Croatia is renowned for its warm, azure Adriatic waters and scorching summer temperatures. But Croatia offers much more than just a fly-and-flop beach vacation, with its national parks, hidden caverns, pebbled bays, and high mediaeval architecture. Croatia has a breathtaking collection of islands just off the shore, each with special views and attractions. Here you will see some of the Best Croatian Islands You Must Visit.

Take your time exploring historic towns, hiking through national parks, scuba diving to find submerged shipwrecks that date back thousands of years, and sampling the produce of these fertile islands, which includes cheese and wine made locally, olive oil grown on the islands, spicy gingerbread, and honey made from scratch.

Best Islands in Croatia

1. Lastovo

Lastovo is one of the most isolated islands in the Adriatic, and the Best Croatian Islands You Must Visit. It has fewer than a thousand inhabitants and just one hotel, which is part of its allure compared to many of its more crowded neighbouring islands. Since Lastovo is thought to have the most starry sky in Europe, snorkelling, scuba diving, and stargazing are the norm here!

The forested Lastovo is a protected natural park in the Central Dalmatian archipelago, with numerous well-trod woodland hiking and cycling trails crisscrossing the island. Along the coastline are several swimming holes and pebbled beaches, such as those at Jurjeva Luka, Pionir, and Mali Zal.

Churches of many sizes and shapes dot Lastovo’s forested terrain, which has a long history of Roman Catholicism. The most well-known of these is the Church of St. Cosmas and St. Damian, also called Lastovo Cathedral. Explore the island’s Venetian architecture from the 15th century and taste the Lastovo Maraština, one of the best wines in the area.

Held annually since the 16th century as a celebration of the island’s triumph over Catalan pirates, the August Poklade folk funfair is the main event on Lastovo’s social calendar.

2. Solta

The closest island to Split is Solta, which is only 45 minutes away by ferry (or 15 minutes by speedboat); it’s so close that it’s practically a part of Split. This Neolithic island is well-known for its seasonal bays and coves, local farms, traditional fishing settlements, and some of Croatia’s most breathtaking sunsets. For foodies, Solta is a fantastic place. The island, which has many family-run farms, is the site of some of Croatia’s oldest customs, including the production of wine, olive oil, “Olintio” honey, and gingerbread that dates back 500 years.

Explore centuries-old olive groves, discover the island’s viticulture renowned for its indigenous Dobričić wine, stop by a beekeeper’s farm, and sample it all with a genuine olive oil, honey, and wine tasting tour.

Aside from food, the island has some interesting cities and villages. One of Solta’s beach towns, Nečujam, is a must-see. The island’s longest beach, which is composed of multiple tranquil bays, is located there. One of the greatest ways to visit some of Solta’s more obscure beaches and coves is to rent a boat.

3. Elaphite Islands

One of the most exquisite archipelagos in the Adriatic is the Elaphite Islands, which are situated west of Dubrovnik. Only three major islands—out of fourteen charming isles—are inhabited year-round.

With its hundred-year-old pine forests, olive groves, and fruit orchards full of oranges and lemons, Kolocep is the greenest of the Elaphites. It was once a major shipbuilding location and has many 9th-century pre-Romanesque churches.

With its lovely sandy beaches and fruit-filled gardens, Lopud is as Mediterranean as it gets. With its mediaeval churches, monasteries, and formerly magnificent private homes, it is perhaps one of Dubrovnik’s most visited islands.

With its picturesque bays, cypress woods, and mediaeval churches, Sipan provides a more tranquil option even though it is the largest island in the Elaphite archipelago. From Dubrovnik, a boat excursion can take you to all three of the main Elaphite islands.

4. Murter

A bridge connects Murter, which is tucked away in North Dalmatia, to the mainland. With slightly over 5,000 permanent residents, it has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It’s a well-liked vacation destination in Croatia with a quaint old town and some great beaches.

It should come as no surprise that a large portion of Murter’s activities are outside given its proximity to the Kornati Islands National Park entrance. Explore the two nature parks and engage in sports like windsurfing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, spearfishing, coastal cycling, and lounging on the family-friendly Slanica beach.

The Church of Our Lady of Gradina, St. Michael’s Church, and the historic St. Rock’s Chapel are great options for history buffs. Explore the shipbuilding customs of Betina, wander along the promenade, and stop by Jezera, the smallest typical Dalmatian town on the island. One of Murter’s lesser-known attractions is the former World War II hilltop military base, which has a network of tunnels and bunkers that are thought to be haunted. Don’t miss it.

5. Losinj

Almost a Croatian cliché, Losinj is known for its gorgeous blue water, which is a favourite spot for dolphins and turtles. The island’s three main points of distinction are its 19th-century shipbuilding industry, its use as the summer residence of Austro-Hungarian emperor Franz-Josef, and its present-day reputation as a wellness and health destination.

There are hundreds of therapeutic plants in Losinj. In the 19th century, it was used as a destination to recuperate from respiratory ailments due to its warm microclimate and pure sea air. In 1892, it was formally designated as a climatic health resort.

