Beautiful Croatian Islands You Need to Explore by Boat

Cruise along the most amazing islands in Europe with Culture Trip’s Sailing Trips.

Part of the last cluster of islands at the eastern end of the Dalmatian Coast, Hvar has been making an increasingly glamorous name for itself – even dubbed the new St Tropez. But beyond the luxury yachts and swanky nightlife of scenic Hvar Town, the island boasts an abundance of natural beauty, too. Its silver-purple lavender fields draw summer crowds, while lush coastal pastures overflow with wildflowers and asparagus. Be sure to drop anchor at Stari Grad, one of Europe’s oldest towns and a real historic gem.

Despite its Golden Horn – an impossibly white beach that’s become the poster child for Croatia’s coastal beauty – Brač remains one of the less-visited islands. While fairly dry inland, its dramatic rocky coast is fabulous to explore by boat. It offers some of the region’s best scuba diving thanks to super-clear water, especially around the beautiful Lučice Bay. Dock in Supetar – the island’s main town on its northern side – and treat yourself to market-fresh seafood from a harbourside restaurant.

If you’re looking for a real slice of old-world Croatia, Vis has maintained a sense of sleepy timelessness like few others. This is largely due to it once being a military base, so it was cut off from visitors and development for several decades. A hands-down highlight is Stiniva Beach, a secluded patch of white pebble beach flanked by tall cliffs, and much easier to approach by boat. When you’re done, sail round to Vis Town with its big natural harbour and quaint waterfront promenade.

The most easterly of the big islands is also Croatia’s greenest, and by quite some margin. In fact, over 70 percent of Mljet is covered by dense pine forest. One-third of it is also made up of national park, within which are two crystal clear, saltwater lakes. They’re ideal for a cooling swim, and one even has a tiny isle with a monastery-turned-restaurant you can take a small boat to. Circumnavigate Mljet island and you’ll pass numerous scenic islets, too. It really is all quite a feast for the eyes.

Despite one side almost completely fringed with tall rugged cliffs, Rab is known as the island with the sandiest beaches in the whole Adriatic. You will really notice its contrasting halves as you sail around, with lush forests, charming villages and numerous coves lining its southern coast. You can sail along a narrow stretch between Rab and an elongated islet to drop anchor at any of several sheltered harbours on either side of Rab Town. Be sure to step ashore here for a stroll around its charming walled old town.

Approaching Korčula town by sea, you’ll immediately understand why this fabulous medieval settlement has been dubbed Little Dubrovnik. Numerous centuries-old buildings seem to jostle for position behind the ancient ramparts. Continue around the Peljesac channel and you’ll appreciate the natural beauty of the island, too, scattered with olive groves, pine forests and golden beaches. At the island’s farthest western point is a tiny islet and the lovely Batalo Beach. Take a dip here before strolling to a simple restaurant for seafood hot off the coals.

Translating as long island, at 45km (28mi) and skinnier than most, this is certainly one of the archipelago’s most elongated. Dugi Otok is mostly known for the Telascica Nature Park covering the southern part of the island. With its countless islets, dramatic wood-topped cliffs and calm waters, it’s understandably popular for boating. And if you’re planning to set foot on land, Mir Lake is a wonderful spot for a dip – it’s warmer than the sea in summer and its salt-rich waters are rumoured to have healing properties.

The most westerly, one of the largest and least developed of Croatia’s islands, Cres is a haven for wildlife. It provides sanctuary for the rare and gigantic griffon vulture amongst the rugged wilderness of thick forest, craggy coastline and hidden coves. Sail to the Mali Bok nature reserve for the best chance of sighting these impressive birds. Circle to the other side of the island to gaze up at Lubenice, a 4,000-year-old hilltop fortress, before exploring the nearby Blue Cave – a sea grotto filled with turquoise light.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.