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, the perfect creation 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. 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.

So I suggest that you focus on 2 or 3 islands . My suggestion is Smokvica in the south, the Village Vrulje in the middle and Levernaka bay with 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 a relaxing peaceful ambience.

5. Kaprije - where time beats a different beat

One of the most authentic sailing destinations in Croatia is the village Kaprije on same-named little island. This Dalmatian gem is a part of Šibenik-Knin municipal close to the region's capital Šibenik - a popular UNESCO site. A small community of near 150 residents is only dependable by the ferry line delivering basic supplies twice a day. That is why this forgotten island developed a unique laid-back character.

Most of the maritime guests choose this island just to feel the real heartbeat of Dalmatia and to avoid the crowds in more popular and visited islands. 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, hear their real-life stories of ancient sailors, embrace their unique philosophy and experience Mediterranean at its best.

6. Šolta - the blue and the green at central Adriatic

Dense forests and azure blue seas create a perfect colour contrast of this charming island that is often missed out by the sailors. And it is not a coincidence that ancient Greeks named it "the green fig".

Before you make a berth in the evening, be sure to discover some of the most beautiful secluded bays where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear seas surrounded with pine forests.

If you prefer peaceful surroundings, I recommend to berth in a small port Rogač on the eastern side of the island and take a 30 minute stroll to the picturesque village Grohote. The view over the Split archipelago is really impressive. You can enjoy in a wonderful night view towards the mainland and a sight of a milion lights glittering in the city of Split.

But if you like more vibrant places, then visit a nautically very popular village Maslinica is the north. There is a completely new marina with impressive 18th. Century castle renovated into a luxury resort....

7. Brac - Dalmatia in small

Renting a sailing yacht in Split or Trogir charters I recommend you to follow an alternative Split itinerary and circle Brač from eastern side.

On the NE part of island lies the hidden village of Pučišča, also called "the stone kingdom of Croatia". Charming town at the end of a along bay is well-known of a unique white marble. The gleaming white stone, indigent to the island and a unique 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 attack by pirates centuries ago. if you are looking for seclusion - this is it.

This picturesque village will embrace you in its laid-back beats and offer you the real pulse of Dalmatia. Spend one night surrounded by lush-green forests and a charm of this Romantic town. Next morning bear to the southern part of Brač and discover the famous beaches of Bol...

8. Hvar, the perfect harmony between old and new

Longest and the most famous island in Croatia is already enrooted in Croatia sailing itinerary. 

The most stylish and unique way of discovering this charming islands is to rent sailboat in Split and try to visit the best parts of Hvar: Stari Grad, Jelsa village an of course the jet-set Hvar.

One of the oldest Croatian towns, the historic Stari Grad lies in eastern part of the island in a well protected natural bay surrounded with olive groves. You will soon be welcomed by the scent of lavender descending from sun-soaked hills and alluring coves.

The town itself is where medieval-meets-Mediterranean splendour. The collision of old Roman and Greek civilisations left a deep impact everywhere. Explore impressive cultural and architectural renaissance monuments and feel the laid-back pulse of this little gem. Be sure to walk the maze of stony streets and try some locally-grown products including one of the best wines in the island "Plavac".

9. Vis - the legendary fortress of Croatia

You don't want to miss out this little gem during your Croatia sailing trip. Until recently the whole archipelago was forbidden area due to its military purpose. With only 2 towns (Vis and smaller Komiza) and no industry miles around, this is the place to go snorkelling and explore the underwater habitat.
The island was all through its war history a natural impregnable fortress claimed by Illyrians, Greeks, Venetians, Austro-hungarians, British and French. Set almost in the middle of Adriatic, this was strategically best natural defence location in Mediterranean. On a fair sunny day, you can see all the way to Italy from the hill top above Komiža town.

I recommend to overnight in a picturesque village Komiža. Characteristic local fishermen, typical wooden vessels in town port, narrow streets and exhibiting local artists, are completing the charm of this old village...

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 embodies everything that you took your vacation in Croatia for.

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 forest and fig trees...