The best Croatian islands to visit in South Croatia
I’m pretty sure that you’ve already heard how stunning and beautiful Croatia is. One of the most famous places in Croatia is certainly Dubrovnik , but Croatia has a lot more to offer. This country is home to many beautiful islands, which are very easy to reach. So, Croatia islands are a perfect option for a holiday or island hopping. But which are the best Croatian islands to visit?
With spectacular Adriatic coast and many islands, blue seas and beautiful beaches, Croatia will make you fall in love and it will leave you speechless. There is so much to offer – gastronomic experiences, parties and stunning nature. I’ve visited Croatia a lot of times already and I can tell you that I fall in love with this country over and over again. My favourite part is Dalmatian Coast with Split and its surrounding islands.
Islands line the entire coast of Croatia, beginning in Istria and running all the way to Dubrovnik. Yes, I know, there are so many islands in Croatia and you might not have any idea where to start. That’s why I’ve wrote this blog post to help you find the perfect one.
Brač
Brač is a large island and is very easy to reach from Split, so you can decide to make a day trip even if you’re staying in Split or somewhere near Split. The most famous place on Brač is Bol, especially beach Zlatni rat, which is found on many postcards and travel magazines. Zlatni rat is a little bit overrated, if you ask me, but it’s still worth the visit.
If you’re asking yourself why I’m saying this, let me explain. The beach is absolutely beautiful and unique, but most people make one mistake – they expect the sandy beach, but in reality this is a pebble beach.
However, there is so much to discover on Brač. It is certainly one of the best Croatian islands to visit.
There are several towns on Brač island – the most popular and biggest places are Bol and Supetar. Other small, but charming towns are Milna, Sumartin, Postira and Sutivan. The most common way to get there is by ferry (from Split and from Makarska), but you can also hop on catamaran from Split and get off in Milna.
Brač is famous for its picturesque bays and beaches, which offer the perfect conditions for an amazing experience by the sea.
There are countless possibilities of activities, such as hiking, biking, windsurfing and exploring the island. Did you know that this island is also known for the Brač marble? Some well known buildings are made out of this stone – for example Diocletian’s Palace in Split, the Hofburg in Vienna and also the White House in Washington.
The highest peak on the island is Vidova Gora Mountain – it is offering you stunning views.
How to get to Brač?
Brač is the easiest to reach from Split. Ferries and catamarans run multiple times a day:
- Ferry (Split – Supetar): Operated by Jadrolinija, takes around 50 minutes. The price in the peak season is 6.50 EUR (in 2025) & 4.40 EUR in the low season (1.1.-13.4. & 27.10. – 31.12). For a car you’ll pay additional 26,10 EUR.
- Catamaran (Split – Bol): A faster option if you’re heading straight to Bol. You’ll pay 9.70 EUR per person. The catamaran goes from Split to Bol & then to Stari Grad and Jelsa on island Hvar, so you may find it convenient for an island hopping.
- From Makarska: A ferry connects Makarska with Sumartin on the island’s eastern side.
- By Plane: Brač has a small airport with seasonal flights from select European cities.
⛴️ If you are going to travel with ferry, you can check the timetables and prices on the official JADROLINIJA site.
Hvar
Hvar is one the most popular islands in Croatia and it is also known for being the main party island – mostly in Hvar town. But don’t worry, this island is also ideal for a family vacation as the rest of island is traditional and laid back.
The Stari Grad Plain near the town of Stari Grad is part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Is Hvar one of the best Croatian islands to visit? Yes, absolutely!
The beauty of the island really blew me away. Well, not just the beauty – it was the whole Island that blew me away. Historic cobbled streets, crystal clear blue waters, stunning beaches, stylish restaurants serving delicious food and the photogenic hills make this island so charming.
If you think that Hvar is all about the glamour, you’re wrong, because it’s so much more than this. St. Stephen’s Square is for sure one of the prettiest squares, surrounded by Venetian and Renaissance architecture, including the Cathedral of St. Stephen, the cathedral bell tower, the Arsenal and Hvarska pijaca. It is the centre of social and public life in Hvar.
