10 Must-Visit Croatian Islands for Your Summer Getaway
Croatia has a lot of islands, but not all of them are worth your time. Some are quiet, some are weird, and a few have goats outnumbering humans. You’ll find places with Roman ruins next to camping tents, or locations where the best meal comes with a view and no Wi-Fi.
If you want islands with a bit of character—and less of the crowd—this list might save you a lot of planning and a few ferry mix-ups.
Korčula
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Getting lost in the old town here is half the fun—those narrow stone streets twist and turn for no real reason. The vibe is relaxed, with just enough history to keep things interesting. The food’s worth trying, and you’ll probably forget what time it is at least once.
Hvar
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Slip out of the main town in Hvar and you’ll hit vineyards, old monasteries, and stone paths leading nowhere in particular. There’s more than one side to it, and not everything costs a fortune. The fortress hike is short, and the view is decent. You can also have some food from nearby if you’re hungry.
Mljet
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It feels as if time slows down here, and nobody’s in a hurry to fix it. The national park is green and still, with lakes that reflect back every pine tree and passing cloud. Rent a bike or kayak, or just walk until you stop caring where the trail ends. There’s no real schedule and not much need for one.
Krk
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This one’s connected to the mainland by a bridge, so it’s an easy hop. But once you’re past the traffic, you’ll see that Krk is a mix of coastal towns, caves, hiking paths, and wineries. You can also swim near Baška when it gets hot. And if you get sunburned, you can go for a cave tour.
Cres
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Somehow, this place has more sheep than people, and it shows. Things move slowly, the towns are sleepy, and the coast is long enough that you’ll find your own little beach without trying too hard. The lamb is actually worth ordering, and biking here doesn’t feel like exercise.
Lošinj
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You’ll probably end up in Mali Lošinj, which is the biggest town and has what you need—restaurants, places to stay, and a long harbor full of people sitting around doing not much. There’s a viewpoint up the hill if you feel like a walk, and a museum built around a statue someone pulled out of the sea.
Vis
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Vis feels like someone left it alone for a few decades, and it’s better because of it. There are no big hotels or fast roads. You eat in courtyards and swim in spots with no umbrellas. The towns are small, the inland roads are wild, if you feel like going for a drive.
Brač
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This island is actually bigger than it looks, and most of it is pretty unbothered by tourism. The interior has winding roads, sleepy villages, and places where lunch lasts longer than planned. The hike up Vidova Gora takes effort, but gives you a peaceful view and a place to enjoy some quiet.
Šolta
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The main village of Šolta has old boats tied to the dock, simple restaurants, and not much else—and that’s kind of the point. You can choose to swim, walk, and eat. Don’t be surprised if you see others around, doing nothing, just like you. It’s a good place to stop trying so hard.
Rab
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Sandy beaches are rare in Croatia, but Rab has them. The town itself looks pretty dramatic from the water—stone towers and steep roofs—but once you’re inside, it feels more lived-in. You’ll find candlelit streets, locals eating late, and it isn’t overly busy, even near the main spots.
Lopud
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No cars, few people, and zero reasons to rush. Lopud’s the island where you start reading the same paragraph three times because the view keeps distracting you. It’s small enough to walk everywhere, and you’ll want to. Stick around after the day-trippers leave for some quiet time.
Dugi Otok
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It’s long, mostly empty, and good at making you forget about real life. The southern end has cliffs and saltwater lakes; the north has Saharun beach, which hasn’t been overrun yet. Bring snacks, a decent playlist, and an open schedule; once you’re there, there’s not much to think about.
Brijuni (Veliki Brijun)
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Veliki Brijun doesn’t have permanent residents, so it’s more of a day-trip curiosity. You take a boat over, hop on a little train, and next thing you know, you’re riding past zebras and Roman ruins. Tito used it as a guest spot during his presidency, so it still has that political-resort feel.
Šipan
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As soon as you set foot on this island, you will realize that the place hasn’t really changed in decades. The main villages are slow-moving, with sleepy stone houses and boats bobbing in the water. You can bike across the island on a rough road that passes olive trees and be done for the day.
Obonjan
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Obonjan feels like summer camp for adults who hate being organized. You sleep in tents under the trees, eat whatever’s being served that day, and maybe go to a yoga session if you remember what time it starts. There’s music, water, hammocks, and not a lot of pressure. Everything’s low effort and works best that way.