If you’ve been asking yourself the question “What are the most interesting Croatian islands to visit?” we have a ready answer for you: all of them!

Croatia has over 1200 islands and let us tell you right away, that is a mighty number for island hopping. No matter which island you choose to visit in this beautiful Mediterranean country you won’t go wrong. They all share the ancient history that dates back to Roman times (and some were inhabited long before that), they all bask in the beneficial Mediterranean climate, they all have an assortment of great beaches, stunning seaside landscapes, interesting architecture, legends attached to them, and hundreds of years old traditions. And yet, each of them is special and has something to offer that no other island does.

However, we appreciate that you might be short on time and can’t take a sabbatical. To that end, we have complied a list of ten interesting Croatian islands for you to visit (among the many). We hope it helps you refine your search for your personal favourite, and when you find it, we hope you’ll share your impressions with us in the comment section.

1. Mljet 

Why visit: the island of Mljet just might be the mythical Ogygia, the home of the nymph Calypso where, according to the Greek bard Homer, the famous hero Odysseus spent seven years during his ten year return voyage home after the Trojan War.

Famous for: the stunning landscape that includes the Odysseus’s cave, the National Park Mljet and the islet of St. Mary.

Main attractions: The northern side of Mljet island is just as legendary as its creation myth - covered with the lush Mediterranean forests of Aleppo pine and holm oak so beautiful they deserve their own epic poem. This is the area of the National Park Mljet, with over five thousand hectares of trees, lakes, geomorphological and historical sites that we are sure Odysseus would have loved to explore. If you fancy an exploration trip yourself don’t miss to visit the fairytale islet of St. Mary, an island within an island, and its Benedictine monastery which houses a restaurant open from April to November. 

2. Lastovo 

Why visit: being one of the least light-polluted places on the entire planet, Lastovo is known as the ‘island of crystal stars’ the best island for star-gazing, astrophotography and romance. With no direct street light getting in the way of that perfect view of the Milky Way you won’t have trouble locating even the more distant stars, getting the right focus for a great Insta-worthy shot or enjoying the setting for a summer night romance.

Famous for: Lastovo Islands Nature Park, Lastovski poklad, a 500 year old carnival

Main attractions: Lastovo and its archipelago have been blessed with a mild climate sometimes referred to as the “olive climate”. With nearly three thousand hours of sunlight per year, no venomous snakes and a pleasantly warm Autumn the islands are a perfect choice for a post-season holiday. We recommend a hiking adventure along some - or all - of the 200 kilometers of trails that criss-cross Lastovo island, and a visit to the quaint islet of Glavat, created through the divine workings of Greek gods (or so the legend says). If you’re visiting in Winter, party like a local and join the Lastovski poklad, a unique traditional event celebrated from January 17th to Ash Wednesdsay.

3. Brijuni

Why visit: honestly, how could you not? This gorgeously landscaped paradise is a national park and a home to an Indian elephant, albino peacocks and dozens of other domestic and exotic animals.

Famous for: the Safari park, Lanka the elephant, Koki the Cockatoo, the amazing landscaping 

Main attractions: The exotic animals living in the park were diplomatic gifts to the late president Tito and now roam the grounds freely. While Lanka the Elephant and Tito’s own cockatoo Koki are the stars of this Eden-like place, llamas, zebras, peacocks and ostriches are worthy of every admiration, too. The ethno park located inside the safari area is the home to several indigenous Istrian animals. 

Brijuni are a perfectly-landscaped paradise, too: the grandeur of its Mediterranean garden and the Belvedere trail is impressive in Autumn as much as in Spring and Summer. Packed with activities, these islands are a perfect choice for a family visit.

4. Korcula

Why visit: for a full immersion in cultural and gastronomic traditions of Dalmatia and some exceptional white wine

Famous for: the thousand year old tradition of winemaking, the (alleged) birthplace of Marco Polo, the sword dance Moreska

Main attractions: Korcula can boast not one but three different white wines, produced from the island’s own indigenous grape sorts. Even if you prefer red Dalmatian wines, Korcula’s Posip, Rukatac and Grk will go down well with you since none of them possess the acidity usually found in white wines. Expand your gastronomic experience of Korcula by indulging in the island’s traditional dishes: the beef stew ‘pasticada’, the fish stew ‘popara’, and ‘makaruni’, the simple yet delicious handmade pasta.

