Our guidebook to Croatian Islands
About Croatian Dalmatian Islands
Croatia has 1185 islands, 66 of which are inhabited and each has its own special story. Here I put you first the ones that are the closest to Split, and that can be explored on a day trip, than the ones further away therefore I recommend a night there. All are connected directly to Split by boat and offer clean sea, amazing beaches and strong local history.
You have to visit at least one island during a trip to Croatia, nothing captures more what Croatia/Dalmatia is, and the local way of living, than the islands!
This island you for sure have seen on some photo somewhere: as it looks like a heart! one of the worlds few naturally occurring heart-shaped objects, which earned it the nickname of " Island of Love" or "Lover's Island"!. Located between Nin and Šibenik, in the Pašman channel, between the islands of Pašman and the town of Turanj.
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Galešnjak
This island you for sure have seen on some photo somewhere: as it looks like a heart! one of the worlds few naturally occurring heart-shaped objects, which earned it the nickname of " Island of Love" or "Lover's Island"!. Located between Nin and Šibenik, in the Pašman channel, between the islands of Pašman and the town of Turanj.
Zlarin is a small island only 30min by ferry from the mainland city of Šibenik. It's particularity is that Zlarin is one of few islands on the Adriatic Sea that do not allow access to cars, so it is ideal for long walks and cycling. Zlarin has a very laid back atmosphere, there you can feel what "slow life" means. It is also famous for its red corals. It is a great place to experience local life style and to feel pure Dalmatian island vibe.
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Zlarin
Zlarin is a small island only 30min by ferry from the mainland city of Šibenik. It's particularity is that Zlarin is one of few islands on the Adriatic Sea that do not allow access to cars, so it is ideal for long walks and cycling. Zlarin has a very laid back atmosphere, there you can feel what "slow life" means. It is also famous for its red corals. It is a great place to experience local life style and to feel pure Dalmatian island vibe.
Closest Islands to Split: possible day trip
Here I put you the islands that are the closest to Split, and that can be explored on a day trip from our home.
The closest island from Split is Brač, only 30/40 minutes away by boat with many daily ferry lines running every hour from the main Split harbor until midnight making it perfect for a daily trip.
It is the largest and most populated of the central Dalmatian Islands with its own airport (Bol), and the highest mountain on any Adriatic island (Vidova gora).
Not only is it the closest so you can spend a whole day on the island and be back in the evening, but the whole coast is full of lovely beaches, mediterranean atmosphere and beautiful blue clear sea that will delight you.
The island is most known for one beach called "Zlatni Rat"/"Golden horn" located in Bol, that is THE most famous beach in Croatia, a protected natural area, which very tip keeps changing its shape constantly due to the influence of winds, waves and sea currents, making it appear different and repeatedly interesting. This location is a favorite spot for surfers and kite-surfers from around the globe. I definitely recommend going to Bol/Zlatni Rat when on Brac, as it is well connected from the ship port of Supetar by a direct bus line, and some private taxis that I recommend you take if you are a family or larger group.
If you are young and want to experience the island, and get to know the lesser known beautiful beaches I recommend renting a car or motorbike and make a tour around the island. If you have time I definitely recommend visiting Pucisca, Milna, Postira, and Bol (where the famous Zlatni Rat beach is).
The island is also known for its richer olive oil (olive cultivating is a local trade and tradition), and its signature export product: its the natural white limestone famous among architects all over the world (which is still quarried and was used in the palazzi of Venice and the White House in Washington)/
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Brač
The closest island from Split is Brač, only 30/40 minutes away by boat with many daily ferry lines running every hour from the main Split harbor until midnight making it perfect for a daily trip.
It is the largest and most populated of the central Dalmatian Islands with its own airport (Bol), and the highest mountain on any Adriatic island (Vidova gora).
Not only is it the closest so you can spend a whole day on the island and be back in the evening, but the whole coast is full of lovely beaches, mediterranean atmosphere and beautiful blue clear sea that will delight you.