If you’re in town of Hvar, you really shouldn’t miss the Spanjola Fortress views. Get on the top and enjoy in the amazing view of Pakleni Islands and Adriatic sea. Hands down, this is the most picturesque view of Hvar and I guarantee you, that you’ll remember this view even after a long time. The Spanjola Fortress is called Fortica and is easy to get to – just follow the signs (or ask a friendly local) up the stairs (many stairs, but it’s not that hard). After the stairs there is a relaxed walk through the pine forest.
You also shouldn’t miss the towns of Jelsa and Vrboska. They are less known, but they are so worth the visit too.
Did you know that Jelsa has such a cute nickname? It is known as Hvar’s Little Venice. I absolutely recommend Vrboska, if you want to escape the crowds.
How to get to Hvar?
Hvar is well connected by sea:
- Catamaran (Split – Hvar Town): The fastest way (1 hour) with companies like Kapetan Luka (Krilo) & Jadrolinija. In the season you will pay 8.35 EUR for a ride with catamaran with company Krilo.
- Ferry (Split – Stari Grad): Takes about 2 hours and is ideal if you’re traveling with a car.
- From Drvenik: A ferry runs to Sućuraj, the easternmost part of the island.
- From Korčula or Vis: There are seasonal catamarans between these islands. Also a great option if you want to go island hopping in Croatia.
Korčula
Korčula island (pronounced Kor-chu-la) is located in southern Dalmatia, near Dubrovnik. This island is one of the most favourite among travelers and I can understand why is it like this – it is a place of culture, history and charm, surrounded by stunning Adriatic sea and the weather is excellent. When I came to Korčula I was really surprised that the island is so green. When I was making a list of the best Croatian islands to visit, Korčula was on it without a single doubt.
The main town is also called Korčula. Another great town is Vela Luka and this is also where you get the ferry. If you want to go directly to town of Korčula, you can hop on catamaran from Split. The catamaran makes a stop in Milna, Hvar, Korcula and it goes to Mljet National Park and Dubrovnik.
Vela Luka is the largest town with a deep sheltered bay with tiny and tranquil islets and inlets. Vela Luka has the warmest temperatures on the Mediterranean. Even higher than Nice and Naples.
The entire Korčula Island is gorgeous, without any doubt. One of the prettiest in my opinion is the town of Korčula. Most people enter the old town through the Korcula Town Gate and I suggest you do the same. Check out the Marco Polo house – the locals will tell you that Korčula is the birthplace of Marco Polo. You should also visit the Cathedral of Saint Mark as it offers stunning views from the top of the tower.
When you are done with exploring the town, go for a drink or for a quick bite in one of the many restaurants near the city walls, but be prepared that you will end up paying a lot, because they are overpriced. But that’s something that you can expect. There are also budget friendly options, ofcourse, but you won’t get such a stunning view of the Pelješac and the Adriatic sea.
If you want to watch a stunning sunset, go to Massimo Cocktail Bar in Korcula town – the bar is at the top of the medieval tower. Massimo is accessible by stairs, then ladder – ladies, don’t wear a short skirt if you’re going.
How to get to Korčula?
Korčula has multiple connections, primarily from Split and Dubrovnik:
- Catamaran (Split – Korčula): A direct fast boat (around 2 hours). In the season you will pay 11.70 EUR for a ride with catamaran.
- Ferry (Split – Vela Luka): Takes about 3 hours, and then it’s a bus or taxi to Korčula Town. For a one-way ride with ferry you will pay 10.80 EUR (in 2025) and if you’re traveling with a car you will pay additional 73.70 EUR.
- Catamaran (Dubrovnik – Korčula): Takes about 2 hours and runs seasonally.
- From Pelješac: A short ferry ride (15 minutes) from Orebić to Domince, near Korčula Town.
