Best Croatian islands to visit

Whether you’re planning a visit to one of Croatia’s enticing cities, such as Split or Dubrovnik, with a trip to one of the nearby islands, or an island-hopping cruise along Croatia’s coastline, you can find everything from unspoiled coves with glorious beaches to traditional villages and historic sites.

So we’ve created a guide to the best Croatian islands, from some of the biggest to tiny car-free isles to help you choose which Croatian island to visit for your perfect escape.

One of the easiest islands to visit, just a short trip from Split, Brač is also one of the best Croatian islands to discover some of the country’s traditions – and despite being the third largest island in the Adriatic, it’s a much more tranquil alternative to nearby Hvar or Korčula.

As well as being famous for its olive oil, the island’s white stone has been used in some of Europe’s grandest buildings, from Diocletian’s Palace on the mainland to Budapest’s Parliament buildings. Reputedly some has even gone to create the iconic façade of the White House.

You’ll feel a million miles from politics and power here though, following some of the easy hiking trails through pine forests and olive groves, stopping at sleepy traditional villages or peaceful beaches along the way. A three-mile trail takes you to Vidova Gora, the highest point of all the Adriatic islands, with the peak at 2,553 feet above sea level, or spot an ancient monastery on the track from Bol to Blaca. Look out for Dol too, with its stone houses and historic churches under the cypress trees.

And don’t miss the beach of Zlatni Rat or the ‘Golden Horn’, in Bol, on the southern part of the island. Surrounded by brilliant turquoise water, this unusual beach changes its shape from day to day as the pebbled spit of land is moved by wind and waves, so every visit is a new experience.

One of the most famous islands in Croatia, Hvar is a favourite with both celebrities and the jetset, who flock here in summer for its beach clubs and party atmosphere. But there’s plenty to discover beyond the bling, especially if you visit outside peak season.

Ancient Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe, and home to the oldest community theatre on the continent. In Hvar Town, save some time to admire the Renaissance cathedral with its historic tower before climbing to the fortress for spectacular views out over the tiled rooftops and across the deep blue of the sea.

Hvar

Much of Hvar’s charm is found simply wandering the quiet streets below the fortress or relaxing at a few of the island’s more peaceful coves, where the water is so clear you can see the stones beneath the waves. You can wander the botanic gardens just a short stroll from the harbour too, while Hvar is also famous for its fabulous lavender fields in the west of the island. Visit during June and July to see the carpet of scented purple flowers as you explore.

Another easy journey from Split, you can also combine a visit to Hvar with a trip to the Blue Grotto at Biševo where a natural phenomenon makes the cave looks as if it has been illuminated with blue light, as well as to the unspoiled Pakleni islands nearby.

Said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, the famed explorer could have been forgiven for abandoning his globetrotting and staying at home when you see this beautiful Croatian island. This gorgeous spot on the Dalmatian coast is one of the jewels of Croatia’s islands, with Venetian-style buildings, a palm-lined waterfront and Renaissance colonnades in Korcula Town.

It’s easy to believe you’ve stepped back in time as you walk inside the storybook medieval walls to stroll past churches and clock towers as you lose yourself in the maze of cobbled alleyways. Known as a mini Dubrovnik, you’ll find several sights within this compact historic centre, including paintings by Tintoretto in St Mark’s Cathedral, as well as the Town Museum in a former palace. Soak up the views from the Revelin Tower before you leave too.

Korcula

Outside the main town, Korcula is one of the Croatian islands with the most forest, with a chance to hike in the shade of the pines. Kocje nature reserve, a few miles from Korcula town centre, is also home to some eye-catching rock formations as well as bats living in the caves.

Korcula’s other claim to fame is being the Croatian island known as the ‘wine island’ with vineyards growing both white and red grapes. Stop for a tasting of some of its best vintages, including a crisp white made from Posip grapes, as well as Grk, a dry white wine which has been cultivated on Korcula for almost two millennia, since the Greeks brought vines to the island.

