Croatian islands guide

Hvar - The island of Hvar, also called "Croatian Madeira," is famous for its sunny climate, lavender fields, and the historic town of Hvar with its impressive Venetian architecture and Fortica fortress.

Brač - On Brač you will find one of the most famous and photogenic beaches in Croatia - Zlatni Rat, which changes its shape according to the sea currents and wind.

Korčula – The capital of the island of Korčula resembles a miniature Dubrovnik and is said to be where the famous traveler Marko Polo was born. The island offers beautiful beaches, dense pine forests and wineries where prized local wines such as Grk and Pošip are produced.

Lošinj - The island of Lošinj is visited for its crystal clear sea and spa tradition, which makes it an ideal place for relaxation and healing stays.

Croatian islands
Croatian islands

The Croatian islands are among the biggest attractions of the Adriatic Sea and important tourist destinations in the country. Croatia has more than 1,200 islands, of which only about 50 are inhabited. These islands are characterized by beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, rich history and cultural monuments.

The two largest islands Krk and Cres each cover an area of ​​approximately 405 km².

The most important tourist destinations include Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Pag and Krk.

Harbour Mandrac in Hvar
Harbour Mandrac in Hvar

The Croatian islands stretch along the Adriatic coast from the northern part of the Kvarner Gulf to southern Dalmatia.

All the islands have a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers.

Many of the islands have a rich history dating back to Roman times and the Middle Ages. Important commercial and cultural centers functioned here.

Islands such as Hvar and Korčula are famous for their historical monuments and cultural events, while others, such as Mljet or Cres, are sought after by tourists for their beautiful nature and national parks.

Mljet island
Mljet island 

Many yachtsmen also go to the Croatian islands, who appreciate the indented coastline and many bays and harbors.

Hvar guide

One of the most famous and most visited islands is located in Dalmatia between the islands of Brač, Vis and Korčula. It is one of the most beautiful and luxurious destinations in Croatia. Hvar is famous for its rich history, picturesque beaches, lavender fields and colorful nightlife.

Town of Hvar
The town of Hvar

Approximately 11,000 inhabitants live here. The island covers an area of ​​297 km². The largest town of Hvar has the same name as the island - Hvar
It has a Mediterranean climate, with long and warm summers, mild winters and plenty of sunny days.

Hvar has a rich history dating back to ancient times when it was colonized by the Greeks. They called the island Pharos. It later became part of the Roman Empire and was then controlled by the Venetians, which greatly influenced its architecture and culture. The medieval history of the town of Hvar can be seen at every turn thanks to fortresses, churches and palaces.

Fortica fortress in Hvar
Fortica fortress in Hvar

On Hvar you will find great Mediterranean cuisine, rich in fish, seafood, olive oil and lavender. Typical dishes include Dalmatian prosciutto (cured ham), lamb, grilled fish, and lavender desserts. Wine from Hvar, especially varieties like Plavac Mali, has an excellent reputation.


Sights and attractions

Town of Hvar – If you visit the largest town on the island, be sure not to miss the historic center with the Cathedral of St. Stephen's and Venetian architecture, the theater from 1612 and the Fortica fortress with a view of the city and the sea.

Port in Hvar
Port in Hvar

Stari Grad - One of the oldest cities in Croatia, it boasts a rich history, museums and Roman monuments. The Stari Grad Plain area is on the UNESCO list.

Lavender fields - Part of the island of Hvar is covered with lavender fields, creating a beautiful landscape and fragrance.

Paklena islands - You can reach a small archipelago off the west coast of Hvar by boat and enjoy swimming and natural beauty.

Beaches - Hvar offers both hidden coves and sandy and pebbly beaches. Dubovica beach is among the most famous.

Bay on the Hvar island
Bay on the Hvar island

Accommodations

On the island of Hvar, you can choose from more than 1,500 different accommodation capacities during the season, almost a third of which are located in the largest town of Hvar. Other larger centers include Jelsa, Stari Grad, Vrboska and Gdinj.