The famous explorer Marco Polo may have enjoyed some form of these gastronomic delights, as well. You’ll find his birth house in the town of Korcula, perfectly preserved. Another important piece of Korcula’s tradition worthy of your attention is the sword dance Moreska. Performed since the 17th century, it is a re-enactment of a local legend surrounding an abduction of a young girl. Moreska is only one of the several traditional dances on Korcula so wherever you go on the island there’ll be dancing in the streets.

5. Krk 

Why visit: for a taste of Croatian history. The island of Krk is Croatia’s keeper of the Glagolitic tradition. The Glagoltic script, an original alphabet created in the 9th century, features heavily in Krk’s history, with the most famous Croatian Glagolitic monument Bascanska ploca (the Bascanska Tablet) found in Jurandvor on Krk. 

Famous for: Bascanska ploca, the Glagolitic trail, Vrbnik, white champagne Valomet

Main attractions: Wherever you go on the island of Krk you’ll find pieces of its history in the landscape, in the shape of monasteries, churches, ethno villages or archaeological sites. We suggest you visit the charming little town of Vrbnik, the home of a library with over six thousand books, the narrowest street in the world and the delicious Vrbnik ‘zlahtina’ wine, a blend of grapes, apples, rowan berries and immortelle. 

Don’t forget to try Valomet, Krk’s famous white sparkling wine. It is made from the same golden grapes as the Vrbnik ‘zlahtina’ but left to mature under water at the depth of thirty meters. We guarantee the taste of it will feel like a Bubblefest in your mouth.

The underwater world of Krk is not for wine storage only. With over a dozen diving locations, an underwater park in Punat, semi-submarine tours in Krk and Malinska and aquariums in Krk and Baska, it is fabulous place for underwater exploration.

6. Vis 

Why visit: nowhere else will you find such a stunning array of magnificent forts or see such a singular gem of beauty as the Blue Cave. And the wine made on Vis is pretty good, too, given it’s been made there since the Roman times and is bound to satisfy even the most delicate and discernible of palates. 

Famous for: too many things to list them all but in a nutshell - the fortification system, the Blue Cave, the Archipelago, the wine-making, the Vis Volcanic Triangle.

Main attractions: The forts of Vis are the keepers of the island’s incredible history, military and cultural alike. Once a mighty military keep, the famous Fort King George - Fortica stands out with its eclectic space of old stone, Mediterranean vegetation and modern decor, combining a restaurant, an art gallery and a special events venue.

If you prefer for your adventure to have a bit more nature in it, the Vis Archipelago is a part of the UNESCO’s Geopark network and is packed with beauties of nature that you can visit by boat, kayak or on foot. The place of instant magic is the Blue Cave on the small Bisevo island, where the sunlight interacts with the cave walls and the sea to create an enchanting splendour of blue and silvery lights.

And if you’re looking for an outstanding Croatian adventure that will give a new meaning to the term “off-shore”, sail down the route of the Vis Volcanic Triangle around the islands of Brusnik, Svetac and Jabuka. 

7. Brac 

Why visit: if you’re looking for a wholesome well-balanced place for a holiday that offers beautiful beaches, exciting outdoor activities and a rich history in equal measure. Brac is perhaps the most quintessential Dalmatian island and an excellent choice for a family vacation as well as a romantic one.

Famous for: the Golden Horn beach, the tradition of stone masonry, the town of Skrip

Main attractions: The Golden Horn beach (Zlatni Rat) is a spectacular piece of fine-pebbled coast, so popular that it has its own website. Its outermost part is constantly reinventing itself under the workings of the winds and sea currents. Aside from swimming it’s a great place for wind-surfing and engaging into water-based sports. It’s also a pretty amazing setting for a long romantic walk at sunset time.  

If you’re on the lookout for more romantic places on Brac it’s worth singling one location out. With its history dating back to the prehistoric times and continuing through the Roman era, the village of Skrip is practically an open-air museum.

