The best way to see Croatia

With one of the craggiest coastlines in the world, and over 1,000 islands scattered across the sparkling, turquoise Adriatic Sea, Croatia is a compelling place to visit. And one of the best ways to see as many as possible of these alluring islets, reefs and seaside cities is on a small ship cruise, which offers a much more intimate and immersive experience.

The beauty of small ships is their ability to nippily navigate narrow ports and harbours, and an emphasis on local interactions and cultural experiences. Croatia’s coastline is the gift that keeps on giving; a dazzling combination of natural beauty and historic charm. You’ll find Venetian-influenced architecture, emerald seas, beaches backed by fragrant pine forests, quiet coves and jagged limestone cliffs. Explore jewel-like islands, from Hvar to Brac, Korcula and Vis, home to enchanting medieval towns, vineyard-covered hills, ancient forts and hidden bays. And don’t miss the elegant coastal towns, such as Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik, which mix vibrant energy with baroque beauty, cobbled lanes and historic sites.

What makes it special: Think golden beaches, olive groves, Romanesque churches and ancient city walls. The island is just a short drive over a bridge from the mainland, offeriung a captivating mix of history and culture.

Famous for: Being one of the oldest continuously inhabited islands in Croatia, dating back to the Neolithic period.

Must visit: The Cathedral of the Assumption, an imposing, 12th-century Romanesque structure.

Must eat/drink: The best local dish is šurlice sa škampima – pasta with scampi, white wine, tomato, garlic and onion.

Must buy: A bottle of homemade schnapps; islanders make it from a range of ingredients, such as fig, walnut and even olive.

Mali Losinj

What makes it special: Capital of the island of Losinj, Mali Losinj is a serene Adriatic escape, with elegant Austro-Hungarian villas lining its vibrant waterfront. It’s known for its rich maritime history and pristine, delightfully un-busy beaches.

Famous for: Losinj has a long-standing reputation as a wellness destination, dating back to the 19th century when it became a favoured retreat for Austro-Hungarian nobility.

Must visit: The Museum of Apoxyomenos, which is dedicated to an incredibly well-preserved 2,000 year old Greek bronze statue of an athlete, was discovered in the sea in 1997 by a Belgian tourist.

Must eat/drink: One of the town’s quintessential dishes is brodet, a traditional stew made with locally caught fish and seafood.

Must buy: Treat yourself to a bottle of essential oil, especially lavender or sage, or a handmade soap.

What makes it special: Rab is the greenest and best known of the Kvarner islands, with jade-green waters, verdant hillsides, and a red-roofed town straight out of a storybook.

Famous for: It has long attracted artists and writers lured by its beauty and serenity.

Must visit: The four belfries, which dominate Rab’s ancient walled town, have become the island’s symbol, earning it the nickname 'Little Venice'.

Must eat/drink: Rapska torta, a traditional almond and honey cake.

Must buy: Local honey; you’ll find dozens of varieties, including chestnut and rosemary.

Zlatni Rat beach, Brač

What makes it special: Brač blends stunning natural beauty, a rich history and charming Mediterranean culture; people come for its incredible beaches, hiking opportunities and picturesque villages.

Famous for: Zlatni Rat, or the Golden Horn, is the most famous beach in Dalmatia, and shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly cause its shape to change.

Must visit: The charming fishing village of Bol is home to a 15th-century Dominican monastery with a museum containing an altar painting attributed to Italian master Tintoretto.

Must eat/drink: Lamb, slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven, is popular here. Try vitalac, a traditional delicacy made from lamb offal, wrapped in lamb intestines, and roasted over an open fire.

Must buy: Brač is renowned for its white limestone, which was used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Take home a limestone candleholder or small sculpture.

What makes it special: Vis was used as a Yugoslavian army base and closed off to the outside world until Croatia gained independence in 1991, so today it’s one of the more unspoiled islands, with well-preserved architecture and culture. Sailing is very popular here, particularly with yacht charters.

Famous for: In 2018 it was used as a location for the film Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, standing in for the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi.

Must visit: Modra Špilja (Blue Grotto), a sea cave on the nearby islet of Biševo, glows with an ethereal blue light when sunlight filters through its underwater openings.

Must eat/drink: Viška pogača, one of the island’s traditional dishes, is a savoury flatbread pie filled with salted anchovies or sardines, onions, tomatoes and local herbs.

Must buy: Pick up a bottle of aromatic white Vugava wine, native to Vis, and found in local wineries such as Lipanović or Roki’s.

Makarska

What makes it special: Located between the dramatic Biokovo mountains and the shimmering Adriatic, the vibrant seaside town of Makarska features a scenic harbour, an atmospheric old town, and a lively promenade. It also gives access to a range of hiking trails and pebbled beaches.

Famous for: Its beautiful coastline, which makes it one of Croatia’s most popular holiday destinations.

Must visit: The Biokovo Skywalk, a glass platform jutting out of the mountains, stands just above the town in the Biokovo Natural Park, offering incredible panoramic views.

Must eat/drink: Try pasticada, a rich, slow-cooked beef stew marinated in vinegar and spices, braised with prunes, wine, and vegetables, and served with homemade gnocchi.

Must buy: Stock up on handmade lace from the region, crafted using traditional techniques, and made into everything from tablecloths to scarves.

What makes it special: A former Venetian stronghold, Šibenik’s charming old town is filled with narrow, winding streets, medieval buildings and impressive stone architecture that tells the story of its past.

Famous for: Although he was born in nearby Smiljan, Nikola Tesla, the brilliant inventor and electrical engineer, spent some time in Šibenik during his youth, making the town an important part of his early years.

