Croatia, the land of 1,000 islands, is an absolute paradise for sailing. Taking a sailboat along the Croatian Coast is a truly unique experience. Sailing around the Croatian islands includes typical Venetian villages with ancient bell towers, baths, medieval fortresses, quaint taverns and some of the clearest water and pristine beaches in the Mediterranean.
Dropping anchor in one (or ten) of these spectacular Croatian islands during your sailing trip around Croatia is definitely a highlight of the coastline. You’ll discover secluded coves inaccessible from land, bathe at sunset in spectacular waterfalls and savor delicious local food and wine in the taverns of some of the most beautiful hidden islands.
There are more than one thousand Croatian islands. All vary in size from small tree-covered rocks to some of the larger islands in the Mediterranean.
Croatia’s islands offer everything from stunning national parks, nudist beaches and 24-hour party pontoons. Each island has its own unique personality, attractions and sights.
But which Croatian islands are the best? Well, it’s incredibly difficult to narrow it down, so we’ve done our best to bring you a list of the top 10 best islands to visit in Croatia.
10. Cres
Sitting off the northern coast of Croatia, in the Kvarner Gulf, is Cres, the 20th largest island in the Mediterranean. Cres is a densely green and hilly island with pebbly beaches and a rugged coastline. Among the most notable attractions in Cres are the gigantic Griffon Vultures and the freshwater lake of Vrana.
This unique earthly phenomenon is one of the deepest freshwater lakes in Eastern Europe. Additionally, Cres is full of beautiful classic Venetian architecture and one of the island’s highlights is the open-air museum of Osor. Water sports, scuba diving and hiking are all popular activities on Cres.
9. Kornati Archipelago National Park
Kornati is located in the central Adriatic Sea and the northern part of Dalmatia. It is comprised of around 130 uninhabited islands, reefs, and islets. The Kornati islands, with their incredible natural beauty, diverse rocky coastlines and well-preserved, rich marine ecosystems, were declared a National Park back in 1980.
The Kornati islands are becoming increasingly popular with the international sailing community. This is having a significant impact on their development, with top-quality shoreline restaurants popping up in every available cove.
These islands are perfect for hiking, kayaking and re-connecting with nature among Kornati’s beautiful vineyards, olive groves and fig trees.
8. Krk
Lying on the northern Croatian coast, Krk is the most populated and most accessible island from the mainland and is similar in size to Cres.
The mile-long Krk Bridge connects this island to mainland Croatia. The bridge provides easy access to its ancient towns, small fishing villages, popular city beaches, quiet swimming bays and its vibrant cafes, restaurants and bars.
The northwestern coast of the island is rocky and steep and the climate is generally warmer in the south. Visitors to Krk will find a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and an abundance of historical and cultural monuments underneath a bustling and dynamic island lifestyle.
7. Pag
Pag is the fifth-largest Croatian island and sits in the northern Adriatic Sea. Pag is home to the legendary Hideout Festival and, the bars and clubs of Zrce beach, near Novalja, were granted 24-hour licenses, so this island is now known as one of Croatia’s hottest party destinations. However, Pag’s beaches are relatively untouched and there are plenty of wide, shallow coves tucked into its rocky coastline to explore.
Its landscape is barren and dry. Pag is also famous for the sheep that graze on it and produce the renowned pungent Pag cheese.
6. Brac
Moving further south along Croatia’s coast, we come to the island of Brac. Brac sits just off the coast of Split. Despite its proximity to Split, Brac is much less visited than its popular neighbors Hvar and Korcula.
Brac is a relatively dry and rocky island, with rolling hills, fig trees, olive groves and secluded bays with crystal clear water perfect for scuba diving.
Vidova Gora Mountain, the highest of the mountains on the Adriatic islands, has a great view point of Bol, Hvar and Vis. We also recommend checking out the Dragon’s Cave on the south side of the island.