You can treat yourself to real luxury in the oldest hotel on Hvar: Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel. You will find it right in the heart of the city among the historical buildings by the Hvar Bay. Beautiful views are offered by the terrace of the restaurant and bar. There is also a fitness and wellness center with an indoor pool, sauna and the like.

If you prefer to stay in apartments, Apartments Villa Marcelina is located right next to the beach, not far from the center of Hvar. The accommodation offers a private beach and a terrace with stunning sea views. Each apartment has its own fully equipped kitchen and a patio with views. Guests can use free private parking or an outdoor fireplace.

Hvar
Hvar

You can find cheaper accommodation near the center of Hvar, for example, at Barko apartment and rooms. You can walk to the beach in 2 minutes, to the historic center in 5 minutes. Guests have at their disposal a garden with an outdoor fireplace, a common kitchen, and a common room.

Other accommodation options are offered by the historic town of Stari Grad. For example, Town House Rosario can be found in the historic center of the city, not far from Petar Hektorović Palace. The guesthouse offers spa and wellness procedures. Some rooms have a kitchenette. Guests can use the terrace with outdoor furniture.

Brač guide

One of the most beautiful and third largest islands in Croatia lies in Dalmatia between Split and the island of Hvar. It was famous for its natural beauty, white marble and the famous Zlatni rat beach.

Zlatni rat beach, Brač
Zlatni rat beach

About 14,000 permanent residents live here, of which about 3,000 live in the largest city on the island of Supetar.

The highest mountain, Vidova Gora, is 778 m above sea level, making Brač the highest Croatian island.

Like the other islands, Brač has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.

Brač has a long history, dating back to prehistoric times. It was settled by the Illyrians, then colonized by the Greeks, and then became part of the Roman Empire.

Village Ložišca in Brač
Village Ložišca in Brač

The island of Brač became famous for the extraction of high-quality white marble, which was used for the construction of famous buildings, including Diocletian's Palace in Split and allegedly part of the White House in Washington.

Lovers of outdoor activities will enjoy the island of Brač. In addition to swimming and sunbathing on the beaches, it offers hiking (e.g. ascent to Vidova Gora), cycling, windsurfing and diving. 

Windsurfing on Brač
Windsurfing on Brač

On Brač, you can enjoy excellent Dalmatian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood, fresh fish, olive oil and herbs. Traditional specialties include lamb from Brač, which is considered one of the best in Croatia. Locals loved vitalac, a dish made from lamb's entrails.


Sights and attractions

Zlatni rat - One of the most famous beaches in Croatia can be found near the town of Bol. This spiky pebble beach changes shape with the direction of the wind and currents.

Beach Zlatni rat
Beach Zlani rat

Vidova Gora - The highest point on Brač and all Croatian islands. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding islands and the coast.

Supetar - The capital of Brač with beautiful beaches, a traditional Mediterranean center, churches and historical architecture.

Pučišća - A town known for its mining and processing of white marble. The famous stonemason school is also located here.

Bol - Tourist resort with a historical center, a monastery and a port. Visitors love it for its beautiful beaches and sports activities, including windsurfing.

Monastry in Bol
Monastry in Bol

Škrip - The oldest village on Brač, which offers archaeological sites and a museum dedicated to the history of the island.

Accommodations

On the island of Brac, you can choose from more than 2,000 different accommodations during the season. You will find the most options in the capital Supetar. It is followed by the towns or villages of Bol, Sutivan or Milna.

Comfortable accommodation for adults only in the historical center of Supetar is offered by the 4* Hotel Osam - Adults Only. The room price already includes breakfast, and guests can order half board. On the roof terrace with amazing views, guests can enjoy the indoor pool or perhaps a wide selection of cocktails. The hotel also offers spa and wellness services.

