15 Best Islands in Croatia: Gems of the Adriatic

Croatia’s glittering coastline stretches 3,600 miles along the turquoise Adriatic Sea here. You’ll find 78 islands that call to you with their cobblestone villages, red tile roofs, and gasp-worthy beauty. And that’s not counting thousands of other uninhabited “islets” and reefs. From the north near Rovinj to the sun-splashed Dalmatian Coast in the south, the best islands in Croatia offer unique experiences for every kind of traveler…

Best Islands in Croatia

Are you looking for a spicy nightlife scene? Or a peaceful, family-friendly stay? Whatever your vibe is, chances are there’s a Croatian island just for you.

From gorgeous green national parks to quaint cobblestoned history, Croatia’s islands bring the best of the coast alive here.

You can wine taste—taste the Grk made only on Korčula—or investigate the sea caves. Or try local seafood specialties. It’s all up to you!

Here are my picks for top islands in Croatia:

1. Korčula

Korčula, just across from the Peljesac Peninsula in the central Adriatic, is one of Croatia’s most popular picks.

Why? It’s easy to access, with just a quick ferry ride from Orebić. It’s also peaceful, quaint, and family-friendly.

If you’re road-tripping Croatia, be aware that the ferries from Split only run a few times daily (but passenger ferries run more often.) However, from Orebić, they come twice per hour.

Korcula is small, with just 15,000 residents. It’s under an hour to drive it end-to-end which makes it super convenient for beaches, restaurants, and sightseeing.

If you’re looking for a base, choose somewhere close to Old Town. It’s the island’s heart with its romantic alleys and striking cathedral.

Beautiful restaurants abound in this little walled city next to the sea. Menus feature locally caught fish, pasticada (beef stew), and Pag (a delicious local sheep cheese.).

We loved our rooftop meal at Adio Mare, recommended by our hosts, but be sure to reserve ahead for availability.

Whatever you do, be sure to save a sunset happy hour for Massimo Cocktail Bar. You’ll sip your drink in the open air in a castle-like turret with views of all the cruise ships in the picturesque harbor here.

Seek out a group singing “Klapa”, the acapella melodies that date from the 18th century here in Dalmatia.

Sip some Grk and Pošip, the two local wines, while you’re here. In fact, Grk is made exclusively in Lumbarda here on the island by only a few wineries.

Wine lovers will also want to journey to the other end of the island to the village of Vela Luka, where even more wineries are found.

Looking for scenic beaches? Try Vela Przina in Lumbarda for a sandy beach close to area wineries.

Or head to Pupnatska Luca Beach—midway between Lumbarda and Vela Luka— for clear, clear water. The bottom is rocky here though so bring your water shoes!

With less time, be aware you can still sample Korcula on a day trip from Dubrovnik as well.

Check price and tour availability here.

2. Kornati Islands National Park

One of the most interesting things about the sheer volume of Croatia’s islands is that some of them are home to national parks.

In fact, Kornati Islands National Park and Archipelago are made up of more than 150 uninhabited islands.

Kornati comes from “Kornat,” the largest island in the chain; it’s the most densely populated archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea.

One of the island chain’s most famous features is its unusual geomorphological characteristic of towering vertical cliffs known as “crowns.”

While you’ll find artifacts on the islands from humans who once lived here, no one has lived on these islands since the national park was established in 1980.

And because there isn’t any permanent human habitation on these islands, you also won’t find any hotels, villages, or restaurants here…for better or worse.

You’re here for the pristine nature instead.  

However, unless you’re an accomplished sailor and want to rent your own boat, the easiest way to visit the Kornati Islands is to take a guided tour from Zadar or Šibenik.

These full-day tours often include an excellent fish lunch prepared fresh for you on the boat as well as stops for swims on several of the islands. It’s a gorgeous day out!

Beyond swimming in the clear, clear blue waters, you’ll find great snorkeling, fantastic hikes, and even dolphins here.

You can also see the Kornati on a full-day sailing trip with swimming and snorkeling from Zadar.

Check price and tour availability here.

Lyndsay | The Purposely Lost

3. Rab Island

Rab Island, nicknamed “the Happy Island”, is recognized as one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands…and that’s saying something!

Long sandy beaches stretch out as far as the eye can see. Something very unique among Croatian islands.

Rab is the island for you if you’re looking for quiet. Couples, older travelers, and families with young children gravitate here.

Base yourself in the village of Lopar. You’ll find campsites, vacation rentals, and even boutique hotels here.

Beyond Rab’s epic beaches, you’ll want to spend time in charming Rab Town. Its medieval historic center is delightful.

