The Best Croatian Islands to Suit Every Kind of Traveller
Boasting 2,000 kilometres of stunning coastline, Croatia is one of the top sailing holiday destinations in Europe. And dotted along its dreamy shores are over 1,200 islands. From small uninhabited islets to peaceful beach escapes and buzzing party spots, Croatia’s islands have something to offer everyone.
So to help you find the one for you, here are the best Croatian Islands for every kind of traveller.
Brac: for the adventurer
As the third largest island in Croatia, Brac is packed with options for those looking to take an active holiday. Watersports lovers can windsurf, kayak and parasail, or head beneath the crystal-clear waters to go diving. There’s also boating and fishing on offer, as well as mountain biking or tennis for those on land.
It’s worth hiring a car or bike to explore Brac’s pretty villages and harbour towns. Bol is an excellent base for hiking the island’s highest peak, Vidova Gora, and once you reach the top you’ll be wowed by stunning views over Zlatni Rat – the most famous beach in Croatia.
‘What I love about Brac is that it’s Croatia in a nutshell. And has much more to see than Zlatni Rat. I actually spent more time exploring the north and eastern sides of the island by bike, with coves and bays bathed by crystal clear waters and gorgeous views to the Biokovo mountain range. The charming little towns of Bol, Supetar and Sumartin have just the right amount of restaurants and bars to complete the authentic Croatian experience.’
Mljet: for the nature lover
Known as the ‘Green Island’, Mljet is considered one of the most beautiful in Croatia. Despite only the western half being a national park, nearly three-quarters of the island is covered in verdant forest. And dotted amongst this lush vegetation are vineyards, fields and a handful of tranquil villages.
Mljet is well-known for its two saltwater lakes, Malo and Veliko Jezero, the latter of which contains a small island with a 12th century Benedictine Monastery. The surrounding seas are also rich in fish and marine life, making for excellent diving.
Lokrum: for the day tripper
Ideally located just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum is the day trip of choice for both locals and tourists alike. Nobody lives on the islands, or even spends the night, and with no cars allowed – this is the best spot to get some peace and tranquillity away from Dubrovnik’s bustling Old Town.
The island is home to its own ‘Dead Sea’, a small salt-filled lake that’s very popular for swimming in. Other attractions include the medieval Benedictine monastery. Here you’ll find a restaurant, a display about the island’s history and the TV show Game of Thrones – which was partly filmed on the island.
‘While staying in Dubrovnik, I took the quick 15-minute ferry out to visit the small island of Lokrum and stepped off the boat to discover peacocks freely roaming around. I walked through the botanical garden, olive groves, and remains of the 12th or 13th-century Benedictine monastery, and then climbed my way up to Fort Royal on top of the highest point of the island, where I was met with views of the hilly seaside of Dubrovnik alongside the shimmering blue waters of the Adriatic. I cooled off with a swim in the sea and lounged along the rocky coast, the perfect ending to my serene visit to Lokrum.’
Hvar: for the party goer
Set just an hour from the port of Split, Hvar is one of the sunniest spots in Croatia – with over 2,724 sunny hours per year. But it’s not just the weather that makes this Croatian island so popular. Dubbed the ‘new Ibiza’, Hvar attracts both low budget backpackers and glamorous yacht owners to its capital.
From June to September, Hvar Town is the ‘town that never sleeps’ with boozy parties lasting all night long. Popular beach bars include Carpe Diem, set right on the water, and Hula-Hula Hvar with its enticing range of cocktails. And when these close, the parties continue on the beachfront or aboard one of the fancy private yachts.
Korcula: for the history nerd
Surrounded by 14th-century walls, Korcula Town is often compared to Dubrovnik. But with fewer crowds to deal with, this is the perfect place to delve into Croatia’s rich history and culture. The town is home to the Marco Polo Museum and the beautiful Cathedral of St Mark, the tower of which dominates the area’s scenic skyline.
Traditions are well-maintained in Korcula, with age-old religious ceremonies, folk music and dances still carried out today. Once a widespread custom in the Mediterranean, the Moreska Sword Dance spread to Korcula in the 15th-16th centuries and has been regularly performed here ever since.