The island is most known for one beach called "Zlatni Rat"/"Golden horn" located in Bol, that is THE most famous beach in Croatia, a protected natural area, which very tip keeps changing its shape constantly due to the influence of winds, waves and sea currents, making it appear different and repeatedly interesting. This location is a favorite spot for surfers and kite-surfers from around the globe. I definitely recommend going to Bol/Zlatni Rat when on Brac, as it is well connected from the ship port of Supetar by a direct bus line, and some private taxis that I recommend you take if you are a family or larger group.
If you are young and want to experience the island, and get to know the lesser known beautiful beaches I recommend renting a car or motorbike and make a tour around the island. If you have time I definitely recommend visiting Pucisca, Milna, Postira, and Bol (where the famous Zlatni Rat beach is).
The island is also known for its richer olive oil (olive cultivating is a local trade and tradition), and its signature export product: its the natural white limestone famous among architects all over the world (which is still quarried and was used in the palazzi of Venice and the White House in Washington)/
Located on Brac island, in Bol, this is probably Croatia’s most famous beach, and it's well deserved. Also referred to as the "Golden Cape" or "Golden Horn" because of its distinctive shape: a protected natural area with a stretch of pebbles that reaches out into the sea and which very tip keeps changing its shape constantly due to the influence of winds, waves and sea currents, making it appear different and repeatedly interesting. , its shape ever altering slightly with the tide. This particularity make it a favorite spot for windsurfers and kite-surfers from around the globe. I definitely recommend going to Bol/Zlatni Rat when on Brac, as it is well connected from the ship port of Supetar by a direct bus line, and some private taxis that I recommend you take if you are a family or larger group.
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Golden Horn
Put Zlatnog RataLocated on Brac island, in Bol, this is probably Croatia’s most famous beach, and it's well deserved. Also referred to as the "Golden Cape" or "Golden Horn" because of its distinctive shape: a protected natural area with a stretch of pebbles that reaches out into the sea and which very tip keeps changing its shape constantly due to the influence of winds, waves and sea currents, making it appear different and repeatedly interesting. , its shape ever altering slightly with the tide. This particularity make it a favorite spot for windsurfers and kite-surfers from around the globe. I definitely recommend going to Bol/Zlatni Rat when on Brac, as it is well connected from the ship port of Supetar by a direct bus line, and some private taxis that I recommend you take if you are a family or larger group.
Bol is where the famous beach "Zlatni rat"/"Golden Horn" is. But take time to explore the town of Bol, it is really a lovely small city.
I recommend to have lunch or dinner at "Ribarska Kuca", a lovely small restaurant directly on the sea! Great seafood and magical place!
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Bol
Bol is where the famous beach "Zlatni rat"/"Golden Horn" is. But take time to explore the town of Bol, it is really a lovely small city.
I recommend to have lunch or dinner at "Ribarska Kuca", a lovely small restaurant directly on the sea! Great seafood and magical place!
Hvar is THE most famous Croatian island reachable in about a little more than 1 hour from Split by ferries&catamarans (1H by catamaran to town of Hvar, 2H by ferry to Stari Grad). For many it has become a jet-set island with celebrities sailing on big yachts during summer. Therefore known to young travelers because its full of parties and good clubs. But beyond that it is still a magnificent island and the old town Hvar is a gem, here you’ll find history, heritage and culture, something for every type of traveller.
Next to Island is group of small islands that is not so known: Palmižana, where I definitely recommend you take a small boat to, as you will feel like you are on a Caribbean sea.
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Hvar
Hvar is THE most famous Croatian island reachable in about a little more than 1 hour from Split by ferries&catamarans (1H by catamaran to town of Hvar, 2H by ferry to Stari Grad). For many it has become a jet-set island with celebrities sailing on big yachts during summer. Therefore known to young travelers because its full of parties and good clubs. But beyond that it is still a magnificent island and the old town Hvar is a gem, here you’ll find history, heritage and culture, something for every type of traveller.
Next to Island is group of small islands that is not so known: Palmižana, where I definitely recommend you take a small boat to, as you will feel like you are on a Caribbean sea.
Another island near Split great for one day trips from our home: more laid back atmosphere than Hvar, nothing fancy lovely beaches.
Rogač is the main port and Nečujam the centre of the island’s tourism with its large bays, on the north-eastern coast of the island.
Jadrolinija ferry takes you there and back in around one hour from the ferry split port.
