19 Most Beautiful Islands in Croatia - By a Local
Nestled in the beautiful Adriatic Sea, Croatia has hundreds of islands to choose from. Almost all of them are spectacular in their own way, and which one is right for you will solely depend on the type of vacation that you’re looking for.
The pace of life varies greatly on the islands, especially in the summer, when traditional hotspots like Brač, Hvar, and Vis become bustling and lively as they fill with vacationers looking for excitement. But there are also plenty off less-visited islands which maintain their quiet, unhurried rhythms and tranquil ambiance even in the height of high season.
One constant that you’ll have just about anywhere you go is that the water will be stunningly beautiful, the beaches gorgeous, and the local food delicious! You really can’t go wrong no matter where you end up.
The Croatian islands can be generally broken up into three main groupings: the northern Adriatic islands, the central Dalmatian islands, and the southern Dalmatian islands.
In the north, islands like Krk, Cres, and Lošinj offer lovely nature, pleasant beaches, and charming historic towns that are a delight to explore.
Moving southwards, the central Dalmatian islands (such as Brač, Hvar, and Vis) get a lot busier and rowdier as their beautiful beaches and worldwide fame attract holidayers from around the globe.
Further south still, the southern Dalmatian islands, including Mljet, Korčula, and Lastovo, offer a serene escape with pristine nature, secluded coves, and a slower pace of life.
As I said, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Croatian islands, so the only problem you’ll have is deciding which ones to visit!
Read on for 19 of my favorites!
More Croatia travel info:
For more ideas on travel in Croatia, check out our 10-day Croatia itinerary and this guide to 20 beautiful places to visit.
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Table of contents
19 Best Islands to Visit in Croatia
Brijuni
Krk
Cres
Lošinj
Pag
Silba
Iž
Pašman
Dugi Otok
Kornati
Zlarin
Šolta
Brač
Hvar
Korčula
Mljet
Lastovo
Vis
Palagruža
Local help with your planning
These are 19 lovely islands spanning all across Croatia, but the beauty of the islands is that they each offer something different. So, while everywhere on this list is beautiful, some will be a better fit for your interests than others.
So, if you could use some help choosing the right islands and coming up with a great plan for your visit, consider scheduling a Croatia travel consultation with me!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where we can chat about the trip you’re planning and I’ll share my tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
1. Brijuni
A rocky stretch of coast in the Brijuni archipelago. Photo: David Lukšić, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Brijuni archipelago consists of 14 islands and islets off the southwestern coast of Istria. This area, along with the surrounding sea, was proclaimed a National Park in 1999. It is a favorite touristic destination, with ships sailing there from the port of Fažana, which is near Pula, the biggest town in Istria.
The major island of the archipelago, and probably the only one you will visit, is Veliki Brijun (Big Brijun). Here, you can enjoy a zoo, dinosaur excavation point, archaeological findings, and a museum dedicated to the various statesmen who have visited these islands.
Namely, the island of Vanga is the official summer residence of Croatian presidents. Before that, it was the home of the villa of Yugoslavian strongman Josip Broz Tito. He often welcomed foreign delegations and celebrities to the island. Since Yugoslavia had many connections to African and Asian countries between 1960 and 1990, Tito was gifted many exotic animals by his visitors, and those animals’ descendants still live on in Veliki Brijun.
A safari-style train takes you through open-air spaces where you’ll spot zebras, elephants, lamas, and other animals.
You can learn about the archipelago’s history in a small museum, which is interesting enough, but visitors are typically much more impressed by the island’s archaeological site which has ruins from ancient olive oil production. Even today, you can admire the “Old Olive Tree”, which at 1,600+ years old (and still fruiting!), is one of the most ancient olive trees in the Mediterranean. Apart from this one tree, Brijuni boasts beautiful flora throughout the island.
