art collector, and her paintings adorn their boldly coloured walls.

Insider's tip: There's a small general store in the ACI sailing marina on Sveti Klement, where you can buy basics such as bottled water, bread, coffee and milk.

Pag with its bare, pale- pink hills, a landscape as silent and magical as any desert, is unique among the green-sloped Dalmatian islands. It was stripped of its forests by the Venetian Republic, to provide timbers for their galleons. Today, beaten by the harsh bura (northeast wind), it's linked to the mainland by a road bridge. Drive through the rocky moonscape to see hardy sheep grazing wild rosemary, and dine on Paški sir (Pag sheep's cheese) and juicy roast lamb . Through summer, suntanned revellers attend electronic music festivals at Zrće beach, and holidaymakers visit Pag Town with its salt pans and lace makers.

Insider's tip: Book a dairy tour with cheese-tasting at Gligora in Kolan, then buy rounds of cheese) direct from their farm shop.

Veliki Brijun

Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Sophia Loren, along with foreign politicians and royalty, were the glamorous guests entertained by Yugoslav President Tito on the islands of Veliki Brijuni, his beloved private summer retreat from 1945 to 1980. Veliki Brijun is the largest of 14 pine-scented islets within Brijuni National Park , and its beautifully maintained parkland reveals Roman archaeological remains. It’s also home to a number of exotic animals such as elephants, llamas, zebras and ostriches (given to Tito as gifts by visiting dignitaries from South America , Africa and Asia ), as well as deer and peacocks. It’s small enough to do some exploring on foot or there are golf buggies for rent, and a 3-star hotel offers overnight accommodation.

Insider's tip: If you're on Veliki Brijun in July, catch an after-dark open-air performance at Ulysses Theatre .

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The Most Beautiful Islands in Croatia, from Hvar to Vis

By Jane Foster

The key to a perfect vacation? Dalmatians call it fjaka , a deliciously lazy mood of utter contentment. To help you find it, we've put together a hit list of the 15 best islands in Croatia , as chosen by a Croatia expert. For more inspiration once you're there, see our guide to the best beaches in Croatia .

Romanesque churches , walled monasteries, lush vineyards , and pretty fishing villages. Joined to the mainland by an impressive bridge, Krk draws visitors from northern Croatia and beyond with its superb konobe (taverns) serving local specialities such as šurlice (handmade pasta) and Kvarner shrimps—reserve a table at Bracera in Malinska, or Rivica in Njivice. Walk or cycle hiking routes that follow time-worn donkey paths over fertile farmland and barren rocky slopes, stopping to explore the underground caverns of Biserujka Cave , sample Žlahtina white wine in the hill village of Vrbnik, and swim at Baška.

Insider's tip: Stop by family-run Utla near Malinska to taste their extra-virgin olive oils made from local Plominka olives.

Croatia 's trendiest island destination, Hvar Town sprawls around a sheltered harbor packed with yachts, a vast paved piazza with a baroque cathedral at its centre. Stroll along the palm-lined seafront promenade and up to the hilltop castle, then wander through cobbled alleys, packed with rustic-chic seafood restaurants (think lobster, champagne, and lavender ice cream), cocktail bars and boutiques stocking handmade jewelry and designer swimwear. Beyond the capital, the rural interior is a haze of lavender fields and vineyards—visit the Tomić winery in Jelsa to taste wines made from local grape varieties Bogdanuša, Pošip, and Plavac Mali.

Insider's tip: For authentic home cooking, visit Konoba Lambik in Milna with tables on a stone terrace in an olive grove.

Overlooked by everyone from the Romans to tourists, Dugi Otok has space and silence to spare; both precious commodities in high summer . Its name means 'long island' in Croatian, and while it measures 28 miles in length, it’s only 2.5 miles at its widest point. Hilltop hamlets like Dragove shimmer in the heat haze like watercolors, while fishing villages such as Sali and Božava are bleached by a lazy sun. There are cliff-edge panoramas of empty Adriatic in the southern Telašćica Nature Park and white-pebble heaven on the lovely Saharun beach with its warm, shallow waters. Only later do you realize what's missing: traffic, people, and noise.

Insider's tip: Dugi Otok is served by ferry and catamaran from Zadar to Božava, Brbinj, Sali, and Zaglav. It's also possible to visit as a one-day excursion from Zadar.