An interesting alternative for accommodation in Supetar is Boutique Camping Bunja. Here you can rent a mobile home with its own kitchen and bathroom. You can enjoy beautiful views of the sea from the terrace. Guests have at their disposal a heated swimming pool, a game room, a children's playground, and free private parking. The campsite is located right next to the beach.

Supetar
Supetar

You can enjoy luxury in the town of Bol, for example, at the 4* hotel Villa Giardino Heritage Boutique Hotel Bol. The hotel is located in the historic part of the town. Guests can enjoy the garden and terrace with views. The beach is nearby. Concierge services, shuttle service, car or bicycle rental are offered at the 24/7 reception.

Pansion Ivan & Ivana offers pleasant accommodation at pleasant prices. In the guesthouse, you can stay in a double room or in an apartment with a terrace and a kitchen. The accommodation is located a short distance from the beach and the port. Guests have at their disposal a garden, a terrace with outdoor furniture or private free parking.

Korcula guide

Korčula, a beautiful and historically significant island, can be found in Dalmatia, in the southern part of the Adriatic Sea. The island is known for its picturesque nature, rich history, traditional architecture and cultural customs. The capital city names them the same as the island and approximately 16,000 inhabitants live here.

Korčula
Korčula

It has a Mediterranean climate, which means warm summers and mild winters.

Korčula has a long and fascinating history. The first people came here already in prehistoric times. It was then controlled by the Illyrians, Greeks and Romans. The famous traveler Marco Polo is said to have been born in the town of Korčula. That is why Korčula is often called the "Island of Marco Polo". The island also came under the influence of the Republic of Venice, which is reflected in the architecture and cultural heritage.

Korčula is covered by pine forests, vineyards and olive groves. On the coast you will find beautiful beaches and clean bays, ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Korčula, like other Croatian islands, offers traditional Dalmatian cuisine, based on fresh fish, seafood, olive oil and herbs. Local specialties include pashticada, Žrnovski macaroni or grilled fish.

Grilled fish, Korčula
Grilled fish

The exceptional variety of Grk white wine is grown mainly in the Lumbarda region.

Korčula offers visits to historical monuments and traditional villages, classic tourism, cycling and various water sports such as sailing and diving. The island is also popular with wine lovers who can visit local vineyards and taste different wines.

Sights and attractions

Town of Korčula - The capital of the island is famous for its Venetian architecture with narrow streets and medieval walls. The city is dominated by St. Mark's Cathedral with its beautiful bell tower, built in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Town of Korčula
Town of Korčula

Marco Polo's House - Although there is no clear evidence of his birth on Korčula, many local traditions connect him to this island. In Korčula, you can visit Marco Polo's house, which has been turned into a museum.

Traditional Moreska dances - This knightly dance symbolizes the fight between the Christians and the Moors. It belongs to the oldest and most important traditions of the island. It is regularly performed during summer festivals.

The village of Lumbarda - Famous for its vineyards and the production of quality white wine Grk. Here they also found important Greek archaeological monuments.

Vineyards of Grk wine, Lumbarda
Vineyards in Lumbarda

Vela Luka - A picturesque town in the west of the island with a rich tradition and cultural heritage. It was made famous by the Vela Spila cave, where traces of a prehistoric settlement were found.

Accommodations

On the island of Korčula, you can choose from more than 1,500 accommodation capacities during the season. The largest selection, around 400, is offered by the capital Korčula on the east coast of the island. You can also stay in the town of Vela Luka on the west coast or perhaps in the south in Prizba.

The 4* Hotel Korsal is located on the pedestrian zone right by the beach, a short distance from the historic center of the town of Korčula. You can enjoy beautiful views of the sea from the room. The price includes breakfast, half-board can also be purchased. You can taste Dalmatian specialties and quality local wines in the hotel's restaurant with a terrace. There is also a garden, a bar and a parking lot.

