Top Croatian Islands You Must Visit This Summer | Best Island Getaways

Visit palagruza first this summer for a pristine, offbeat opener. The island rewards the traveller with crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs, and a pace that invites real relaxation. Being there makes you slow down and notice uncovered bays along a simple coastline path. Apartments or cabins are available, with price ranges typically from 60 to 120 EUR per night in peak season. This setup helps you uncover the coastline at a relaxed pace and makes the days absolutely memorable.

The gorgeous island of Hvar offers charming towns and a sun-drenched coastline, with the vibrant Old Town of Hvar as a highlight. The main attraction sits on the harbour’s edge and on the hilltop Fortica fortress, where panoramic sea views await. In peak season, stylish apartments on Hvar typically run 90–200 EUR per night, with two-bedroom options for families. Ferries from Split to Stari Grad operate daily in summer, taking about 2–3 hours, and you can hop between bays by local boat or bus. End a day with a drink at a waterfront tavern and watch the fishing boats drift by.

Korčula offers heritage-rich streets and a lovely old town that feels like a smaller Dubrovnik by the Adriatic. The main attraction includes the Marco Polo heritage narrative and scenic walkways along the city walls. The island also features quiet villages and a network of paths for easy hikes; a day on Korčula often includes a lunch of fresh seafood near Pupnatska Luka. Apartments on Korčula typically cost 70–150 EUR per night, with occasional deals off-season. A short boat ride to nearby islets provides uncovered coves and turquoise water for snorkeling.

On Brač, Zlatni Rat near Bol stands as a lovely, iconic beach with a photogenic cape that shifts with the wind. The island offers a mix of lively beaches and quiet coves, connected by a simple road network and a well-marked walking path for coastal views. Apartments on Brač range from 70 to 150 EUR per night, and ferry links from Split or Makarska keep the pace relaxed. For a slower rhythm, Vis Island provides a charming counterpoint with pine-fringed shores and sheltered bays, ideal for families and couples seeking a less crowded experience. Boating trips to nearby islets offer chances to swim in crystal water and to see historical highlights, such as old fortresses and fishing huts, being reminders of a long maritime heritage. coastal paths and easy routes help you fit in multiple swims per day.

For a balanced plan, allocate 4–6 days across a few islands and use the regular ferries to hop between them. However, book apartments early for July and August, especially near Hvar and Korčula, to lock in price and location. This route suits the traveller who wants a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for beach swims and local dinners. Pack light, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and sample a range of local drinks at small taverns along the coast. This approach delivers a lovely, varied experience with welcoming people, scenic paths, and a cadence that suits both first-time travellers and seasoned island-hoppers.

Top Croatian Islands You Must Visit This Summer

Hvar anchors your plan with a compact blend of historical town cores, turquoise bays, and a coastal vibe that suits daytime strolls and sunset dining. From the mainland, island-hopping lets you sample nearby gems, and long afternoons wandering the fortress walls and the harborfront await before dinner.

Brač follows with Zlatni Rat, a wind-sculpted white beach that shifts with the sea. The coast offers sheltered coves, clear water, and a string of simple restaurants and hotels that fit a range of budgets. Many coves left crowds behind, offering peaceful swims.

Korčula stands out for its historical walls and winding lanes. The island harbor hosts medieval taverns and seafood meals in bayside settings, perfect for a slow afternoon. If you crave sun-drenched beaches or shaded courtyards, Korčula delivers with a compact itinerary you can cover in a long weekend.

Mljet invites quiet exploration of two saltwater lakes and pine-fringed coves. The national park preserves calm inlets and a handful of secluded coves where kayaking or sailing feels effortless. Expect turquoise water, pine-scented trails, and a handful of restaurants near the ferry dock for easy dinners.

Vis provides a more secluded option with clear air and a slower rhythm. The island is known for its historical sites, hidden caves, and salt ponds, and you can linger over grilled fish at harbor-side restaurants without crowds. Take a day trip to the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo if the sea is calm, then return for a sunset walk along the coastal paths.

