10 Must Visit Islands In Croatia

1. Unije -  forgotten gem in northern Adriatic

To visit this secluded island in the middle of the Kvarner gulf, rent Pula sailing yacht charter in Istra county. Unije is one of the most isolated, and idyllic Adriatic islands and a perfect place for a relaxing getaway from fast-paced world.

As you approach the island, you will soon smell the irresistible scent of rosemary and lavender. Emerald coves and crystal clear sea engulfing the green fruitful pastures create an amazing contrast. Anchoring is possible on the eastern part of isle in a well-protected cove Maracol. After securing your boat to a buoy, take a stroll and visit magnificent cliffs, shaped through the millions of years by the forces of sea.

Only village on this island is half a mile walk from your anchorage an definitively worth to explore. This small community of less then 100 mostly fishermen and farmers is nowadays mostly investing into eco production and trying keep up with the pace of outside world..

2. Silba - isolated romantic getaway

This secluded gem is off the standard Croatia yacht charter itineraries which is the preferct reason to drop your anchor in one of island's natural coves. “The Gates of Dalmatia” it is called, for it lays on the border of northern and central Adriatic.

A few centuries ago, Silba used to be the island of captains, sailors and farmers. Nowadays, this small community mainly survives on fishing and apartment rental. However, it’s still considered an unknown destination for many boaters, is still largely dependable on yachting tourism.

The island is surrounded with romantic sandy beaches, where you can stop for the afternoon swim. I suggest to anchor in pristine coves Prapranica or St. Ante and take a short stroll through the pine forest to the town. All motorised traffic has been banned from the island, except for few agricultural vehicles, so the whole island is a pedestrian zone...

3. Dugi Otok - the pearl of northern Dalmatia

In translation "Long Island" is one of less populated and touristic areas in Dalmatia. It's a perfect place to charge your batteries and avoid the crowded coastal areas. When you start charter holiday in Croatia from second largest Dalmatian town Zadar, your best option is to rent a sailboat in Sukošan marina or Biograd town.

p>You will find best sailing spots, attractive coves and safe anchorages on the northern part of the isle, while southern part belongs to a national park and is ideal for a honeymoon trip or family yacht vacation.

Be sure to navigate to colourful fishing village of Sali - one of the most visited and "coolest" destinations for sailors and try best cocktails in iconic "Maritimo beach bar". In Sali you can also stock your boat lockers with provisions if your plan for the next few days is anchoring.

Drop your anchor to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of Telaščica national park. With no large cities around to spoil the night darkness with lights, this is your best opportunity to observe shooting starts from your yacht

4. Kornati Islands - tears from gods

Kornati national park truly is a natural wonder of Croatia and one of the most iconic Adriatic destinations. Best chance to discover this island chain is to rent sailboat in Zadar and experience the park from a comfort of a private yacht charter. Cruising through the park between unique yellow-coned hill tops feels like you are on another planet.

The continental part includes only ¼ of the surface of the park, while the rest belongs to the rich marine ecosystem and is protected by the state authority since 1980. No shops or cars can be found in completely intact island chain which consists of over 100 islands islets and rocks.

I suggest that you focus thse islands. Smokvica bay for a nice dinner, Vrulje for spectacullar views and Levernaka cove where from where you can visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia - Lojena. Overnight surrounded by a beautiful natural ambience in front of stone-made fisherman's house, where you can taste freshly caught fish and enjoy in peaceful ambience.

5. Kaprije - feel the original pulse of Dalmatia

One of the most authentic sailing locations in Croatia is village Kaprije on same-named little island. A small community of near 150 residents is only dependable by the ferry line delivering basic supplies twice a day from third largest Dalmatian city Šibenik. Located half way between Zadar in the north and Split in the south Kaprije it is usually forgotten from the standard Croatia charter itineraries. That is why this lovely village developed a unique laid-back character.

Most of the maritime guests choose this island just to feel the original  heartbeat of Dalmatia and avoid more crowded and popular areas. You won't find any cars here, just a simple warmth of the island people living and enjoying in a leisurely life. So join the locals in a fisherman's house or a near bar, listen to real-life stories and sea legends, embrace their unique philosophy and relax in a unique island atmosphere.

