Croatian Islands

Croatia

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How many islands are located off Croatia's coastline?
- More than a thousand islands are located off Croatia's picturesque coastline within the Adriatic Sea, covering a total area of more than 1,300 square miles.
What is the historical significance of Croatia's islands?
- The islands, which have been inhabited since at least the era of Ancient Greece, have long been known as a resort tourism destination in Eastern Europe, home to luxurious villas and summer homes dating back to the Roman era.
What can visitors expect on Croatia's islands today?
- Today, many islands are home to some of the world's hippest nightlife destinations and luxurious four-star resorts, attracting celebrities.
What are the key agricultural industries on the islands?
- Local agriculture focuses on viticulture and olive growing, making the islands a top destination for wine enthusiasts.

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1. Brac

Visit Zlatni Rat Beach or explore quiet villages on an easy island trip.

Brac

What is Brac known for?
- Brac is the third-largest island within the Adriatic Sea, known throughout the world for the production of its famed Brac stone, which has been used to build internationally recognized landmarks such as Washington, D.C.'s White House and Berlin's Reichstag.
Why is Brac a popular travel destination?
- Brac receives over 2,700 annual hours of sunshine, making it a popular resort destination for European visitors looking to relax on gorgeous beachfront stretches throughout the year.
Where is the Golden Horn beach located?
- The island's famed Golden Horn shingle beach is located within the lovely city of Bol.
How can visitors travel to Brac?
- Bol is home to the only private airport within Croatia's islands. Ferry and catamaran services also travel from the mainland to the cities of Split and Dubrovnik throughout the day.
What are some unique landmarks on Brac?
- Unique landmarks include the historic Branislav Deskovic Fine Art Gallery, the 15th-century Dominican Monastery, and Vidova Gora, the highest peak within the islands, reaching a height of 778 meters.

2. Cres

Hike rugged trails or admire coastal views on a peaceful fall retreat.

Cres

Where is Cres located?
- Cres is a charming island within the Cres-Losinj group of islands, which encompasses 30 islands across an area of more than 193 miles within the Adriatic Sea.
How large is Cres?
- Cres is the Adriatic's second-largest island.
What is the main town on Cres?
- The island is home to the quaint resort town of Cres Town, which showcases gorgeous preserved Venetian architecture and cultural structures dating back to the 15th century.
What landmarks can visitors explore in Cres Town?
- Visitors can explore landmarks like the Venetian Tower, the Church of St. Mary, and the Municipal Loggia, all located within the city's lovely walled town center.
What other popular destinations are on Cres?
- Other popular destinations on the island include the quaint village of Valun, known for its 11th-century inscribed Valun Tablet, and the city of Martinscica, located along a stunning bay on the island's western side.

3. Dugi Otok

See dramatic cliffs or relax on secluded shores during your romantic getaway.

Dugi Otok

What does the name Dugi Otok mean?
- Dugi Otok is named for a Croatian term meaning "long island".
Where is Dugi Otok located?
- Dugi Otok is located close to the town of Zadar on the mainland.
What is Dugi Otok best known for?
- The island is best known for its lovely natural wonders and high-quality vineyards, making it a great choice for a weekend getaway destination within the Croatian islands.
What natural attractions are on Dugi Otok?
- Spacious Telascica Nature Park stretches across the southern part of the island, home to stunning natural landmarks like Telascica Bay and Lake Mir.
What are the best beaches on Dugi Otok?
- Secluded beachfront areas like famed Saharun Beach draw tourists throughout the year to its crystal-clear waters.
What wildlife can be found on Dugi Otok?
- Native wildlife abounds, ranging from coastal dolphin populations to a small donkey sanctuary located within the nature park's boundaries.

4. Hvar

Savor vibrant nightlife or walk along lavender fields on a summer vacation.

Hvar

What is Hvar known for?
- Hvar is a gorgeous Croatian island receiving more than 2,800 hours of sunshine each year, known for its fragrant, picturesque fields of lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, and marjoram that grow throughout its lands.
Why is Hvar a popular celebrity destination?
- The island is a top destination for international celebrities like Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Prince Harry, home to upscale resorts in beautiful cities like Hvar Town and Stari Grad.
What happens at Hvar Town’s harbor in summer?
- Yachts fill Hvar Town's harbor throughout the summer months, parked alongside ferries transporting visitors to the nearby Pakleni Islands.
Where can visitors find secluded beaches on Hvar?
- Gorgeous secluded beaches line Ždrilca Bay, which is home to rocky coves and pine forests.
Where is the best nightlife in Hvar?
- Hip nightlife abounds at Hula and Stipanska Beaches on nearby Marinkovac Island, which is known for its bars and nightclubs.

5. Korcula

Explore medieval streets or enjoy local wine on a charming couples weekend.

Korcula

Where is Korcula located?
- Korcula is one of the Adriatic Sea's most populous islands, located just off the Dalmatian coast.
Why is Korcula called "Black Korcula"?
- The island is known for its densely-forested areas, earning it the name "Black Korcula" during the days of ancient Greece.
What historical features can be found in Korcula Town?
- Korcula Town is home to gorgeous Medieval-era town squares and beautiful historic churches and palaces, many of which date back to the 13th century.
What is Korcula’s connection to Marco Polo?
- The island is home to several sites connected to former famous resident Marco Polo, including a historic home that may have been the explorer's residence.
What are some notable landmarks on Korcula?
- Other lovely landmarks include St. Mark's Cathedral, which features artwork by Tintoretto, and the 17th-century Abbey Treasury, which houses a collection of significant historic church manuscripts and artifacts.
Are there any secluded vacation destinations on Korcula?
- Smaller towns like Vela Luka and Lumbarda make for great secluded vacation destinations.

