Every Croatian has a favourite island – ask, and you’ll hear it instantly. Croatia’s coastline has over a thousand islands, each with its own rhythm, flavours, and personality. For travellers, the challenge isn’t should they island hop – it’s choosing which islands match the way you like to travel. From lively towns to quiet villages and bays, here’s how to navigate the Adriatic’s best options.

Brač: Beaches, Stone, and the Outdoors

Brač island’s appeal runs deeper than its famous shoreline. This is the home of Croatia’s famous white limestone, used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split and even parts of the White House. Villages like Pučišća showcase and keep this heritage alive with stonemasonry school and beautiful architecture. For active travellers, Brač offers hiking, cycling, and windsurfing, with trails that go through pine forests and up to Vidova Gora, the highest point of all the Adriatic islands, or even the hidden 16th century hermitage which can be accessed only and exclusively by foot. Brač seems to have it all, and once you arrive, it’s easy to see that it really does.

Hvar: High-End Meets Local

Hvar is often celebrated as Croatia’s most glamorous island – where luxurious yachts line the harbour, and evenings in Hvar Town are alive with energy, conversation and movement. Yet beyond all that, a different Hvar emerges – and the one we appreciate the most. Lavender fields stretch inland, olive groves, vineyards on the hillsides, and small villages like Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje or towns like Stari Grad reveal a slower pace rooted in centuries of island life. Add to that the island’s excellent wines and gastronomy, Hvar becomes more than just high-end allure – it’s a place where luxury and authenticity coexist.

Korčula: History, Gastronomy, and a Laid-Back Spirit

Often called “Little Dubrovnik,” Korčula blends medieval architecture with a slow-paced island lifestyle. The old town is a maze of stone alleys, birthplace of Marco Polo, and home to traditional sword dance Moreška performed in summer. Yet Korčula’s real gem may be its food and wine culture: white Pošip and Grk wines flourish here. More intimate than Hvar, Korčula appeals to travellers who value history, gastronomy, and a slower pace.

Dugi Otok: Remote and Refined

For those seeking escape, Dugi Otok (Long Island) is a place where the Adriatic feels untouched. Its dramatic cliffs, hidden bays, and the turquoise seas of Telašćica Nature Park attract those who want wilderness, privacy and the chance to experience genuine local life. Here, Villa Nai 3.3, a unique design hotel built into olive groves, sets a new standard for refined seclusion. Dugi Otok is not about nightlife or crowds – it’s about raw beauty and understated luxury.

Šolta, Vis, and Mljet: Hidden Niches

Not every island wants to be the centre of attention, and that’s exactly the appeal.

Šolta sits just a short boat ride from Split, but feels a world away. Known for its honey, olive oil, and family-run konobas, it’s ideal for those who want local life without long transfers.

Vis was closed to foreign visitors until the 1990s, and its sense of isolation can still be felt to this day. Pebble coves, fishing villages, and exceptional seafood define the island, along with a handful of boutique stays.

Mljet is lush and green, with a national park and saltwater lakes. The island invites you to being active – kayaking and cycling, or simply enjoying the calmness Mljet has. For travellers who want nature first, Mljet offers a rare tranquility.

Choosing Your Island

So, which island is for you?

Looking for energy with a touch of luxury? Hvar balances high-end experiences with authenticity.

Love beaches, hiking, and heritage? Brač delivers exactly that and more.

Craving history and gastronomy at a slower pace? Korčula is the answer.

Prefer seclusion and nature with a design edge? Dugi Otok is your destination.

Want something under the radar? Try Šolta, Vis, or Mljet for niche touch.

The beauty of Croatia is that no two islands are alike, and with careful planning, you can experience several in one journey, each adding its own touch to your Adriatic story.