Top 10 Croatian Islands

Last updated: October 2026

Croatia has more than a thousand islands along its Adriatic coast, and the best Croatian islands offer clear blue water, pine-scented hills, Venetian stone towns and some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

Some islands are lively and glamorous, while others are sleepy places where little has changed in decades. This guide covers the top 10 Croatian islands, with what makes each one special and how to choose. The official Croatian National Tourist Board has detailed regional guides, and ferry routes are run mainly by Jadrolinija.

Quick answer: What are the best Croatian islands? Our top 10 are Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis, Mljet, Lošinj, Krk, Pag, Kornati Islands and Elaphiti Islands. Hvar is best for nightlife, Brač for beaches, Korčula for history, Vis for authentic island life and Mljet for nature. Split and Dubrovnik are the main ferry gateways.

Top 10 Croatian Islands at a Glance

1. Hvar

Hvar is Croatia’s most famous island, known for its glamorous harbour town, lavender fields and lively nightlife. It’s also one of the sunniest places in Europe.

Hvar Town has a beautiful main square, a Venetian fortress with sweeping views and beach clubs that party late into the night. For a calmer stay, choose Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe, or Jelsa. Boat trips run to the nearby Pakleni Islands, a cluster of islets with secluded coves.

Climb up to the Fortica, the fortress above Hvar Town, for views over the harbour and the Pakleni Islands. Inland, the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO-listed farming landscape laid out by ancient Greek settlers, is still divided into the same stone-walled fields.

• Getting there: Catamarans from Split reach Hvar Town in around an hour, and car ferries run from Split to Stari Grad.
• Time needed: Two to three days.
• Best time to go: June for the lavender season, or September for warm seas and fewer crowds.
• Insider tip: Stay in Stari Grad or Jelsa and visit Hvar Town for an evening, for a quieter base.

Best for: nightlife and glamour.

2. Brač

Brač is home to Zlatni Rat, one of the most photographed beaches in Europe, a long tongue of pebbles near the town of Bol whose tip shifts with the wind and currents.

The island is famous for its white stone, which has been used in buildings across the world. Hike up to Vidova Gora, the highest point of the Adriatic islands, for incredible views. Brač is a short ferry ride from Split, making it ideal for a quick trip.

Visit the village of Pučišća, home to a stonemasonry school where students still carve Brač stone by hand. In the afternoons, the steady summer wind at Bol makes it one of the best windsurfing spots in the Adriatic.

• Getting there: Car ferries run from Split to Supetar in around 50 minutes, and catamarans sail to Bol.
• Time needed: One to two days.
• Insider tip: Arrive at Zlatni Rat early in the morning, before the beach gets busy.

Best for: beaches and windsurfing.

3. Korčula

Korčula Town is a mini Dubrovnik, a walled medieval town on a small peninsula with streets laid out like a fishbone to keep out the wind and let in the breeze.

Locals claim it’s the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. The island is known for its white wines, especially Grk and Pošip, and the traditional Moreška sword dance. It’s an easy add-on from Dubrovnik. Use our guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik, from the city walls to Lokrum to plan the mainland part of your trip.

In summer, performances of the Moreška sword dance are held in the old town, telling the story of a battle between two kings over a princess. Walk the town walls at sunset, then dine on the seafront terraces.

• Getting there: Catamarans run from Dubrovnik and Split, and a short car ferry links Korčula with Orebić on the Pelješac Peninsula.
• Time needed: Two days.
• Insider tip: Taste Grk wine in the village of Lumbarda, close to Korčula Town.

Best for: history and wine.

4. Vis

Vis was closed to foreign visitors for decades as a Yugoslav military base, which helped preserve its unspoilt character. It’s one of the furthest inhabited islands from the mainland.

Explore military tunnels, visit the picturesque villages of Komiža and Vis Town, and relax on Stiniva, a hidden cove enclosed by tall cliffs. Boat trips run to the Blue Cave on the nearby islet of Biševo, where sunlight turns the water a glowing blue.

The Blue Cave is best visited around midday, when sunlight reflects off the white sea floor and fills the cave with blue light. In Komiža, the fishing museum tells the story of the island’s traditional gajeta falkuša boats.