Another of the best Croatian islands if you love myths and legends, Mljet is said to have inspired the paradise island of Ogygia in Homer’s Odyssey. Hidden among the lush forest, you’ll find lakes and vineyards, as well as sapphire-blue water lapping at its shores, so it’s easy to believe the stories are true – no surprise it has been named “the most seductive island in the Adriatic”.

Make a stop at Odysseus’ Cave on the south of the island to imagine yourself transported to the Greek epic, where the shipwrecked hero escaped drowning, only to be held captive by the nymph Calypso for seven years. It took Zeus, the king of the gods, to intervene before Odysseus left this enchanting (and enchanted) place, and as you lose yourself in the slow pace of life and the gloriously untouched landscape, you’ll start to understand why.

Mljet

Unusually for one of Croatia’s best islands, many of Mljet’s attractions are inland. One of the greenest islands in Croatia, Mljet National Park covers around a third of the island, with two saltwater lakes in the protected reserve. Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) has its own tiny island in the middle of its emerald green waters, home to a 12th century monastery and church, or head out onto the calm waters of Malo Jezero (Small Lake) by boat.

One of the country’s most unspoiled and tranquil national parks, it’s perfect for nature lovers too, with hiking trails winding through the forest as well as around the shores of the lakes.

If the idea of somewhere quiet and secluded doesn’t tempt you when you’re looking at Croatian islands to visit, Krk is both the second largest and most inhabited of all Croatia’s islands, and a perfect place to escape while still having plenty to keep you entertained.

A bridge connects Krk to the mainland, just south of Rijeka, with a mix of beach, culture and foodie delights to discover once you arrive. For sun-worshippers, the Blue Flag sandy beach of Baska towards the island’s southern tip is nearly 2km long – plenty of space to relax by the waves.

Krk

As you lounge, ponder the fact that Krk is also the site of one of Croatia’s most important artefacts, the Baska Tablet which dates back to the year 1100 and is inscribed with some of the earliest Croatian words. While the original tablet is currently in the capital Zagreb, you can still visit the Church of St Lucija near Baska, where it was first found and where a replica is on display.

Beyond coast and history, Krk is one of the best islands in Croatia if you love food – a series of ruling empires, from the Romans to the Venetians, Habsburgs and Italians mean Krk’s cuisine is a mouth-watering melting pot of influences. The island is also famous for its olive oil and its prosciutto, so don’t leave without trying both at least once.

Sample a glass of Žlahtina wine too, a pale golden white vintage found especially around Vrbnik, itself an enticing medieval jumble of tiled roofs and twisting streets, all dominated by its church.

There are many things to tempt you when you’re considering which Croatian island to visit – but one which is famous for its cake always has to make a list of the top islands in Croatia. There’s more to Rab than treats but its delicious spiral-shaped cake, made using almonds and maraschino liqueur, dates back to 1177 when it was served to Pope Alexander III.

Try a morsel at the House of Rab Cake before heading out to explore the cobblestone streets of Rab Town, home to more than two dozen Romanesque and Byzantine churches and lined with Italianate mansions, and you’ll understand why the Romans called it ‘Felix Arba’ or ‘Happy Rab’.

Rab

Rab also has the nickname the ‘island of love’ – it was a particular hit with Edward VIII who stayed here with his own great love Wallis Simpson. Not only did he boost tourism, he’s also credited with encouraging nudism on the island, after swimming here without any bathing suit.

Happily there are also plenty of beaches which you can enjoy in the knowledge fellow sunbathers will stay clothed, including Paradise Beach near Lopar, named one of the best in Croatia for its clear shallow waters and kayaking.

For a quieter stretch of sand, take the trails through the protected forest of Dundo, which lead to some beautiful secluded beaches, emerging through the lush trees to spectacular turquoise water which begs to be swum in.

Why limit yourself to a single destination when you can have two Croatian islands in one at Losinj. Made up of Veli and Mali Losinj (or big and small Losinj), the crystal-clear waters here were thought to have special healing properties. The Habsburg Royal Family were among the fans back in the 19th century, and there’s been a wellness revival in more recent years as well.

