Croatia has over 1,000 islands — find vacation rentals direct from owners. Browse apartments, holiday homes, rooms and mobile homes with no agency fees. 7 reasons to visit a Croatian island
The island of Murter, located in the north Dalmatia, is the largest island of the Šibenik archipelago. The island is very popular among domestic and foreign tourists because it has everything you need for a perfect summer vacation. It is very accessible as it is connected with the mainland via a 12 meters long movable bridge. One of the main attractions of the island is the san...
The island of Pašman is a true paradise for lovers of nature and peaceful family vacations. It is the second-largest island of the Zadar archipelago (60 km2), separated from the mainland with the Pašman channel (which is from 2 to 5 km wide). The island is accessible to visitors since it has a bridge that connects Pašman with the island of Ugljan. Close to Pašman, there is one...
Hvar is an island in Croatia, located in central Dalmatia, close to the city of Split. It is surrounded by attractive islands such as Korčula, Brač, Vis, Šolta, Paklina and the peninsula of Pelješac. Because of the high number of sunny days, it is often called the sunny Hvar (“sunčani Hvar”). Hvar has a surface of 300 km2 which makes it the fourth largest Croatian island. As a...
The island of Brač is the largest island of central Dalmatia, and the third-largest island in Croatia (surface of 395 km2). It is surrounded by the Brač channel and the islands of Šolta and Hvar. With many small coves and attractive beaches covered by pine forests and white Brač rocks, it is one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia. However, Brač is probably most kno...
Vir is one of the most visited islands in the Adriatic. Island Vir is located in North Dalmatia, 25 km from the city of Zadar. The total area of the island is 22 km2 and it is connected to the mainland with the Vir bridge what makes it more accessible (it was constructed in 1976). The administrative center of the island is the town of Vir, but there are other smaller settlement...
Čiovo is an island in central Dalmatia connected to the mainland with two bridges. There are many advantages of this island - from beautiful nature, attractive beaches, bays to accessibility and vicinity to the city of Split and Trogir (Split airport). This hilly island has a surface of almost 30 km2 and it is located near the Kaštela bay. The highest point of the island...
Korčula is one of the most beautiful and greenest islands in Croatia. The island of Korčula is located in south Dalmatia, between Dubrovnik and Split. Although it is a relatively remote island, Korčula has so many to offer - from remarkable nature, rich cultural heritage to delicious traditional food and great hosts. Many visitors see Korčula as a dream island and for sure they...
Located in the Kvarner region, Rab is known as an island of the sun, natural sand, and crystal clear sea. Although it doesn’t seem from the east side of the island, Rab is one of the greenest Croatian islands (also called emerald island). It has more than 100 km of walking trails and bicycle paths so it is an ideal destination for nature and sports lovers. Rab was inhabited by...
The island of Pag is one of the biggest islands in Croatia, surrounded by islands Rab, Vir, and Olib. At first glance, Pag looks rugged and rocky so it is often called Moon island or rocky island, but it has much more to offer. Many beaches, coves, spectacular sceneries, drywalls (“suhozid”), and other natural beauties but also world-renowned party beach Zrće often...
The island of Vis is one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia. For many decades, Vis was closed for tourists what is one of the main reasons why it is preserved until today. Vis is a remote island, 45 km away from the city of Split. With a surface of 90 km2 and many natural wonders, it offers much more than just the sun and sea. Vis is home to one of the most beautiful beac...
The island of Lošinj is located in the north part of the Adriatic sea and is a part of the Kvarner archipelago. It is a 31 km long island, artificially divided into two parts by a channel was constructed (near Privlaka). This was not the first time when the island was artificially cut into two parts. In the past, before the Romans, the island of Lošinj and the island of Cres we...
Together with the island of Cres, the island of Krk is the largest Croatian island and the largest island in the Adriatic sea (406 km2). The island of Krk is part of the Kvarner archipelago and it is located in the north Adriatic sea, between Primorje and the peninsula of Istria. Its coast is 219 km long and consists of many ports, coves, bays, and beautiful beaches. For many...
The island of Žirje is one of the largest islands of the Šibenik archipelago (total surface is around 15 km2). Although it is large compared to surrounding islands, less than a hundred permanent residents live on it. The island is 22 km away from the city of Šibenik. The name of the island most likely comes from the word acorn (“žir”) since in the past the Mediterranean oak use...
The island of Ugljan is located next to the island of Pašman in the Zadar archipelago. It is often called a green island because it is covered by pine trees, Mediterranean greenery, vineyards, olive trees, and woods, combined with a clear sea and untouched nature (60-70% of the island is covered by vegetation). As it is close to Zadar, it was always a very popular destination f...
Drvenik Mali is a true oasis of unspoiled nature, beautiful beaches, and a clear blue sea. The island is located in Split-Dalmatia county, about 1 nautical mile from Drvenik Veli, and 10 nautical miles from the city of Trogir. The surface area of the island is only 3,4 km2 what explains its name (“Mali” in Croatian means small). The highest point of Drvenik Mali is 79 meters hi...
The island of Zverinac is hidden between the islands of Dugi Otok, Sestrunj, and Molat, and it is located in the Zadar archipelago. It is a quite small island (total size of 4,2 km2) with main settlement Zverinac which has only 40 permanent inhabitants. Because it is in the vicinity of Dugi Otok, it administratively belongs to the municipality of Sali (Dugi Otok). The island of...
Lastovo is the biggest island of the Lastovo archipelago which consists of 46 islands. The archipelago is located in Dubrovnik-Neretva county, in south Croatia. The island has a total area of around 53 km2. The highest point of the island of Lastovo is Hum which is 417 meters high. Its coast is steep and indented, while the island has many hills. More than 60% of the island is...
