In case you are searching for a summer time vacation spot, Croatia will fulfill your senses with greater than 1200 islands, islets and bays. The nation has a pleasing Mediterranean local weather and loads of solar. The islands are blessed with clear turquoise seas, lengthy pebble seashores and ample nature.
Croatia merges outdated Dalmatian traditions with as we speak’s trendy way of life, with hidden bays, pure parks, and climbing trails to a wealthy native delicacies ready with regionally grown produce. Because the islands are unfold alongside the coast, every one has one thing completely different to supply, a good way to discover is on a ship or a crusing cruise. Right here’s is the record of my favorite 20 islands in Croatia.
Croatia Islands
20 Islands In Croatia To Discover
1- Hvar Island
One of the vital well-known islands within the Adriatic is Hvar Island.
Additionally known as the island of the solar because of the many sunny days all year long, this island combines wealthy Dalmatian historical past with a contemporary way of life.
Hvar belongs to the Break up archipelago and consists of Hvar City and the Outdated City, together with two municipalities, Jelsa and Sućuraj.
It has six UNESCO World Heritage websites, which is a big quantity for an island.
Golden hours on pebble seashores, gorgeous nature, positive wine, wealthy gastronomy, and fields of lavender are only a few symbols of Hvar.
Because it’s fairly a giant island, there’s lots to see. Hvar City is the costliest and attracts well-known guests to its bars, eating places, resorts, and nightlife.
The Outdated City has cultural custom, outdated monuments, cobblestone streets, together with the oldest public theatre in Europe and different UNESCO websites of the island.
I like to recommend Jelsa for a calming seaside day and different water actions, however when you’ve got extra time to spend on Hvar, I extremely suggest a boat tour to the Pakleni Islands.
Lovely inexperienced nature, hidden bays, and crystal blue sea: what extra do you want?
2- Brač Island
Brač Island strikes on the sluggish tempo of the languid Dalmatian way of life.
In central Dalmatia close to Hvar, the principle highlights of this island in Croatia are the Zlatni Rat and Vidova Gora.
The climbing path to Vidova Gora is without doubt one of the hottest walks to the very best peak on the Adriatic islands, the place you can be rewarded with a panoramic view.
Different climbing trails are from Murvica to Dragon’s Cave, Nerezisca to Blaca Hermitage, Sumartin to Planck and Farska to Blaca Hermitage.
In the event you desire one thing extra adventurous, mountain biking can be accessible.
Brač additionally gives water actions like scuba diving, sea kayaking, windsurfing and kiteboarding.
One of the vital well-known is the golden, sandy seaside Zlatni Rat, positioned on the west facet of Bol.
A enjoyable truth in regards to the Brač is that the White Home, Diocletian’s Palace, and Parliament in Budapest have been inbuilt Brač stone. This Brac Island tour type Break up might swimsuit you.
3- Korčula Island
The Island of Korčula is the birthplace of Marco Polo, a Venetian explorer and journey author, among the many first to introduce Europeans to China and Central Asia.
Korčula is also called mini-Dubrovnik because of the small fortification system of the city with slim medieval streets, outdated palaces, church buildings and different monuments.
One of the vital well-known and largest buildings is the cathedral of St. Mark.
It’s a ravishing piece of Renaissance-Gothic structure that provides a shocking panoramic view from the highest of the bell tower.
Moreover wealthy structure, the island is crammed with inexperienced vegetation, forests, vineyards, olive bushes, and delightful seashores alongside the island.
Yearly, this Croatian island holds a sword pageant.
It’s a singular occasion the place eight island sword dance teams carry out from the top of June till the start of September. You may be part of a day journey from Dubrovnik to discover the Peljesac Peninsula and Korcula Island.
4- Vis Island
Referred to as a city of fishermen and winemakers, Vis Island is a well-liked vacation vacation spot. It’s on the island hopping radar from Hvar and sometimes mixed with a go to to the Blue Cave.
Crimson Plavac Mali and dry white Vugava are the 2 most well-known wines in Croatia cultivated on this island.
Because it’s the least-inhabited island of all Dalmatian islands, it’s an ideal place for a peaceable vacation.
If stress-free on the seaside, having fun with the odor of pine bushes, or consuming freshly caught fish, with a richly flavoured glass of crimson wine feels like an ideal deal with, then Vis is your vacation spot.
