Shaped like a crescent, Croatia lies on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Over 1240 natural formations dot the country’s waters. 78 are actual islands, of which only 47 have people living on them. Lots are very small, some with just a restaurant with a sunset view and some totally uninhabited. These islands embody a Mediterranean paradise, with their glittering white sand, long sunny days, and pristine waters in a million shades of blue and green.
From the beautiful old town and rocky beaches in Hvar to the lush parks in Mljet, we take you on a tour of the best islands to visit in Croatia.
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Which Croatian Island Should You Choose?
If you only have time for one island, this is the short version.
- Hvar – the best all-rounder. Old town looks, good food, lavender fields and frequent ferries. Busiest in July and August.
- Šolta – the quiet one, and our pick. The closest island to Split, about an hour by public ferry, with a fraction of Hvar’s crowds.
- Mljet – the greenest. Go for the national park, the two salt lakes and the walking rather than the nightlife.
- Brac – the beach one. Zlatni Rat is the postcard, and the island is big enough to escape it.
- Korcula – the medieval one. A walled stone town with a fraction of Dubrovnik’s queues.
- Pag – the party one, plus extraordinary sheep’s cheese and a lunar landscape.
Getting to the Croatian Islands
Most island trips start in Split, which is the main ferry hub for the central Dalmatian islands and has the closest airport. Jadrolinija and Krilo run the passenger and car ferries. Šolta and Brac are the closest crossings, with Hvar and Korcula further down the chain. Dubrovnik is the better base if you are heading for Mljet.
If you would rather not plan around ferry timetables, we did a four-day sailing trip out of Split that took in Šolta and Hvar, and it is the easiest way we have found to see several islands in one go.
Mljet
A dense Mediterranean forest covers most of Mljet, making it Croatia’s greenest island. The waters surrounding it are astonishingly pristine and teeming with fish and marine life. In addition to its unspoilt natural beauty, Mljet is known for its goat’s cheese, wines, olives, and national park.
Mljet’s main draw is an incredibly stunning landscape and beautiful nature. Most tourists head to the sprawling national park on the northwestern part of the island on their visit. The park is home to scenic trails, caves, beaches, multiple islets, a monastery, and two salt lakes, Malo Jezero (The Small Lake) and Veliko Jezero (The Big Lake).
Outdoor activities such as kayaking, cycling, hiking, and sailing are popular in Mljet. If you prefer something more relaxing, head to Prožurska Luka, a rustic fishing village along a small bay north of the island, for its laidback and serene atmosphere.
Govedari, Pomena, Soline, and Polace, all located within the national park, are pleasant areas to explore. You will find quaint souvenir shops, charming local restaurants, and Roman-era buildings in the villages.
Hvar
Hvar is a place of elegance, class, rich history, and undeniable beauty, with its maze of cobbled and marble streets, inland lavender fields, Renaissance-era architecture, Byzantine cathedrals, and 13th-century walls.
Probably best known as a luxurious summer resort with pulsating nightlife, Hvar is perhaps the most vibrant and lavish of the Croatian islands. That said, when we travelled to Hvar during the summer, we stayed in the sleepy village of Vrbanj away from the main town and enjoyed a slower pace of holiday life.
The island’s beating heart is the Hvar Old Town. Its cobbled alleys brim with restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and a wealth of medieval buildings. From the town centre, head to the Hvar Fort, which dates back to the 16th century, and enjoy the striking views from the tower. Other notable landmarks include the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the Franciscan Monastery.
There are a plethora of rocky beaches and outcrops where you can dive into the turquoise waters. Our favourite spot was Corni Petar – a sunny swimming spot sheltered by pine trees. You can sun yourself on the rocks, swim to your heart’s content and enjoy a delicious lunch at the wooden hut cafe there. We loved having fresh salads, bread and lemon pie whilst reading away the day here.
Hvar offers a luxurious experience, from dining to accommodations. You will find some excellent villa rentals in Croatia, great for those looking to explore the islands. And Hvar is the ideal place to stay in an elegant villa.
Where to Stay in Hvar
- Hotel Hvar – classic three-star on Jelsa bay, walkable to the harbour.
- Villa Vista Hvar – apartment-style stay in Jelsa, good if you want a kitchen.
- Aminess Senses Resort – polished four-star resort if you want the pool and the spa.
Šolta
Šolta is the island we would send you to first, and it is the one almost nobody mentions. It is the closest Croatian island to Split, reached by public ferry in about an hour, and yet it sees a tiny fraction of Hvar’s visitors.