Take a stroll through the beautiful alleys and stop for a glass of wine or a meal as the spirit moves you. Head to Restoran Labirint, for delicious seafood!

Some call Rab Town one of the most beautiful old towns in Croatia.

The easiest way to reach the island? Take a ferry from the island of Krk (an hour’s journey) or from the mainland from Stinica to Misnjak (25 minutes).

Or take a day tour by boat from Krk to Rab, stopping at Gonar and Supetarska Drago as well as scenic stops for swimming.

Check price and availability of the day tour here.

Martina | Places of Juma

Read more on Europe travel:

• The best Croatia road trip itinerary

• 51 off-the-beaten path places to see in Europe

4. Vis Island

Vis Island is beautifully preserved and also pristine, two of the reasons that make it onto this list of top Croatia islands.

From the mainland, It’s the farthest inhabited island in the Adriatic Sea. It will take you takes 2.5 hours by ferry, or 1.5 hours by catamaran to get here from Split.

In fact, Vis Island was completely closed to tourists up until the 1990s; before then, it was a military base.

As a result, the island still retains a sense of mystery and a sense of being untouched with its award-winning beaches.

While you’re here, visit the underground tunnels. While some are closed to tourists as they’re unsafe, others are open.

Your choices for basing on Vis are either Vis Town, where the ferry arrives and departs and Komiza over on the west side of the island.

Both areas offer lots of activities, tours, and excursions. There are plenty of things to do to keep you entertained on Vis!

Be sure to explore the Blue and Green caves and find the filming locations of Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!. Trek to Hum, the highest point on Vis. Or goo wine tasting. SeeTito’s Cave!

But most of all, embody the idea of ‘Pomalo’ here…it’s local speak for ‘slow down’.

Vis offers a relaxed, easy vibe that’s ideal fo a trip to the Croatian islands.

Short on time? It’s also possible to see You Vis as part of a full-day tour from Split that also includes a visit to the Blue Cave and the island of Veli Budikovac. Check price and tour availability here.

Shireen | The Happy Days Travel

5. Krk Island

If you’re looking for a Croatian island that’s easy to access—with great hiking trails and a real foodie spot—look no farther than Krk, in Northern Croatia. It’s also one of Croatia’s largest islands, recognized for its strong linguistic history. 

You’ll find more than 310 miles of walking trails (called lungo mare) that connect numerous coves, beaches, and mountain peaks through this network of trails.

Krk enjoys a well-earned reputation for sustainable tourism. In fact, you can cycle most of the trails on the island here.

It’s easy to grab an E-bike, too, through the island-wide rental network. A great way to explore a number of local villages.

Don’t miss St Lucy’s Church, near Baška. This Romanesque-style church, constructed in 1100, is home to the Baška Tablet, one of the earliest inscriptions in Croatian language. The trails are also a great way to discover Krk’s gastronomy.

Also of note: The island even has its own quality label, called Kvarner Food. this prestigious label recognizes local restaurants for their use of local ingredients and traditional dishes.

Foods to sample here? Local sheep’s milk cheese, lamb, figs, and Krk prosciutto, of course. They all pair nicely with a glass of Vrbnička Žlahtina, a white wine variety you’ll only find on the island of Krk.

There’s no need for a ferry to reach Krk. Drive by car or bus instead.

It’s only a 1.5-hour ride from Rijeka (frequent departures daily) and a 4-hour ride from Zagreb (multiple departures daily).

Buses arrive in the main town, also named Krk. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options here.

Krk Islands is also great place to go ziplining!

Check price and availability of a zipline tour in Krk here.

Laura | Laura the Explorer

6. Hvar Island

Because it’s located so close to Split, Hvar is the most visited island in Croatia.

While Hvar is probably most famous for its nightlife scene—due to the many clubs and bars—that’s really just the tip of the iceberg.

You’ll find plenty of history here as well as beautiful rural countryside and plenty of landmarks.

Begin your adventure in Stari Grad (Old Town), the oldest Old Town in Croatia. It’s a great place for lunch. Then stop in at the Spanish fortress just above for some memorable panoramic views.

Like other Croatian islands, Hvar is also known for its wine production. Just ask about local favorites while you’re dining in Old Town.

Spend the afternoon at one of Hvar’s scenic beaches.

It’s easy to catch a taxi or one of the local buses to explore Hvar’s coastline.

Pokonji Dol is one of the best beaches in Hvar with tons of hidden spots, and you can easily get there by taxi from Old Town.

You’ll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals in Old Town itself; or, for more privacy and quiet, base yourself a bit out of town.

