Travel Blog
ITA
Recipe of Joy
Small Villages
Countries
Cities
----------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CROATIA
Which Croatian island should you choose?
Vacation in Croatia’s islands.
Discover the loveliest islands in Croatia (and the tips to assist you in selecting the perfect island for you)
Published on July 14, 2024
Initially, not widely known. Later, restricted because of the intense political problems in the country during the 1990s.
Today, Croatia's islands are popular tourist spots, attracting travelers from around the globe.
There are a lot of them, a total of 1244 islands and islets: some with a lifestyle anchored to the past, some barren and rocky, others suitable for families, or still others trendy and festive.
They're all unique but share some similarities: a beautiful ocean and a calm vibe.
NEWSLETTER
Join and stay informed about the newest travel ideas.
Address Book
EMAIL:
tripandchipsblog@gmail.com
Social Media
The active holiday
LOSINJ
An elegant gem
Parties and sandy shores
Which Croatian island to choose among the most beautiful islands of Croatia?
RAB ISLAND - the active holiday
- How to get there: You can take a 15-minute ferry ride from Stinica on the mainland (tickets available on-site) or from the island of Krk (from Valbiska).
- Where to stay: Rab City, Lopar, Banjol
- Beaches: Suha Punta, Frkanj, Uvala Vela Planka, Mel Beach, Paradise Beach, Livačina Beach (dog-friendly), Sahara Beach (naturist beach)
- Activities: hiking and cycling, kayak and boat rental, diving, visit to Goli Otok (known as the Croatian Alcatraz)
- Check out the tourist information at www.rab-visit.com.
- Ideal for: families with kids, active individuals, fans of walking and biking
The four bell towers in Rab city are all in a row
Ideal for families with kids, teenagers seeking exciting vacations, and seniors in search of tranquility, Rab Island is situated in the northern region of the Adriatic Sea, in the Kvarner Gulf.
The lovely City of Rab is an ancient town located on a peninsula.
At the tip, you can see four aligned bell towers that give it a unique look. Some of these towers can be climbed to enjoy a magnificent view.
The town has a charming center, mostly for pedestrians, with cobblestone streets and white stone buildings mixed with many old churches and monasteries, souvenir stores, and traditional Croatian restaurants.
Starting from the close town of Banjol, there is a path for pedestrians and cyclists that runs along the coast, goes through Rab city, and keeps following the sea all the way to the Kalifront peninsula.
This place is where nature truly shines.
Numerous dirt paths, shaded by pine trees, weave through it, marking the territory like veins on leaves.
It's a great spot for people who love exploring by bike or on foot and discovering many rocky beaches and secluded bays to take a refreshing swim in the beautiful sea.
The Guidelines
IN OPEN AIR
BEACH HOLIDAYS
RURAL AREAS
Long live rural areas!
Long live rural areas!
ON THE MOVE
You can't find every beach, but you can definitely try!
Start at the top of Frkanj, head towards Suha Punta beach, and then proceed to Vela Planka.
View from the lovely sandy shore of Livačina in Rab
Rab Island is well-known for having a sandy seabed, which is rare in Croatian territory.
Ideal for families with kids or anyone who loves the golden sand in this area, the Lopar region in the northeast of the island features shallow waters with long beaches fringed by pine trees.
The loud chirping of cicadas will be the soundtrack to your beach days.
A damaged structure on Goli Otok
From here, you can go on a half-day cultural excursion to the nearby island of Goli Otok, which housed a penitentiary that was operational until 1956.
On this island, more than 30,000 political prisoners who were deported during the dictatorship period in the former Yugoslavia of Marshal Josip Broz Tito were held in awful conditions.
The place is desert and decadent, but you can explore the warehouses and other buildings now empty but full of stories to share.
Luckily, the cries of the prisoners are no longer audible, only the bells of the few goats that live on this lonely rock can be heard now.
2 - Losinj - a beautiful gem
- Getting There: Take a ferry from Valbiska (on the island of Krk) or Brestova (on mainland Istria) to Cres. Then, proceed by car. Lussino is linked to Cres by a small bridge.
