Croatia is a country in south-eastern Europe known for its beautiful islands in the Adriatic Sea. Croatia has more than 1,000 islands, each of which is unique in its own way. The most popular islands for tourists are for example Hvar, Brac, Korcula, Krk, Losinj, Vis and Mljet.
Hvar, with its crystal clear waters, hidden coves and lavender fields, is often called one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is known for its nightlife with bars and clubs open until midnight. Brac is the largest island in central Dalmatia and is known for its beautiful beaches, including the famous Zlatni Rat beach. Korcula is a historic island with medieval architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Vis is a more remote island with a rugged coastline and unspoilt nature, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Mljet is known for its national park, which takes up most of the island, and its two salt lakes.
Each island has its own charm and offers activities such as hiking, swimming, snorkelling and boating. There are also many cultural attractions such as museums, galleries and historical sites. The islands’ cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Croatian, using fresh seafood and ingredients from the region.
To visit the islands, many tourists first fly to one of Croatia’s largest cities, such as Dubrovnik, Rijeka or Split, and then take a ferry or catamaran to their destination. For those who want to explore the island in more detail, there are also many boat tours….
Overall, with their natural beauty, rich culture and warm hospitality, the Croatian islands offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
>>> Link Tip: Tours by bus and boat, tickets for sightseeing, city walks etc. in Croatia are best booked on the website Getyourguide.
Beautiful Islands Croatia
Below is a list of Croatia’s most popular islands with brief information about each one.
Hvar – Known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and nightlife.
Brac – The largest island in central Dalmatia, known for its famous Zlatni beach, white stones, olive groves and vineyards.
Korcula – A historic island with medieval architecture and a rich cultural heritage.
Vis – A more remote island with rugged coastline and unspoilt nature.
Mljet – Known for its national park and two saltwater lakes that cover most of the island.
Krk – The largest island in the Adriatic and a popular destination for families.
Pag – Known for its unique moon-like landscape and world-famous cheese.
Cres – A peaceful island with unspoilt nature and rich cultural heritage.
Rab – A picturesque island known for its sandy beaches, medieval architecture and cultural heritage.
Losinj – A lush island with a mild climate, rich flora and fauna and a long history of tourism.
Silba – A car-free island with crystal clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere.
Kornati – A group of 89 uninhabited islands, islets and coral reefs of exceptional natural beauty and marine life.
Lastovo – a remote island with a unique natural environment and cultural heritage.
Dugi Otok – an island known for its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and spectacular cliffs.
Top 10 largest islands Croatia
Here are the 10 largest islands in Croatia listed by size:
Krk – 405.78 km²
Cres – 405.78 km²
Brac – 397 km²
Hvar – 300 km²
Pag – 285 km²
Korcula – 276 km²
Dugi Otoku – 114 km²
Mljet – 98 km²
Vis – 90 km²
Rab – 86 km²
Krk and Cres are therefore exactly the same size. they have been arguing for years about which is the largest island in Croatia.
Top 10 islands Croatia most populated
Here are the 10 most populous Croatian islands:
Krk 17,860
Korcula 16,182
Brac 14,031
Hvar 11,103
Rab 9,480
Pag 8,398
Losinj 7,771
Ugljan 6,182
Murter 5,060
Ciovo 4,455
Islands Croatia – classification into groups
There are several groups of islands in Croatia, which are often classified on the basis of their geographical location and other characteristics. The classification is not very simple. Here are some of the main island groups in Croatia.
Kvarner Bay Islands – A group of islands in the northern Adriatic Sea including Krk, Cres, Losinj, Rab and Pag. These islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, crystal clear waters and historic towns.
Middle Dalmatian islands – archipelago in the middle Adriatic with Brač, Hvar, Vis and Korcula. These islands are known for their beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant towns.
>>> Link Tip: Tours by bus and boat, tickets for sightseeing, city walks etc. in Croatia are best booked on the website Getyourguide.
South Dalmatian islands – islands in the southern Adriatic, including Mljet, Lastovo and Sipan. These islands are known for their unspoilt natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.
Kornati Islands – A group of 89 uninhabited islands, islets and coral reefs in the central Adriatic. These islands are known for their exceptional natural beauty, crystal clear waters and rich marine life, making them a popular destination for boaters and divers.
Elaphiti Islands – A group of 13 islands near Dubrovnik in southern Dalmatia, including Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan. These islands are known for their tranquil atmosphere, beautiful beaches and historic towns and are popular day trip destinations from Dubrovnik.
Each of these archipelagos has its own character and charm and offers a wide range of experiences and activities.