So, what else can you ask for? Well, what about dinosaurs?! Some 160 million years ago, Theropods and other beautiful creatures were tourists on these islands, leaving their tracks in four places on Veliki Brijun. Some 200 footprints of primarily carnivorous dinosaurs tell a story dating back to the dawn of time.
2. Krk
The red-tiled roofs of Vrbnik town on Krk island. Photo: Arne Müseler/www.arne-mueseler.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons
The second largest island in Croatia, Krk is solidly connected to the mainland by a bridge, which makes it very accessible. The island’s scenery is very diverse and lush, and it also has a rich cultural history.
Krk is the cradle of Croatian writing. Head to the village of Jurandvor, on the southern tip of the island and near to the splendid seaside resort of Baška. Here, you can admire the Glagolitic monuments and the Baška stone tablet and learn to write and read the medieval Croatian script.
The medieval old town of Krk is rich with religious buildings and museums, and nearby is the Franciscan monastery on the little island of Košljun, which you can visit only by boat. Košljun is reachable from the village of Punat (still on the island of Krk), which has one of the best marinas in the Adriatic.
There are many tourist resorts here, particularly in the northwestern part of the island, especially in places like Malinska, Njivice, Omišalj, and Glavotok. While the beaches and the sea are lovely, Krk also offers great hiking all throughout the island, where you can visit barren hilltops and tranquil olive paths.
The island has been famous for its olive oil since antiquity, so you must try it, but it’s also known for Krk prosciutto and Krk lamb. Each is certainly worth sampling. And if you visit the clifftop town of Vrbnik, you can enjoy Žlahtina, a noble sort of white wine, which is a genuine pride of the island.
3. Cres
The lovely town of Cres. Photo: Arne Müseler / www.arne-mueseler.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons
“No stress on Cres”, says the touristic jingle promoting this island in the Kvarner area of the northern Adriatic. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, Cres is a pretty unbeatable choice. This large rocky island full of lovely flowers has more sheep than people, and it’s a tranquil place to escape to. And speaking of sheep, the local lamb is among the best in Croatia - definitely a must-try. The olive oil is exceptional as well.
This is the largest island in Croatia and it’s excellently connected to the mainland by a frequent ferry (Brestova-Porozina) and to the neighbouring island of Krk (Valbiska-Merag). You can also arrive here by catamaran from Rijeka. The catamaran will dock in a very picturesque spot with nice restaurants and a long seaside promenade.
Cres is quite bicycle friendly, so if you bring bikes or find some to rent, that’s an excellent way to get around and explore the island.
Cres boasts beautiful hidden beaches and bays, and has many rugged cliffs famous for their resident populations of griffons. In the centre of the island is the freshwater Vrna Lake, which is quite a surprising thing to find in such a narrow and long island. Owing to its freshwater deposits, Cres is rich in flora and fauna.
Two especially noteworthy attractions are the Blue Grotto sea cave and St. John’s beach (Sveti Ivan).
In my opinion, the true beauty and appeal of the island lies in its smaller towns, each rich with natural and cultural history. You have Beli, with its griffon centre and remote beaches; Lubenice, a clifftop town with spectacular views; Valun, which hosts one of the earliest Croatian written documents; and Osor, famous for its music festivals. There are also many even smaller villages, where time seems to slow down and you find yourself in an almost meditative state as you soak in the bucolic sights and scents.
Cres is still a largely undiscovered island, and the only few real summer resorts are in the southwestern part around Martinšćica, Miholašćica, and Punta Križa. My favorite time to visit here is in May or October when there are literally no tourist crowds, but the weather is still lovely and the water is warm enough to swim.
This is truly a place to slow down, explore deeply, and savor in all its glory!
4. Lošinj
The town of Veli Losinj. Photo: Falk2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The fragrant island of Lošinj has a specific micro-climate which gives it mild temperatures and an excellent environment for dense pine forests, citrus fruits, and Mediterranean herbs. It has a long history of health tourism, and has therefore been nicknamed “the island of vitality”.
