The best Croatian islands to visit on an island-hopping trip

With over 1,000 islands scattered along the Adriatic coast, Croatia is a dream destination for island-hopping. With stunning beaches, beautiful medieval towns and untouched wilderness, the Dalmatian Islands offer up some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. And from glamorous hotspots to tranquil nature escapes, each island has a personality of its own. In this guide, we consider some of the best Croatian islands for a first visit, to help inspire you as you start dreaming about your Adriatic adventure.

Five of the best Croatian islands to visit

Island hopping is one of the best ways to see Croatia, with plenty of ferries and catamarans connecting the islands to the mainland and to each other. Some are best explored by car, while others are perfect for a slower pace. Whether you want to choose just a couple of islands or fit in as many as you can, there’s an island (or 10!) to suit your style.

You can add an island-hopping excursion to your Croatian vacation or choose from one of our carefully crafted trips. With a 7–10-day itinerary you could explore three to five islands comfortably, so here are some of our favorites.

Hvar: the lavender island

Hvar is Croatia’s most visited island — and for good reason, effortlessly blending old-world charm with more than a hint of glamour and sophistication. The island is top of most people’s Croatia island-hopper itinerary, known for its historic old towns, stunning beaches with clear blue waters, and gentle rolling hills peppered with pretty, whitewashed villages. It’s a beautiful island and while it can be done as a day trip, it would be a wasted opportunity given the wealth of things to see and do.

Most visitors start with buzzing Hvar Town, with its picturesque, cobbled streets, large town square and pretty harbor. For a photogenic view of Hvar, climb to the hilltop Spanjola Fortress, then have lunch or a sundowner in one of the side streets. From Hvar Town, it’s just 10 miles across the Stari Grad Plain to reach the relaxed town of the same name with its Venetian architecture.

Some of Hvar’s best beaches are Dubovica and Pokonji Dol, with dramatic backdrops and some of the most inviting clear water you’ll ever see. Note that many of Croatia’s beaches are pebble, but believe us when we say they are also some of the most gorgeous.

• Local tips: Visit Plaža Paščuka near Milna—a hidden beach accessible by trail or kayak–and enjoy lunch at Veli Dolac, a restaurant perched above the beach with authentic Dalmatian cuisine. Wine lovers should head to Sveta Nedelja for a tasting in a limestone cave at Tomić Winery, sampling local varietals like Plavac Mali and Bogdanuša. Don’t forget to stop at Jelsa on the east side of the island, to explore its beautifully colorful old town, beaches, vineyards, and olive tree plantations.
• Don’t miss: The Pakleni Islands, just offshore, for secluded coves and beach clubs accessible by water taxi, or one of the many private operators who run trips. You can even rent a boat or kayak to the nearest islands.

Korčula: the medieval gem

Despite claims as the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korčula is Hvar’s less famous cousin that you’ll be glad you got to know. It offers a more relaxed and authentic ambiance which, once discovered, enchants visitors. Take a moment to enjoy its fortified old town rich in history, packed with little winding alleys home to shops, bars and restaurants, and opening out onto a scenic promenade.

The town’s architecture reflects centuries of Venetian influence with a Gothic-Renaissance cathedral and ancient city walls. Korčula is easily reached by ferry from Dubrovnik and Split in around two hours, and is worth spending a couple of days getting to know.

• Local tips: For a memorable sunset, grab a drink at Massimo Cocktail Bar, perched atop a medieval tower with panoramic views. Catch a traditional moreska sword dance, performed on a small open-air stage right on the edge of the Old Town.
• Don’t miss: Lumbarda, a small fishermen’s village with a beautiful sandy beach and spectacular vineyards where you can go wine tasting and discover some of Croatia’s indigenous wine varietals, such as Grk and Pošip.

Read more: Exploring Croatia: a Mediterranean gem

Brač: a beach lover’s heaven

Brač is home to one of Croatia’s most iconic beaches, Zlatni Rat, one of the loveliest on the Dalmatian Coast with smooth white pebbles, a unique shape, and a backdrop of pine trees (but bear in mind it’s popular with windsurfers for a reason!). Rent a car and go beach hopping to some of Brač’s other lovely beaches, such as Lovrecina, a sandy beach near Postira, and Tičja Luka in Povlja, a secluded gem with a tranquil atmosphere and crystal-clear waters.

Beyond the beach, the island has a rich cultural heritage and a pretty old town in which to spend your evenings, sampling Dalmatian cuisine. Visit Pučišća, known for its ancient monasteries and churches, and for a more laid-back experience explore the authentic towns of Milna and Postira.