To get from Split to Hvar, take a Jadrolinija ferry; they run daily, multiple times per day. Plan on around one hour each way.

If you’re staying in Split or nearby Trogir, you can also book a 5 Islands day trip by private speedboat to sample some of the best of the coast here.

You’ll stop at Blue Dave on Hvar first (ticket included in tour price), sightsee in Hvar, visit charming Komiža and so much more.

Check price and availability on the 5 Islands day trip from Split here.

Daria | The Discovery Nut

7. Kolocep Island

The island of Kolocep is one of the three islands located in the Elaphiti Archipelago, close to the town of Dubrovnik at the southern tip of Croatia.

It’s perfect for a day trip, too as it’s only a 40-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik harbor if you’d like to explore the individual charm of each island in the archipelago. 

Be aware that Kolocep is peaceful, with just a handful of places to eat; it might not be for you if you’re looking for a bustling action-packed scene.

However, if it’s fewer crowds, clear water, and scenic beaches you’re after, it’s perfect.

Kolocep is the first ferry stop from Dubrovnik. The star of the show here? Check out the circular hiking trail around the island.

You’ll pick up the trail by the small, harborside taverna and follow it past stunning swimming spots, a dense pine forest, olive groves, traditional homesteads, an ancient church, a lighthouse, and historic ruins.

This is a bucket list hike due to its incredible scenery. Don’t miss The Blue Hole! It’s ideal for swimming and sunbathing on the rocks.

Plan on three hours for the hike, including stops.

If you’re here in summer, be aware that the forest can really hold the heat. You’ll want to bring plenty of water and snacks.

At the finish of the hike, take a breather on Kolocep’s beach and freshen up in the cool, blue Croatian waters before taking the ferry back.

You can see Kolocep as well as Šipan and Lopud (the other Elaphiti islands) on a day trip from Dubrovnik. Includes lunch with three menus.

Check price and availability on this Dubrovnik day trip here.

Angela | Where Angie Wanders

8. Lokrum Island

Another really excellent day trip from Dubrovnik is Lokrum Island.

Lokrum Island is a nature reserve. So it’s just for day trippers with no cars on the island or accommodations. The Game of Thrones series was filmed here.

And it’s an easy ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Town…just 10 minutes.

The main thing to do on Lokrum island is to explore the monastery complex here.

It is said that monks first inhabited the island back in 915 A.D. Much of the monastery is now in ruins.

It is surrounded by a botanical garden, with giant rabbits and many peacocks.

Be sure to hike up to Fort Royal. It dates back to 1806 when the French army was in Dubrovnik. It’s located on the highest point of Lokrum Island.

There aren’t really any typical beaches on Lokrum Island, it is mostly rocky but there are plenty of ladders to access the sea…many people take yoga mats to sit on.

‘Lokrum Beach’ is located inland around a swimming hole named ‘The Dead Sea’, due to its high salt content.

You can kayak from Dubrovnik towards Lokrum Island and explore the coastline around Dubrovnik on a day tour.

Check price and availability on the tour here.

Kylie | Between England and Iowa

9. Mljet Island

Mljet is a stunning Croatian island that is home to the Mljet National Park.

The national park covers the northwest of the island and is a wonderful place to explore if you are looking for beautiful, peaceful nature.

Mljet National Park is most famous for its two saltwater lakes: the Veliko Jezero (large lake) and the Malo Jezero (small lake); the colors of blue and green you’ll see here are unforgettable. 

Most boats arrive in the town Pomena. From here it is easy to rent a bike and cycle around the lakes, as it’s the best way to get the most out of your visit.

Along the way you can stop for a swim or go for a hike to a viewpoint.

Your ticket also includes a boat ride to a small island that is home to a former Benedictine monastery from the 12th century, nowadays a cafe with lovely views.

It is also possible to rent a kayak and hike through the forest around the Malo Jezero.

Make sure to stop in Soline village for a drink at one of the riverside bars.

But be aware that part of the charm of Mljet Nnational Park is that it doesn’t have many places to eat and drink, so bring some snacks and water.

There are three entrances to the park; Crna Klada, Pomena, and Polače. However, the towns of Pomena and Polače are directly connected to the lakes in the park by forest trails.

It takes about 1.5 hours to get from Dubrovnik to Pomena and 40 minutes to Korčula.

You can also see Mljet National Park on a day trip from Dubrovnik, touring Big and Small Lake with an expert guide as well as the Benedictine Monastery.

Check price and availability on the tour here.

Deborah

Deborah | Passport the World

10. Pag Island

The island of Pag is part nightlife hotspot and part peaceful village.