You should make the elegant town of Mali Lošinj your base and the central point for your activities. Filled with exquisite restaurants, it is also a place of culture, mainly owing to treasures found in the nearby waters. The town features the Apoxyomenos Museum, which is dedicated to the statue of a Greek athlete that was found in the seabed around Lošinj by a tourist in 1996.
The rich biodiversity of Lošinj can be discovered in the Lošinj Fragrant Garden, a charming place displaying the impressive range of the island’s vegetation. After visiting the Garden, continue on your journey to the spectacular Providenca viewpoint, which boasts one of the most beautiful vistas in the entire Adriatic. Perched above Mali Lošinj, you’ll feel as if you are on the stern of a vast ship sailing through the Adriatic Sea!
You can also adopt a dolphin in Lošinj: the sea around the island is so pure that these beautiful marine mammals call this area home. An association from Lošinj protects and cares for the dolphins, and you can contribute by symbolically adopting a dolphin.
The tourist resort of Veli Lošinj is an endless oasis of pine forests and hidden beaches, ideal for romantic sunsets and leisurely walks. For an even more rural environment, I suggest visiting Nerezine, on the eastern coast, which sits under the surprisingly high Mount Osoršćica, and offers beautiful hiking trails.
Lošinj is reachable by car from the island of Cres (there is a short bridge connecting the two islands at Osor), and by catamaran from Rijeka and Zadar.
Connect with one of our Croatia local experts for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
5. Pag
Pag island’s almost lunar landscapes
Bare and rocky, Pag is a spectacular island famous for its sheep cheese, lamb, olive trees, and intricate lacework textiles. It is a lunar landscape of pure rock, overlooking the mighty Velebit Mountain on the east and the open sea on the west.
Pag is connected to the mainland on the south side by a bridge near Nin. It also has a ferry line running from Prizna (mainland, near Senj) to the town of Žigljan, and a catamaran connecting Novalja with Rijeka.
The northern point of the island is famous among partygoers, who fill Zrće Beach. This was previously an utterly empty stretch of coastal land near the town of Novalja, but it now becomes quite crowded and boisterous in summer.
A bit to the north is the town of Lun, a small peaceful place in whose vicinity wild olive trees bravely survive the wind, rocky terrain, and human incursions, still bearing fruit for over 2,000 years! If interested in learning more about these trees, there are guided tours that take you through the Garden of Lun Olives.
For beachgoers, you will especially enjoy the line of seaside resorts on the island's western side, such as in the villages of Stara Novalja, Mandre, and Povljana.
On Pag, the Bura wind, renowned sea salt, and sun all mix to produce unique flavours of Pag lamb and cheese, which are considered among the best in all of Croatia. The absolute epicenter for these products is the interior village of Kolan, which sits on the main road connecting the north and south of Pag.
The actual town of Pag is rich in religious history, churches, and monasteries, and you may even come across unusual historical dresses, where the famous Pag lacework stands out. This is a unique art listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and it’s quite impressive.
On the southern outskirts of the island is the Pag Salt Factory and saltpants, where the “white gold” (sea salt) has been produced for more than a thousand years. Pag is famous for its sea salt, and the interpretative museum here is a must-visit place.
6. Silba
You will undoubtedly fall in love with the car-free island of Silba, in the Zadar archipelago, as its clear sea, beautiful beaches, and incredible sunsets make it a wonderful place to visit. The only settlement on the island is Silba, which is connected to Zadar by a catamaran service that runs twice a day.
Although a small place, Silba is filled with old captain’s houses - a testimony to the competent seafarers from this island who ventured all over the world. When visiting, be sure to check out the the 15 meters tall Toreta monument in the center of Silba. This tower is known as a monument to love: a sailor from the island built it for his girlfriend, so that she could climb the tower and look out for his return. In a darkly comedic twist, legend has it that she eventually gave up waiting and married another man!
Silba is a remote place surrounded by similarly beautiful islands, such as Olib, Premuda, and Ist.