Old Town of Korčula
Old Town of Korčula

The 4* guesthouse Boutique rooms Kastel Ismaeli can be found in the harbor in the town of Vela Luka near Vranac beach. Some rooms offer a beautiful view of the sea. You can park here for free, if you arrive without a car, the accommodation will arrange transfers or car rental on request. You can have refreshments in the bar.

Guest house Mara offers pleasant accommodation 50 meters from the sea in the town of Vela Luka. The accommodation does not offer breakfast, but all apartments have their own kitchen and dining area. Guests can also use the sun terrace, garden and outdoor fireplace. You can park at the accommodation for free.

For example, Hostel Korcula offers cheap accommodation, where you can stay in shared eight or six-bed rooms. The hostel is located in the historic center of the town of Korčula, just 200 meters from the beach Luka Korchulanska. Guests have access to a shared kitchen and lockers.

Lošinj island guide

This picturesque Croatian island lies in the Kvarner Gulf in the northern Adriatic. The island of health and vitality covers less than 75 km². Tourists go here primarily for family vacations, relaxation and medical stays. You can reach Lošinj via the swing bridge from the island of Cres, then by ferry from the mainland towns of Brestova or Valbiska on Krk. And even though Lošinj is not one of the largest islands, you will find one of the island's three airports here.

The capital of Mali Lošinj can be found in the southern part of the island.

Lošinj is famous for its mild climate with more than 2000 hours of sunshine per year and lush vegetation, including pine forests and Mediterranean herbs. This natural beauty is appreciated by visitors from all over the world. The island has gained a reputation as a natural spa, ideal for healing stays and relaxation in nature.

Healthy nature in Losinj
Healthy nature in Losinj

What should you try on the island of Losinj? The island offers fresh seafood and traditional Croatian dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Popular dishes include grilled fish, octopus, prawns and lamb, often topped with local olive oil and herbs. Quality olive oil and traditional Croatian wine are also grown here.

Lošinj offers wide possibilities for hiking, cycling, diving, snorkeling and yachting. Tourists can take advantage of the healing walks along the marked paths among the pine and olive trees, or relax on the picturesque beaches with clear water.


Sights and attractions

Mali Lošinj - The largest town on the island with a harbor and a beautiful old center. Here you will also find the Apoxyomena Museum, which exhibits an ancient Greek bronze statue of Apoxyomena discovered off the coast of Lošinj.

Mali Lošinj
Mali Lošinj

Veli Lošinj - A picturesque fishing village with colorful houses and a botanical garden, ideal for walking and relaxing. There is also a dolphin conservation center here, as there is a population of bottlenose dolphins living in the surrounding waters. You can also visit the Romanesque church of St. Nicholas.

Veli Lošinj
Veli Lošinj


Accommodations

On the island of Lošinj, you can choose from more than 800 different accommodation capacities during the season, from apartments to holiday homes, villas, guesthouses. You will find the most accommodation in the southern part of the island in the town of Mali Lošinj, then also in Veli Lošinj, in the northern part of the island near the bridge connecting Lošinj with the island of Cres in the town of Nerezine.

Truly luxurious accommodation is offered by the 5* Boutique Hotel Alhambra. Pine trees and palm trees surround this large villa. Guests can use the fitness and wellness center with an indoor pool with salt water, sauna and various types of massages and cosmetics. They also have a private beach, a sunny terrace, a restaurant, a garden or a common room.

Romantic views on the island of Lošinj
Romantic views on the island of Lošinj

The pleasant Star guesthouse is located in the center of Mali Lošinj, a short distance from the port, not far from beaches and museums. You can relax in the magical garden or on the sunny terrace with outdoor furniture. You can park for free in the pension area. The reception is available to guests around the clock.

Tasteful accommodation in the south of the island with beautiful views of the sea is offered by the Glamping Tents and Mobile Homes Trasorka camp. The campsite is less than 5 km from the center of Veli Lošinj. All mobile homes have a veranda, private bathroom and kitchen. Guests can use the garden, free parking or barbecue facilities.