To maximize your Croatian island break, pair these with day trips from Split or base yourself in a string of stone houses along the coast. A three-island loop–Hvar, Brač, and Korčula–lets you cover historical sites, turquoise bays, and golden beaches without a long drive. With careful booking, you can spend a full week and still have time for a mainland stop in Split, where markets, cafés, and a fortress overlook the harbor.

Best Island Getaways; Brač

Stay in Bol and book a hotel with a sea-view to enjoy sunlight on turquoise water, really inviting. Where to base your plan? Bol serves as a practical hub with easy access to ferries, beaches, and restaurants. Visitors already know Brač shows a balanced mix of town life and quiet coves, with a house cluster around the harbor.

biševo is a must for a short trip: a quick stop from Bol to the uninhabited islets and the blue cave reveals vivid colors; visitors come back with stories and photos.

Public spaces in Bol are being refreshed, weaving new eateries into the old charm. In lumbarda, enjoy a malo beach vibe, a pearl along the turquoise coast, with restaurants and wine bars along the shore. The town stays relaxed and welcoming for a half-day or full afternoon.

• Bol – cobbled streets, a lively town center, and a hotel choice near the harbor; enjoy fresh seafood at nearby restaurants and watch the sunset from the quay.
• Pučišća – houses built from white limestone, quiet lanes, and easy access to inland viewpoints; public transport links keep day trips simple.
• lumbarda – malo beaches, turquoise water, and a string of restaurants and wine bars along the coast; a relaxed pace ideal for a slow afternoon.
• biševo – uninhabited islets nearby offer a private feel; a short boat ride brings you to the turquoise cave and back for a bright, memorable stop.

How to reach Brač from Split: ferries, schedules, and tips

Certainly secure your Supetar ferry ticket online 24 hours before departure during high season to lock in a time. From Split’s central Gruž port, you have two reliable routes to Brač: a fast catamaran and a traditional car ferry. If you want an authentic, relaxed ride with turquoise seas, choose the catamaran; if you need to bring a vehicle or you’re traveling with a larger group, the slow ferry is a solid option that would save you some money.

Two main options anchor the journey: fast catamaran services that skim the main sea lanes in about 50 minutes, and standard ferries that carry vehicles and passengers in roughly an hour. In peak season, the fast boats run frequently–roughly every 1–2 hours from morning until dusk–making a spontaneous ride easy. The slower ferries operate with a bit more spacing, often 1–3 departures per day, especially outside the core summer weeks.

Practical details matter for a smooth day: arrive at Gruž at least 30 minutes before the chosen sailing, keep your luggage compact for easy handling, and be ready to show reservations or ID. If you travel with a car, arrive earlier to secure a boarding slot on the vehicle deck; taking a car gives you flexible access around the surrounding towns like Supetar, Sutivan, and Milna. There is no need to stress the line-up–the main port staff can point you toward the correct gate and the right vessel.

Seasonal tips help you absorb the best Brač experiences. For a quick central transfer, the turquoise water near the main landing is a safe bet for a blue-flag photo opportunity, and you can plan a quick ride to Stiniva Bay for a shaded hike along green, mountainous terrain if you’re up for an adventure. If you’re staying in Supetar or along the coast, you’ll find landmarks and hidden gems close by to fill a half-day or a full itinerary, from rugged coastlines to calm coves with uninhabited islets just offshore. There, you can start to make authentic memories and enjoy the sea breeze while watching the tower shadows across the harbor.

Before you set out, tekst tip: check the latest timetable on Jadrolinija or Krilo pages, and consider a morning crossing to maximize daylight for your Brač plan. A local susac at Gruž can share seasonal detours or lesser-known stops, adding a personal layer to your route and helping you uncover gems off the typical map. Expect flexible options during shoulder seasons, with occasional reductions in service, but always enough choices to keep your adventure on track.

Where to stay on Brač: choosing between Supetar, Bol, and Milna

Choose Bol for a balanced mix of beaches, nightlife, and easy reach to everything on Brač. The renowned bays and five well‑placed spots along the coast make it the most popular base. A stroll along the harbor reveals a tower and a string of cafes where you can relax after day trips.

Supetar acts as the island’s well-connected gateway. A short ferry ride from Split brings you here, youre within reach of croatias cities for day trips. The promenade hums with culture, and its long, sandy stretch is popular with families and travelers who value convenience. From Supetar you can reach Milna, Bol, and the interior by bus or taxi in under an hour.

