Discover the diverse Croatian islands

With over a thousand islands off Croatia, there’s something for everyone.


From small and deserted to large and bustling, the islands off Croatia’s Adriatic coastline are well connected by local ferries making them a great island⁠-⁠hopping destination for tourists.

If you prefer to sample island life before heading here for a holiday, you can take a daytrip from the mainland. It’s just 20 minutes from Dubrovnik to Lopud with its woodland walks and fortress. Or try Split to Solta, for a seafood lunch or to climb the 230m hill, Vela Straza, for great views.

Whatever holidays mean to you – relaxation, partying, culture or water sports – you’ll find your perfect spot in this amazing array of islands. The accommodation is as varied as the islands’ personalities. And with everything from boutique hotels to the simplest of cottages with no electricity or running water, this is a destination that caters for a wide variety of tastes and budgets. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to narrow it down. So we’ve taken a look at five, all with something different to offer.

VISIT VIS FOR FOOD & WINE

From freshly caught lobster to organic wines, like white Vugava and red Mali Plavac, Vis is loved for its great restaurants and tasty local delicacies. With traditional stews on the menu alongside the island’s very own fast food – pogača od srdele (anchovy pasty) – you can feast on flavours that you won’t find anywhere else.

BRAC – WONDERFUL FOR WATER SPORTS

You’ll find the region’s most photographed beach, Zlatni Rat, on Brac’s south coast. This is also the top place for windsurfing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, water skiing, parasailing, jet skiing or wakeboarding; and if you’re looking for a slightly more sedate way to see the sea why not try a pedal boat.

FOR CULTURE, TRY KORCULA

The Old Town here owes its style to the 15th and 16th centuries when it was part of the Republic of Venice. Wind your way past its medieval white stone buildings surrounded by 14th century city walls and then head to the harbour to drink in stunning views across the bay to the mainland.

NATURE LOVERS HEAD FOR MLJET

Beautifully unspoilt and home to breath taking scenery, Mljet is a great place to enjoy walks around nature parks or a relaxed afternoon in a quiet bay. While away the hours in the western national park area, with its pine forests and two saltwater lakes, or make for the east coast with its golden sandy beach at Saplunara.

HVAR IS A HAVEN FOR SUN

Well⁠-⁠loved for its sunny climate, Hvar is also Croatia’s most fashionable destination and a magnet for celebrities. But it’s not all people watching – although the yachts in Hvar’s harbour are a sight to behold ­– you can explore its stunning architecture, hike through the island’s famous lavender fields or vineyards, or take a sea kayaking trip, too.