Brač is blessed with the magnificent Zlatni Rat beach in the harbour town of Bol, Croatia's top windsurfing destination. The island appeals to adventurous types with its excellent water-sports facilities and well-marked hiking and cycling paths. Behind Bol rises Vidova Gora, the highest point on the Croatian islands—climb to the top for astounding views. Brač's hilly interior supports sheep farming—dine on lamb, roasted whole on a spit, at the lovely Kaštil Gospodnetić in Dol—while the island's quarries have generated a population of skilled sculptors and you can visit the Stonemasonry School in Pušišća to see some of their work.

Insider's tip: Try stand-up paddle boarding with Aldura in Sutivan on Brač's north coast.

Sarah James

Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

Jessica Puckett

Todd Plummer

Rising from the sparkling Adriatic, Croatia's most distant island is visited mainly by yachters, who moor up in Vis Town to feast on fresh fish at Villa Kaliopa or Pojoda, or venture inland to Roki's for octopus slow-cooked under a peka (a metal domed-lid pot, buried under glowing embers). The Ancient Greeks settled Vis in the 4th century BC, attracted by fertile fields and sheltered bays, and under Yugoslavian rule it was a military naval base, closed to foreigners. Relative isolation has kept commercialism at bay, so the bounty of local produce served at the island’s many tiny family-run restaurants is mostly organic.

Insider's tip: For guided hiking tours, contact Vis-based adventure sports specialists Alternatura .

Christened Felix Arba, ‘Happy Rab’, by the Romans, the greenest island in the Kvarner Gulf is a place of pinch-me beauty. Viewed from the sea, Rab Town has the look of a grand medieval galleon built of pale stone, with narrow, steep staircases in place of rigging and four elegant bell-towers for masts. A warren of terracotta-roofed mansions and Romanesque churches, its cobbled alleys are lit by flickering candles come nightfall. And the island's northern coast, near Lopar, is laced with sandy coves, a rarity in Croatia.

Insider's tip: Be sure to try Rapska torta, an almond cake unique to the island and said to have first been created when Pope Alexander III visited Rab in 1177.

Korčula Town, sitting compact on a tiny medieval-walled peninsula, reveals stone stairways, noble palazzi, and a Gothic-Renaissance cathedral—seen from the sea, it has hardly changed since its most famous citizen, Marco Polo (said to have been born here), embarked on his voyages. At dusk, watch a performance of the moreška sword dance, then head into the hills, filled with pine woods, vineyards, and olive groves, to Konoba Maha or Konoba Mate , two rustic agrotourism eateries serving island specialities made from home produce. To sample the local white, Pošip, visit the welcoming family-run Toreta Winery in Smokvica.

Insider's tip: Explore the Korčula archipelago by sea kayak with Korčurla Outdoor .

Combine urban culture and island escapism (as local nobles did in the 17th century, when they built summer villas here) by visiting Šipan (population 436), one of the Elafiti islets and connected to Dubrovnik's Gruž port by ferry and catamaran. Šipan's two main settlements, Suđurađ (on the east coast) and Šipanska Luka (on the west), both have tumbledown limestone cottages and villas lining sheltered bays filled with fishing boats and yachts. They're connected by a 3 mile rough track—hire a bike and cycle across the islet, past olive groves and orchards of orange, lemon, fig, and carob.

Insider's tip: Eat at informal Konoba Kod Marka in Šipanska Luka—there's no menu but daily specials might include octopus fritters, fresh sea bass, and divine homemade chocolate cake.

Homer eulogized this wave-washed island of Aleppo pine and holm oak in his Odyssey, and the World Wide Fund for Nature has named it among the last paradises in the Mediterranean. Mljet's northern third encompasses Mljet National Park , where two interconnected turquoise saltwater lakes are set amid dense woodland. Pomena, the entrance to the park, is just 80 minutes from Dubrovnik by catamaran. Climb up Montokuc for a view of aromatic pines cascading down to the silver-blue Adriatic, or hire a bike and peddle round Veliko Jezero (Big Lake)—in the middle rises a tiny islet, capped by a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, which you can visit by boat.

Insider's tip: Mljet's boutique Stara Skula Gallery hosts painting exhibitions and craft workshops.