5- Mljet Island
Mljet is without doubt one of the Dalmatian islands recognised for its crusing tradition and dense inexperienced vegetation.
Simply take a look at the picture: what jumps out at you is the blue color of the ocean and the inexperienced of the bushes, a panorama protected as a Nationwide Park.
An ideal solution to discover the island is by bicycle.
The Small and Massive Lakes are pure lakes that after held freshwater, however each have develop into saltwater lakes after geographical adjustments.
You may go to Mljet and different islands on a day journey from Dubrovnik.
6- Rab Island
Rab is named the island of happiness, the expression given by Romans, for its pure abundance of solar.
It’s well-known for greater than 30 sandy seashores, crystal clear sea, stunning inexperienced parks and climbing trails.
The primary attraction is Rab City, which dates again to the Roman period and has a wealthy heritage.
In summer time, Rab hosts a well-known medieval pageant known as Rabska Fjera.
Journey to Grgur and Rab Islands on this full-day boat journey from Baška, which may have you swimming within the Zavratnica fjord and features a buffet lunch.
7- Pag Island
Point out island Pag and also you may image its vibrant clubbing and nightlife.
With its well-known Zrće seaside, Novalja is one in every of Croatia’s greatest summer time clubbing locations.
Though the nightlife is superb, there are various jewels this island can provide.
The most effective cheese in Croatia served on nearly each conventional menu, comes from Pag.
It’s a sheep cheese, arduous and salty, with an fragrant natural style.
Together with the cheese, Pag is known for its salt and olive oil.
Paška lace is listed below the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and was a ornament for the normal skirts worn on this island.
At this time nearly each home has this lace as a ornament on the desk or a wall.
8- Krk Island
Krk is an island on the northern Adriatic coast, traditionally generally known as the cultural centre of Croatia.
A lot literature was written within the outdated Glagolitic alphabet and saved on this island till as we speak.
Glagolitic is a Slavic script by which the Baška alphabet was written.
This doc is the oldest doc that mentions Croatia within the native language.
Moreover wealthy tradition, Krk is understood for its gastronomy in Malinska and gorgeous views in Vrbnik.
Journey seekers will love this ziplining tour for the adrenaline rush and gorgeous views.
9- Dugi Otok Island
Having the identical title because the well-known cocktail, Lengthy Island is the synonym for the nippiness and stress-free days on the seaside, mixed with completely different sports activities actions.
One of the vital well-known seashores is Sakarun, identified for the turquoise sea, which could be very shallow, which makes it the proper spot for a household day.
In the event you go for a stroll, attempt to attain the tallest lighthouse on the Adriatic coast of Veli Rat.
For journey lovers, there’s an choice to discover wealthy marine life in hidden caves with scuba diving or get pleasure from peaceable paddling or kayaking alongside the crystal clear water.
10- Cres Island
Cres is without doubt one of the largest and untouched Croatian islands recognised for its wild nature, bumpy hills, low-growing vegetation, climbing trails and olive bushes.
Nature is merged with the historic a part of the outdated city, the place you could find stays of medieval metropolis partitions, museums, towers, and bridges from the Gothic-Renaissance period.
Cres is within the northern a part of Kvarner and might you may attain it by ferry from the island of Krk.
11- Lošinj Island
Lošinj is a small island positioned on the northern a part of the Croatian coast, lesser-known from a vacationer perspective, however it hides many jewels.
One in every of them is a bronze statue of an athlete, Apoxyomenos, positioned in his personal museum.
It’s fascinating that the statue was found within the sea by a random diver at a depth of 45 m (148 ft).
The recent spot on the island is the Dolphin Manner promenade, which acquired the title because of the variety of dolphins you may even see there.
For all adrenaline lovers, there’s an choice to climb Mountain Osorščica through greater than 30 guided routes.
Different issues to discover are Cikat Forest Park, scuba diving, SUP yoga and lots of different water actions.
12- Lastovo Island
Lastovo acquired it’s title because of greater than 70% of bushes protecting the floor, which classifies it as essentially the most forested island within the Adriatic Sea.
On the alternative facet, you’ve got deep blue, turquoise-coloured water that’s simply heaven for the eyes.
That makes Lastovo the youngest and one in every of Croatia’s most stunning nature parks.