On the island, among the olive trees and rocky shores, the lovely beaches of Dobre Vode, Vele Stene, and Nozdre, offer an enjoyable summer retreat. Most of them are typical Croatian stoney beaches, but Dobre Vode also has a sandy stretch.
Most restaurants and guest houses are open only in the high-summer season, but if you manage to find lodging in late spring or early autumn, you will have a spectacular visit here, experiencing true island life, and living amongst only the few year-round locals.
7. Iž
Iž island. Photo: Ambroix, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Behind two simple letters (Iž) lies the beauty of nature: pure sea, peaceful hidden bays, and authentic island hospitality. Part of the Zadar archipelago, Iž is situated between the much more touristic islands of Ugljan and Dugi Otok. Unlike its neighbors, this is an island without tourist crowds, even in summer.
Iž is somewhere you go to enjoy a more leisurely pace of life. The island has a small marina, several good restaurants, and two settlements: Veli Iž and Mali Iž. Both villages are connected to Zadar by catamaran and ferry services, and there are also services connecting you to the neighboring island of Rava, which is 90% covered by olive trees.
Apart from several old churches and half-forgotten remnants of the ancient forts, the island has no unique attractions. In my opinion, this is part of the appeal. This isn’t somewhere that you come to check off sites and complete to-do lists. Instead, you can while away the hours in peaceful bliss.
A local cooperative produces excellent, vegetarian and vegan-friendly food and cosmetic products, and the island’s fisherman will amply satisfy the needs of pescatarians. There is also a long stretch of small beaches guaranteeing excellent summer leisure.
The island is famous for Iž pottery (Iški lopiž), whose skills and traditions have been passed down through generations. Sadly, as is the case most everywhere, fewer and fewer artisans remain, but you can still find some.
Outside of the summer season, Iž has only several shops, and the pace of life slows significantly.
8. Pašman
Tkon town’s Benedictine monastery. Photo: Vid Pogacnik, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
An extremely green island off the coast of Zadar and Biograd, Pašman is a getaway for relaxation and the exploration of a fascinating history. The island is connected by a bridge to neighbouring Ugljan and is also reachable by ferry ride from Biograd (which arrives in the village of Tkon).
The sea around the island has strong currents, making it very pure and clean. Consequently, the surrounding waters are rich with shellfish and fish, which make their way into the island’s cuisine in abundance. Even so, Pašman has always been more of an agricultural island, especially in comparison to its neighbour Ugljan, whose tuna fishermen are among the most famous in the world.
The islanders’ dedication to the land is seen in its ruins of Illyrian and Roman forts and rustic villas, adorned with mosaics and other historical monuments. The town of Tkon has a beautiful Benedictine monastery, Ćokovac, which invites you in with its spiritual tranquility and olive groves.
Pašman is also filled with immortelle flowers and many Mediterranean herbs, collected meticulously by its inhabitants and transformed into jams, teas, cosmetics, and hot sauces.
Visitors can stay in the villages of Pašman, Dobropoljana, Ždrelac, Tkon, Neviđane, Kraj, and Mrljan, which offer many lovely seaside B&Bs, and restaurants boasting exquisite gastronomy. During your stay, make sure to visit many of the island’s small family farms, each of which produces unique local products.
For outstanding views, head to Veliki Bokolj peak. From the summit, you’ll have stunning views over beautiful Pašman and the surrounding islands. Be on the lookout Galešnjak, a heart-shaped islet next to Pašman, and a destination for weddings and romantic memories.
9. Dugi Otok
Photo: Ivo Finka, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
“Long Island”, which is the English translation of Dugi Otok, is a long thin stretch of land (45 km long) that separates many smaller islands in the Zadar archipelago from the open sea. Driving through the island, you’ll witness incredible contrasts and natural wonders.
Connected to Zadar by several ferries and catamarans, this is also an easy island to get to.