An idyllic islet devoted entirely to glamping , Obonjan is served by private shuttle boat from Šibenik. It opened in 2016 and can host up to 700 glampers in its wooden forest lodges and canvas bell-tents under towering pines. There's a beach with sunbeds, straw parasols, a live DJ, sea kayaks, and standup paddleboarding; a spa offering holistic treatments; yoga and meditation classes; an outdoor pool; a stone amphitheatre for concerts; and several culinary options, including pizza and Sri Lankan street food. The concept is great, however Obonjan's eco-credentials could be improved—after all, who needs air-conditioning when you're camping?

Insider's tip: While in Šibenik , be sure to explore the old town, with its Unesco-listed cathedral and a number of sturdy hillside fortresses.

Kornati islands

Incomparable to any other form of transport in the region, sailing is an absolute must for exploring the pristine waters of Kornati National Park . Encompassing 89 wild, rocky, largely uninhabited islands, islets, and reefs, it's named after the largest: sage-scented Kornat. Most visitors arrive by private yacht, coming here to drop anchor in one of its sheltered bays (several host simple waterside restaurants) and sunbathe, snooze, and snorkel in a blissful blurry blue of endless sea and sky. While looking up, you might even spot rare peregrine falcons.

Insider's tip: On Kornat, fisherman Darko Šimat runs Konoba Darko Strižnja, serving freshly caught seafood—on request, you can join him on an early-morning fishing trip.

Lošinj's main town, Mali Lošinj, sits at the end of a long narrow bay on this self-titled ‘island of vitality.’ Once a busy shipyard filled with merchant vessels, its moorings are now home to yachts and excursion boats overlooked by 19th-century villas with gracious gardens, some now boutique hotels. Lošinj's natural attractions include the Aromatic Garden planted with lavender, sage, rosemary, and other Mediterranean shrubs, and dolphin watching trips organized by the Blue World Institute, while the Apoxyomenos Museum displays an Ancient Greek bronze sculpture of an athlete discovered nearby on the sea bed in 1996.

Insider's tip: Shop for essential oils, natural soaps, herbal teas, and homemade jams at the Lošinj Aromatic Garden.

Sveti Klement

Southwest of Hvar Town (served by taxi-boat), the Pakleni archipelago is a scattering of islets covered in pine woods and sheltered coves, where yachters drop anchor to swim and snooze. The largest, Sveti Klement, is a real back-to-nature escape, with rough footpaths leading through lush Mediterranean vegetation to secluded pebble beaches , several overlooked by seasonal waterside restaurants and cafés. Best of all is Palmižana, an overgrown botanical garden of pines, palms, mimosa, lilies, and fragrant herbs, plus a dozen quirky villas and bungalows—the owner, Dagmar, is a contemporary art collector and her paintings adorn their colorful walls.

Insider's tip: There's a small general store in the ACI sailing marina on Sveti Klement where you can buy basics such as bottled water, bread, coffee , and milk.

Pag with its bare, pale-pink hills, a landscape as silent and magical as any desert, is unique among the green-sloped Dalmatian islands. It was stripped of its forests by the Venetian Republic to provide timbers for their galleons. Today, beaten by the harsh bura (northeast wind), it's linked to the mainland by a road bridge. Drive through the rocky moonscape to see hardy sheep grazing on wild rosemary, and dine on Paški sir (Pag sheep's cheese) and juicy roast lamb. Through summer, suntanned revelers attend electronic music festivals at Zrće beach, and vacationers visit Pag Town with its salt pans and lace makers.

Insider's tip: Book a dairy tour with cheese-tasting at Gligora in Kolan, then buy rounds of cheese) direct from their farm shop.

Veliki Brijun

Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Sophia Loren, along with foreign politicians and royalty, were the glamorous guests entertained by Yugoslav President Tito on the islands of Veliki Brijuni, his private summer retreat from 1945 to 1980. Veliki Brijun is the largest of 14 pine-scented islets within Brijuni National Park and its beautifully maintained parkland reveals Roman archaeological remains. It’s also home to a number of animals such as elephants, llamas, zebras, and ostriches (given to Tito as gifts by visiting dignitaries from South America , Africa and Asia), as well as deer and peacocks. There are golf buggies for rent, but it’s small enough to do some exploring on foot and a 3-star hotel offers overnight accommodation.

Insider's tip: If you're on Veliki Brijun in July, catch an after-dark open-air performance at Ulysses Theatre .