Visit the Badija island
Badija is a little island that belongs to Korcula. You can reach it in just a couple minutes by taxi boat, since it is really close to the Korčula Island. The main reason why Badija is popular is the Franciscan monastery from 14th century. It is a beautiful place, and it’s definitely worth it to go inside.
You can take the taxi boat Lumbarda – Badija – the price is 10 EUR. It runs every 30 minutes between 9.30am and 6 pm. You just show the ticket to the driver and you’re ready to go. The ride will take you about 15 minutes.
Mljet
Island of Mljet is extremely beautiful and quiet island, so you will not find mass tourism here. Currently, the Island of Mljet has only one hotel. The rest of accommodation in Mljet are private rooms, B&B’s and apartments.
The island is hilly and there are many unpaved roads, so it can be challenging to pass by car. There are several stunning beaches on the island and it is definitely worth to spend the day there. The best thing is that the beaches are not too crowded. If you’re lucky, you don’t have to share a hidden bay with anyone. When people are thinking about visiting Croatia, Mljet doesn’t really go high on their “best Croatian islands to visit” list, but it shouldn’t be that way.
All places on the island are worth visiting, but there is more going on on the western part of island (also, catamaran from Split makes a stop in Pomena on the western part of island). From here, you can go on a trip to Dubrovnik.
One of the most visited tourist attractions on Mljet is definitely the Odisejeva špilja cave, located near Babino polje. If possible, visit this place in the middle of the day, when the sunlight shines into the cave and creates a turquoise blue spectrum of colors (similar to Blue Cave in Biševo Island). Talking about Biševo Island – it is also 100% worth the visit.
How to get to Mljet?
Mljet is reachable mainly from Dubrovnik, but also from Split and Korčula:
- Catamaran (Dubrovnik – Sobra or Polače): Takes about 1.5 hours and is the best option for day trips.
- Ferry (Prapratno – Sobra): A car ferry from the Pelješac Peninsula, takes around 45 minutes.
- Seasonal catamarans: Available from Split and Korčula during summer.
Vis
You shouldn’t miss the Vis island and I mean it. Vis is one of the most distant island off the Croatian mainland, but still it is easily reachable by ferry from Split – you will reach Vis in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
As soon as the Jadrolinija ferry pulled into the harbour, we were surrounded by palm trees and stone building and I was left speechless. I think that this was the love at the first sight. Since then, Vis is the best Croatian islands to visit in my opinion.
We didn’t really had a plan, just exploring this beautiful island and cooling off in the clear waters of Adriatic sea. But be careful, there are many sea urchins in the water and you can step on one of them.
There is so much to see on Vis. Also, buses run multiple times a day to the town of Komiža on the opposite end of the island. You can also rent a car or scooter to get around the island, but note that the roads are steep and full of turns.
As previous mentioned, one of the main Vis attractions is the Blue Cave on the island of Biševo. But is it really worth it? I don’t really think so. Yeah, it looks beautiful, but Croatian tourism is blooming and this place is absolutely overcrowded. The whole trip inside the cave is not longer than 5 minutes, so think if it is really worth it.
Stiniva Bay
Another famous attraction on Vis island is Stiniva Bay. There are two ways on how you can reach Stiniva bay – you can do it on the seaside (with boat and then with kayak, swimming,…) or by coast. This option requires a scooter or taxi ride and a half hour climb down a steep and rocky hillside. Stiniva beach was announced the most beautiful beach in 2016. But Vis is full of other beautiful beaches, so you won’t be disappointed.
The nature of Vis island remained almost untouched by mass tourism typical to more known and closer to the coast islands like Brač, Hvar and Korčula.
How to get to Vis?
Vis is the most remote of these islands, with only one direct ferry route:
- Ferry (Split – Vis): Operated by Jadrolinija, takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. In the high season (between 30.5. – 28.09.2025) you will pay 9.10 EUR. If you are traveling with a car this will cost you 52 EUR.