- Where to stay: Lussinpiccolo, Lussingrande, Valdarke
- Beaches: Sunčana Uvala, Veli Žal, Valdarke, Čikat (and Čikat dog-beach)
- Activities: hiking and biking trips, kayak and boat rentals, diving.
- Check out this link for tourist information: www.croazia.info/quarnaro/lussino
- Great for: families and couples
After crossing the swing bridge linking Cres to Lussino, you just keep going straight along the main road that runs through the island towards the south, connecting all the villages like a string of beads.
The bottom of the island is a real wild paradise, with stunning rocky bays and small hidden beaches that can be accessed by sea or by bike through the charming paths that weave through the trees.
It's a great spot to start a bike ride in the morning with no particular destination in mind, discover the beautiful bays of Javorna, Vela Draga, or Porto Šešula, and come back in the evening tired but full with wonderful views and memories of swimming in a magical sea.
Traveling north, you'll find the village of Veli Losinj, a peaceful group of a handful of pastel-colored houses surrounding the small harbor and the church bell tower.
From there, a path for cycling and walking begins, leading to the beautiful Valdarke beach, just behind the town of Mali Losinj.
Surrounded by a deep bay, the town of Mali Losinj, the biggest on the island despite its name, is a gem of sophistication with a white-paved promenade, eateries, cafes, and ice cream shops, fish markets where fresh fish can be purchased, big hotels, and the Apoxyomenos Museum showcasing an ancient Greek bronze statue of a young athlete discovered resting on the seabed close to the island of Lussino.
Make sure you visit the lovely Sunčana Uvala bay and the Veli Žal and Čikat beaches, all linked by a cycle path.
You'll discover a fantastic sea, spacious white pebble beaches, a line of stylish clubs, and a cool atmosphere to enjoy your evening.
- Getting There: It takes 20 minutes by ferry from Prizna (on the mainland) or by crossing the Paski Most bridge which connects it to the mainland in the Zadar area.
- Where to stay: Pag town, Novalja
- Beaches: Zrce (very lively with a disco on the beach), Plaža Čista (equipped beach), Plaža Caska, Rucica beach, hidden beaches near Lun
- Activities: hiking and biking trips, kayak and boat rentals, diving, entertainment, and dance nights
- Check out the tourist information at www.visit-pag.com
- Ideal for people seeking party and/or peaceful, charming beaches.
The lovely and untamed Rucica beach on Pag
Pag won't just be remembered for party nights on the beach;
You'll be amazed by the stunning landscapes and the beautiful mix of ocher and blue hues of the sun-kissed coast and the crystal-clear sea.
Sight of Pag town and the salt pans nearby
Head to the northern part of the island to the town of Lun, situated close to the tip of the peninsula, where you'll discover olive trees, white karst stone, and sheep grazing.
The little coves conceal rocky shores that are accessible only by walking, with a backdrop of olive trees and Mediterranean vegetation like Uvala Budunalva beach.
In this place, you won't discover the conveniences of furnished beaches, but instead, you'll find a lovely quiet and tranquility.
You could choose the sandy and pebbled Jurjevica beach or the peaceful beaches of Playa Sconta and Dudići.
After a day at the beach, enjoy the evening in Pag Town where you can discover cozy trattorias, bars, and ice cream shops tucked away in the charming narrow streets and white stone buildings of the town, which are typical of the Croatian coast.
The heart of the island, nestled between the peaceful towns of Novalja, Caska, and Colane, is home to the most famous beaches.
You'll find the renowned Zrce beach, known for its lively music and dance parties that last until sunrise, as well as the lovely well-equipped beaches of Caska, Prnjica, and Čista.
These beaches boast shallow seabeds, clear waters, and a lunar landscape with low vegetation scorched by the summer sun.
Head over to the peninsula right across and lay your towel on the beautiful beaches of Rucica and Beritnica, only accessible by foot on the Life On Mars Trail.