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Šolta
Another island near Split great for one day trips from our home: more laid back atmosphere than Hvar, nothing fancy lovely beaches.
Rogač is the main port and Nečujam the centre of the island’s tourism with its large bays, on the north-eastern coast of the island.
Jadrolinija ferry takes you there and back in around one hour from the ferry split port.
Pakleni Islands ("Pakleni otoci") is a stretch of several small islands just in front of Hvar, to which you can take a taxi boat trip to from Hvar town. There you'll find clear waters, hidden beaches and deserted lagoons offering quiet resting spots (best beaches being Palmizana and Mlini), but also some restaurants& bars, and even parties, depending what you are looking for.
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Pakleni Otoci
Pakleni Islands ("Pakleni otoci") is a stretch of several small islands just in front of Hvar, to which you can take a taxi boat trip to from Hvar town. There you'll find clear waters, hidden beaches and deserted lagoons offering quiet resting spots (best beaches being Palmizana and Mlini), but also some restaurants& bars, and even parties, depending what you are looking for.
Islands further away: a night there recommended
Here I put you the ones I love the most and that are still accessible directly by boat from Split, however as they are further away (around 2h boat or 3h), my best recommendation is to spend a night (or more) there instead of stressing and exhausting yourself over long boat travel for just one day.
Located a little more than 2 hours by boat from Split, Vis is the furthest island afloat from the Croatian mainland.
Vis is a preserved natural beauty, very green with many parts of the island quite and isolated, and many beautiful beaches and caves preserved in their original beauty.
Two towns are recommended for spending a night: the northeast Vis Town and Komiža, in the southwest (I recommend Komiža).
You’ll find several beachy enclaves in crevices along the rough coastline, the most famous beach is Sitniva beach, a hidden gem, that I absolutely recommend if you have time to go to.
I would also recommend if you have time to take a boat trip visit of the blue cave on Bisevo, a small island 20 min from Komiža, with also an amazing sandy beach.
You can also visit a green cave and small villages that all have amazing beaches.
Also very known as the filming location of the movie "Mamma mia".
From 1950 until 1989 it served as the Yugoslav National Army’s base, out of bounds to foreign visitors, thus having many aspects of an unspoilt paradise, and visitors are often seduced by its rudimental beauty.
It's manageable on a day trip from Split, but as it is a 2hour trip by ferry, spending one night can be a more enjoyable trip.
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Vis
Located a little more than 2 hours by boat from Split, Vis is the furthest island afloat from the Croatian mainland.
Vis is a preserved natural beauty, very green with many parts of the island quite and isolated, and many beautiful beaches and caves preserved in their original beauty.
Two towns are recommended for spending a night: the northeast Vis Town and Komiža, in the southwest (I recommend Komiža).
You’ll find several beachy enclaves in crevices along the rough coastline, the most famous beach is Sitniva beach, a hidden gem, that I absolutely recommend if you have time to go to.
I would also recommend if you have time to take a boat trip visit of the blue cave on Bisevo, a small island 20 min from Komiža, with also an amazing sandy beach.
You can also visit a green cave and small villages that all have amazing beaches.
Also very known as the filming location of the movie "Mamma mia".
From 1950 until 1989 it served as the Yugoslav National Army’s base, out of bounds to foreign visitors, thus having many aspects of an unspoilt paradise, and visitors are often seduced by its rudimental beauty.
It's manageable on a day trip from Split, but as it is a 2hour trip by ferry, spending one night can be a more enjoyable trip.
Reachable in 2.5 hrs on a catamaran from Split, or by car by driving first to Orebić (3H), then take a 30min ferry ride to Korčula. I recommend you take the catamaran, especially if going for a day trip only (by car it will be hard to manage it in one day)
Korčula was declared the most beautiful island in Croatia in 2019.
It's manageable on a day trip from Split, but as it is a 2and half hour trip by ferry, spending one night can be a more enjoyable trip.
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Korčula
Reachable in 2.5 hrs on a catamaran from Split, or by car by driving first to Orebić (3H), then take a 30min ferry ride to Korčula. I recommend you take the catamaran, especially if going for a day trip only (by car it will be hard to manage it in one day)
Korčula was declared the most beautiful island in Croatia in 2019.