Milna offers hidden coves, uninhabited beaches, and a quieter pace. The mountainous hinterland invites guided hikes, while the seafront lanes host intimate inns and homey tavernas. If you want solitude without sacrificing access to the rest of the island, Milna is a well-chosen base within reach of the whole island and its rich landscapes, including easy day trips to croatias coastlines.

Which spot fits you best? If you crave lively evenings and easy transit, Bol wins. If you want straightforward ferry access and a broad cultural pulse, Supetar ticks those boxes. If your aim is quiet mornings, hidden coves, and a slower tempo, choose Milna and plan guided excursions to the surrounding bays and uninhabited shores. Here, you can rest, explore, and recharge at your own pace, making the most of the island as a whole, including the chance to immerse yourself in local traditions and natural scenery.

Iconic beaches: access to Zlatni Rat and family-friendly bays

Arrive in Bol before 08:30 to claim a prime stretch at Zlatni Rat; the coast crowd builds by mid-morning, but early access keeps the water calm for swimming and the sand clean for kids. A short stroll from the center leads to the famous spit, where sunlight glints on the tip and the grove-lined promenade offers shade and small cafés. The area is operated by local vendors; bars and restaurants along the beach open from 10:00 to around 23:00 in peak times, and restrooms and showers follow similar hours.

After Zlatni Rat, switch to family-friendly bays along Brač’s coast or on nearby islands. Look for spots with shallow water, gentle slopes, and soft sand perfect for little swimmers. Expect scattered groves and pine shade, plus footpaths that link parking areas with the coast. Restaurants and bars cluster near popular bays, making it easy to sip a coffee while kids build sandcastles–travel times between spots are short, and the area remains easy to navigate for visitors.

stiniva on Vis stands out as a hidden beach: a steep path or a short boat ride brings you to a tiny cove where the water is extremely clear and the surroundings feel remote. It’s found in a rugged area and can be accessed with a bit of planning; boat-times and hiking times vary by season, so check schedules with operators in Komiža or Sućuraj. If you want a contrast to Zlatni Rat, this is the perfect day-trip option for exploring the entire archipelago.

Along the coast, landmarks and experiences unfold: outdoor theatre performances in summer towns, landmark lighthouses, and old stone houses line the shores. A white-washed house fronts the quay, a visual cue of island life. The islands around Brač and Vis add variety to your itinerary, and visitors can stroll spots along the promenade, sample seafood at restaurants, or linger in groves for a shaded break. When you plan your trip, speak with locals about hours and travel times to tailor a day that fits your family’s pace and lets you savor the sunlight and swimming without rushing.

Outdoor thrills: windsurfing, cycling routes, and hiking in Vidova Gora

Rent a scooter in Bol and map a Vidova Gora circuit: ascend early, pause at a špilja along the forest edge, then finish with swimming at the dalmatian coast; staying there makes your day flexible and really enjoyable.

Windsurfing along Brac’s coast delivers steady conditions for every level. The wind blew from the open sea at 18–25 knots in summer; rent gear from a local shop in Bol and book a lesson, then glide on flat water near the town for about 90 minutes.

Five cycling routes, starting in Bol and circling Vidova Gora, offer varied scenery: easy 20–25 km loops along the coast take about 60–90 minutes per direction; longer 38–40 km climbs reach 800–900 meters of ascent and take 120–180 minutes depending on pace. For cooler air, add a next detour into pine forest sections.

Hiking Vidova Gora: the ascent from Bol takes about 90–120 minutes; the long ridge opens up breathtaking views of the dalmatian coast, Komiza across the sea, and Brac’s interior. Along the way you pass inside the forest and a small špilja, making the route even more interesting.

There are stays in Bol and nearby towns, making it easy to balance outdoor thrills with rest. From there, boats to Komiza and other dalmatian towns run regularly, offering a convenient day trip option that adds variety. The tekst notes help you plan next steps so you stay organized with that extra bit of flexibility.

Whether you chase wind, pedals, or peaks, Vidova Gora delivers beauty, and you’ll feel the five routes come alive as you move between sea and forest.