Since a few years, Croatia is becoming one of the most fashionable and booming destinations in Europe, attracting thousands of tourists due to its landscapes and paradisiacal beaches, and for its history and heritage. On the almost 6,000 km of coastline we find more than 1,200 islands in which its well-kept resources and peaceful environment will help you enjoy the perfect holiday in an idyllic setting. These exclusive Croatian islands are undoubtedly a treasure that protects the Croatian Adriatic coast. Most of them are uninhabited, only about 60 islands have small towns and fishing villages, which nowadays live on national and international tourism. You can reach these islands from many ports on the Croatian coast, by ferry, or by private boats or excursions.
Each of these islands has its own attractions and traditions and, although we would love to visit them all, we had to select our favourites. We are going to show you 5 of the best Croatian islands. Which do you want to visit first?
Attention travellers: these are some of the best Croatian Islands
Korcula Island: the charm of the Adriatic
Located in the southern part of the Croatian coast, it is one of the islands best known for its small villages, incredible landscapes and abundant vineyards and olive trees. It is said that Korcula, the capital of this island, saw the birth of the father of all travellers, Marco Polo. Here you can visit the birthplace of this illustrious personage and get to know some of his trips and adventures. On this island, traditions are still very important, you can see ancient religious ceremonies, dances and traditional music. If you choose to visit Croatia during Easter, you will have the opportunity to attend the religious processions that are celebrated.
Following the coast, we find other interesting towns such as Potirna, Putnatska Luka and Lumbarda. Here you can visit its coves and beaches where you can practise scuba diving or snorkelling, or simply lie down and relax, enjoying the wonderful environment that surrounds you.
Kornati Islands: a magnificent landscape
Also called the Coronadas Islands, this archipelago formed by 147 Croatian islands and islets, is the largest of the entire Adriatic coast. It has a land area of 64 km2 but occupies an area of 234 km2. The largest island in this archipelago is Kornat, which is home to the Kornati National Park. Sailing along this National Park will make you discover incredible natural beauties, such as the majestic and imposing cliffs; the Klobucar Cliffs, with its 82 metres of height, the highest part of the park. The excursions usually last all day, from 9 o’clock in the morning, until 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon. You can also find some local companies that will allow you to do activities within the park, such as kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, diving or snorkelling.
Mljet Island: a legendary island
They say that this island inspired the Greek poet Homer to create the Ogigia Island, where the Nymph Calypso had retained the mythological hero Ulysses for seven years in the famous work “The Odyssey”. Mljet is mysterious, jungle-like, virgin and calm; but above all it is beautiful and one of the few European islands that has remained almost unchanged over the centuries.
In the whole island there are hardly more than 1,000 inhabitants, one hotel, two bus lines and half a dozen supermarkets. Can you already imagine what kind of island it is? Magnificent for those looking for relaxation, and wanting to take a quiet bath or take a walk through nature. Here you’ll also find the National Park of Mljet, one of the eight in Croatia that occupies the entire northern part of the island. It was declared a National Park in 1960 and consists of 2 saltwater lakes, the Malo Jezero (small lake) and the Veliko Jezero (large lake). In the latter, we can find the Island of Santa María, where you can visit an old Benedictine monastery from the 12th century.
Get to know our beautiful accommodations on the coast of Croatia
Brac Island: pure tranquillity
This island is one of the 60 inhabited islands of the country, located in the Adriatic Sea, on the Dalmatian Coast. It has an area of 400 km2 and is the largest in Croatia, with a population of approximately 3,500 inhabitants. Besides enjoying the sun and the beach, in Brac you can visit the highest mountain of the Adriatic Islands, the Vidova Gora, which supplies water to a large part of the region thanks to its permanent sources of drinking water. From its highest point you can have incredible views of the island, which include the famous Zlatni Rat beach or “the Golden Horn”. You will find this beach in Bol, the only inhabited city on the southern coast. It is the oldest town on the island, as you can see in the remains of its Roman cistern, rustic villas and other archaeological remains. The most precious treasures of Bol can be found in the Convent of the Dominicans, where they stored books, archival documents, clothing, kitchen utensils … All of this will show you the great importance in terms of culture that this island has had in the history of Croatia.
The mysterious Vis Island
For political-military reasons, this island was closed to foreign visitors. It served as a military base for the national army and escaped from indiscriminate tourism and the large masses of people. Hence its charm. It has been occupied throughout its history by different populations, such as the Romans, Greeks, Byzantines, Slavs and Venetians. Strolling through this island, you will find different traces of each period. In the landscape you will see low mountains, valleys, dunes and extensive vineyards, where some of the best and most famous wines of Croatia are made. Here you can do many activities, but one of the most famous is the Wine Route, where they will tell you all about the history of the best known wines of Croatia, and you will be able to learn the techniques they use for the elaboration, since most of the wineries do not have great technological advances. It is a travel back in time. The island is divided into 2 main populations: Vis and Komiza.
And you, what Croatian island have you chosen to visit on your next vacation? We want to see photos!