- Catamaran (Split – Vis): A slightly faster option (90 minutes), but it doesn’t operate daily in winter.
Planning a trip to Croatia? Here’s what you need to know!
What do you think of Croatia? Have you visited yet? Do you have a list of the best Croatian islands to visit?
I am open to your suggestions about beautiful destinations in Croatia. Feel free to contact me & don’t forget to save this post and share it with your friends who are planning a trip to Croatia! They may need some help and a list of the best Croatian islands to visit.
Charu Goyal
August 7, 2021Each one of these five islands is more beautiful than the previous. I knew about some of these already but a couple are completely new to me. Thank you for opening my eyes to them!
Jasmina
August 8, 2021Yes, it is really hard to decide which one is better. Croatia is really beautiful country.
Andoreia
August 7, 2021Croatia is so pretty! Even though we stayed for 1 week there this year, I now realized we barely scratched the surface. Next visit will be on the islands, for sure.
Jasmina
August 8, 2021Yes, there is so much to see in Croatia. I have to visit this amazing country again and explore some more.
Bliss
August 8, 2021What a great guide. This is a place I would love to visit.
Jasmina
August 8, 2021Thank you! I bet you won’t be disappointed, Croatia is so soo pretty.
Anja
August 8, 2021This looks wonderful! I am heading to Croatia in autumn and although I wanted to stay further north, I might now change my plans. Its very handy you shared ferry travel times and information on public transport, too. Thank you for sharing
Jasmina
August 8, 2021Thank you. I am sure that you’re gonna love the northern part of Croatia too – it is really beautiful. I wish you a great time!
Nina
August 8, 2021Croatia is one of the European countries that I still need to get to! I really love the idea of exploring these smaller islands. I really need to plan a trip. When would you say is the best time to go? I imagine August is crazy with all the tourists although perhaps the entire summer is.
Jasmina
August 10, 2021Yeah, it’s beautiful country with lots to do and amazing people. I would say that the best time to visit Croatia is the last two weeks in August and first two weeks in September – the weather is still great and there are less crowds.
Nina
August 9, 2021Hvar was my second favourite island in Croatia but you missed my favourite: Lokrum. It’s a secret little paradise off the coast of Dubrovnik!
Jasmina
August 10, 2021I was there when I was in Dubrovnik and I have mentioned it in post about Dubrovnik – it’s totally worth the visit, couldn’t agree more!
Catherine - Savvy Family Travel
April 30, 2022This post was a fantastic resource in helping me plan my roadtrip through Croatia. Gorgeous photography as well.
Jasmina
May 14, 2022Thank you! I bet you’re going to love Croatia. Thank you!
Lina
April 30, 2022I’ve been to Croatia a couple of times already but never visited one of these islands, only to the island of Pag I traveled 🙂 I guess I need to go back and explore these too!
Jasmina
May 14, 2022You should go and explore these too, because they are amazing! 🙂
Jeanine
April 30, 2022These all look so lovely I love the idea of going beyond the popular…and always look for the beyond when travelling
Jasmina
May 14, 2022Those islands are my favorite in Croatia!
Kristin
May 1, 2022I visited Croatia a few years ago and loved it, but I didn’t get to the Dalmatian Coast. Definitely missed out and will need to go back!
Jasmina
May 14, 2022You will have to go back and explore the Dalmatian coast! For me it’s one of the best places to explore in Croatia!
Sarah
May 1, 2022Ok – I’m in love! What stunning islands to visit! The architecture is just incredible. I don’t think I could just pick one to visit!
Jasmina
May 14, 2022I’m in love too! All of these islands are amazing and you are so right – it’s impossible to pick one!
Chelsea Messina
May 1, 2022Croatia has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Your photos are so beautiful, I can’t believe how blue and pretty the water looks ?
Jasmina
May 14, 2022Croatia is full of beauty! Thank you 🙂 and yes, the water there is so clear and pretty!