The sea cliffs on Dugi Otok rise up out of the sea to a height of 160 meters, creating a powerful impression for anyone sailing beneath them. Another spectacular natural attraction is the Telašćica Nature Park, which features a protected bay and the gorgeous and peaceful salt lake of Mir. The best way to reach Telašćica is via hiking trails which will take you through incredible Mediterranean scenery on the way.
The town of Veli Rat features the tallest lighthouse in Croatia, while Sakarun Beach has been unanimously chosen as one of the top five Croatian beaches. In general, Dugi Otok is a more rustic island, so you should be prepared for a relatively active, and outdoor-focused holiday if coming here.
Dotted all along the island’s eastern coast are little villages that proudly preserve folk customs and traditions, among which the festival of Sali (Saljske užance), held over the first weekend of August every year, is particularly interesting. With a mix of music, food, traditional performances and other entertainment spanning the entire weekend, this is a joyous occasion.
During the festival, long ago forgotten foods are prepared and the island’s fishing and maritime traditions are remembered. The festival's tone is set by the Donkey Music (Tovareća mužika), along with the Donkey Race, which is a hilarious expression of Croatians’ love for this noble animal.
10. Kornati
The Kornati archipelago
140 breathtaking islands and islets comprise the Kornati archipelago, most of which are within Kornati National Park. These islands, with their bare landscapes, are of such beauty that even the writer George Bernard Shaw said that the Kornati were created as a crown of God’s work, imagining that the islands were made out of tears, stars, and breath.
The best way to begin your exploration of these islands is by starting at the gateway to the National Park, which is on the island of Murter and is connected to the mainland by a bridge near Šibenik.
Kornati is a perfect destination if you are looking for a labyrinth of islands (traversed by boat), serene nature, crystal-clear sea, white stone formations, and starlit sky at night. Between the white stone and stunning blue sea, the islands are an endless combination of white and blue.
Human settlement on the islands dates far, far back, and you’ll also find ruins from the Illyrians, Romans, Italians, and Croatians. Everywhere you look, there are stone walls within which sheep graze, olives grow, and vegetables are farmed.
An old saying says there is one island here for every day in the year, and while this isn’t exactly true, there really are a huge number of islands worth exploring in the archipelago. Unfortunately, most boat trips that you’ll find (either departing from other major islands or Murter - the gateway to Kornati -) only visit a few of the islands and they do so in a sort of mass tourism way, which really ruins the charm of this place.
So, to appropriately (in my opinion) explore the best of the Kornati archipelago, you should charter your own ship.
11. Zlarin
Zlarin’s main marina. Photo: Manfred Kuzel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Golden, Green, or Coral Island, are all nicknames for Zlarin, which should tell you plenty about the sunny, lush, and pristine scenery that you’ll find here. Situated just off the coast from Šibenik, this is an island of poets where you can experience simple living nestled amid pine trees, small bays, and unspoiled nature.
Due to its proximity to Šibenik, there is excellent ferry service to and from the island.
Zlarin is also an excellent natural harbor, so many boats find their safe haven here. A religious heritage site as well, the protected churches of the Assumption, Our Lady of Rašelj, Saint Roche, and Simon can be all found here. These are 14th and 15th-century sacred sites visited regularly by believers.
Zlarin was the birthplace of Vesna Parun, one of the greatest Croatian poets of the 20th century, and the island’s scenery certainly inspired her work.
Coral abounds in the waters around Zlarin, and you’ll find plenty of locally made jewelry using this lovely material. Next to Zlarin is the island of Krapanj, whose traditional divers are experts in finding corals and sponges.
Nearby is Saint Nicholas Island (Sveti Nikola), whose namesake fort (Fort of Saint Nicholas), is a splendid naval fortification. Nowadays, the fort hosts cultural events and concerts are held throughout the year. Both Krapanj and Saint Nicholas can be reached from Zlarin by taxi boats, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, by kayak.