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The Top 10 Islands to Visit in Croatia

The 1246 islands and islets dotting the Croatia's Adriatic coastline come in all shapes, sizes and topographies, and each has a unique vibe. Some have been firmly stationed on the tourist circuit for decades, while others are less-visited and offer a quieter scene. With rising tourist numbers, many are increasingly catering to luxury travelers and offering “boutique” experiences, while others are still delightfully low-key , with few swanky resorts and high-end hotels, and a more authentic vibe.

There's certainly plenty to entice visitors: tidy pebble and sand beaches lapped by transparent turquoise waters, fascinating historical towns and rustic villages, some of the world's best sailing , miles of walking and cycling trails, and excellent local cuisine, wine and olive oil. The difficult journey is part of the draw: since most Croatian islands can only be reached by boat or ferry, there's that Robinson Crusoe feeling of embarking on a great adventure. Not sure which island is for you? Here are the 10 top islands to visit in Croatia.

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Boasting an average of 2718 hours of sunshine a year, Hvar is the sunniest of the islands of the Dalmatian coast. It's also the swankiest and a magnet for Hollywood stars: Clint Eastwood, Michael Douglas, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jodie Foster, George Clooney and Jack Nicholson have all vacationed here. Hvar Town has also become a party destination, attracting many international revelers thanks to its plethora of trendy bars and clubs located in the harbor area. For a quieter scene, head to the scenic port towns of Jelsa and Stari Grad. 

Brač is best known for its magnificent Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach that looks like a long protruding finger extending into the sea. Don't expect sand — you'll find fine pebbles instead and it's hard to resist diving into the see-straight-to-bottom aquamarine waters. Along with beach lovers, this is a popular destination with wind surfers, and the island's proximity to the mainland makes it popular with day-trippers. At 2552 feet, Vidova Gora is highest peak of all the Adriatic islands. A climb to the top is rewarded with unparalleled views over the entire island and nearby Hvar.

Charming Korčula Town is a big draw with visitors. Exceptionally well-preserved 15 th century ramparts encircle the compact old town made up of narrow lanes arranged in a fish bone pattern and lined with medieval stone buildings. The interior of the island hides quiet, scenic villages surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and wineries run by local producers where the island's Grk, Pošip and Rukatac varieties of white wine can be sampled. For beach lovers, there are plenty of pebble beaches as well as sandy ones: Vela Pržina, Bilin Zal and Tatinja on the island's eastern tip have beaches of fine sand. 

Arid and rocky Pag is one of the few Croatian islands to be connected to the mainland via a bridge, but there are ferry services to nearby Rab island and to Rijeka further north on the mainland. Most of Pag's inhabitants are of the sheep variety who feed on the island's wild herbs and provide the distinctively sharp cheese Pag is known for. Also produced here is sea salt and a dry Žutica white wine. Meanwhile Zrce beach and its open air nightclubs and summer music festivals are a huge draw for the party crowd.

This remote island is one of the furthest from the Croatian mainland and was completely closed to visitors when it served as a military base up to 1983. Today, it's one of the less explored and less developed islands in terms of tourist infrastructure — which makes it particularly visit-worthy. Nature lovers will be awed by the stunning natural landscapes: the cliffs encircling Stiniva cove and beach create a surreal setting, and a popular attraction is the Blue Cave on the nearby islet of Biševo. Every day just before noon the sun's rays enter the cave and reflect off its limestone walls, creating an eerie, glowing blue light. Vis Town has a pleasant waterfront promenade and is the island's first settlement, while picturesque Komiža is a fishing village of stone houses set on a secluded bay.

Lush and unspoiled Mljet doesn't get the crowds of some of the better-known Dalmatian islands. The isle has only 19 settlements, most of which are small but scenic fishing villages. 15 th century Okuklje is set in a horseshoe-shaped bay and is the oldest coastal settlement in Croatia. Taking up the western section of the island is Mljet National Park, covering an area of 20 square miles and mostly covered with forests of holm oaks and Aleppo pines. Most notable are two brilliant blue seawater lakes Malo Jezero (Small Lake) and Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) connected via a narrow channel. The 12 th century Benedictine monastery and St. Mary's Church located on Veliko Jezero are the park's most visited attractions.

“On the last day of Creation God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath.” This is what George Bernard Shaw had to say about this group of islands after a visit in 1929. Covering an area of 124 square miles, this is a dense archipelago of 140 mostly barren islands and islets, 89 of which make up Kornati National Park . The only way to explore this spectacular maze of islands and reefs is of course on a sail boat, which can easily be rented along with a captain. The park office also organizes daily tours during the tourist season that include lunch and a guide. For sailing, diving and snorkeling enthusiasts it's as close as you can get to paradise.

