The best islands to visit in Croatia in 2025
Island hoppers looking for their next getaway will do well to consider Croatia and its dozens of sun-kissed islands in the sparkling Mediterranean. With their wild beauty, charming coastal towns, and beaches off the beaten path, Croatia’s isles are wonderful to explore by yacht, allowing you to discover hard-to-reach places only accessible by boat and experience sleeping right on the Adriatic.
CRUISE CROATIA'S ISLANDS WITH GH
The Dalmatia region is where you’ll find many of Croatia's most beautiful islands, complete with warm waters lapping the shores, fascinating historical sights and seafood fresh from the net. From glamorous Hvar, family-friendly Brac, and Vis — the tiny Croatian island where Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was filmed — to spectacular national parks, feast your eyes on the best isles to visit on a summer holiday.
And, if you’re looking to explore a few of Croatia's heavenly islands in one trip, check out Good Housekeeping's eight-day Croatia island hopping escape on a private yacht, where you won’t have to take any ferries to and from each island but can sit back and relax on a boutique ship with just a handful of cabins.
You'll sail along Croatia's Dalmatian coastline, visiting beloved islands such as Mljet and Korcula. The cruise is on a boutique ship, whose small size makes it perfect for docking in hidden coves so that you can bathe in Croatia's famously beautiful waters.
If you want a taste of what's to come, take a look at our round-up of the most idyllic of Croatia's islands.
Vis
For an island off the tourist trail, Vis offers peace, fewer crowds and hard-to-reach beaches such as Stiniva, which was once named the best beach in Europe. While staying on Vis you must try the local specialities like Komiza, traditional flatbread filled with salted fish, onions, tomatoes and spices, and take a dip in the striking blue waters.
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Hvar
Famous for its endless lavender fields and its glamorous reputation attracting A-list celebrities to its shores, Hvar is a gorgeous island where you'll find gleaming yachts lining the capital's harbour and Hvar Town attracting its well-heeled visitors after dark. Be sure to visit the oldest village on the island, Stari Grad, and visit picturesque Jelsa as an alternative to Hvar Town.
On an eight-day cruise of Croatia's islands, you'll enjoy a walking tour of Hvar's Old Town, exploring pretty streets lined with 800 years of architecture.
Korcula
Known as 'Little Dubrovnik,' Korcula has far fewer tourists, so you can explore its beautiful old town at peace. Marvel at the unique Venetian-gothic architecture, discover the quiet swimming covers and try the wine from its local vineyards.
On an eight-day cruise of Croatia's Dalmatian coastline, you'll visit Korcula, where you can wander the pretty cobblestoned streets, take part in a delicious wine tasting, and join a guided tour.
Mljet
This forest-covered island was named a national park in 1960 and is as verdant as you'll find Croatia's islands. On Mljet, you'll find lakes, an abandoned monastery and just one major road running from north to south. Hikers can take in glorious views of the peninsula of Peljesac and Korcula from the head for the high point of Montokuc.
Mljet is one of the stops on our eight-day cruise of Croatia's Dalmatian coastline this year, where you'll get to explore the pine forests and saltwater lakes of this fabulously green island.
Galesnjak
Galesnjak is a unique little island in the Adriatic. Just 130 metres in length, this island is naturally heart-shaped, making it a magnet for romantic travellers from all over the world. Being as small as it is, there's not a whole lot to see and do on Galesnjak, but you will find crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and secluded coves perfect for relaxing.
Bisevo
The tiny island of Bisevo is home to just 20 people and could go unnoticed if it weren't for one intriguing natural landmark - its remarkable Blue Cave. This mysterious cave appears to glow bright blue at certain times of the day. Entry to the cave is weather-dependent, but it's definitely worth a shot at experiencing this ethereal natural phenomenon.
Kornat
Kornat is the largest island in the spectacular Kornati National Park, an archipelago of over 80 protected islands and islets. Sailing through this labyrinth of islands is truly rewarding - you'll spot caves, grottoes and interesting rock formations, as well as shoals of fish in the turquoise waters.
Brac
The biggest island in central Dalmatia, Brac is just 20 minutes from Hvar and has retained a sleepy feel, offering island hoppers a mixture of sand and pebble beaches. Its hilly countryside makes it a wonderful island for hikers and bikers, while Zlatni Rat is its most famous beach which attracts families and water sports fans.
On an eight-day cruise of Croatia's coast, you'll visit Zlatni Rat where you can enjoy swimming off the shores of this lovely beach.
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Ciovo
Connected to the Dalmatian town of Trogir by a bridge, Ciovo is a great spot for beach lovers with marine life for snorkelers to explore and fragrant pine forests offering shade. Don't miss the quiet village of Slatine for its lovely beach and pretty Okrug Gornji, one of the oldest spots on the island.
Rab
Rab is an island of geological contrasts, with lush forests in the south-west and rocky terrains in the north and east. Of course, like any Croatian island worth its salt, there is a great range of beaches here too, from tiny, picturesque coves to long stretches of golden sands lapped by warm, shallow waters.
Trogir
Just 30 minutes drive from Split you'll find the tiny island town of Trogir, which can be reached by bridges from the mainland. Trogir has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997 and is home to a number of intriguing historic sights, including the Romanesque Cathedral of St Lawrence.
Krk
Krk is one of the largest islands in the Adriatic and is connected to the mainland by the mile-long Krk Bridge. This easily accessible island has a lot to offer, from secluded swimming bays and lively city beaches to fascainting historical monuments. Highlights include a 13th-century Frankopan castle, the 2,000-year-old Krk City walls and Krk Cathedral, whose tower dominates the city.
Lopud
A small isle off the coast of southern Croatia, Lopud makes an ideal destination for a day trip from nearby Dubrovnik. It forms part of the Elafiti archipelago, a group of six islands known for their exquisite beaches and small coves. Lopud is entirely car-free, making it a peaceful, family-friendly base for a beach holiday.
Cres
Cres is a wonderfully wild island, covered in lush oak and chestnut forests. Despite being the second largest island in the Adriatic, Cres is sparsely populated and often overlooked by tourists, so there's a peaceful atmosphere to be enjoyed here.
The main town, Cres Town, has an Italian feel, having once been ruled by the Venetians. Check out the Venetian Tower and St Mary’s Church, with its historically important Valun tablet.
Pag
In complete contrast to the greenery of Cres, the island of Pag in the northern Adriatic is known for its barren, moonlike landscapes, which have earned it the nickname 'The Moonrock.' As well as its unique landscapes, the island is known for its award-winning cheeses, olive oils, and wines.
The island's northern town of Novalja has quickly gained a reputation as one of Croatia's premier party destinations, with several festivals throughout the year.
Do you want to explore several of Croatia's most heavenly islands on one trip? Join Good Housekeeping's island-hopping adventure on a boutique ship and you'll visit Brac, Korcula, Mljet and Hvar, with plenty of chances to swim in the crystal-clear waters.
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