For some simple relaxation, Zlarin has many wonderful beaches. This is also a great area for sea kayaking, and the island's eastern side has cliffs that are a favorite for rock climbing. In the interior of the island, you can enjoy long walks or bikes rides on quiet country roads.
12. Šolta
The marina of Maslinica town. Photo: Joadl, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT, via Wikimedia Commons
Sitting just off the coast from Split, Croatia’s second biggest city, Šolta is full of beautiful and picturesque stone houses. Particularly charming is the fact that locals still actually live in these homes, and they haven’t simply become rentals for tourists. Considering its proximity to bustling and ever popular Split, Šolta is still a relatively peaceful place with a very different pace of life from its neighbor on the mainland.
There is a lot of history here: the famous Illyrian queen Teuta lived on the island, and the Roman Emperor Diocletian visited several times, as he’s said to have regarded Šolta to be perfect for his fishponds. Renaissance Croatian literature was also written here, by Marko Marulić and Petar Hektorović who wrote poems inspired by the pretty villas and perfect climate.
As a base for your stay, the fishing village of Maslinica has some spectacular rustic architecture, including the castle of the Marchi family. Alternatively, many visitors favor the village of Nečujam, which sits in a beautiful cove and is surrounded by excellent beaches.
For great views over the entire Split area, climb up Vela Straža hill. Afterwards, your efforts can be rewarded with a glass of top-quality red wine, Crljenak, and as well as excellent olive oil and medicinal honey.
13. Brač
Brač, the third-largest Adriatic island, has a rich cultural history and picturesque landscape which produces origin-protected olive oils and wines. Brač is easily accessible by ferries and catamarans from Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik, and it even has a small airport in the town of Bol which has flights to/from Croatia, Austria, Italy, and Slovakia.
Summer visitors typically prefer to stay in Bol, where Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach is located. This incredible beach is such a famous symbol, not only of Brač but of the whole of Croatia, that it is often used as the poster image for tourism promotions for the entire country. Sandy beaches like this are rare in Croatia, and this one is surrounded by gorgeous turquoise waters. As the wind and sea do their work, you’ll notice that the tip of the beach moves and changes shape. Quite interesting.
Brač architecture highly prizes the white stone used in many iconic buildings in Croatia (Diocletian Palace in Split, St James Cathedral in Šibenik, Parliament Building in Vienna, and even the White House in Washington), and this is evident when you admire the island’s architecture. It’s also no wonder that you’ll find the Sculpting Academy in Brač, whose master stonemasons teach students how to use this snow-white stone.
On the southern side of the island, you’ll find caves, coves, and cypress forests stretching to the sea, where you can enjoy solitude even in the busy summer months. Blaca desert is an interesting place to visit, with its ancient monastery hidden beneath the cliffs.
Other places to visit include Sutivan, Pučišća, Postira, which are all pleasant towns to go for a wander and grab a meal or a drink.
Vidova Gora, the highest peak on all Croatian islands, is also found here. From its viewpoint (reachable by car or on foot), you can admire the surrounding sea as well as Brač’s pastoral interior, with its agriculturally-focused villages. Some of these can be reached on foot from the viewpoint, and a walk through them is highly recommended.
14. Hvar
Hvar town seen from atop the city’s Spanish fortress. Photo: Steve Jurvetson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hvar is world-famous and it boasts an average of 2,726 hours of sunshine annually. As you might expect for a famous island destination, it’s also become very posh and quite expensive. With excellent connections ferry connections to Brač and Split (several ferry lines run daily), getting here is very easy.
The town of Hvar is a trendy and high-class destination with beautiful medieval architecture and the first public theatre in Europe. Croatian celebrities, Hollywood stars, and wealthy individuals from around the world regularly visit, to enjoy the stunning scenery, pleasant atmosphere, and excellent marina. As the social level and economic means of the town’s guests rise, so do the prices though, so your budget will certainly be stretched here.