Located in the north Adriatic, Rab is a relatively small island covering only 36 square miles but is big on appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. Its northern ridge is marked by hiking trails leading to viewpoints with panoramic vistas over neighboring islands and the Velebit mountain chain on the mainland. The forested Dundo peninsula offers a series of marked paths for cyclists while the beaches of golden sand of the Lopar peninsula on the island's north-eastern tip are a big draw for sun seekers. The aptly-named Paradise beach is especially popular with families, but there are plenty of secluded coves, some of which are clothing optional. Atmospheric Rab Town and its pedestrian-only lanes are a delight to explore: climb the 85-foot-high bell tower of St. Mary's Church for jaw-dropping 360-degree views over its terracotta rooftops.

You won't find any boutique retreats or luxury resorts on Cres, but you will encounter diverse and untouched landscapes of rocky mountains and forests of oak and pine, as well as delightful port and hilltop towns. With few inhabitants, medieval Beli and Lubenice are ghost towns of a time past: the spectacular sea views from here have definitely not changed, while their stone facades and cobblestone lanes have been preserved for years to come. In contrast, the cheerful port towns of Valun and Cres Town are painted with colorful facades and their sea-facing promenades lined with cafes, while quaint Osor is full of neat rose gardens, hidden courtyards, and stone cottages. Be sure to try the island's excellent olive oil which has EU protected status.

The local tourist office's motto is the 'island of vitality' and there's no shortage of hotels here featuring spas and treatments as part of their wellness packages. The many holiday resorts dating back to Communist times are getting face lifts and upgrades, as the island rebrands itself as a luxury wellness destination. The best way to explore the island is on foot or by bicycle: there are over 150 miles of marked trails to choose from. A highlight is the 1929-foot climb to the top of Osoršćica mountain from where there are panoramic views over neighboring islands, and even as far away as the Slovenian Alps. The colorful port towns of Veli Lošinj and Mali Lošinj are must-visits for their laid back vibe and many waterside cafes.

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The 11 Best Islands in Croatia

One of the most popular sections of the Visit Croatia site is our Top 10 Destinations in Croatia guide. This part of our site no doubt helps travellers choose some of the best places to visit in Croatia! We thought we’d continue this trend of the ‘best places’ to visit, so here’s our guide to the 11 Best Islands in Croatia. And we chose eleven because we couldn’t choose just ten!

Let’s start with what’s considered to be the chicest Croatian island, shall we? Hvar is as well known for its style as it is for its lavender and its sunshine; it often used to be claimed that the island was the sunniest place in Croatia. Whether it still is actually number one for sun or not, it certainly does achieve plenty of sunny hours – an average of 7.7 hours of sun per day throughout the whole year and about 2,800 hours in total.

Hvar is also pretty well known for its nightlife options – or rather, Hvar Town is, with a number of chi-chi clubs situated here. If that’s not your scene, there’s plenty else on Hvar to occupy you; consider staying in towns such as Stari Grad or Milna with their pretty harbours.

You’ll enjoy your time on Hvar, taking in the good cuisine, exploring the interior of lavender fields and perhaps partying it up at night too. Hvar is also only one hour away from Split (by catamaran) so it’s an easy hop from the mainland.

Korcula Town on Korcula is sometimes referred to as a ‘mini-Dubrovnik’ with its equally charming and very well preserved old town. It is supposedly also the birthplace of Marco Polo and you can even visit his ‘house’ there. As well as a wide variety of accommodation – some smart indeed – its lovely beaches offer up a mix of relaxation or adventure. Korcula is also well known for its wine, white wine in particular, from the Posip and Grk grape varities.

Lovely, lovely Vis has a rather different history to many of the islands featured here; for this reason, it certainly gives off a different vibe when you visit. Closed off to foreign visitors until 1989 (as it was used as a naval base after World War II), it was never part of the upsurge in foreign tourism that occurred elsewhere on Croatia’s coast and islands in the late 1970s and 1980s. The island is also the furthest away from the mainland, so perhaps isn’t considered as easy to reach as others. All of this means that Vis doesn’t have any built-up or overdeveloped tourist resorts; you’ll certainly get some tranquil time here.

