Explore Croatia's Islands

Croatian Islands Not To Miss

Hvar

Walk Hvar’s narrow vertical cobblestone streets and jewel-like waters in the port town or extend on the quieter side of the island. This is known as one of the prettiest islands in Croatia. Hvar town is best known for its medieval buildings, which are the legacy of four centuries of Venetian rule. The town is the site of the oldest municipal theater in Europe which opened in 1612.

Visit the Cathedral and the Arsenal followed by a pleasant walk on Hvar Town’s stone-paved harbor front, the Venetian piazza and yacht harbor with views across the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

Climb to the hilltop fortress for amazing sunset vistas.

Savor sunset cocktails at Hotel Adriana’s rooftop bar.

Book a dinner reservation at Palace Elisabeth’s restaurant, San Marcos.

Spend a lingering lunch at Konoba Bunar with local specialties and local wine.

Take a swim and discover the coves. Find a beach club.

Meander the Old Town with its winding narrow streets filled with rich history and many historical sights where the Venetian fortress walls surround the marble streets.

More than just the enchanting port town, a stay at Maslina Resort and Spa on the other side of the island will rejuvenate your senses. When you are ready for adventure, e-bike tours are available from the resort through Stari Grad on to wine taste, sample olive oil and lunch in an ancient ruin setting.

Korcula

Walk the ancient town of cobblestone paths to arrive at the Gothic Baroque Cathedral of Saint Mark. Soak up the history all around you. Legend has it this is the birthplace of Marco Polo. Sip the famous golden wine Grk along the restaurant pathway over the ocean or visit a vineyard. Sample gelato. Climb the belltower for mesmerizing views of the walled town. Find another tower serving sunset cocktails. Kayak off the nearby beach to neighboring islands. Absorb the preserved medieval center by getting lost in its alleyways.

Mljet

This island was presumed to be a favorite holiday spot for Odysseus, the Greek hero who met the nymph Calypso and is thought to be Homer’s lost island Ogygia. Not far from Korcula, this island is where you want to experience nature and history at Mjlet National Park with dense pinewood forests and two interconnected saltwater lakes. Today visitors can rent e-bikes to zoom up and down this lush island and around the lakes as there is a pathway and a boat that can take you to the middle of the larger lake to a lovely 12th-century monastery and Church of Saint Mary. Swim, marvel at the vineyard views and slow down on Mjlet. There are not a lot of restaurants in either port town but that is part of the charm. There are many Airbnbs and apartments to rent but consider Hotel Odisej. Who is this island for? Adventure seekers, nature lovers, curious history seekers.

I think the best way to experience Croatia is by boat because the rugged Dalmatian coastline is filled with over a thousand islands along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Each town is a unique treasure trove of medieval charms. Game of Thrones fans will delight in witnessing many scenes and settings come alive.

Travelers should consider visiting in the off-season for better prices and less crowds, such as May/June or September through October 15.

Other Croatian islands we love: Bol on Brac, Vis, and Losinj

Learn more about these islands in our 2017 travel article: https://lalascoop.com/2017/06/08/see-breathtaking-croatia-by-sea/

To rent a yacht or boat, consider chartering one on Goolets.com: https://johnnyjet.com/get-a-taste-of-the-superyacht-life-in-croatia/ or taking a cruise with Anchor Croatia.

Looking to explore Dubrovnik? Check out Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik and more trip ideas: https://johnnyjet.com/stay-at-your-own-kings-landing-in-dubrovnik-croatia/

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Croatia. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Katy Hoogerwerf's guide, Best Times to Visit Coastal Croatia: A Comprehensive Guide.