It’s famous for several things: its wild, multi-day music festivals, its lunaresque landscapes, its history of lace making, and its fantastic, award-winning cheese.

Fortunately, getting to Pag is easier and cheaper than most Croatian islands. It’s one way to save on your Croatia budget.

Despite being an island, Pag is connected to the mainland via a bridge, which means you don’t have to deal with pricey ferries.

Instead, you can hire a rental car to drive to the island, or take a bus from Zadar (one hour), Zagreb (five hours) or Split (three hours).

Ferries do run from Rijeka (2.5 hours), Prizna (15 minutes), and Rab island (one hour), but you’ll save money if you travel overland.

Although Pag is known as the party capital of the Adriatic, you can just as easily choose to spend your days on the beaches and eat exceptionally well here, whether or not you’re dancing the night away.

Depending on what you are looking for, then, there are two main areas to stay in.

Zrće Beach is full of all-night parties and is home to some of the hottest open-air clubs in Europe, whereas laid-back Pag Town is all about the traditional vibes, with historic squares and museums to explore.

When it comes to cuisine, there are three dishes you must sample while you’re on the island.

Try Pag lamb (spit-roasted for hours, using traditional methods), Pag cheese (sharp and salty, and regularly named the best sheep cheese in the world), and Pag salt (so prized in Pag that it’s labeled white gold).

All three are unique to the island and, although expensive to sample, well worth the splurge.

And if you’re in Pag for the beaches? Prosika is Pag Town’s main beach, so easily accessible, and offers up clear waters and views out towards the moon-like gray mountains of the island.

Straško Beach is the largest on the island, so is a great option if you’re looking for more privacy, as there’s plenty of space for escaping the crowds.

And lively Zrće Beach is home to some of the best beach parties on the planet.

One of the best ways to see Pag? By sea kayak as you tour multiple sandy beaches.

Check price and availability on a sea kayak day tour to Pag here.

Lauren | Never Ending Footsteps

11. Dugi Otok

Dugi Otok is definitely one of the most idyllic islands in Croatia!

It is located in the Zadar region and is still an insider tip, far away from mass tourism.

The special thing here is the intact nature, the romantic fishing villages, and lonely beaches, which invite you to swim. 

One of the most beautiful places to visit is Sakarun Beach, a breathtaking white sandy beach with Caribbean blue sea colors.

This beach has been chosen several times as one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. 

Another highlight of Dugi Otok is Telašćica Nature Park, where majestic cliffs and the warm Silver Lake Mir amaze visitors.

The nature park is located at the southern end of Dugi Otok and should not be missed on any trip!

Absolutely romantic and the perfect place to spend time at Dugi Otok is the beautiful port town of Sali.

With its colorful houses, it is really picturesque. Thanks to the many good restaurants, it’s also a perfect place for dinner.

Really recommendable is the Konoba TRAPULA which serves delicious tuna steaks!

You can reach the island by ferry from Zadar.

The trip takes about two hours, and the ferry operates four times a day in the high season.

You can also see Dugi Otok on a full day kayaking day tour from Zadar.

Check price and availability on the kayak tour here.

Martina | Places of Juma

12. Solta Island

The island of Solta is located not far from the famous port city of Split and is a small, relatively undiscovered jewel in Croatia.

Especially amazing is the picturesque atmosphere, and the wonderful idyll that surrounds this island pearl.

Here you can still find the old romantic fishing villages, which enchant with the ancient Dalmatian stone houses.

But also the interior of the island is worth seeing, and so here you can expect dreamlike villages in extremely romantic scenery.

One of the most beautiful villages and also the best place to stay on Solta is the coastal town of Stomorksa.

The charming old harbor dates back to the 16th century and the beaches of the village are also picturesque.

Another highlight for a vacation is Maslinica in the very west of the island.

Here you will find a beautiful marina and also the Heritage Hotel Martinis Marchi, one of the most beautiful hotels on the island. 

You should definitely try the local honey on the island of Solta, which is described as particularly healing.

You can also eat delicious food everywhere on the island, but really unique is the small konoba Momčin Dvor with fabulous grilled dishes.

Getting to Solta can be easily arranged from Split harbor.

Several times a day there is a car ferry or a catamaran. The ferry ride takes only about 1 hour.

You can also snorkel near a shipwreck in Solta’s Nečujam Bay as part of a three island day trip from Split. Includes lunch and drinks.

Check price and availability on the day tour to Solta here.

Martina | Places of Juma

13. Brač Island

Unlike the neighboring Hvar and Korčula islands, Brač is fairly underrated and offers an authentic window into the local life and an unsullied view of the seas.