6. Šolta - forgotten Adriatic paradise

Dense forests and azure blue seas create a perfect color contrast of Šolta island that is often missed out from yacht charter routes. And it is not a coincidence that ancient Greeks named it "the green fig".

Lonely bays, surrounded with lush green pine forests make an impressive scenery inviting you to drop anchor and relax in a tranquil atmosphere before docking your yacht in one of the most iconic island ports Maslinica, Rogač or Stomorska.

If you wish to spend a peaceful and best views from the island harbour Rogač is ideal location. It will take you 30 minute ascend to the ancient village Grohote. The view across Split archipelago is truly impressive. If you prefer best local restaurant selection vibrant Stomorska town or well-protected Maslinica port are ideal locations to spend a peaceful evening tasting best local delicacies. Newly-built modern marina with an impressive Renaissance castle add a distinct charm to Maslinica village. 

7. Brac - stone kingdom in Croatia

Chartering a sailing yacht in Split or UNESCO site Trogir will allow you to  to follow an Split sailing itinerary and discover Brač from eastern side.

On the NE part of island lies one of the most picturesque villages in Dalmatia - hidden village of Pučišča. Charming town at the end of a long bay is best-known of its unique white marble. The gleaming white stone, indigent to the island and monumental Renaissance architecture, make this village one of a kind. It is also called a "13 towers port" since it used to have 13 towers guarding it against repeated pirate attacks. Pučišča is one of the sailing locations off the charter maps ensuring you a authentic maritime atmosphere and the ultimate escape from crowded ports and buzzing promenades. Explore beyond and sail around the island...

8. Hvar -  Longest Croatian island

When you hire a yacht in Split world-renown isle is already a part of a Croatia sailing itinerary. There is so much more to discover on longest Croatian island then just the bohemian Hvar town. It is a place of wonderful contrasts, history and natural wonders. Probably one of most diverse Croatian island will best reveal its secrets if you decide to discover a little bit from both worlds. On one side its fragrant sun-soaked hills and lavender fields, and buzzing promenades and monumental historic sites on other.

Second oldest Croatian town Stari Grad is one of them. Perfectly located into deep well-protected bay, surrounded with fruitful valleys and lush hilltops is definitively a place to stop. The collision of old Roman and Greek civilizations left a deep impact everywhere. Enjoy in impressive cultural and architectural monuments, walk the maze of stony streets and relax in superb local food delicacies and best wines of the region.

9. Vis - Legendary fortress of Croatia

Most of the first-time visitors come to sail Croatia

for a single reason - to experience the forbidden island of Adriatic. Until recently the whole archipelago was a restricted area due to its military purpose. With only 2 towns (Vis and more tranquil Komiza) and no industry miles around, Vis is ideal location to explore the underwater habitat. Almost most half way to Italy Vis island was due too its strategic position all through its war history a natural impregnable fortress claimed by Illyrians, Greeks, Venetians, British and French. 

I recommend to overnight in a picturesque village Komiža, and the next day rent a scooter to also explore Vis on the other side of the island. Characteristic local fishermen, typical wooden vessels in town port, narrow streets and exhibiting local artists, are completing the charm of this old Dalmatian village. 

It is only a couple of hours to circle the island on a sailing boat and discover its magnificent lonely bays and natural beaches.

10. Korčula - island of merchants and wines

This is the island, that I could call the Croatian paradise for sailors. Ideal sailing conditions with soothing moderate winds, well protected bays, secluded villages, unique cuisine and 2 typical Dalmatian towns Vela Luka and Korčula to explore. Often called a small Dubrovnik, the town Korčula is mainly famous of being the birthplace, of the Venetian merchant Marco Polo. 

Renaissance architecture, impressive fortresses and epic defence walls are building the unique character around this Adriatic pearl. This ancient town is the ultimate location to explore during a yacht charter vacation in Croatia.

Here you'll find: colorful streets, monumental history and museums, rich cultural heritage, authentic cuisine, night bars and clubs, attractive stone houses and relaxed small-town atmosphere embedded in dense green forests and olive groves.