Despite its name, Mali Losinj is the largest town, with the typical Venetian architecture found all down the coast but its own unique feeling of grandeur: this, after all, was where royalty would choose to stay. Once you’ve strolled along the elegant waterfront and ambled through the streets past pastel-painted buildings, you can discover the Garden of Fine Scents, packed with over 250 species of herbs and medicinal plants, a legacy of its wellness heritage.

The island is also a great place to see bottlenose dolphins, with over 200 living in the seas near the island, so you’re usually lucky if you head out on a dolphin-spotting trip. That’s not the only thing to spot while you’re on the island, with fabulous views over Mali Losinj and Kvarner Bay from Providenca. You’ll find more information about the history of the region along the hiking trails near the viewpoint, or simply sit back and watch the sun set over a glass of local wine.

Don’t miss Veli Losinj as well; as its name suggests, the oldest town on the island, with some of the palatial homes and villas of many former inhabitants, who made their wealth as ship’s captains.

One of the smallest islands in Croatia, Vis is also easily one of the most unusual Croatian islands to visit. A former Yugoslav military base, Vis was firmly closed to the outside world until Croatia gained independence in 1991 and it finally opened up to tourists.

Less developed than many other similar locations along the coast, you get a sense of how Croatia used to be, as if you’re stepping back in time when you step on to the island. With just two main towns, Vis Town and Komiza, which are around 20 minutes apart, the unspoiled scenery is one of the biggest draws.

Stroll among wildflowers and herbs, with rosemary, sage and capers growing wild everywhere, before discovering the rather different legacy left by the army after their time here. There are still military tunnels tucked away all over the island, although you can’t explore most without a guide. If you visit only one, make it the Lipanovic winery, the only wine cellar in the world that’s inside a military tunnel.

Elsewhere, you can also spot the submarine tunnel – no longer used for submarines, you’ll see sailing boats cruising briefly in and out for the unique experience. There’s more history to discover too, including the remains of some Roman thermal baths too, or head up to Fort George, a historic fortress converted into a restaurant, bar and art gallery, with some spectacular views.

But one of the biggest attractions is taking a boat trip around Vis, visiting the Blue Cave on nearby Bisevo island, the Green Cave at Ravnik, another tiny island off the coast of Vis, and Stiniva Beach, used for the filming of the second Mamma Mia movie.

Many of the islands in Croatia are well-connected to the mainland by ferries for an easy day trip or overnight stay from cities like Split, Dubrovnik, Rijeka and Opatija. But if you’re looking to explore more than one island, or to see some of the more isolated or uninhabited islands, the best option is easily a small ship cruise of the Croatian islands.

For an island hop to remember, the Dalmatian Island Explorer itinerary visits Mljet, Hvar and Korcula, as well as two of Croatia’s loveliest cities – Split and Dubrovnik – while the Natural Beauty of the Dalmatian Isles cruise stops at Brac, Hvar, Vis and Korcula as well as tiny Lastovo.

Or the Croatian Island Explorer cruise explores the coast further north, stopping at Losinj, Cres, Susak, Rab and Krk along its route, while the Croatian Island Discovery break includes a cruise visiting Krk and Rab.

For a chance to discover islands you’d never otherwise be able to see, the Adriatic Coast Explorer cruise sails through the beautiful Kornati Islands, over 140 uninhabited islets dotted in the brilliant blue waters of the Adriatic. There’s also a stop in the island of Zlarin, known as the Golden Island, home to coral-filled waters and lush scenery.

If you prefer a tour to a small ship cruise, the Jewels of Croatia tour includes a visit to Brac as part of the itinerary. You can even spend your entire holiday exploring two of the best Croatian islands, with a twin-centre break on Brac and Hvar.

We offer escorted tours to Croatia as well as hotel stays, so it’s never been easier to discover the island’s highlights for yourself. Grab your sunhat and book Saga Croatia holidays here.