If you want to get away from the Croatian mainland, as well as the crowds found on popular beaches, try your luck on these smaller islands that are famous for their paradisiacal beauty.
Which Croatian islands should you visit at least once in your life?
Silba
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Sleepy Silba invites you to take leisurely walks along the quiet coast. There are no cars or bicycles on this island in the summer, and there are also no large hotels. Here you can indulge in pleasures at a leisurely pace. You can lie in the sun, dive into the clear water and walk along the beautiful shores. Those who are really looking for adventure can climb the Toreta observation tower or join a fun game of volleyball on Sotorišće beach.
Lopud
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A one-hour boat ride takes you from the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik to the heart of high mountains and crystal clear blue water. Explore the car-free island and meet the locals, enjoy seaside restaurants, charming boutiques, delicious ice cream parlors and of course exploring the beautiful coastline. You must also go to the southern side of the island to the bay of Sinj, where silky sand awaits you.
Kornati
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Consisting of more than 130 reefs, islets and islands, the Kornati islands boast incredible diversity - from vineyards, olive groves, limestone, massive cliffs, to Mediterranean scrub. Explore human remains from the Neolithic era, dive in crystal clear water and walk amazing hiking trails. Please note that this area is protected and you will have to pay an entrance fee to visit the pristine waters and natural beauty.
Saint Nicholas
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From the coast with crystal clear water to the abundance of pine forests - Sveti Nikola is a great choice for a vacation. You can reach the completely uninhabited island (there is only one hotel built in 2015) from the old town center of Poreč by boat. In July and August, keep an eye out for dolphins, snorkel in the clear water, visit a beautiful 14th century castle and lighthouse built by a Venetian family, and enjoy blue flag pebbly beaches.
Great Brijun
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Hop on a 20-minute ferry ride from Fažana to the beautiful island of Veliki Brijun, which became part of a national park after the death of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito. The island is dotted with rolling fields and dense forests that shade secluded coves and hide incredible treasures from passers-by. Here, visitors can find dinosaur footprints, botanical gardens, a century-old golf course, Roman ruins, an ornithological park, safaris and more. There are also many exotic animals on this beautiful island, which were given to the former president Tito.
Saint Clement
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Escape the hustle and bustle of Hvar and take a 5-minute journey to Sveti Klement, a sleepy islet transformed into a magical garden. The botanist Eugen Meneghello secretly turned the island into his garden in 1906 and planted lavender, rosemary, lilies and other plants. There are now a series of bungalows on the island, owned by his great-grandchildren, available for rent. This island is car free and completely unspoiled. Visitors can enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at Toto Beach Restaurant or explore any of the 20 coves.
Susak
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Walk along the soft sandy paths that criss-cross the tiny island of Susak, home to only 150 people. Pay attention to the incredibly aromatic shrubs that will usually accompany you on the way. The island was named after an herb that grows wild all over the world: the Greek oregano. This sandy island also hosts the modern art biennial Susak Expo, which offers an interesting event for all who visit this island during the summer.
Bisevo
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This small island, which is one of the furthest islands from mainland Croatia, is famous for the Blue Cave or Blue Cave, which is only accessible by boat. Let the Dalmatian sun caress you as you move through the crystal clear water. Spend the rest of the day exploring the monastery ruins, meandering between Biševa's secluded bays and spotting schools of dolphins and sea turtles.
Solta
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Enjoy the solitude and tranquility of Šolta, in the beautiful town of Maslinica, a fishing village that has become a true gourmet destination. Stay in a converted 18th century castle to a luxury hotel. Pick up a bottle of the local Levantinka extra virgin olive oil or treat yourself to the local Dobričić wine. Bring home a jar of wildflower honey or stroll through the beautiful pine forests that add some shade to this piece of paradise.
Prod
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Escape to the completely uninhabited island of Prozid, ideal for escaping the summer crowds of popular nearby islands such as Korčula. Walk along beautiful sunny paths dotted with fragrant maquis, have a picnic on the uncrowded white pebble beaches and dive in the clear water. Those who want to taste the island life in the summer can go to the south side, near the small harbor and stop for a chilled beer.