You can spend a wonderfully relaxing time on Vis, exploring the coves and beaches; some of the naval/army base sights (should that be of interest!); and the flat interior of the small island. But Vis has also increased in ‘fame’ in the last few years. It was one of the filming location s for Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again. (Where it ‘stood in’ for a Greek island!).

We bet you’ll have already seen part of Brac even if you’ve never been there! The famous Zlatni Rat (‘Golden Horn’) Beach in Bol is the star of many a piece of literature or advertising on Croatia with its pebbled stretch of beach jutting out into the luminous blue sea. Brac is an excellent choice for families, with a number of family-friendly resorts and hotels amongst the main towns of Bol, Supetar, Sutivan and Milna. There’s also plenty of activities on offer for the sporty – Bol, in particular, is a very suitable spot for windsurfing. Hikers will adore heading up to Vidova Gora (the highest point on the island); you will be rewarded with amazing views across to the other islands.

Brac is also famous for its white stone – a material used to not only construct buildings on the mainland such as Sibenik’s cathedral and Diocletian’s Palace in Split.

Make sure you visit the impressive Blaca Hermitage inland, an entry on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Mljet is another of Croatia’s islands to be declared one of Croatia’s eight national parks – or rather, the western third of it is. Another of Croatia’s islands to be covered in greenery, this laid-back place is the ideal spot for exploring by bike or even kayaking your way around a portion of it. Head to Veliko Jezero or Malo Jezero for calm spots for swimming and explore the Benedictine Monastery which (originally) stems from the 12th century. For those of you who like your legends, you can visit the cave (by sea) where Odysseus was supposedly trapped for seven years, having been shipwrecked here and charmed by the nymph Calypso.

Known for being an island that can offer its guests wellness and vitality, Losinj is also well known for its lush greenery. To that end, once upon a time, this place was a favoured holiday destination for Austro-Hungarian royalty. This pretty island is an excellent option for those wishing to holiday in the northern part of the Croatian coast – and on one of the less crowded islands at that. Mali Losinj is considered to have one of the prettiest harbours in the whole Croatian coastline, whilst the island as a whole is also renowned for its fragrant herbs.

What’s that Rab , you say you have some sandy beaches? Yes, it’s true! We know that sandy beaches are a big must for many holidaymakers, something that’s few and far between in Croatia. But if it’s really a major item on your wishlist, then consider Rab. Best known is Paradise Beach in the town of Lopar, with its wide expanse of sand dipping down into shallow waters – very suitable for those with young families. If that’s only of slight interest to you, can get your cultural fix in Rab Town with a number of historic sights from centuries past. Activity sports lovers will delight in the numerous hikes and bike paths available, especially through the forested parts of the island.

Pag is one of those places that has an unusual, rather eclectic mix of items that draw in visitors. Of course, we first have to mention its epic nightlife in the Zrce Beach area near Novalja. If you’re after nights (and days) filled with clubbing and some of the best festivals in Croatia, it’s here you should head to.

But if you’re not after any of that, there’s still plenty for you on this island. With its very unusual landscape – rather rocky and, unusual for a Croatian island, with little vegetation – it’s often described as ‘moon-like’. This makes it fascinating to explore. The island is also connected to the mainland by a bridge at its southern point so it’s easy to reach. (There’s also a ferry from the mainland to the north part of the island.)

The island is also famed for its lace-making and its sheep’s cheese (and also its salt production!). See, all rather eclectic, but all rather wonderful too!

I supposed we would cheat if you included the Elafiti Islands in this list seeing as they include multiple islands, right? So let us pick one island out of this group and do so by choosing Lopud . With a population of only 250 people, this tiny island close to Dubrovnik is entirely car-free. If you don’t feel like navigating your way around the forested island on foot (although, taking your time, this would be a chilled way of exploring), you can rent bikes or golf carts. Sunj Bay on the south-eastern side of the island provides a rare thing around these parts – a sandy beach; there’s a number of little eateries and cafes dotted around.

The imposing Franciscan Monastery is one of the first sights you see as you approach Lopud; these days, having been fully restored, it is now possible to rent this out for a private, rather luxurious, stay.