This island is known for its carnival, Lastovski Poklad, when the entire island celebrates the victory over pirates, adopted by music and wearing specifically designed costumes.
13- Šolta Island
Šolta is a small island 9 nautical miles from Break up.
It’s an ideal spot for a weekend gateway to get pleasure from the fantastic thing about nature, the ocean and peaceable pebble seashores.
The little highlights from Šolta are regionally made olive oil, honey, and fully-flavoured crimson wine.
This cruise from Break up will mean you can discover Maslinica village on Solta, snorkel round a shipwreck in Necujam Bay and a visit to Drvenik (the Blue Lagoon). Alongside the way in which, you may get the prospect to identify dolphins.
14- Ugljan Island
Ugljan is a small gateway spot for most individuals who dwell in Zadar county and one of the best ways to discover is on a ship tour.
It’s crammed with inexperienced vegetation that covers excessive mountains, olive bushes, pine bushes, wine grapes, figs and different Dalmatian herbs.
Some in style actions are diving, biking, and fishing, particularly among the many aged locals.
15- Zlarin Island
Zlarin is a gem quarter-hour by ferry from my hometown Šibenik.
It’s identified for its wealthy historical past, peaceable nature and corals.
Like most of our islands, Zlarin can be coated in inexperienced vegetation that merges with the crystal-clear blue sea.
One of many conventional issues is making jewelry from coral, as traditionally, coral was used as a thermometer for newborns turning white when their temperature is just too excessive.
16- Prvić Island
This small island is one other cultural gem that belongs to the archipelago of my hometown, Šibenik.
It’s the dwelling of well-known inventor Faust Vrančić, the place they constructed the museum in his honour.
The island is car-free, which makes it very clear, peaceable and quiet.
It consists of two small villages, Prvić Luka and Šepurine.
The streets and homes are inbuilt conventional stone, with inexperienced and blue home windows that mix with the inexperienced vegetation and crystal clear sea to create a picture-perfect scene. Chances are you’ll like this full-day tour of Kornati Nationwide Park.
17- Šipan Island
Šipan is a small island 8.3 nautical miles from Dubrovnik.
It belongs to the Elafiti archipelago, together with Lopud and Koločep.
The island is ideal for a ship journey, the place you may benefit from the seaside and discover historic websites.
The outdated renaissance Skocibuha fortress and the Pakljena Benedictine monastery complicated with St. Mary Church are some issues to see.
Additionally, you may go for a light hike, stroll or cycle from Šipansko Polje to Velji Vrh.
The route gives you a panoramic view of the entire archipelago.
18- Biševo Island
On the southwestern facet of the island of Vis, with solely 20 inhabitants, this little pure oasis hides essentially the most magical caves on the earth.
One of the vital well-known is the Blue Cave.
Round noon, the sunshine passes by means of the cave, displays from the water, and makes this glowing, blue magic like a fairytale.
One other cave is the Monk Seal Cave, which is 160 m lengthy, making it the longest sea cave within the Adriatic Sea.
19- Čiovo Island
Have you ever ever heard of the squid fishing pageant? On this island, it’s a standard occasion taking place yearly.
Čiovo is without doubt one of the largest islands within the archipelago of Trogir and is split into Okrug Donji and Okrug Gornji.
Okrug Donji is extra mainstream, with all of the resorts and issues happening.
Okrug Gornji needs to be your alternative in order for you a extra stress-free vacation.
Čiovo hides some of the stunning seashores and pure bays, corresponding to Kava, which interprets in Croatian to imply espresso.
This little peaceable, pure oasis is ideal for a calming seaside day.
20- Kornati Island
Kornati Islands consists of round 130 islands coated in rocks, cliffs, and low vegetation.
The islands are uninhabited, aside from a few homes constructed as summer time residences.
What’s fascinating is how the pure course of of abrasion shaped them.
One set of islands, known as the Pucinski set, is rockier and dry the place low vegetation grows.
Whereas one other, the Kornatski set, develop olive bushes and vineyards.
Kornat is the largest island and the place you may go to café or native eating places.
For the reason that Kornati is pure, untouched nature, the marine life is wealthy and gorgeous.
The ocean is ideal for diving, snorkelling and swimming.
These islands are approachable solely by boat, so it’s no marvel the crusing tradition is so developed. Try this boat tour.