It's manageable on a day trip from Split, but as it is a 2and half hour trip by ferry, spending one night can be a more enjoyable trip.
Half of the island Mljet is a protected National Park making it one of the most eden like spots in Dalmatia, and one of my favorite place in Croatia. Mljet is improbably green and salubriously lush, you can walk or bike around its lakes (two salted lakes – "Veliko Jezero" (large lake) and "Malo Jezero" (small lake)–), and of course swim into their still waters. Right in the middle of the Large Lake, there is a small island/islet Melita (Sveta Marija) with a large building of the former Benedictine monastery, erected there in the 12th century. To enjoy the stunning scenery from the hills above the Mljet coastline and Park you can take a hike up the hills (200 m) to get the views. Mljet is a small paradise that I recommend to everyone!
The access to the park is on the north or west coast through villages Pomena and Polače (visitors are expected to pay there for the entrance (buy your ticket at a kiosk in Polače or Pomena: low season 70 Kuna (9EUR); high season 125 Kuna (15EUR))).
It's manageable on a day trip from Split, there is a daily ferry from Split to Mljet run by Krilo (Kapetan Luka) early in the morning between April and October, but as it is a 3hour trip by ferry, spending one night can be a more enjoyable trip.
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Mljet nasjonalpark
Half of the island Mljet is a protected National Park making it one of the most eden like spots in Dalmatia, and one of my favorite place in Croatia. Mljet is improbably green and salubriously lush, you can walk or bike around its lakes (two salted lakes – "Veliko Jezero" (large lake) and "Malo Jezero" (small lake)–), and of course swim into their still waters. Right in the middle of the Large Lake, there is a small island/islet Melita (Sveta Marija) with a large building of the former Benedictine monastery, erected there in the 12th century. To enjoy the stunning scenery from the hills above the Mljet coastline and Park you can take a hike up the hills (200 m) to get the views. Mljet is a small paradise that I recommend to everyone!
The access to the park is on the north or west coast through villages Pomena and Polače (visitors are expected to pay there for the entrance (buy your ticket at a kiosk in Polače or Pomena: low season 70 Kuna (9EUR); high season 125 Kuna (15EUR))).
It's manageable on a day trip from Split, there is a daily ferry from Split to Mljet run by Krilo (Kapetan Luka) early in the morning between April and October, but as it is a 3hour trip by ferry, spending one night can be a more enjoyable trip.
Restaurants - Food scene
I put here some of my favorite restaurants on the different islands I recommended.
Amazing seafood restaurant directly by the sea at Palmizana beach on Pakleni Islands.
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Zori restaurant & lounge
19 PalmizanaAmazing seafood restaurant directly by the sea at Palmizana beach on Pakleni Islands.
Lovely lounge bar/beach club and restaurant at Palmizana beach on Pakleni Islands.
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Laganini Lounge bar & Fish house
Lovely lounge bar/beach club and restaurant at Palmizana beach on Pakleni Islands.
A lovely small restaurant located directly by the sea in the town of Bol! Great seafood and magical place! with view on the sea, a small pebble beach on one side and views of the old town on the other
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Ribarska Kućica
Ante StarčevićaA lovely small restaurant located directly by the sea in the town of Bol! Great seafood and magical place! with view on the sea, a small pebble beach on one side and views of the old town on the other
Great restaurant in Hvar town perfect for a more refined dinner. As it is more "classy", the food is very good and the setting is sublime with decoration in wood and old columns. It makes it perfect for a romantic meal.
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Divino Restaurant
1 Šetalište put KrižaGreat restaurant in Hvar town perfect for a more refined dinner. As it is more "classy", the food is very good and the setting is sublime with decoration in wood and old columns. It makes it perfect for a romantic meal.
Beach club&bar in Hvar town directly at the water's edge that is perfect for an end of afternoon to get drinks and admire the sunset, the food is simple (finger food/snacks) so it is better to have drinks here and than later move to a restaurant. The bar is really perfectly positioned to end the day by watching the sunset while sipping drinks and enjoying music. It offers the best after-beach parties you can get in Hvar so it is packed from 6-9pm and than closes around 10pm.