In this area of the island, as you might expect, there are no services available.
However, for many people, this is part of what makes it charming.
4 - Hvar - one of the most beautiful islands
- How to arrive: ferry from Rijeka, Split, Drvenik, and Dubrovnik. Ferry from Ancona.
- Where to stay: Stari Grad, Hvar Town, Jelsa
- Beaches: Prapatna, Mekicevica, Dubovica, and Zarace.
- Activities: hiking and biking trips, kayak and boat rentals, diving.
- Check out these websites for tourist information: www.hvarinfo.com and www.visithvar.hr.
- Ideal for individuals seeking top-notch services.
The sight from the Spanish Fort to Hvar Town
Situated across from the Dalmatian coast, Hvar Island is perfect for people who enjoy glamorous clubs and elegant hotels, as well as for families seeking peace and relaxation.
In 2017, Travel+Leisure magazine named it one of the top 10 most stunning islands globally.
With its gentle climate, Mediterranean vegetation, and the breathtaking beauty of its beaches and coves, it's a perfect destination for summer vacations.
The many pebble beaches can be discovered at the base of little bays, like precious pearls tucked away in mother-pearl shells.
Some of the most famous ones are located on the north and west coast: Prapatna, Mekicevica, Dubovica, and Zarace beaches, just to mention a few.
There are many beautiful beaches, all surrounded by greenery, with very white stones and light blue water.
Take a leisurely walk along the paved seafront in Hvar Town next to a line of luxury private boats docked in the marina, explore its charming medieval streets enclosed by fourteenth-century walls, and then hike up to the Spanish Fort where you'll discover a breathtaking view of the town below and the stunning Paklinski Islands situated right ahead.
The town of Hvar and the other towns of the island, like Stari Grad or Jelsa, are places where you can feel a sense of calm. The buildings are covered in white stone with terracotta roofs, and the paved walkways are lined with palm trees that remind you of the nearby city of Split.
Explore the inside of the island and look for the 2,500-year-old olive tree. Then head to Velo Grablje, where you can discover all kinds of lavender-themed souvenirs.
Spend some time enjoying a dinner by candlelight at the single restaurant in the charming, deserted rural village entirely built of stone in Humac.
You can savor authentic Croatian dishes in a special environment, turning your dinner into a vivid memory of your stay in Hvar.
5 - Murter: a calm vacation spot near the Kornati Islands
- How to get there: you can drive through the small Tisno bridge close to Vodice.
Travel by ferry from Italy, departing from Ancona to Split or Zadar, and then continue by car or coach.
- Where to stay: Murter City, Jezera
- Beaches: Slanica, Lučica (dog-friendly), Riva Podvrške, Čigrada
- Activities: boat trips to the Kornati Islands, strolls in the pine forest between Tisno and Jezera, fishing and diving underwater, day trips to NP Krka and Šibenik.
- Check out this website for tourist information: www.croaziainfo.it/murter
- Ideal for individuals looking to unwind and explore nature by hiking.
Without a narrow canal topped by a small bridge, it would be connected to the mainland.
Murter Island covers an area of 18 square kilometers and is home to approximately 5,000 residents.
It's the starting point for anyone who wants to go on a cruise to the Kornati Islands National Park or for those who want to take day trips on the mainland to see the nearby attractions like the Krka National Park or the city of Šibenik.
Traversed by many cycle and pedestrian paths that were initially used by shepherds, like the ones between Tisno and Jezera or Uvala Vršac, Murter Island is definitely a great destination for a leisurely vacation in sync with our natural rhythms of movement and unwinding on the shore, before exploring the nearby Kornati Islands Park.
The main village, Murter, sits in the northern region of the island. It's a lovely and calm place with limestone houses, shops, restaurants, tourist offices, and a stunning marina offering magnificent views of a series of islets directly ahead, where boat trips set off from.
The ancient section of the town, Stari Murter, sits on the hill in the back.