For those of us whose pockets aren’t quite so deep, the old streets of Stari Grad, Jelsa, and Vrboska still provide ample examples of medieval Mediterranean architecture and wonderful beaches. While roaming about, be sure to get a fragrant bag of lavender (grown here), stock up on high-quality olive oil, and celebrate some sunsets with famous local wines.
Hvar’s coast is dotted with pretty medieval towns, while the interior is full of small villages that produce the essential products that gave fame to this island: lavender, olives, and wine. All three are recognized internationally for their quality.
Agriculture is mainly centered in the Stari Grad Plain, which is among the best-preserved agricultural landscapes in the Mediterranean. Stari Grad, meaning the Old Town, is recognized as the oldest town in Croatia, with its origins dating back to Greek settlements. This gorgeous island was mentioned even by Odysseus on his legendary journeys, which is a testament to the Greek archaeological finds that have been made here.
15. Korčula
Korçula’s historic core and esplanade. Photo: PetrS., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Korčula is one of Croatia’s must-visit islands for both its beautiful landscapes and impressive cultural heritage.
Connected by catamaran to Split and Dubrovnik and with several ferries that travel between it and Orebić on the mainland, you’ll have no trouble getting here.
When exploring Korčula, you will at times feel as if you’ve been transported back in time. As you meander the cobblestone streets, you wouldn’t be surprised to bump into the likes of Marco Polo, who was actually born on this island and lived here before moving to Venice and beginning his world travels.
The medieval traditions still live on in the town of Moreška, and the traditional sword dance, which evokes memories of past glories and heroes, can still be seen in Korčula.
The town of Korčula is a magnificent example of island fortifications, and its charming inner streets are reminiscent of Dubrovnik. Indeed, everything south of Korčula fell under the heavy historical influence of the Dubrovnik Republic!
Vela Luka is another favorite destination on the island. This is a laid-back town where many Croatian artists were born, including cult singer Oliver Dragojević. An interesting fact is that his funeral procession included hundreds of big ships and small boats, traveling from Split to Vela Luka to say a final goodbye to this beloved singer.
Korčula is a also a gastronmic paradise. Visitors to the island cannot go without enjoying spectacular dishes at any number of top restaurants, and savoring high quality Pošip and Grk wines in its wine taverns.
16. Mljet
The secluded island of Mljet is a mystery, even for Croatians! This densely forested island is mostly covered by a national park, which has preserved the beauty of the island and left it largely untouched.. Olive trees, grape vines, the saltwater lakes Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, and the Saint Mary Island with its Benedictine Monastery are all essentially as they were hundreds of years ago.
If this sounds to you like a story from Greek legends, you’re not far off. Mljet was indeed first mentioned by the Greeks, and numerous Greek amphorae and sunken ships have been found on and around the island. The southern coast features the Odysseus Cave, which is believed to be a site where the famous Greek hero stayed after his shipwreck.
Mljet is full of small villages with ancient Roman palaces dotting the Polače watefront. After Roman times, these villas were later transformed into rustic villas for Italian and Dubrovnik nobility, but their more ancient origins are still very much visible. You’ll also find early Christian artifacts, and Veliki Gradac Hill is home to the most important fortification from the Illyrian times. As you can see, there is a lot of history here!
The best things to do in Mljet are hike, walk, and cycle through the national park and swim and lounge on the beaches. Visits to the National Park can also be organized by boat from other destinations.
Mljet is never crowded, not even in the summer, so it’s a great choice for a peaceful getaway. Getting there is relatively easy, as there are ferries from Hvar, Brač, Korčula, and Makarska.
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17. Lastovo
Lastovo, situated far in the southern Adriatic, is Croatia’s most remote island. It is a place of spectacular natural beauty though, and comprises 46 smaller islands and islets. To get here, you’ll need to catch a ferry from Split, which usually stops at other islands along the route.
Known even during the time of the Greeks, Lastove was called “Zeus’ Island” in mythology. Fit for gods, it was known as the Imperial island by the Romans.