Must visit: The Renaissance-era St James Cathedral is an iconic landmark, and a UNESCO heritage site. It took over a century to complete. Must eat/drink: A popular local dish is crni rižot, a delicious risotto made with black ink from squid or cuttlefish.

Must buy: Bring back fig jam or dried figs; the fruit is an important part of Dalmatian cuisine.

Trogir

What makes it special: This UNESCO heritage town is unfeasibly picturesque, its wide seafront promenade of classic Venetian façades sheltering a maze-like Old Town of medieval streets dotted with churches and Renaissance buildings.

Famous for: The St Lawrence Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Its main gate, the exquisite Radovan Portal, is a highly detailed sculpture created by a master stone-carver.

Must visit: Take the footbridge over to čiovo island, a calm, laid-back beach environment, for an alternative to bustling Trogir.

Must eat/drink: Try Trogirski rafioli, a sweet pastry filled with almonds, often flavoured with orange zest and brandy.

Must buy: Browse the Green Market (Trogirska Tržnica), just outside the Old Town, for local cheeses, meats, honey and olive oil.

What makes it special: Possibly one of the most beautiful parts of Dalmatia, this spectacular park spreads over 270,000 acres of rivers, canyons, forests and karst landscapes. Krka National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including over 200 bird species and endemic fish.

Famous for: Its iconic feature is Skradinski Buk, a cascading series of waterfalls that tumble into crystal-clear pools.

Must visit: The Krka Monastery, a spiritual and cultural site with deep historical roots, accessible via scenic boat tours.

Must eat/drink: Stari Mlin i Kalikusa, a restaurant located within the park, offers traditional Croatian dishes such as grilled trout.

Diocletian’s Palace, Split

What makes it special: There’s nowhere quite like Split; at its very heart is the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the world. It’s no mere museum, but a living part of the town, alive with cafés, shops, homes, and hidden courtyards.

Famous for: In addition to the Palace, there's the beautiful Bačvice beach, and easy access to islands and beaches.

Must visit: Riva, Split’s seafront promenade, where locals and visitors gather for coffee, people-watching and sunset strolls.

Must eat/drink: Order soparnik, a local delicacy; it’s a pie filled with Swiss chard, onions and garlic.

Must buy: High-quality olive oil from Split and the surrounding region.

What makes it special: The oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia, Zadar’s rich history stretches back to Roman times. You can still observe well-preserved Roman ruins, explore ancient city walls and stroll its beautiful stretch of coastline.

Famous for: Its Roman Forum, dating from the first century BC, one of the biggest in the region.

Must visit: The Sea Organ, a unique installation on the waterfront that uses the motion of the sea to create soothing, melodic sounds.

Must eat/drink: Grilled fish, such as seabass, sea bream or sardines, served at many of Zadar’s waterfront restaurants.

Must buy: Zadar is the source of Maraschino, a sweet cherry liqueur made from Marasca cherries, perfect for your drink cabinet.

Primosten

What makes it special: Small and quaint, with a delightful Old Town perched on a small peninsula, Primosten has cobbled streets, ancient stone houses and panoramic views.

Famous for: Its wine production. The area surrounding the town is home to excellent vineyards.

Must visit: Raduča beach, pebbled, with crystal-clear waters. Must eat/drink: Babic is a red wine unique to the region. Sample it at wineries such as Prgin or Matosin.

Must buy: Apart from a bottle or three of Babic, locally made, hand-painted ceramics are worth bringing home.

What makes it special: With its yacht-filled azure waters and polished marble streets, Hvar is one of Croatia’s most glamorous destinations, as well as its sunniest. There are beaches to please everyone, a historic main town, and plenty of lively nightlife.

Famous for: Lavender production; fields of lavender are in full bloom over the summer months.

The Hvar Theatre, built in 1612, the oldest surviving public theatre in Europe, and an important cultural landmark.

Must eat/drink: Try gregada, a stew made with fresh fish such as seabass or bream, cooked with potatoes, onions, garlic and olive oil.

Must buy: Browse the bustling Hvar Town Market for fresh local produce, handmade crafts, lavender-based products and olive oil.

Mljet

What makes it special: The slender island of Mljet is home to a UNESCO-protected area, lush forests, crystal-clear lakes and diverse wildlife. It’s perfect for outdoor activities, with numerous hiking and cycling trails carving through pine forests, olive groves and vineyards.

Famous for: It’s said that Mljet is the paradise island of Ogygia in Homer’s Odyssey, with the deep blue waters of Odysseus’ cave in the south of the island continuing the legend.

Must visit: The National Park, which covers much of the island’s interior, and is famous for its two saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, surrounded by pine forests and cliffs.

Must eat/drink: Try mljetski makaruli, a pasta dish made with olive oil, goat’s cheese, thyme and garlic.

Must buy: Mljet produces some excellent wines, particularly Pošip (white) and Plavac Mali (red).

What makes it special: Korčula enchants with its Venetian-style buildings, Renaissance colonnades, and palm-dotted waterfronts. It’s also abundant in natural beauty, from pine forests to olive groves.

Famous for: It’s allegedly the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo, with a museum dedicated to him in Korčula Town – though others claim he was born in Venice.

Must visit: St. Mark’s Cathedral, Korčula city walls, and the Piazza.

Must eat/drink: Zrnovski makaruni is a Korčula staple – handmade pasta shaped around a skewer and served with a rich tomato sauce with meat or fish.

Must buy: Handcrafted items made from olive wood, such as cutting boards, spoons and decorative pieces.

Top image credit: Giorgio Filippini/4Corners

Discover Croatia for yourself on an island hopping small ship cruise