The Republic of Croatia is home to over 1,000 islands scattered across the Adriatic Sea. Travelers who plan to island hop around the Croatian coast won’t have enough vacation time to spend on every island, which makes prioritizing which ones to see a crucial part of planning your itinerary. To help you choose the crème de la crème to visit, let’s look at some of the popular Croatian islands and what they have to offer. From vibrant, bustling party islands to serene natural havens, here’s the best of Croatia!
Easily one of Croatia’s most popular must-visit islands, Hvar is known for its luxury and glamour. If the goal of your trip is to live it up, this party island is right up your alley. In Hvar Town, there are clubs and bars on every corner, celebrities strolling about, and luxury yachts lining the shore. That said, don’t avoid Hvar if you’re looking for a tamer, more family-friendly experience—the island has laid-back beaches, lush vineyards, and historic towns and monuments to experience as well. If you want to visit Hvar, the best time to drop by is in late summer, when the weather is pleasant and the island is bustling with activity.
As mentioned, Hvar Town is best if you want to party, but if you want to see the more traditional side of the island, visit Stari Grad, a charming, historic place that happens to be the oldest town in all of Croatia! Other tranquil towns to visit include Jelsa, a cozy, hospitable harbor town, and Vrboska, a tiny town affectionately referred to as “Little Venice” for its gorgeous Renaissance architecture.
Brač is an easily accessible island that’s just a short 50-minute ferry ride from Split. Many consider Brač the “all-rounder” of Croatian islands because it has something for every traveler. From beautiful forest-encircled beaches and romantic towns to rich historical monuments and towering, windswept peaks, there’s no shortage of things to see or do in Brač. The best time of year to visit Brač is in late spring and early fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. The summer months tend to be the busiest, but, of course, this is the case for most coastal destinations.
During your stay, we recommend checking our Zlatni Rat, the most popular beach in all of Croatia. This huge beach is Croatia’s top windsurfing location and a hot spot for sports in general, so if you’re the active, adventurous type, you’ll love it here! After your day at the beach, consider hiking up Vidova Gora, which is the highest point of the island at an impressive 780 meters tall. You’ll get an incredible view of Bol and the vast Adriatic Sea at the peak. When your stomach starts to grumble, stop by one of Brač’s many restaurants for a taste of savory lamb, one of the island’s staple meats, or a tavern for local wine.
If you want a chill, relaxing experience, Dugi Otok is a treasure. This large, quiet, and picturesque island has a lot to offer, including beautiful beaches, scenic cliffs, family-run vineyards, and fresh seafood restaurants. A huge perk of Dugi Otok is that it’s rarely busy, even in the summer. You won’t have to compete with hordes of other travelers for hotel rooms or space on the beach, no matter what time of year you visit.
During your trip, be sure to check out popular locations like the warm, pebbly, and spacious Sakarun beach, the vibrant Telašćica Nature Park, and the quaint and friendly fishing towns of Sali and Božava.
Korčula, also known as “Little Dubrovnik” and the “Emerald Isle,” is a small peninsula with a rich history. Many of the locals claim Marco Polo, a famous writer and adventurer, was born here, which may or may not be true. But what is true is that Korčula is a charming, history-packed place with a unique and captivating culture. The best time to visit Korčula is when the weather is cool and the towns are quiet, which is often in late spring and early fall.
Things to do in Korčula include watching a Moreška (a traditional Croatian sword dance) performance in the evening, touring the Old City, visiting the Marco Polo house, and climbing to see the Land Gate and commanding Revelin Tower.
If you’ve read Homer’s Odyssey, you may recognize the name of this romantic Croatian island. Mljet is a low-population, nature-dense island that’s popular for day trips and honeymooners. Taking up a sizeable portion of the island is the Mljet National Park, which is known for its two saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero, abundant fauna and flora, and biking paths. The rest of the island sports a natural beauty. Because Mljet has a small local population, it’s rarely busy. Visit when the weather is cool and breezy for a relaxing and scenic experience.
Of course, if you’re in Mljet, you need to visit the Mljet National Park! Stroll around and admire nature, bike on the paths, boat around the lake, or bring snacks and have a picnic under the shady trees. Other places you’ll want to visit include the medieval Benedictine monastery located in the island’s center and Montokuc, a peak on the westernmost part of the island with a stunning view.
If you want to explore Croatia and its diverse and breathtaking islands, Myst Yacht Charters can help you do so in comfort and style. We’re a team of experienced charter brokers that can help you find private yacht charters in Croatia that suit you and your group’s needs. From sleek, towering party yachts to smaller, cozier yachts for solo adventures or family outings, we have various vessels that you can relax and party on as you hop around the Croatian coast. Contact us today for a consultation with one of our friendly, professional, and passionate brokers.
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