Croatia has hundreds of enchanting islands, if you count all the little ones, of which around 50 are inhabited. Surrounded by the deep blue Adriatic, they offer a slower pace of life, in close harmony with nature, making perfect holiday escapes. You’ll find rocky shores, pine woods giving way to lush vineyards, hidden bays revealing historic harbour towns and fine pebble beaches.
Here I’ve chosen a broad range of islands, each special for a particular type of vacation, be it luxury, adventure or gourmet. After my 20 years exploring the Croatian coast, I love them all, and hope you will too.
Best for luxury
Hvar
Croatia’s most talked-about island, with fancy hotels, gourmet dining and tailor-made tours, has to be Hvar. For razzle-dazzle there’s Hvar Town, a picture-perfect huddle of Venetian-era stone buildings overlooking a harbour filled with sleek yachts, and nearby shores dotted with splashy beach clubs. Beyond town lie vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields – agriculture here began on Stari Grad plain, laid out by the Ancient Greeks in the fourth century BC, now Unesco-listed.
How to do it: Catch the catamaran to Hvar Town from either Split (1hr) or Dubrovnik (3hrs 30min). Stay at the newly renovated Hotel Sirena in a sheltered bay 2km from Hvar Town, opening in July 2026.
Best for wellness
Lošinj
The Island of Vitality, Lošinj is upmarket but more discreet than Hvar. Historically, local sea captains returned from their voyages with exotic plants, hence the prevalence of palms, magnolia and mimosa. In the early 20th century, wealthy Austrians began convalescing on Lošinj, and built elegant Secession villas in Čikat Bay, now home to the island’s best hotels. While here, don’t miss a gourmet picnic dinner at hillside Providenca, with sublime sunset views.
How to do it: Catch the catamaran to Mali Lošinj from either Zadar (2hrs 15min), Pula (2hrs 20min) or Rijeka (4hrs). Stay at the Boutique Hotel Alhambra, with a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking Čikat Bay.
Best for wine
Korčula
The alleged birthplace of Marco Polo, Korčula Town perches on a tiny fortified peninsula. An architectural gem, on balmy summer evenings it hosts performances of the Moreška, a medieval sword dance. Behind town, the rural interior is planted with vineyards. Visit the Bire winery in Lumbarda to taste the award-winning white Grk. A 15-min boat ride from Korčula Town, Pelješac peninsula is known for excellent red wines, making a perfect twin destination.
How to do it: Catch the catamaran to Korčula Town from either Dubrovnik (2hrs) or Split (2hrs 30min). Stay at the superb Lešić Dimitri Palace in Korčula’s pedestrian-only old town.
Best for active families
Brač
Brač’s marked trails attract walkers and cyclists. The highpoint, literally, is Vidova Gora (2,560ft) affording spectacular views over the sea and islands. At its foot on the south coast lie Bol and Zlatni Rat beaches, offering windsurfing, SUPs, scuba diving, beach volleyball, an inflatable acquapark and e-bike hire. In Bol, I also recommend the Dešković Gallery, displaying modern painting and sculpture inspired by the Dalmatian islands, with new exhibitions each summer.
How to do it: Catch the Jadrolinija catamaran to Bol from Split (1hr). Stay at the family-friendly Bluesun Elaphusa.
Best for photography
Pag
Rocky, arid and highly photogenic, Pag is criss-crossed by marked trails, making it another favourite of hikers and cyclists – the tourist board even organises full-moon night walks. It’s also a gourmet destination, famed for Pag cheese (made from the milk of its hardy little sheep) and fleur de sel from its salt pans. Up near Novalje, clubs on Zrče beach host open-air music festivals through summer.
How to do it: Pag is linked to the mainland by the spectacular Pag Bridge, so you can drive here from Zadar (18 miles). Stay at the Hotel Boškinac, set amid vineyards, near Novalja.
Best for escaping the crowds
Mljet
Having spent 600 years under the clutches of the Benedictine order, Mljet has remained curiously underdeveloped. The 12th-century Benedictine monastery, now abandoned, sits on a tiny island on a saltwater lake, immersed in lush forest, in the western third of the island, which is now Mljet National Park. On the eastern tip lies Saplunara, with a sweeping sandy beach, several informal seafood restaurants, and rooms to rent.
How to do it: Catch the catamaran to Pomena, on the edge of the national park, from either Dubrovnik (1hr 15min) or Split (3hrs 5min), or to Sobra from Dubrovnik (1hr 10min). Stay at the Pine Tree Boutique Apartments in Saplunara bay.
Best for beaches
Rab
Often overlooked, Rab combines a bit of everything, from woodland to some lovely beaches, including several sandy ones in the north around Lopar, several of which are clothing-optional. It has a good choice of mid-range hotels and campsites, and is especially popular with Germans. Its cultural centre is the medieval Rab Town, with four distinctive belltowers.
How to do it: Catch the catamaran to Rab Town from Rijeka (1hr 45min). Alternatively take the car ferry from Stinica on the mainland to Mišnjak on Rab’s east coast (20min). Stay at the Valamar Imperial Heritage Hotel in Rab Town.
Best for nature lovers
Dugi Otok
Another lesser-known island, in my opinion Dugi Otok makes the best base for exploring the limpid waters and uninhabited rocky islands of Kornati National Park, home to Peregrine falcons and eagle owls. Locals offer one-day boat trips from Sali, famed for its olive groves, and nearby there is also Telešćica Nature Park, centring on a dramatic bay, backed by woodland and speckled with islets.
How to do it: Catch the catamaran from Zadar to Sali (45min) or the car ferry (1hr 30min). Stay at the unforgettable eco-chic Villa Nai, holder of three Michelin Keys.
Best city and island pairing
Lopud
Near Dubrovnik, this car-free little island has just one settlement, Lopud Town, with a population of 278. It sits in a sheltered bay; historically, Dubrovnik’s nobles kept summer villas here. From the seafront, a narrow footpath across the island leads to Šunj, a popular sandy beach. Most visitors arrive by excursion boat from Dubrovnik mid-morning and depart late afternoon. So if you’re lucky enough to stay overnight on Lopud, Šunj is yours.
How to do it: Catch the catamaran (45min) or ferry (1hr 25min) from Dubrovnik’s Gruž port. If you’d like to stay on the island, you can rent restored monastery Lopud 1483 (if your budget allows).
Best for golf
Veliki Brijuni
Tito, former-Yugoslav president, kept his state summer residence on Veliki Brijuni, entertaining dignitaries such as Elizabeth II and Muammar Gaddafi, as well as Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. Now part of Brijuni National Park this lovingly tended island has an 18-hole golf course, dating from 1922, where you can play a round in the company of fallow deer and strutting peacocks. A unique experience.
How to do it: Catch the national park shuttle boat (15min, reservations essential) from Fažana. Stay at Hotel Neptun on the island. It may be in need of some renovation, but it’s still a magical hideaway.