10 Must Visit Islands In Croatia

1. Unije -  The secret Croatian Island

Unije is one of the most isolated Adriatic islands and a idyllic maritime escape if you need a break from tourist-dense areas. As you approach the island, you will soon see magnificent cliffs and a tiny idyllic village nearby.

Crystal clear sea engulfing green fruitful pastures create an amazing contrast with small iconic house fronts. Anchoring is possible on the eastern part of isle in a well-protected cove Maracol.

Only village on Unije is just 15-minute walk across the hill. This small community of less then 100 mostly fishermen and farmers is nowadays mostly investing into green-oriented production and cultivation. You can reach this heavenly oasis by renting a yacht in Pula.

2. Silba - Romantic getaway

Silba island is often called “The Gates of Dalmatia” for it lays on the border of Kvarner and Dalmatian region. Centuries ago Silba used to be the island of captains and sailors. Nowadays, this small community mainly survives on fishing and apartment rental. Still considered as an unknown destination for many boaters and nautical guests stop here searching for a peaceful getaway.

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 - Diversity at its best

In Croatian language Dugi otok literally means "Long Island". It's the perfect location to recharge your batteries and avoid busy coastal areas. Renting a yacht or catamaran charter in Zadar is best starting destination for visiting largest (and longest) north Dalmatian island.

Best sailing areas and safe anchorages are located in the northern part, while the southern area belongs to Telaščica national park, a home to some extraordinary endemic species.
With numerous bars and restaurants colorful fishing village of Sali is largest harbor and among most beloved destinations for sailors. A great opportunity to stock your boat lockers with provisions and taste local delicacies. Too busy for your taste? 
Then drop anchor within the tranquility of Telaščica national park which is literally just behind the corner. With no large cities around to spoil darkness with lights it is the ultimate spot to observe shooting starts and enjoy in a gentle swing of 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 - True pulse of Dalmatia

One of the heavenly sailing locations in Croatia is village Kaprije on same-named little island. A small community of 150 residents is only dependable by the ferry line delivering basic supplies twice a day from Šibenik city. Located half way between Zadar in the north and Split in the south, Kaprije it is unfaily missed out from the classic yacht charter itineraries.

Most of the maritime guests choose this island just to feel the original heartbeat of Dalmatia and avoid crowded and touris dense areas. You won't find any cars here, just a simple warmth of the island people living and enjoying in a leisurely stress-free routine. So join the locals in a fisherman's house or a near bar, lend your ear to their stories and embrace a unique philosophy of this forgotten gem.

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. It is not a coincidence that ancient Greeks named it "the green fig".

Lonely bays, surrounded with lush pine forests make an impressive scenery inviting you to drop anchor and relax in a tranquil atmosphere before docking your yacht in one of 3 island ports: Maslinica, Rogač or Stomorska.
If you wish to spend a peaceful evening harbor Rogač is ideal location. From small town port is a paved path ascending to the ancient village Grohote. On a 30-minute walk to this village enjoy the remarkable views across Split archipelago. If you prefer to eat local and fresh stop in restaurant "Momcin Dvor" perfectly hidden between iconic stone houses. Or opt for a renown Maslinica in the nethermost part of Šolta where you can spend an evening surrounded with sailors stopping here on first or last night when chartering yachts in Split. Newly-built modern marina with Renaissance castle add a charm to this amazing village. 

7. Brac - stone kingdom in Croatia

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

Pučišča village is one of the hidden gems of largest Dalmatian island Brač. Charming little town at the end of a long bay is best-known of its unique white marble. Gleaming white stone, indigent to the island and monumental Renaissance architecture make this village one of a kind.

Locals call it called a "13 towers port" since it used to have town towers guarding it against repeated pirate attacks. Pučišča is a hidden location off the charter maps providing authentic maritime vibe and a perfect retreat from busy island promenades.

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.