The architecture of this charming place (and the whole of Brac, for that matter) is something to admire. The carefully thought-out building process and the exceptional quality of the white stone of Brac is what gives Skrip the ambience of peaceful harmony. And you’ll find the same stone built into the White House in Washington and the Parliaments in Vienna and Budapest respectively. 

8. Pag

Why visit: to your left is the magnificent alienscape of bare rock plummeting towards the grey beaches. To your right is the non-stop party on Zrce beach, the best party beach in Europe. Somewhere in between are the Pag cheese, the Pag lace, and all the other wonders of this very special island.

Famous for: the Pag cheese, the Pag lace, Zrce parties, the hiking trails

Main attractions: The stunning nude rocks and hillsides of Pag sometimes plunge and sometimes ease into the equally bare gravel beaches, touched by the waters as calm as a lake. There is a tranquillity about Pag’s scenery, an other-worldliness that beckons to be compared to an alien planet. Therefore, the hiking trail ‘Life on Mars’ has been aptly named: voyaging along its sixteen kilometers, it won’t be hard to slip into a sci-fi fantasy and feel like an pioneer explorer.

Surprisingly enough, this bare landscape still provides enough salt-flavoured rosemary, sage and wild herbs for the Pag sheep to graze on, resulting in the internationally-awarded piquancy of the Pag cheese. You can try some on a cheese tasting tour in one of the Pag cheese factories. And while you’re picking out souvenirs to take home, don’t forget the Pag lace - a piece of delicate artwork crafted so skilfully and beautifully that is it worthy of a wedding dress. You can learn all about the long history of this Pag tradition in the Pag Lace Gallery in Pag. 

9. Losinj

Why visit: for the dolphins! Losinj’s sea is home to two hundred bottlenose dolphins watched over by the Blue World Institute and they are a magnificently heart-warming sight to see. In fact, Losinj is a family-friendly island in every way: your kids will love it here, and if you want to bring your four-legged friends on holiday with you, there are a dozen locations on the island designated as dog-friendly beaches.

Famous for: being the island of vitality, the dolphins, the history of ship-making.

Main attractions: While the sight of dolphins will spark you inner joy and get your hormones of happiness going, Losinj will be beneficial to your health in other ways as well. With over 250 sunny days per year the island has been a popular health resort for 130 years. The gentle climate and the exceptional quality of the air on Losinj are particularly favourable for treatment of allergies and respiratory illnesses and general de-stressing. We suggest treating yourself to an entire stress-free holiday in any of the hotels on the island (you know you’re worth it), but even spending a single weekend in one of the wellness centres will do you a world of good.

The people of Losinj were known as exceptional ship-builders throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire, so after getting rid of all that accumulated stress we recommend visiting the Kula maritime tradition museum in Veli Losinj. If you’re near Mali Losinj, pop down to the Apoxyomenos Museum which exhibits the best preserved Apoxyomenos statue in the world.

10. Rab

Why visit: the relaxed carefree ambience of the island will make it easy for you to relax into the local life. If you want to discover the secret of happiness, let Rab show you why ancient Romans proclaimed it Felix Arba.

Famous for: comfortable sandy beaches, the Rabska fjera medieval festival

Main attractions: With thirty sandy beaches, Rab is a fantastic choice for all those who want to enjoy the classic summer beach holiday. With an endless supply of beige-golden sand you’ll find yourself building sand castles, playing beach volleyball, sunbathing and taking romantic walks all day long. The most famous of Rab’s beaches is the Rajska beach (Paradise beach), awarded the international Blue Flag and as such adapted for wheelchair users.

If you’re visiting Rab in July, you’ll be in for a treat. Each year from July 25th to 27th the streets of Rab don their medieval attire for the festivities of Rabska fjera, the oldest medieval festival in Croatia. During the three days the entire town travels back in time with a number of traditional activities, craft exhibitions and events. If you’ve ever seen a medieval fair in a movie or period TV show, Rabska fjera is like that - only better and more authentic.

Conclusion: we may have singled out these islands, but there are many more gorgeous Croatian islands that are worth visiting and exploring, each waiting to take you on a special adventure of their own. We hope that no matter where you go you have an amazing holiday and that you won’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us. 

Safe and enjoyable travels to you all!