There are over a thousand Croatian islands varying in size from small rocks in the sea to Cres island, which is the 20st largest island in the Mediterranean.
An overview of Croatia’s most sought-after islands.
1. Hvar island
The island of Hvar is one of the most attractive islands of the Dalmatia. It is also known as Croatian St Tropez and also lavender island. Nature, history, architecture, traditions, luxury, glamor, culture, parties, everything is present on this territory of 300 km².
The two cities – Hvar and Stari grad are the center of glamor and center of night- and clubbing life. The interior of the island is filled with lavender fields, vineyards and olive trees.
2. Korčula island
This Croatian island is very often called „Little Dubrovnik“ because of its beauty, popularity and natural and cultural richness.
The history of this island is very rich and long – from the arrival of the ancient Greeks and Slavs in the 7th century, through the Venetians and Genoese. The architecture of the town of Korčula is very original and unique, and it is also a birthplace of Marco Polo.
The localities to visit and discover are: Korčula, Blato (in the middle of the island), Vela Luka, Lumbarda, Brna, Prižba, Prigradica and so on.
3. Mljet island
It’s the greenest and most protected Croatian island. Besides forests, vineyards and charming little villages Mljet is known for its two lakes.
One of the lakes is near the Benedictine monastery, a great cultural and historical curiosity.
4. Brač island
The island of Brač is the third largest island in the Adriatic which is located opposite Split. The most beautiful and well-known beaches can be found on Brač, such as Zlatni rat (Golden Horn) beach in Bol.
The crystal clear sea, pebble and sandy beaches, rich vegetation, rich cuisine and traditions and many other possibilities are some of the many attractions on this island. The architecture of this island is fascinating because the city is known for its excellent quality stone which has been used in the construction of buildings all over the world, including the White House in the United States.
The localities to explore and discover are: Supetar, Pučišća, Povlja, Sumartin, Bol and Milna.
5. Kornati
Koranti have been declared a national park in 1980 and since then they have been parto of UNESCO World Heritage. It is a heavenly corner with crystal clear blue waters, rugged coastlines, secret coves and many underwater caves, isolated from the rest of the world.
It is a 216 kilometers long a paradise for lovers of nautical tourism and wild Mediterranean landscapes.
The Kornati Islands are a paradise of crystal clear waters and sheltered coves, as well as spectacular cliffs.
6. Vis island
Vis island is the most isolated island of the Dalmatian coast. It is a paradise for adventurers who are looking for unspoiled nature because the island offers its visitors a magnificent indented coast, a crystal clear sea, hiking trails and small villages steeped in ancient traditions.
Its history dates from the ancient Greeks and Romans. Vis and Komiža are the main cities to discover.
7. Rab island
Rab Island is located in Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic. Rab is known as the mountainous island because it has a lot of forest: pines, oaks and holm oaks; lovers of protected nature will be delighted to discover this green island.
Its history is very long: the Romans had founded a fortified city called Arba there.
Rab is also known as the island of sandy beaches and secluded coves.
[Island Rab – The pioneer of naturism on the Adriatic]
8. Pag island
It is a Croatian island with a long, cut coastline, a very varied landscape and the island of the best outdoor parties on the beaches. Half of the island is practically desert with lunar landscapes.
The parties organized in Novalja on Zrce beach guarantee this island the reputation of Croatian Ibiza.
9. Krk island
The island of Krk is the largest island in the Croatian Adriatic. Since 1981 has been connected to the mainland by a 1309 meters long bridge (Krčki most).
It is a very attractive destination that offers crystal clear sea, magnificent beaches, indigenous agricultural products and a huge cultural and historical heritage.
The localities to discover on the island of Krk are: Baška known for its beaches, the charming medieval town of Vrbnik known for its architecture, its beaches and its wine, town of Krk, Malinska, Omišalj…
10. The island of Dugi otok
Dugi otok is the largest island in the Zadar’s area. It is ideal for adventurous tourism because of its turquoise blue sea, its rich vegetation is preserved, its steep cliffs and its secret coves.
On the southern part of Dugi Otok is the Telašćica Natural Park.