• Getting there: Ferries and catamarans run from Split, taking around one and a half to two and a half hours.
• Time needed: Two to three days.
• Good to know: Boat trips to the Blue Cave leave from Komiža and Vis Town and can be cancelled in rough seas.

Best for: authentic island life.

5. Mljet

Mljet is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic, and much of its western end is a national park. Pine forests surround two saltwater lakes, connected to the sea.

On a tiny island in the larger lake sits a 12th century Benedictine monastery, reached by a short boat ride. Rent a bike and cycle around the lakes, or swim in the warm water. Mljet is popular with day trippers from Dubrovnik, but staying overnight lets you enjoy its peace.

Local legend says the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus on Mljet, and a sea cave on the south coast is named after him. The national park ticket includes the boat to the monastery island.

• Getting there: Catamarans from Dubrovnik reach Mljet in around one and a half to two hours.
• Time needed: One to two days.
• Tickets: Buy the national park ticket on arrival or online.
• Insider tip: Rent a bike to cycle around the saltwater lakes.

Best for: nature lovers.

6. Lošinj

Lošinj in the northern Adriatic is known as the “island of vitality” for its mild climate and clean air, which made it a health resort in the 19th century.

The harbour town of Mali Lošinj is colourful and lively. The waters around the island are home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, studied by a local marine conservation centre. Pine forests and walking paths cover much of the island.

Lošinj is linked by a short bridge to the neighbouring island of Cres, a wild, rocky island known for its griffon vultures and quiet villages. Veli Lošinj, the smaller of the island’s two towns, is a lovely place for a peaceful stay.

• Getting there: Drive via Krk and the ferry to Cres, or take a seasonal catamaran from Rijeka.
• Time needed: Two to three days.
• Insider tip: Join a dolphin research or education trip to learn about the local bottlenose dolphins.

Best for: wellness and dolphins.

7. Krk

Krk is one of Croatia’s largest islands and the easiest to reach, connected to the mainland by a bridge. It’s close to Rijeka Airport and popular with road-tripping families.

Krk Town has Roman ruins and a medieval cathedral, while Vrbnik is a hilltop village famous for its Žlahtina white wine. Baška has one of the island’s best beaches, a long curve of pebbles beneath bare mountains.

Rijeka Airport is actually on Krk, which makes the island very easy to reach from abroad. Beyond the beaches, the Biserujka Cave has impressive stalactites, and the island’s small villages are known for olive oil and seafood.

• Getting there: Drive over the Krk Bridge from the mainland, or fly into Rijeka Airport on the island.
• Time needed: Two to three days.
• Insider tip: Taste Žlahtina wine in Vrbnik, then watch the sunset from the town’s clifftop.

Best for: easy access and families.

8. Pag

Pag has a lunar, rocky landscape unlike anywhere else in Croatia, shaped by the strong bora wind that blows salt across the island.

It’s famous for Paški sir, a sheep’s cheese with a salty flavour from the island’s herbs, and for intricate Pag lace. Zrće Beach, near Novalja, is one of Croatia’s top party spots in summer, with large open-air clubs.

Pag lace is recognised by UNESCO as part of Croatia’s intangible cultural heritage, and you can watch lacemakers at work in Pag Town. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge in the south and by a short ferry in the north.

• Getting there: Drive across the Pag Bridge from near Zadar, or take the ferry from Prizna to Žigljen.
• Time needed: One to two days.
• Insider tip: Buy Paški sir directly from a local dairy for the best quality.

Best for: food lovers and party-goers.

9. Kornati Islands

The Kornati are an archipelago of around 140 mostly uninhabited islands, and much of the area is a national park. The bare, white islands in a deep blue sea create a striking, almost otherworldly landscape.

Most people visit on a day boat trip from Murter, Zadar or Šibenik, or by sailing yacht. There are a few seasonal restaurants serving fresh fish in tiny harbours.

Many boat trips also visit Telašćica Nature Park on the nearby island of Dugi Otok, where you can swim in a saltwater lake and see dramatic sea cliffs. Bring sun protection, as there is almost no shade on the islands.

• Getting there: Murter is the closest gateway, with day trips also running from Zadar and Šibenik.
• Time needed: A full day.
• Tickets: A national park fee applies to all boats, and is usually included in tour prices.