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beach Hula Hula
Beach club&bar in Hvar town directly at the water's edge that is perfect for an end of afternoon to get drinks and admire the sunset, the food is simple (finger food/snacks) so it is better to have drinks here and than later move to a restaurant. The bar is really perfectly positioned to end the day by watching the sunset while sipping drinks and enjoying music. It offers the best after-beach parties you can get in Hvar so it is packed from 6-9pm and than closes around 10pm.
There are 2 Carpe Diem on Hvar:
- The Carpe Diem BAR situated directly on riva promenade in Hvar Town: for drinks in the evening expensive but nice
- The Carpe Diem BEACH on an island closeby: a “big” beach which also serves as a beachclub/restaurant / nightclub / bar on a small island opposite of Hvar town (5 minutes by taxi boat).
How it works is that Carpediem Bar on riva works from morning untill 1.00 am and than organised boats takes people from Carpediem riva bar to Carpediem beach bar (just 5-10 minutes away). I really advise you to go there if you have the chance, day or night to party but be aware that it is expensive as it is the Most famous bar and club for clubbing/partying in Hvar.
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Carpe Diem Hvar
32 RivaThere are 2 Carpe Diem on Hvar:
- The Carpe Diem BAR situated directly on riva promenade in Hvar Town: for drinks in the evening expensive but nice
- The Carpe Diem BEACH on an island closeby: a “big” beach which also serves as a beachclub/restaurant / nightclub / bar on a small island opposite of Hvar town (5 minutes by taxi boat).
How it works is that Carpediem Bar on riva works from morning untill 1.00 am and than organised boats takes people from Carpediem riva bar to Carpediem beach bar (just 5-10 minutes away). I really advise you to go there if you have the chance, day or night to party but be aware that it is expensive as it is the Most famous bar and club for clubbing/partying in Hvar.
"Kod Ante" or Ante’s Place in Saplunara Bay on the island of Mljet. The setting is lovely: the sheltered bay is right in front of you and it offers some spectacular sunsets.
they’ll also do their specialties such as lamb or octopus cooked in a famous local way called "ispod peke" meaning slow-cooked dishes prepared under a bell-shaped iron pot, which adds a unique flavour to the food. For me the best is the delicious lobster spaghetti.
Kod Ante
"Kod Ante" or Ante’s Place in Saplunara Bay on the island of Mljet. The setting is lovely: the sheltered bay is right in front of you and it offers some spectacular sunsets.
they’ll also do their specialties such as lamb or octopus cooked in a famous local way called "ispod peke" meaning slow-cooked dishes prepared under a bell-shaped iron pot, which adds a unique flavour to the food. For me the best is the delicious lobster spaghetti.
"Konoba Šešula" on Šolta Island, located in the bay of the same name "Šešula". It is less than a 15-minute walk from the pretty port of "Maslinica", and which offers free moorings.
This laid-back restaurant has a giant outdoor grill where the daily catch, langoustines or squid – and meats are prepared over a wood fire. If given a couple of hours’ notice they’ll also do their specialties such as lamb or octopus cooked in a famous local way called "ispod peke" meaning slow-cooked dishes prepared under a bell-shaped iron pot, which adds a unique flavour to the food.
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Konoba Šešula
"Konoba Šešula" on Šolta Island, located in the bay of the same name "Šešula". It is less than a 15-minute walk from the pretty port of "Maslinica", and which offers free moorings.
This laid-back restaurant has a giant outdoor grill where the daily catch, langoustines or squid – and meats are prepared over a wood fire. If given a couple of hours’ notice they’ll also do their specialties such as lamb or octopus cooked in a famous local way called "ispod peke" meaning slow-cooked dishes prepared under a bell-shaped iron pot, which adds a unique flavour to the food.
Best beach bar in Hvar, very close to the old part of Hvar town, they close around 10pm, best place to come after a day at the beach to have drinks, start to party and watch the sunset. Also possible to grab something to eat but it's basic.
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beach Hula Hula
Best beach bar in Hvar, very close to the old part of Hvar town, they close around 10pm, best place to come after a day at the beach to have drinks, start to party and watch the sunset. Also possible to grab something to eat but it's basic.