Prized for its karst limestone landscape with gorgeous gullies, crevices, and round valleys, these quarries have provided local craftsmen with stones for decorative stonework. 

The island is home to Vidova Gora, the highest peak on all the Croatian islands that stands 778 meters above sea level.

These cliffs also hold the historic Blaca Hermitage, a sanctuary built by Glagolitic priests in the 16th century. 

Some must-visit beaches here include Zlatni Rat, Martinica, and Lovrecina, which has some scenic country trails and paths along its coastline.

Then, head over to the Museum of Olive Oil in Skrip to learn all about the history of olive oil!

You can experience the authentic cuisine of Brač in Dol Village’s own Konoba Toni, a traditional eatery serving rustic cake and other local dishes made of lamb, fish, cheese, and wine.

The easiest way to reach Brač is by driving to the nearby cities and continuing by sea.

There’s a 50-minute car ferry from Split to Supetar on the island or 1 hour from Makarska to Sumartin.

Alternatively, hop on a passenger ferry that takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes!

You can also see Brač and Šolta Island together on a relaxing cruise exploring secluded caves on a two island day tour from Split.

Check price and availability on the tour here.

Bradley | Dream Big Travel Far

14. Brijuni Island

On a solo trip to Rovinj, consider taking a day tour to Brijuni, an archipelago with more than a dozen small islands.

The archipelago was declared a national park in 1983 to protect the variety of flora and fauna found here.

Veli Brijun and Mali Brijun are the two main islands that you can visit on a guided tour.

But Mali Brijun is only open to tourists during the summer months. 

You’ll book your ticket at the tourist office in the small town of Fažana. The ticket includes the two-way boat trip and a guided tour of the island.

The 15 minutes boat ride will drop you at the main pier of Veli Brijun. From there, a guide will escort you to an electric train that takes the visitors around the island.

Animals lovers would enjoy a trip to the safari park, which hosts numerous exotic animals, including zebras and elephants. 

Get a dose of the island’s cultural heritage at St. German Church, an elegant Gothic marvel.

Inside, you will find an interesting exhibition highlighting the thousands of years of the island’s history. 

Take a relaxing walk in the Mediterranean garden and see the 1600 years old olive tree which still bears fruit!

If budget isn’t a constraint, stay at the Neptun-Istra Hotel, the favorite haunt of Tito’s celebrity guests.

As for lunch, go with the upscale Galija restaurant where you can enjoy the fine Istrian cuisine.

However, if you want something cozy, try Cafe Brioni or Cafe Skoljka.

You can also see Brijuni National Park on a dinner cruise with a swim from Pula, south of Rovinj.

Check price and availability on the Brijuni dinner cruise here.

Vidyut | Triplyzer

15. Losinj Island

The island of Losinj is an absolute hidden paradise.

It’s located in north Croatia, surrounded by the bright blue seas of the Adriatic. Part of the reason it’s stayed a hidden gem is that’s a bit off the main beaten track.

It’s not the easiest island to get to. You need your own mode of transport as there is no public bus service.

You get there by catching the ferry. Several daily ferry shuttles connect Merag, on Cres Island to Valbiska, on Krk Island. You can then drive down to Losinj.

The island is an absolute hub for ecotourism, with both the island and the waters surrounding it falling under the Natura2000 initiative, meaning they are protected areas.

In the waters surrounding the island, there are around 250 bottle-nosed dolphins, and on the land are the endangered and gigantic griffon vultures.

In fact, there are only 50 pairs left in the world; this particular species only lives on Losinj and neighboring Cres island. 

One of the top things to visit in Losinj is the award-winning Apoxyomenos Museum.

A fully immersive museum containing the world’s best-restored bronze statue of an Apoxyomenos (an ancient roman bronze athlete).

The best area to stay in is either Mali Losinj, the biggest town on the island, or Veli Losinj, the prettiest town on the island.

The best restaurant is called Bocca Vera in Mali Losinj Harbor. The food (especially vegetarian) is outstanding.

Losinj has been dubbed the island of vitality due to the vegetation which consists of pine, sage, lavender, mint and other herbs giving a therapeutic scent to the air.

Becki | Meet Me in Departures

The Best Croatian Islands depend on you.

With its stunning coastline and sun-kissed beaches, Croatia is a true haven for island lovers. Each island has its unique charm, making it challenging to choose the best.

Whether you’re on a romantic trip for two looking for crowd-free gasp-worthy beaches or family-friendly adventures, Croatia has just the island for you.

Hop a ferry and explore!

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