The open sea around Lastovo is pure and clear, and the island is primarily a destination for those who want to reconnect with nature in a serene environment. Lastovo is more than 70% forest, so nature walks and outdoor activities are especially popular here. The beaches are not the best in the Adriatic, but they are spotlessly clean. You can also sail around the archipelago, visiting hidden bays, and enjoying crystal-clear water.
The island’s remoteness and led to it developing a rather unique culture and traditions, and the Lastovo Carnival, a joyful event in February or March, is a great example of this. Despite being winter, Lastovo ges a surprising number of visitors for the festival.
And for a delicious meal, you must try the spiny lobsters that the island’s deep waters are famous for. They go well with Maraština, a local white wine with a very specific flavor.
18. Vis
For another isolated island, consider visiting Vis. If you’re a fan of the film Mamma Mia, you may already be familiar with the island, as the movie was filmed here. Connected to Split and other islands in Central Dalmatia by a regular ferry line, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting here.
For most of the 20th century, Vis was off-limits for tourist as it was a Yugoslavian naval base and tourism was heavily discouraged. The lack of tourism and development was actually a good thing though, because even today, Vis still offers a genuine Croatian island experience. It could not be more picturesque, and having escaped the negatives of mass tourism, the locals are especially hospitable.
Vis has two main settlements, Vis and Komiža. Both are famous for their fishermen traditions and excellent naval capabilities. People from Vis sailed worldwide, bringingriches to their island and families. Yet, despite their newfound wealth, few could bring themselves to leave the island, as it is truly a paradise. You’ll understand when you visit beaches such as Srebrna, Stončica, Zaglava, and Stiniva. They’re perfect Mediterranean getaways.
Small B&Bs, several good restaurants, and loads of outdoor and watersport activities make Vis a lovely family destination.
If you’ll have a boat, you can also visit the Vis Archipelago Geopark, a UNESCO-protected group of islands that includes Vis, Biševo, Sveti Andrija, Brusnik, Jabuka, and Palagruža. These are the most remote islands in Croatia and they have a fascinating geological history.
One of the most visited destinations of the bunch is Biševo, whose Blue Grotto is a beautiful natural site.
19. Palagruža
Southern beach in the Palagruža archipelago. Photo: Adam Sporka, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Palagruža archipelago is the most remote group of Croatian islands, and the small islet Galijula marks the southernmost point of Croatian territory. Reaching Palagruža is neither easy nor cheap. Several good boats sail regularly from Biševo and Lastovo, but the price tag for a ticket is hefty, so these islands are mostly visited by people traveling on their own vessel.
Characterized by a unique climate with very little humidity, Palagruža has a very specific type of vegetation, with many endemic plants and species.
In prehistoric and ancient times, Palagruža had a critical maritime role in the connections between the two Adriatic coasts, and it was an indispensable stop on the sea route that connected the east and west coasts. It is believed that the name Diomede's Islands, mentioned by ancient writers, refers precisely to the island group of Palagruža because the cult of Diomedes is linked to significant points of maritime trade, and the sanctuary of Diomedes was most likely located on Palagruža.
Given the tremendous maritime importance of this island, it’s not surprising that there is a vast number of archaeological and historical remains in the surrounding seabed, mostly from shipwrecks. So far, seven wrecks have been found in the sea around the Nupak shoal. In the broader sea of Vela and Mala Palagruža and Galijula, there are at least four more known shipwrecks and probably many undiscovered ones.
The "Palagruža" lighthouse, located on the island of Vela Palagruža, is an especially noteworthy site on the island. It was built in 1875, and ever since, like a caring mother, has watched over and directed passing ships.
If you’re up for some hiking, a narrow trail runs around the perimeter of the Velika Palagruža island. For sun and sand, Velo Žalo beach, on the island's southern coast is one of the most beautiful pebble beaches on the Adriatic. You’ll often find exquisite mother-of-pearl stones on its shores.
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