6. Krk

Go beach hopping or discover historical sights on an affordable island adventure.

Krk

Where is Krk located?
- Krk is the Adriatic Sea's largest island, stretching across 157 square miles near Croatia's mainland.
How can visitors reach Krk?
- The island is connected to the mainland via bridge and is also accessible via Rijeka Airport.
Why is Krk a popular destination?
- Krk is known as one of the Adriatic's top resort destinations.
What historic sites can be found in Krk Town?
- Beautiful Krk Town is home to the famed St. Mary's Cathedral, constructed in the 12th century.
What are some popular resort towns on Krk?
- Resort towns like Baska, Malinska, and Vrbnik are home to popular beachfront stretches and attractions.
What historical landmarks are on Krk?
- Attractions include the waterfront Frankopan Castle, dating back to the 12th century, as well as historic churches like the 11th-century Church of St. Quirinus and the Church of St. John the Baptist, which features a gorgeous bell tower dating back to 1431.
What accommodations are available on Krk?
- Luxurious accommodations line the island's shores, making it a popular holiday getaway destination.

7. Lastovo

Admire starry skies or explore this unusual, remote gem in total peace.

Lastovo

Where is Lastovo located?
- Lastovo is a quaint island located just nine miles south of Korcula, offering an off-the-beaten-track vacation alternative to some of Croatia's more heavily-touristed islands.
What is the history of Lastovo?
- The 18-square-mile island once served as a site for Yugoslavian military bases, closed off to the public until 1988.
What natural attractions does Lastovo offer?
- Today, it and its surrounding islands make up beautiful Lastovo Islands Nature Park, one of Croatia's 11 national parks, which is known as one of Europe's most beautiful starry night sky viewing destinations.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy on Lastovo?
- Hiking and cycling routes meander through the island's forested areas, offering stunning natural views.
Where can visitors stay on Lastovo?
- Secluded hotel and bed and breakfast accommodations populate towns like Ubli and Lastovo, which are also home to quaint dining destinations.

8. Losinj

Bike scenic trails or enjoy wellness stuff in this family-friendly destination.

Losinj

Why is Losinj a popular resort island?
- Losinj is one of the most popular resort islands in the Croatian Islands, famed for its lush natural areas and stunning beachfront areas, including lively Cikat Bay, a year-round destination for windsurfing.
What is the historical significance of Losinj?
- The island's history dates back to prehistory, home to archaeological remains dating back to the Liburnian era and the Roman Empire.
What family-friendly attractions are available on Losinj?
- Families can explore the interactive exhibits of the Losinj Marine Educational Center, which also hosts workshops, lectures, and other public special events throughout the year.
What historic churches can be visited on Losinj?
- Stunning historic churches dot the towns of Mali Losinj and Veli Losinj, including the 15th-century Church of St. Martin and the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, which highlights paintings by famed Venetian artist Vivarini.
Where can visitors find accommodations on Losinj?
- Four-star hotels abound in areas like Mali Losinj and Nezerine.

9. Mljet

Visit the national park or kayak quiet lakes on a relaxing spring trip.

Mljet

Where is Mljet located?
- Mljet is the southernmost of the larger islands within the Adriatic, located approximately 23 miles off the coast of Dubrovnik.
What natural attractions is Mljet known for?
- Mljet is known for its beautiful famed lakes, Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero.
Why is Mljet a popular tourist destination?
- The island has been called the "most seductive island in the Adriatic Sea" by Lonely Planet and is a frequent tourist destination for international celebrities like Prince Charles.
What is the mythological significance of Mljet?
- According to legend, the island is purported to be the location of the mythical island of Ogygia, where Calypso kept Odysseus captive.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy on Mljet?
- Today, it is covered in large part by a heavily-forested national park, which can be explored on foot or by bike throughout the year.
Where can visitors stay on Mljet?
- Tourist accommodations are offered in cities like Pomena, including luxurious hotels and rental accommodations.

10. Pag

Party all night or look at moonlike landscapes on your exciting getaway.

Pag

Why is Pag a popular nightlife destination?
- Pag has become one of Croatia's premiere nightlife destinations over the past few decades, home to the hip resort town of Novalja, located on the island's northern end.
How is Pag connected to the mainland?
- The island is connected to the mainland via bridge at its southern tip.
How large is Pag?
- Pag is the second-longest island in the Adriatic Sea, stretching for 37 miles.
What cultural traditions is Pag known for?
- Its rich cultural history is showcased in its famed folk traditions, including its famed lace-making techniques, local paski sir sheep's milk cheese, and popular Pasko kolo folk dance.
What nightlife activities are available in Novalja?
- Visitors looking for lively travel adventures can enjoy live music performances at Novalja's many open-air clubs.
Where can visitors find luxury accommodations on Pag?
- Visitors can stay in gorgeous luxury accommodations in areas like Pag Town, which features architecture designed by famed Croatian Renaissance builder Juraj Dalmatinac.

When to Go - Croatian Islands Weather by Month

Month	High (°C)	Low (°C)	Precip. (mm)	Conditions
January	10	5	70	Cool & Rainy
February	11	6	60	Cool & Rainy
March	14	8	50	Mild & Rainy
April	18	10	40	Mild & Pleasant
May	22	14	30	Warm & Pleasant
June	27	18	20	Warm & Sunny
July	30	22	10	Hot & Sunny
August	30	22	10	Hot & Sunny
September	27	18	20	Warm & Sunny
October	22	14	30	Mild & Pleasant
November	16	10	50	Cool & Rainy
December	11	6	70	Cool & Rainy

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Brac
2. Cres
3. Dugi Otok
4. Hvar
5. Korcula
6. Krk
7. Lastovo
8. Losinj
9. Mljet
10. Pag