The tiny but lovely Croatia shows off with over a thousand of magnificent islands, out of which only 48 are permanently inhabited. The best thing about the Croatian islands is their diversity. Whether you’re in for a classy and stylish vacation or a Robinson Crusoe type of adventure – there’s surely something for you on the Croatian coast. Even though there are loads of islands worth exploring, here’s a list of the particularly attractive ones. These are the top 10 Croatian islands:
1) RAB
This 22 km long island lies in the northern Adriatic, just a 10 minute ferry ride from the mainland. If you want to do more than enjoying its stunning beaches make sure to walk the streets of the charming old town. History lovers will particularly enjoy the ‘Rapska Fiera’ event at the end of July when the town transforms into a medieval stage. If you are more of a nature person Rab is also a geological park – which dazzles with its astonishing geological structures and hidden bays.
Photo: www.likecroatia.com
2) LOŠINJ
The towns of Mali and Veli Lošinj are the two main spots on this beautiful northern Adriatic island. Lošinj is famous for its lush green vegetation, charming 15th and 18th century churches, loads of secluded beaches, tiny fishing villages and breath-taking scenery. What’s particular about this island is the focus on wellness and feel good therapy. There are spa centers all over the island and aromatherapy is one of the main reasons people come to visit and explore Lošinj.
Photo: www.funkystockphotos.com
3) KORNATI
The Kornati Islands are a National Park stretching along the central part of the Croatian coast. Jewelled with immense natural beauty, diverse coastline, and preserved marine ecosystem the Kornati Islands stand out as one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. They’re made up of more than 130 islands and reefs packed into the length of only 35km. For all of you looking for a Robinson Crusoe type of adventure, this is the place to be. The Kornati Islands are only populated during the summer months when old field and fishing houses spread out in secluded inlets. There is no electricity or fresh water springs on the islands.
Photo: www.avrigo.si
4) MURTER
The island of Murter belongs to the northern Dalmatian group of islands and is located northwest of Šibenik. It is connected to the mainland by a short bridge, which makes it very easy to reach. Most of the island is covered in olive and fig trees, which are the main traditional crops. The island is most famous for its sandy and gravel beaches such as Slanica, Kosirina and Čigrađa, and small breath-taking bays. Murter, Jezera and Tisno are the main spots on the island. Tisno is quite famous for the Garden Festival that has been taking place here for years. Starting from this year the Garden Festival will be replaced with the new and extremely appealing Love International Festival.
Photo: www.terracon-news.com
5) BRAČ
Brač is located off the coast of Split and is the third largest island on the Adriatic. It also has the highest peak on the Adriatic – Mount St. Vid (778m), from which the view is absolutely breath-taking. Stunning beaches, vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves, and the famous stone quarry whose stone has been exported worldwide are just some of the islands features. However, it is definitely most famous for the special white pebble land-form surrounded by clear turquoise sea called Zlatni Rat (the Golden Horn). Make sure to check out the towns of Supetar and Bol and enjoy some fabulous wine and olives typical for this area.
Photo: www.monoholiday.com
6) HVAR
Hvar is the longest and the sunniest Croatian island and one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The major places are the towns of Hvar, Stari Grad and Jelsa. Pakleni Otoci (Pakleni Islands) famous for the crystal clear water, deserted lagoons and hidden beaches lie near the southern coast of Hvar. Gothic palaces and Venetian houses surrounded by 13th century walls, a hilltop fortress, paradise beaches, lavender fields, olive trees, fabulous after-beach parties and an insane nightlife are the reasons why the town of Hvar welcomes more and more tourists each year. It is also called “the new St-Tropez” as numerous glamorous yachts glide into this stunning town on daily basis. When the sun goes down, Hvar shines with the best nightlife on the Adriatic.
Photo: www.handluggageonly.co.uk
7) VIS
Vis is the farthest inhabited island off the mainland. There are two town to check out on Vis island if you are in need of a relaxed yet somewhat city like vacation: Vis and Komiža. If you’re in search of some peace and quiet, astonishing nature and gourmet delights – this paradise island with a strong fishing tradition is the place to be. Make sure to pay a visit to one of the most impressive spots on the Croatian coast – The Blue Cave. This water-logged sea cave is located on the east side of the Biševo island, about 8 km from Komiža.
Photo: www.yachtscroatia.com
8) KORČULA
Located in the southern part of the Croatian coast Korčula dazzles with it extraordinary vineyards, small villages, amazing scenery and a glorious old town. The old town is surrounded by walls, and the streets are arranged in a herringbone pattern allowing free circulation of air but protecting the town against strong winds. The town of Vela Luka and the village of Lumbarda are definitely worth checking out as well. The best thing about the island is the fact that tradition is still very important here – so you’ll get to witness old religious ceremonies, hear folk music and see dances performed in the historic streets.
Photo: www.visitkorčula.eu
9) LASTOVO
The island of Lastovo belongs to the central Dalmatian archipelago and it’s located 13 km south of Korčula. The town of Lastovo lays over the steep banks of a natural amphitheater overlooking a fertile field instead of the sea which is very unusual compared to other Adriatic islands. The Lastovo archipelago consists of 46 islands, there are five caves on the main island, the coastline is steep and the surrounding sea is deep. Lastovo is very famous for the wonderful raw nature and typical, simple Mediterranean way of life.
Photo: www.yacht-rent.com
10) MLJET
This magnificent island is located south of Pelješac peninsula from which it’s separated by the Mljet channel. It is famous for being one of eight National Parks in Croatia. The National Park includes the western part of the island, Veliko jezero (Big Lake), Malo jezero (Small Lake), Soline Bay and a 500 m wide sea belt from the most prominent cape of the island. There are a few depressions on the island in a form of mud-lakes and salt-lakes. The northwestern part of the island includes an inland sea as well as a small island within it. This nature oasis will surely drown all your worries and bring back Zen into your life.