• Don’t miss: If you like your vacations on the active side, Brac is a hotspot for kayaking and mountain biking, and has miles of scenic trails including Vidova Gora, the highest peak among the Croatian islands, with sweeping views of the Adriatic. Thrill-seekers can rent a mountain bike and either pedal to the top of Vidova Gora or be taken up by bus to enjoy riding the descent to the seaside at Postira.
• Local tips: Visit serene Pustinja Blaca, a remote, 16th-century former monastery built into the rock, or the Dragon’s Cave, a mysterious cave with relief carvings of dragons and other mythical creatures.

Mljet: the green island paradise

For sheer natural beauty and serenity, it has to be Mljet. Less developed than other islands, it’s perfect for anyone seeking a quiet retreat. Most visitors cluster around Pomena, the liveliest place on the island lined with seaside restaurants but still small, tranquil and unspoiled.

Over two-thirds of the island is covered in forest, much of it protected as Mljet National Park, ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. Rent a kayak and explore the saltwater lakes of Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero, connected by a narrow channel. You can even visit a 12th-century Benedictine monastery perched on a tiny island in the middle of the larger lake.

• Local tip: Rent a bike to explore the lakeside trails and enjoy a swim in the peaceful waters of Veliko Jezero.
• Don’t miss: Swim in Odysseus’ Cave in the southwestern part of the island. It can be reached by boat or a 30-minute walk along a path from Babino Polje, through vineyards and olive groves.

Vis: a world of untouched beauty

Remote and mysterious, Vis was closed to foreign visitors until the 1990s due to its military significance. Today, it’s a little haven of tranquility, off the beaten path, thanks to the 2.5-hour ferry crossing from Split, a journey well worth taking.

It’s hard to believe that the island isn’t more popular, given that Mama Mia 2 was filmed there. Instead, Vis is known for its slow travel vibe—so kick back and relax in a place where time almost appears to have stood still. Discover beautiful Stiniva beach, then stroll around quiet villages like Komiža and Vis Town.

For a tiny island, Vis has developed something of a reputation for its gastronomy, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy long, lingering lunches of fresh seafood paired with local wines.

• Local tip: Visit the abandoned military base and take a guided tour to learn about the island’s strategic history. The island also has World War II tunnels and hidden beaches accessible only by boat.
• Don’t miss: Take a boat to the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo Island, and swim in the dramatic Stiniva Bay, framed by towering cliffs.

Hidden gems off the Croatian coast

Some of the best Croatian islands to visit are probably those you’ve never heard of. Here’s our top five:

• Rab stands out for its sandy beaches—a rarity in Croatia—and its medieval town with four bell towers. Families love Rab for its gentle shores and relaxed vibe.
• Krk is connected by bridge to the mainland and has a mix of beaches, vineyards and historical sites, making it great for families and road-trippers.
• Dugi Otok, translating to ‘Long Island,’ is known for its dramatic cliffs, Telašćica Nature Park and Sakarun Beach. It’s perfect for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.
• Pag’s moonlike landscape, salt pans and famous cheese (Paški sir) make it a unique island. It also has a split personality—peaceful villages in the north, party vibes in the south.
• Šipan is the largest of the Elafiti Islands, and a peaceful retreat with olive groves, quiet beaches and charming villages.

Read more: Eight of the world’s most magical distant islands

Regional island groups worth exploring

Look at a map of Croatian islands and you’ll realize just how many there are! If you have more time, consider exploring these island clusters, each offering a distinct experience:

• The Elafiti (or Elaphiti) Islands make a great island-hopping day trip from Dubrovnik, where the serenity is a refreshing break from the bustle. The inhabited islands are Šipan, Lopud and tiny Koločep, one of the islands nearest Dubrovnik. Spend a day swimming and relaxing on one of Lopud’s sandy beaches, and have lunch along the promenade with a sea view.
• Kornati Islands National Park is a sailor’s paradise with over 140 uninhabited islands, reefs and islets. It’s ideal for boat tours and diving excursions.
• The Zadar Archipelago includes Ugljan, Pašman and Dugi Otok, and offers a wonderful mixture of nature, history and local life.
• The Kvarner Bay Islands, including Cres, Lošinj, Rab and Krk, offer a blend of beaches, forests and cultural heritage.

Make it happen

With so many options, planning a personalized island-hopping itinerary is the best way to experience the Adriatic. Let our local experts plan your perfect Croatian vacation: they’ll help you narrow down the best Croatian islands for your itinerary and budget. Simply get in touch with them today to get started.