We based ourselves in Maslinica, a small harbour town on the western tip, all stone houses and fishing boats around a single bay. The island is full of classic Dalmatian coves, pebbly and pine-shaded above glass-clear water, and almost none of them are busy. There are no big resorts and no nightlife to speak of, which is exactly the point.
Read our full guide to Šolta Island and Maslinica for the hikes, the scooter loop around the island and where to eat.
Where to Stay on Šolta
- Sol Melba – sea-view boutique studios in Maslinica.
- Martinis Marchi – the grandest stay on the island, right on Maslinica harbour.
- Villa Lemony – four-star apartment-style stay, good for families and longer visits.
Brac
Roughly 40 km wide and 14 km long, Brac is the third largest island in the Adriatic Sea, known for its sheep cheese, citrus fruits, olive oil, windsurfing, and white limestone. Its most famous attraction, Zlatni Rat or Golden Horn Beach, so called because of its distinct horn shape, is regularly listed as one of the best beaches in Europe.
But Zlatni Rat is not the only stunning white pebble beach in Brac. Wrapped around the island are smaller, less-known, and less-crowded but equally beautiful beaches. Lovrecina Beach in Postira is one such spot, perfect for a quiet afternoon waddling in warm waters and unwinding under the shade of trees.
When in Brac, visit the Museum of Olive Oil in the village of Skrip, then sample local vintages at the Stina winery. Wander around Bol and explore its food markets, learn about stone sculpting in Pucisca, and stroll down the waterfront promenade in Supetar. For active travellers, Brac is an excellent place for mountain biking and you can also hike to the summit of Vidova Gora, the highest point in the Adriatic Sea.
Korcula
The true definition of a hidden gem, Korcula is one of Croatia’s best-kept secrets. Blessed with a dramatic landscape, historical landmarks, and sparkling beaches, Korcula is the quintessential medieval stone town. Despite its charm, it remains crowd-free.
One of the most atmospheric places in Korcula is its historic old town. It was here that world explorer Marco Polo was born. Inside the town’s fortified walls are winding cobblestone streets, quaint shops, outdoor cafés, and various restaurants.
Korcula, like other Croatian islands, is replete with breathtaking beaches. Our favourites include Bilin Žal, Vila Pržina, Pupnatska Luka, Vrnik and Proizd. You can also go island hopping on a water taxi and visit the nearby smaller islands of Badija, Vrnik, and Stupe in the Škoji archipelago.
To fully enjoy the island, consider joining a private tour around Croatia, great for those looking to see Korcula and the other Croatian islands.
Pag
Spain has Ibiza, Greece has Mykonos, and Croatia has Pag. This up-and-coming island boasts a stretch of boisterous seaside night spots along the pebbly shores of Zrće Beach.
But there is more to Pag than its all-night parties. Pag Town, the capital, shines with its rich history, fascinating culture, and gastronomic delights. After all, Pag is best known as the origin of Pag cheese, Pag lamb and Pag salt – three of the most beloved delicacies in Croatia.
If you love history, you will undoubtedly love Pag. In Novalja, you will find an ancient one-kilometre Roman aqueduct. You can also visit Stari grad Pag, a renowned ghost town with haunting remains of a church, a monastery, and salt pan channels from the Middle Ages.
For some outdoor adventure, climb the craggy peaks of Stogaj, cruise Pag Bay, spot rare birds at the Veliko Blato marshland, or explore the island by quad bike. At sundown, sample the famous Pag brandy in one of the island’s many bars.
Croatian Islands FAQ
How many islands does Croatia have?
Croatia has more than 1,240 islands, islets and reefs. Only 78 are classed as actual islands, and just 47 of those are inhabited.
Which is the best Croatian island to visit?
Hvar is the best all-rounder for a first trip, with the strongest mix of old town, beaches, food and ferry connections. If you want somewhere quiet, Šolta is closer to Split and far less busy.
Which Croatian island is best for a first visit?
Hvar or Brac. Both are easy to reach from Split, both have plenty of places to stay, and neither needs much planning.
How do you island hop in Croatia?
Public ferries from Split are the cheapest way and cover all the main central Dalmatian islands. Catamarans are faster but foot-passenger only. Sailing is the alternative if you want to visit several islands without rebooking ferries and accommodation each time.
When is the best time to visit the Croatian islands?
June and September are the sweet spot: warm sea, long days and far fewer people than peak season. July and August are hottest and busiest. Many island restaurants and ferries wind down from late October.