5. Brijuni National Park
The Brijuni National Park is a group of 14 incredibly beautiful Croatian islands on the northern Croatian coast, separated from the Istrian peninsula only by the narrow Fažana Strait. Furthermore, this Park is made up of two main islands (Mali Brijun and Veli Brijun) and around a dozen islets.
Only the largest island, Veli Brijun, can be accessed by public ferry. Therefore, chartering your own boat and sailing through these pristine waters to quiet, hidden coves and islets is absolutely perfect.
There are almost 700 plant species and about 250 bird species on the islands. That makes them a beautiful natural heaven for escaping the crowds and getting back in touch with nature.
4. Korcula
Known as ‘Little Dubrovnik’, Korcula sits on the southern part of the Croatian coast. It is the most popular island not connected to the mainland by a bridge.
This ancient city harbors a glorious old town and is known for its unique and beautiful architecture. Its coast is indented with beautiful bays and inlets. Quiet coves and small sandy beaches color the southern coast of Korcula, while the northern shore is much more jagged and flat.
The most beautiful building of Korcula is the Cathedral of St. Marco, built in Gothic-Renaissance style and completed in the 15th century. The vegetation is rich and varied and Korcula is scattered with excellent wine-growing vineyards. Along with small fishing villages, the vineyards acts as a real source of income for the traditional local residents who inhabit this beautiful island.
3. Mljet
Mljet also lies on the southern Croatian coast and is by far Croatia’s greenest island, scattered with dense forests, green fields, pastures and small villages. Mljet contains two salt lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero. Both are located in the Mljet National Park on the northwestern end of the island.
Right in the middle of Veliko Jezero Lake sits a small island with a large building – a former Benedictine Monastery turned cafe/restaurant. This small island can be accessed by the local boats that sail there from both sides of the lake. The raw and untamed island of Mljet is one of Croatia’s most captivating and alluring islands. Its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere draw crowds from all over the world.
2. Vis
The island of Vis is the furthest of the main central Dalmatian islands from the coast. From the 1950s right up until 1989, Vis has served as a military base in the Yugoslav National Army and was cut off from all visitors. This isolation created an undeveloped, remote and mysterious island that international visitors now flock to.
This island is divided between two beautiful small towns sitting on the edge of two large bays: Vis Town in the northeast and Komiza in the southwest.
Vis is certainly one of the most authentic Croatian islands, with miles of vineyards, a rugged coastline and fresher seafood than you could ever consume. With its slower tempo and relaxed, authentic atmosphere, Vis is definitely one to check out.
1. Hvar
Hvar’s combination of lush rolling hills, fantastic beaches, ancient, medieval streets and a vibrant nightlife are what makes this island one of the most popular on the entire Croatian coastline.
It is characterized by mild winters and warm summers with many hours of sunshine. Hvar sits happily between Brac, Vis and Korcula. Often referred to as the new ‘St Tropez’, Hvar’s increasingly glamorous reputation is attracting celebrities and Europe’s elite, and more and more luxury yachts are pulling into its harbor. Hvar Town may be the most beautiful on the island, but Stari Grad, the oldest village on the island, and Jelsa, as well as a number of smaller villages, are well worth a visit.
Many tourists flock from all over the globe to see the sight of the famed lavender fields turning silvery-purple and Hvar’s green pastures dotted with flowers and delicious wild asparagus.
Are you ready for your trip to Croatia? If not, you can search for your flights and hotel in eDreams.
Have you been to another Croatian island that people can’t miss? Tell us below!
It’s hard to choose among so many beautiful islands in Croatia, but you
certainly picked some of my favorites. Thanks to the fact it is
connected to the mainland, Krk is probably one of the most popular
places, and I always enjoy every opportunity to visit Baška, with one of
the most beautiful pebble beaches on the island. For sand beach lovers,
Rab is probably the best choice, and you can go there by a ferry from
Krk, as well as from mainland. Both islands are settled in Kvarner bay,
together with Cres and numerous other islands.. Sailing around the whole area is one really amazing adventure, believe me.