Insider tip Croatia: 12 unknown Croatian islands

Vacation in a natural paradise: These 12 Croatian islands off the mainstream will enchant you in no time!

Almost every enthusiastic holidaymaker in Croatia knows the country’s flagship islands such as Krk, Rab, Pag or Cres – but what about the lesser-known representatives of the 1244 Croatian islands? In our article we have looked at 12 rather unknown Croatian islands for you, far away from the big tourist streams, which can nevertheless inspire just as much as their highly popular and therefore often overcrowded siblings.

1. Vis

The first is the dreamy island of Vis, which not only amazes with its natural beauty, but is also one of the Croatian islands furthest away from the mainland. The small island has just around 3,600 inhabitants, but with a coastline of 85 kilometers, which is adorned with numerous bays. One of the most beautiful of them is the bay of Komiza, one of the two towns on the island, but Prirovo beach near the second settlement of Vis town is also worth visiting. Inland, on the other hand, there are three mountain ranges that need to be hiked. In general, the island is a true paradise for nature lovers and all those who appreciate the quiet idyll of quiet fishing villages.

2. Mljet

We continue with the island of Mljet in Dalmatia. Here you can not only marvel at endless forests – after all, almost 90 percent of the island is covered by them – the famous Odysseus is said to have once landed on Mljet and lived for some time. Mythical seafarers or not, with its evergreen forests, rough cliffs and its turquoise blue water, the island knows how to inspire even on its own. In the west of the island you will even find a national park with two saltwater lakes – and an island in the smaller of the two lakes, so to speak an island on the island. There is also an old Benedictine monastery here, which you should definitely visit during your trip.

3. Molat

If you are looking for peace and relaxation during your Croatia holiday, you are in good hands on the next insider tip on our list: The small island of Molat has just 220 inhabitants, who are spread over three small villages called Molat, Brgulje and Zapuntel. All three towns are connected by a single road with little traffic, while the rest of the almost 23 square kilometer island is characterized by peaceful spruce and pine forests, stony bays and the crystal-clear sea. So it’s no wonder that Molat is particularly popular with sailing fans. But if you just want to relax for a few days on truly lonely beaches and listen to the gentle sound of the sea, this is the place for you. To get to Molat you can easily take a ferry from Zadar.

4. Korcula

Not only Odysseus, but another famous personality is associated with the islands of Croatia: The world-famous seafarer Marco Polo is said to have been born on the island of Korčula, and to this day his birthplace can be visited there. Those who are less enthusiastic about the island’s history and more about its present can expect wonderful harbor and coastal landscapes, beaches that invite you to relax and unwind, and plenty of sun that Korčula blesses practically all year round.

5. Solta

The nearly 1,500 residents of Šolta know why they have chosen this idyllic island as their home. The almost 58 square kilometer island ideally combines the quiet island city life of Croatia with the best opportunities to be active in the great outdoors, such as hiking or mountain biking. In the nine smaller towns of Šolta you can also enjoy cultural and culinary specialties, while numerous bays and beaches lure you in for quiet hours sunbathing or diving into the crystal-clear water – and sailing enthusiasts also have plenty of opportunity around the island to pursue their hobby to comply To get to Šolta from the mainland, your best bet is to catch a ferry from the city of Split.

6. Palagruža

At just 0.3 square kilometers, Palagruža is really a tiny little island, but should not be underestimated as a destination. At 68 nautical miles from the Croatian mainland, Palagruža is indeed the most remote of the Croatian islands. It is characterized by its impressive lighthouse, to which a narrow path winds its way up directly from the boat dock. The whole small island looks like something out of a fantasy or horror film – lonely and mystical, but somehow also romantic. And if you really want to soak up the atmosphere there, let me tell you that the lighthouse can not only be visited, but that there are even two smaller holiday apartments for up to four people that you can rent – for your whole life private island adventure.

7. Dugi Otok

On the other hand, the island of Dugi Otok in Dalmatia is less lonely, but all the more idyllic. Dugi Otok is the longest island in Croatia and invites you to admire its twelve romantic villages, numerous bays, beautiful beaches such as Sakarun or Sašćica Beach and more. In the southeast of the island you will also find the Telašćica Nature Park, which is a nature reserve, where you can go on extensive hikes along the rocky coast with its steep cliffs or indulge in other sports. Finally, you can sniff a bit of culture with a visit to the fifteen archaeological sites on the island and a trip to the Veli rat lighthouse.

8. Proizd

At around 0.6 square kilometers, Proizd is not even twice the size of Palagruža, but just like its dwarf sister island, it knows how to appeal to a very special audience: in this case all fans of nudist culture, which is celebrated here on its own beach. But even those who are less used to nudism will find some very special highlights here, such as the wonderful rocky bays along the coast, the fantastic non-nudist beaches of Bili Boci in the north of the island or the beautiful lighthouse on the island. If you want to come here, the easiest way to reach Proizd is by boat from Vela Luka on the neighboring island of Korčula.

9. Murter

The island of Murter, like so many Croatian islands, is strongly influenced by fishing, and so you will not only find magnificent harbor towns that invite you to walk along the coast, but also plenty of restaurants and cafés that serve culinary delicacies from the Croatian seafood offer cuisine. However, Murter is not only known for its fishing and tasty culinary experiences, numerous festivals and events take place here every year, such as the regatta of traditional Gajeta sailing ships on the holiday of Sv. Mihovil or the many music festivals that are held here every summer. If you don’t like fish or loud music, but are all the more interested in culture and history, Murter also has several architectural sights waiting for you, such as the parish church of the Holy Spirit or the church of the Madonna by Caravaggio.

10. Susak

Susak is located in the west of the much better-known Croatian island of Lošinj and should be considered by all those visitors to Croatia who like to go on an exploration tour not only above but also under water: the coast of the small island is equal two impressive shipwrecks that need to be explored in the course of various diving tours. For those who prefer to stay on land, the island also has drier sights to offer, above all the beautiful old churches and the island’s lighthouse. And of course all hiking, sunbathing and sailing enthusiasts will also get their money’s worth here, as Susak is also covered by green forests and surrounded by wonderful beaches to relax and forget about everyday life.

11. Galesnjak

And we would like to add another tiny island to our list – this time not necessarily because of its great sights, but because of its unique shape. The island of Galešnjak, which is just 0.132 square kilometers in size, looks like a heart from the air, which has made it a particularly popular destination for all newly in love and hopelessly romantic visitors to Croatia since the discovery of this fact. Galešnjak is privately owned and offers no infrastructure apart from a boat dock, but captivates with the typical beauty of the Croatian island region and is available for picnics for two and even weddings.

12. Sylba

Finally, we have a true paradise for all absolute nature lovers for you: not only that on the island of Silba, which belongs to the Zadar archipelago of Croatia, cars are forbidden all year round and even bicycles in summer, so you by no means should traffic noise or exhaust fumes, here you will also find every type of beach you could wish for: from fantastic sandy beaches for sunbathing and building sandcastles to pebbly beaches with crystal-clear, turquoise-blue sea to magnificent rocky beaches. Away from the coast, Silba also impresses with its natural beauty, which you can best experience during extensive tours on the island’s various hiking trails.