In addition to its wellness-focused hotels and spas, Losinj is home to scenic harbours, mediaeval churches, and attractive Venetian fishing villages, which are dispersed between the larger resort of Mali Losinj and the more sedate Veli Losinj.

These include the Gothic Church of St Nicholas, the 18th-century Baroque Church of St Anthony, the oldest building in Mali Losinj, the Church of St Martin, and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin with its well-known artwork. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Historical Underwater Park in Cikat Bay, which has submerged replicas of WWII weapons.

6. Rab

Rab, one of the Best Croatian Islands You Must Visit and also known as the “Happy Island,” has all the makings of a Croatian paradise: several sandy beaches and charming coves that are crowded in the summer. The island, which has been designated as a geopark, is distinguished by its striking cliffs, oak and pine forests, vineyards, orchards, and olive groves.

The greatest beaches can be found here, such as Rajska Plaža (Paradise Beach), which was listed among CNN’s Top 100 Best Beaches. While the town beach, which is beneath a classical music school, sings to you as you swim, Pudarica beach is a must for sunbathing because of its incredibly clear water.

Rab offers much more than just beaches; it’s also a city rich in culture and history. Discover the old town’s stone streets, which are dotted with bell towers, historic churches, and distinctive red roofs. Explore the historic relics in the Franciscan Monastery of St. Bernardin, take in the breathtaking views from Kamenjak, a restaurant perched atop the island, and discover the town’s past during the Rab Mediaeval Festival in July.

7. Kornati

One of Croatia’s most striking archipelagos, the Kornati is made up of 140 deserted islands and isolated reefs. It’s the biggest in the Adriatic, too. The landscape is genuinely remarkable, with hundreds of coves, olive trees, orchards, wineries, and historic rock formations.

There are no permanent inhabitants of the Kornati islands, often referred to as the Stomorski islands. Instead, only during the agricultural season do the residents who labour on the farmlands reside in seasonal homes. As a result, there aren’t many vacation accommodations on Kornati, the largest island, for tourists who want to escape everything. Hiking the wooded cliffs, diving, snorkelling, and swimming are all common activities here.

8. Mljet

The northwest portion of Mijet Island, which is composed of stunning Mediterranean woodlands, has been a national park since 1960. One of Croatia’s greenest islands, it is largely untouched and features two salt lakes, a sandy shoreline, pure sea air, and some fascinating aquatic life.

Mijet is renowned for its superb wines, locally grown olives, and goat’s cheese in addition to its stunning landscape of caves, cliffs, and beaches, which are among the best in Croatia. With the opportunity to dive off the shore to view shipwrecks that date back thousands of years, it’s perfect for ocean enthusiasts. The little island is located in the centre of Veliko Jezero.

9. Cres

Cres is one of the biggest islands in the Kvarner Gulf and the second largest in the Adriatic. The two islands are now divided by a channel and connected by a bridge near the town of Osar. Previously, it was a part of Losinj and comprised a single main island. Which is one of the Best Croatian Islands You Must Visit.

Cres, which has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic era, is home to a variety of mediaeval hilltop villages, woodlands, secret coves, and beaches of all sizes and types, including shingle, pebbly, and sandy beaches.

Explore the Venetian-style structures of Cres Town. With a walking tour, you may learn about the town’s history, much of which stretches back to the 15th century. Highlights include the Franciscan Convent, the Museum of Cres, the Church of St. Mary, the Roman Bridge, the Venetian Tower from the 15th century, and the mediaeval town walls.

The stone homes of the former fort city of Lubenice and the Valun Tablet in Valun hamlet, which dates back to the eleventh century, are additional points of interest.

10. Brac

Brac, the largest island in Dalmatia and the third largest in the Adriatic is well-known for its excellent seafood, hiking trails, peaceful fishing villages, and the odd triangular Zlatni Rat beach. The ideal spot to spend a day in the Croatian sun is Bol’s Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach, which has white pebbles. Known as one of Croatia’s and even Europe’s most stunning beaches, this idyllic haven features a peninsula that is continually shifting due to the tides and wind. Popular activities include windsurfing, kiteboarding, and banana boating in addition to an inflatable water park. The Best Croatian Islands You Must Visit.

Brac is a great place for adventurers since it has the highest hill in the Adriatic, Vidova Gora, which, on a clear day, overlooks the famed beach, the coastline, and even Italy. A visit to the Stonemasonry School in Pucisca, the colourful fishing village of Sumartin, the marina and cemetery in Supetar, and the 15th-century reliefs in the Dragon’s Cave in Bol are some more highlights. The Brac Museum and the Olive Oil Museum, with their enticing tasting menu, are located in the mediaeval village of Skrip.

Conclusion: Best Croatian Islands You Must Visit

In conclusion, the Croatian islands provide a captivating blend of a thriving culture, an extensive history, and breathtaking scenery. Whether visitors are seeking pristine beaches, charming mediaeval villages, or scenic hiking paths, the Croatian islands have plenty to offer everyone. From the lively atmosphere of Hvar to the tranquil charm of Vis, each island has its unique charm. You will undoubtedly gain invaluable memories and a deeper appreciation of Croatia’s stunning coastline by discovering these marvels.