Off the coast of northern Dalmatia, close to Zadar, Dugi Otok is another island with a small population that makes for a relaxing trip. This island is ideal for visiting as a day trip from Zadar, or for longer; if you have your own set of wheels, you can really explore to your heart’s content, particularly the beaches. Saharun Beach with its shallow, stunningly shimmering waters, is the top draw around these parts. Telascica Nature Park at the southern part of the island will be of interest to nature lovers; there’s an abundance of animal and plant life here, as well as the salt-water Lake Mir.

Lastovo is one of the smallest and quietest islands featured on this list. Like Vis, the island was also closed off to foreigners until 1988 as it was used as an army base. Its slightly distant position in the Adriatic – it takes 3 hours by catamaran or 4+ hours by ferry from Split, or 3/4 hours from Dubrovnik – and its size means it’s quite an ‘off the beaten track’ kind of island, with fewer amenities, accommodation, restaurants than others. That, of course, may be a big plus for you! Lastovo and its surrounding islands make up the Lastovo Islands Nature Park , one of eleven nature parks in Croatia ; it is also covered in gorgeous green forests. The island is also known for having one of the most beautiful starry skies in the whole of Europe.

Which is the best island for me?

Having read the above, you may have decided which of the best islands in Croatia is perfect for you. However, in reality, you’d probably like to visit one or two…or all of them? We’re sure that you’d like to experience a mix of what the above islands can offer and, really, combining several islands into your holiday in Croatia is one of the best ways of really getting a feel for the country.

So why not base yourself on one of the above islands for your trip to Croatia; then explore others in the local area on day trips? For example, if you’re staying on Hvar you could easily visit Brac and/or Vis.

Then, save the other islands for a future holiday to Croatia!

More on the Best Islands in Croatia

We have a full guide to all of the islands mentioned above – and more besides – in our Croatian Islands section. Give it a read to find the Croatian island that fits the bill for you!

If you’re after some more visual inspiration of the best islands in Croatia, take a look at our albums

• Photos of Vis
• Photos of Hvar

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Lonely Plan-it: how to plan a Croatian island-hopping adventure

Feb 7, 2023 • 7 min read

With a bit of planning, you can get the most out of a jaunt across Croatia’s staggeringly beautiful islands © Getty Images/ iStockphoto

In Lonely Plan-it, we take you step by step through how we planned some of the most complicated travel adventures, so you can recreate them yourself with ease. Here, writer Lucie Grace shares how to put together the perfect Croatian island-hopping trip. 

When I moved to Croatia , I was aware of length of the country and its sprawling coastline. But the number of islands and islets here? That came as a surprise.

“More than 1200” is definitely not the answer I would have guessed. So after arriving, I decided to leave my suitcases at my friend’s hostel in the leafy, laid-back capital of Zagreb and trundled off with just a backpack to see as many of the 48 inhabited islands as I could. I started with the Dalmatian Coast, keen to visit the most famous destinations and catch a glimpse of the dazzling Renaissance churches and baroque town halls before tourism bounced back. 

I don’t drive a car – but since bus, train and ferry links in Croatia are cheap and efficient, reaching the islands is entirely doable without getting behind the wheel. And no matter how long the journey takes, once you dip your toes in the clear waters of the Adriatic, you’ll forget all about the bus you were just on.

The ultimate island-hopping trip does take a bit of planning, though – not only to home in on your must-see destinations, but also to research ferry schedules, off-season closures and local festivals. Accept that you’ll barely scratch the surface, put FOMO to bed and aim for the spots that appeal most: fewer is more in the island game.

Luckily, we’re here to demystify the process, with some helpful tips and practical pointers. 

Step 1: Pick your loop 

Decide whether to see the greatest hits or to visit lesser-known spots. 

First things first: ask yourself if you’re committed to jumping between islands. If not, you can always do as the locals do and spend your vacation happily grazing and lazing on just one. Rustic Šolta , olive grove–dotted Ugljan or the rugged shores of Vis are great picks, all being idyllic yet easily accessible from mainland city ports. 

Definitely keen to visit a few? Decide between doing a loop of the Dalmatian islands in the  south  or exploring the equally charming archipelago in the Kvarner Gulf to the  north . 

The classic Dalmatian-coast route employs ferries that start in Split and link  Brač ,  Hvar ,  Korčula  and  Mljet , before ending in  Dubrovnik  (or the other way around, starting in Dubrovnik and ending in  Split ). It boasts popular islands like Hvar, while also ensuring you can see two of the country's top cities for travelers. 

