Discover islands with guidebook-gracing beaches, boutique vineyards and pindrop-quiet nature reserves, where quiet corners await – even in summer.
Island-hopping in Croatia opens you up to 1244 possibilities, each with their own distinct identities, primed for sailing, cruising, swimming and snorkelling. We just can’t get enough of the Adriatic coastline, and if you choose Croatia for your next getaway, we’re sure you won’t want to leave either.
With so many idyllic landscapes, narrowing down where to go can be tough. Luckily, we’re here to help you pick the best Croatian islands for your next summer (or spring or autumn) adventure. Whether you’re into easy daytrips from Dubrovnik or Split, or secluded beaches away from the crowds, Croatia has an island to fit the bill.
The 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, shingle and sandy beaches (Dubovica and Mina, respectively), lavender fields, vineyards, historical landmarks and world-class dining and nightlife, it’s no surprise that this island is a popular spot for upmarket travellers.
Luckily, this gorgeous island is still accessible for the everyday adventurer. You can soak up the scenery, visit the ancient settlements like Stari Grad or venture further afield to the island’s boutique wineries, isolated hamlets and little coves (sometimes, without a tourist in sight).
The 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 sea-swathed promontory.
This is the island for oenophiles, 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.
The 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.
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 (Veliko and Malo Jezero) hold your gaze with a steely blue stronger than Cillian Murphy’s eyes and there’s even a tiny Benedictine monastery in the middle of one of them – Veliko Jezero.
The 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, famed for its spectacular parks and beaches; and Sipan, the largest of the islands, with a long history of legends.
The 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 ash, 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.
The 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 from Split via Hvar 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 discover in your free time.
The 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. In fact, 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 (home of the famed vugava white wine), pellucid 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.
The best Croatian island for olive oil:
Brac
Sunny Brac is the largest (and longest) island in central Dalmatia. It’s popular for a longer Croatian getaway and known for one of the most gorgeous beaches in the Adriatic: guidebook-gracing, teardrop-shaped 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 home), along with some other local produce grown on the island.
Join Intrepid’s small-group adventures in Croatia or an Adriatic sailing cruise.
This article was originally published in 2016.
