This blog was originally published on Dec 13, 2016.
You haven’t seen crystal-clear waters until you’ve been island-hopping in Croatia. This deep blue that fades to turquoise when you reach the coast is perfect for sailing, cruising, swimming and snorkelling. We just can’t get enough of the Adriatic coastline, and if you choose Croatia for your next summer getaway, we’re sure you won’t want to leave either.
This Eastern European region is home to over 1000 islands, but only about 50 are inhabited! With so many idyllic landscapes, narrowing down where to go can be tough. We’re here to help you pick the best Croatian islands for your next summer (or spring) adventure. Whether you’re into easy daytrips or private beaches away from the crowds, there’s an island in this archipelago that’ll fit the bill.
1. Best Croatian island for a daytrip from Split: Hvar
Thanks to an affordable ferry (and a range of island accommodation), Hvar is our top pick for the best daytrip or weekend away from Split. Your first sight of Hvar is the old marina, dotted with million-dollar super yachts. Renowned for its abundant sunshine, postcard-perfect beaches, lavender fields, vineyards, historical landmarks and world-class dining and nightlife, it’s no surprise that this island is a popular spot for the wealthy (if you spot a celeb, stay cool).
Luckily, this gorgeous island is still accessible for the everyday traveller. You can soak up the scenery, visit the ancient settlements like Stari Grad, or venture further afield to the lavender fields, boutique wineries, isolated hamlets and little coves (sometimes, without a tourist in sight!).
2. Best Croatian island for local wines: Korcula
Korcula is about as close as you can get to mainland Croatia. It’s the most settled island in the archipelago, which means more classic Croatian architecture to explore. Its capital, also named Korcula, is known as Little Dubrovnik for its terracotta roofs and photogenic location on the edge of a turquoise promontory.
This is the island for oenophiles (wine lovers), with some of the country’s best whites produced right here (the coveted posip grape grows almost exclusively on Korcula). Add in sandy beaches and a Renaissance vibe (the Cathedral of St. Marco is a must-see), and you’ve got the perfect island getaway.
Bonus: Intrepid’s eight-day Explore Croatia trip gives you an authentic tour of the island, including visits to local farms and family vineyards.
3. Best Croatian island for untouched greenery: Mljet
Where Korcula is settled, Mljet is wild, untamed and probably the greenest isle on the Dalmatian Coast. No wonder Odysseus spent seven years here (as heard on the local rumour mill). A few isolated villages cling to the coast, and there are a couple of vineyards a bit further inland, but a lot of the island is taken up by the Mljet National Park – perfect for walking, hiking and cycling.
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If you’d like a slice of Croatia as it once was (we’re talking prehistoric, not just 20 years ago), this is the place. The island’s two salt lakes are incredibly beautiful, and there’s even a tiny Benedictine monastery in the middle of one of them – Veliko Jezero.
4. Best Croatian islands for a weekend away: Elafiti
The Elafiti Islands are a group of six small islands off the coast of Dubrovnik. If you’re spending your summer in the medieval Old Town and wondering what to do and see in Dubrovnik – why not spend a few days exploring Elafiti? You can get there by taking the short ferry ride or on a private yacht on the Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split (this trip also runs in the reverse direction).
The three main islands are: Kolocep, known as the ‘green island’ due to its 100-year-old pine groves, citrus trees and olive groves; Lopud, known for its spectacular parks and beaches; and Sipan, the largest of the islands, known for its long history of legends.
5. Best Croatian island for a daytrip from Dubrovnik: Lokrum
A popular daytrip destination for Dubrovnik locals who want to escape the peak season crowds, Lokrum is basically a floating botanic garden. The island’s covered in an incredible collection of holm oaks, black ahs, pines, olive trees, giant agaves and rare Mediterranean plants.
Spend the morning swimming offshore and soaking up the Mediterranean sun, then go explore the island’s ruined Benedictine monastery in the afternoon. Pay close attention to the ferry timetable though, as when the last boat to Dubrovnik leaves, you’re either on it or you’re not.
6. Best Croatian island for a private getaway: Lastovo
Like Mljet, over 70 per cent of Lastovo is forested, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs and calm your mind. If you’re looking for a quiet slice of paradise to walk among nature and watch the sun set with a glass of local wine, take the ferry or a five-hour catamaran ride to paradise.
Intrepid’s Croatia and Montenegro Sailing Adventure also explores some of the 46 islets and reefs around the island’s edge. There’s also Venetian architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries and many churches to find in your free time.
7. Best Croatian island for avoiding the (other) tourists: Vis
Even to the locals, Vis is a mysterious place. It’s one of the furthest islands from the Croatian mainland and has spent much of its recent history serving as a Yugoslav military base. Foreigners couldn’t even visit it until 1989! This isolation has worked in the island’s favour because Vis escaped much modern development in the latter half of the 20th century (even the locals moved back to the mainland).
Now an unspoiled paradise, Vis is full of boutique vineyards (this is the home of the famed vugava white wine), crystal clear waters and two gorgeous little towns, Vis Town and Komiza. Learn about this little island’s history and maybe tour a local winery on the Croatia Sailing Adventure: Split to Dubrovnik trip.
8. Best Croatian island for olive oil: Brac
Sunny Brac is the largest and longest island in central Dalmatia. It’s more popular for a longer Croatian getaway and known for one of the most gorgeous beaches in the Adriatic – Zlatni Rat, in the town of Bol.
If you’re travelling on one of Intrepid’s small Croatia cruises, you’ll also visit the Olive Oil Museum to explore the history of this cooking staple. You can taste local olive oil (and grab some for the way home), along with some other delicious local produce grown on the island.
Ready to visit the beautiful country of Croatia? Check out Intrepid’s range of small group adventures or consider a sailing cruise through the sparkling Adriatic.