The  Kvarner  islands are ever-so-slightly less trodden, and include  Krk ,  Cres ,  Lošinj ,  Pag  and  Rab , in the bay between the vibrant maritime cities of  Rijeka  and Zadar. This cluster is  just as wonderful as the Dalmatian islands , if marginally less popular due to their lack of  Game of Thrones  cachet.

Regardless, all of Croatia’s islands have buckets of charm, with different traditions, foods and scenery. 

Step 2: Find the right time of year 

Ferry schedules vary by seasons, so find the time that works for you. 

You’ve chosen your route? Now to select the best time to go . Spring and autumn are the perfect seasons to immerse yourself in local culture and gastronomy, when the climate is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Cyclists and hikers enjoy the fresh temperatures of these seasons too – they just require some extra organization as you’ll need to work around the irregular ferries. 

The two main ferry services –  Krilo and state-owned Jadrolina – start ramping up their daily services come May and June, adding ever-more service throughout the glorious summer months. But August is best dodged: as in Italy , Croatia subscribes to the tradition of closing the office for the month of August to relax on (you guessed it) an Adriatic island. This makes accommodation scarce and pricey, and adds traffic to otherwise quiet beach roads. Aside from August, summer is ideal for beach lovers; the konoba restaurants and guest houses are open, and there’s a swathe of festivals to add to your itinerary.

A few top local shindigs to have on your radar: the Easter weekend procession Za Križen (“Following the Cross’’) on Hvar; the Korčula Sword Dance Festival , performed from June to September; EDM fun at Hideout Festival on Pag in July; and the Brač Film Festival in August.

Finally, if you’re a committed off-peak traveler, it’s not impossible to cruise to a few islands in the winter, as a skeleton service of ferries does run to keep the islands connected. Just keep in mind that the winds are fierce and many businesses close during the off-season; I wouldn’t recommend visiting then unless you have a novel to write.

Step 3: Decide how many nights to spend on each island

Our advice: you're not going to want to rush on any of these amazing islands. 

Now that you’ve pinpointed your region and time of year to visit, it’s time to pick the islands that provide the sort of experience you want from your holiday. Do you fancy wild, unspoiled beaches? Head to Cres. Roman ruins? It’s Hvar you’re after. Wine-tasting at rolling vineyards? Don’t miss Korčula. Dancing all night long? Pag is for you. And then there’s the most scenic beach in the country, the famous peninsula of Zlatni Rat , on Brač. I also rate Krk very highly, as I love to visit abandoned buildings: the seaside town of Malinska is home to the Haludovo Palace Hotel , a dilapidated modernist masterpiece (but since you’ll have to enter at your own risk, you didn’t hear that from me).

Once you’ve worked out whether you’re after rest and relaxation or all the food and culture you can get your hands on, decide how many days to spend on each island. The ferries may dictate the length of your sojourn, depending on the month you go; either way, don’t rush it. I definitely advise two nights minimum per stop – ideally three, to really relax into the pace of island life. No one wants to end a vacation more exhausted than they started it.

Step 4: Book your accommodation and transport 

Spontaneity is great, but Croatian island-hopping benefits from some planning. 

Finally, it’s time to get booking. I’d start the accommodation trawl a few months before you go so as to have your pick of the best places. It’s also smart to book your bus tickets a few weeks prior. Local bus service Arriva Croatia offers routes on the islands, with seats bookable up to 30 days in advance; you save 50% by buying as soon as they go on sale, with fares cheaper on the phone app than the website (download it in advance). I’d also advise booking ferry spots in advance. You’ll be fine booking the main routes a day or two before you set sail – but best not to chance it if you’re traveling outside the summer months when services are less frequent. If you’re taking the scenic train from Zagreb to Split or vice versa, that’s worth pre-booking, too, as it’s a small train and it fills up fast.

If I could do it all over again…

My next visit to a Croatian island or two (or 14) will certainly be less rushed, and I’ll plan to stay on each island for longer. One night on sleepy Cres is not enough; I’m still reminiscing over the smell of cypress trees and the light dancing on the crystal blue bays. I won’t be staying bang in the center of Hvar old town again, though: it’s the clubbing center of the Dalmatian islands, so not for you unless you want to party all night (if you do, then don’t miss it).

Pack your own food if you’re vegan; dietary requirements are catered to in big Croatian cities but less so on the islands. And of course, driving is much easier than relying on buses. I’ve since got my motorbike license – so I’ll be rolling along in 2023.

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