Best for: sailing and boat trips.

10. Elaphiti Islands

The Elaphiti Islands are a small chain near Dubrovnik, of which three are inhabited: Koločep, Lopud and Šipan.

Lopud is car-free and home to Šunj, one of the best sandy beaches in southern Croatia. Šipan is the largest, with olive groves and old summer houses. Ferries and day trips run from Dubrovnik, making these islands perfect for a relaxing escape.

Koločep, the closest island to Dubrovnik, has small sandy coves and pine forests, while Šipan is the most peaceful of the three. Many visitors combine all three on a single day boat trip.

• Getting there: Ferries run from Dubrovnik’s Gruž port.
• Time needed: A day trip, or a few relaxing nights.
• Insider tip: Walk across Lopud from the harbour to Šunj beach, a pleasant 30-minute walk.

Best for: easy day trips from Dubrovnik.

How to Choose the Right Croatian Island

For nightlife, choose Hvar or Pag. For history, choose Korčula or Krk. For quiet nature, choose Mljet, Vis or Lošinj. For beaches, choose Brač or Lopud. For short trips from Dubrovnik, choose Korčula, Mljet or the Elaphiti Islands. For short trips from Split, choose Brač, Hvar or Vis.

What Should You Know Before Island Hopping in Croatia?

Book ferries and catamarans in advance in summer. Car ferries and fast catamarans fill up in July and August.

Travel light. Foot passengers have more flexibility, and many island towns are best explored on foot or by scooter.

Visit in June or September. The sea is warm, prices are lower and crowds are smaller than in high summer.

Bring water shoes. Many beaches are pebbly or rocky, and sea urchins are common.

Consider a sailing trip. Chartering a yacht or joining a small group sailing tour is one of the best ways to see several islands.

How Do You Get to the Croatian Islands?

Split is the main gateway to the central Dalmatian islands, with frequent ferries and catamarans to Brač, Hvar and Vis. Dubrovnik is best for Korčula, Mljet and the Elaphiti Islands, while Rijeka and Zadar serve the northern islands of Krk, Lošinj and Pag.

A 7-Day Croatian Island Hopping Itinerary

A week lets you hop from Split to Dubrovnik through some of the best islands in Dalmatia.

Days 1 to 3: Brač and Hvar

Take a ferry from Split to Brač for a day at Zlatni Rat, then continue to Hvar for two nights, with a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands.

Days 4 and 5: Korčula

Sail on to Korčula for two nights, exploring the old town and the wineries of Lumbarda.

Days 6 and 7: Mljet and Dubrovnik

Spend a day cycling around Mljet’s national park, then take the catamaran to Dubrovnik to end your trip.

Getting Around Between the Islands

Fast catamarans for foot passengers and slower car ferries link the islands with Split, Dubrovnik and each other. Timetables are much busier from June to September, and some routes run only in summer.

On the islands, rent a scooter or car to reach quieter beaches, or join local boat trips. Sailing charters and small group sailing tours are popular ways to visit several islands at your own pace.

How Much Does Island Hopping in Croatia Cost?

Croatia uses the euro, and prices are highest in Hvar Town, Dubrovnik and during July and August. Vis, Mljet and the smaller islands are usually better value.

Foot passenger tickets on catamarans are reasonably priced, while taking a car on several ferries adds up. Eating at local konobas, traditional taverns, is often cheaper and better than dining on the main harbourfronts.

Where Should You Stay?

Choose a base on each island that matches your style. On Hvar, stay in Hvar Town for nightlife or Stari Grad for calm. On Brač, Bol is best for the beach, and Supetar for ferry links.

On Korčula, stay in or near the old town, and on Vis, choose between Vis Town and the fishing village of Komiža. On Mljet, Pomena and Polače are closest to the national park.

Plan Your Island Escape

Croatia’s islands offer something for every traveller, from party beaches to quiet monasteries. Choose a mix of lively and peaceful islands for the perfect Adriatic trip.

Starting in Dubrovnik? Our guide to Dubrovnik’s best sights and day trips helps you plan a day or two before you sail. Want to compare coastlines? Compare the islands with the Albanian Riviera’s quieter beaches or the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful towns.

Featured image: Photo by Meg von Haartman on Unsplash