Walk up the neat streets as if you're in a time machine among the ancient stone houses of medieval times and picture yourself in the era when its residents were mostly involved in piracy.
Head to the top of the Church of Sveti Rok for a fantastic view of the sea and the nearby islands.
Follow the sound of the waves and go lay out your towel on one of the beautiful beaches with crystal clear water that you will find on the island such as the beaches of Slanica, Lučica, Čigrada or on the isthmus of Riva Podvrške.
It's one of the greatest islands to relax and enjoy the beautiful golden reflections created by the sun on a canvas of vibrant blue sea.
6 - Krk: the Golden Island
- How to get there: you can drive across the bridge located south of Rijeka.
- Where to stay: City of Krk, Vrbenik
- Beaches: Baška, Stara Baška, Zala, Tini, and Uvala Vela Draga. To the north Potovosce, Sveti Marak, and Supovica (naturism).
- Activities: boat trips, snorkeling, diving, exploring Biserujka cave
- Check out tourist information at www.krk.hr.
- Ideal for: families and individuals seeking high-quality services
In the olden days, it was known as Insula Aurea because of its abundant greenery, pleasant weather, and water sources.
Krk Island holds the same record as Cres for being the biggest among the Croatian islands.
Situated in the northern area of the Adriatic Sea, in the Kvarner Gulf, it is linked to the mainland by a very convenient bridge, making it a easily reachable holiday spot for those who have traveled to Croatia by car.
The lovely bays and beaches, 15 of which have the blue flag, along with the excellent services provided, make it a favorite island for families or those who enjoy top-notch care.
You can discover marinas, coves, and lovely beaches everywhere, but the most well-known ones are in the southern part of the island where the land is barren, and low vegetation mixes with karst stone.
Here you can discover the beaches of Baška, very famouse for the mix of pebbles and sand, Stara Baška and Zala.
Discover more hidden and untouched beaches like Tini and Uvala Vela Draga, accessible by walking along a dirt path starting from the town of Baška.
In the north of the island, close to the beautiful hilltop town of Vrbenik, you can discover lovely pebble beaches like Potovošce, which is equipped with a beach bar, Sveti Marak, or Supovica if you enjoy naturism.
Vrbenik town is quite unique in Croatia.
Its narrow streets are built on a rocky ridge that drops into the sea from a 50-meter height. It's famous for the local white wine Žlahtina and is known as the birthplace of the Glagolitic alphabet, the precursor of Cyrillic.
Explore the town of Krk, the main hub of the island, with its gleaming paved streets adorned with bougainvillea plants surrounding the Cathedral in the central area enclosed by walls from the pre-Roman era and the Frankopan Family Castle.
The Vrbenik cliff's scenery
Before you head home from the island, make sure to visit the unique Biserujka cave, named after the Italian word for jewel, which is linked to a legend about pirates' hidden treasure.
Biserujka Cave
Finish your vacation with a hillside meal in the stone village of Dobrinj.
At the restaurant in the town square, you can savor local cuisine and a dish of šurlice, a tasty pasta, at your own pace, feeling like you're in a timeless spot.
To the top
Croatian islands: handy tips and helpful advice
Currency: Euro
Required document: Identity card
Vaccinations: Not mandatory
Best time to visit: June to September
Religion: Christian
Safety: Check out the website www.viaggiaresicuri.it
Sense of security felt all around
How to wear: light and comfy outfits, sunglasses, and a hat.
It's a good idea to wear rock shoes at the seaside
Roads: well-maintained all around
Transportation: by car, motorcycle, or scooter. Many islands offer bike paths or walking trails
Power outlets: europeans’ ones
Internet: you can find wifi in every accomodation and restaurant
Local cuisine: cuttlefish or lamb cooked in a peka, chard, Pag cheese, Rakia liqueur, and sweet Baklava
Souvenirs: colorful wooden squares from Rab, shell necklaces from Lošinj, Pag cheese and salt, a tie, lavender and lace from Hvar, olive wood items from Murter, Žlahtina wine from Krk
To the top