Olib is an island located in North Dalmatia, near the islands Premuda, Silba, and Planik. It has an indented coastline with many bays, beaches, and coves, while the shore is mostly sandy and shallow which makes it ideal for sailors and families with small children. Olib belongs to the Zadar archipelago and lies between Silba and Pag. The total surface of Olib is around 26 km2 w...
The island of Šolta is located in central Dalmatia, near the island of Brač and just 9 nautical miles from the city of Split. Šolta is covered by dense vegetation - Mediterranean forests, olive groves, vineyards, and cultivated fields. Beautiful bays and beaches, dense pine forest, and crystal clear and blue sea are some of the key characteristics of Šolta. The total surface of...
Zlarin is an island located in the Šibenik archipelago, some 2 km away from the St. Ante channel near Šibenik. Zlarin has a total surface of 8 km2 and it is covered by pine forests, fig trees, olives, rosemary, and other Mediterranean plants typical for this area. The only settlement on the island is Zlarin - a typical small Dalmatian town with old stone houses, narrow streets,...
Drvenik Veli is a beautiful small island located in the Split archipelago (between the islands of Šolta and Drvenik Mali). Drvenik Veli is widely known to sailors for Blue Lagoon (“Plava Laguna”), an attractive sandy cove surrounded by a crystal clear sea. Its coast is rich with many astonishing pebble and sand beaches and coves. The island is about 1.8 km from the mainland and...
The island of Prvić is located in central Dalmatia, just opposite the town of Vodice. This small island with a pleasant climate has many attractive natural beaches surrounded by crystal clear sea. Two villages that are situated on the island are Šepurine (west side of the island) and Prvić Luka (southeast side of the island). Both places are facing the open sea and Kornati nati...
Silba is a unique island located in North Dalmatia (part of the Zadar archipelago), surrounded by islands Premuda, Ist, Olib, and Lošinj. The island of Silba is an ideal destination for families with kids because of sandy beaches and the fact that the entire island is a big pedestrian zone. Only vehicles for water distribution, small mopeds, and bicycles are allowed on the isla...
The island of Mljet is the greenest and, according to many, the most beautiful island in the Adriatic. What makes it unique is the Mljet National Park which is located on the northwest of the island. The majority of the island is covered by forests of pine trees and oak why it is also known as the green island. Mljet is a quite remote island, however, it has been inhabited for...
The Kornati islands are one of the most beautiful national parks in Croatia. It consists of a group of 89 islands, reefs, and islets which are situated in central Dalmatia (Šibenik-Knin county). The Kornati archipelago are a true Mediterranean paradise, an ideal place for those looking for a secluded place, far away from the city hustle, surrounded by crystal clear sea and unsp...
Ilovik is a small island located in the Lošinj archipelago, one kilometer south of Lošinj. It has a surface of 5.5 km2. The only inhabited settlement on the island has the same name - Ilovik. Its name arrives from a type of clay that prevails on it. 300 m wide and 2.5 km long channel separates Ilovik from the island of Sveti Petar, a small uninhabited island with a small local...
The island of Kaprije is located just one hour from Šibenik in the Šibenik archipelago. This picturesque island covered with pine forests has a total surface of 7 km2. The only settlement on the island has the same name as the island - Kaprije. The name of the island comes from popular Mediterranean spice - caper which used to cover the entire island. The highest peak of the is...
Molat is located in the Zadar archipelago, between the islands of Dugi Otok and Ist. Molat is a beautiful island with lots of greenery, nice beaches, and small coves. The island of Molat has a size of 22 km2 and it has more than 200 permanent inhabitants who live in three small villages: Molat, Zapuntel, and Brgulje. The highest point of Molat is 148 meters high Lokardenik peak...
Together with Krk, the island of Cres is the largest island in the Adriatic sea (406 km2). It is located in the north Adriatic, close to the island of Krk and the peninsula of Istria. In the past, Cres was connected with the island of Lošinj by land, however, the ancient Romans have artificially split them into two separate islands. Today the entire island has somewhat more tha...
Susak is a small sandy island in the Kvarner bay, around 8 kilometers away from the island of Lošinj. Its geology differs from other islands in the Adriatic sea as it was formed of fine yellowish sand lying on limestone rocks. The island of Susak has a surface area of only 4 km2, so the best way to explore it is by bike or by foot. The first people who inhabited the island of S...
The island of Iž is located in the Zadar archipelago, between the island of Ugljan and Dugi Otok. Iž is a relatively small island covered by pine forests with a total area of around 18 km2. It has many attractive hidden beaches and coves, surrounded by crystal clear sea what makes it ideal for a peaceful family vacation. The main two settlements on the island are Mali Iž and Ve...
Dugi otok is a 45 km long island, located in the North Dalmation in the Zadar county. It is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia, although it is still hidden from the mass tourism. It has so much to offer - from beautiful coves and beaches to peace and tranquility. Its name Dugi otok (long island) explains its main characteristic - it is 45 km long while i...
If you are looking for peace and tranquility, the island of Ist is an ideal destination for you. Ist has only 9,7 km2 and it is located in North Dalmatia, Zadar county, close to the island of Škarda and the island of Molat. The island is small, and the only settlement on it bears the same name - Ist. Island of Ist was mentioned for the first time in the 14th century as Ost, whi...
Why Croatian islands?
Croatia's islands offer something for every type of traveller. Here are seven reasons why an island vacation belongs on your bucket list.
1,244 islands to explore
On the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea, there are 1,244 islands - 78 islands (48 inhabited), 524 islets, and 642 cliffs and reefs. Croatia is one of the most indented countries in the Mediterranean and in the world. Located in the northern part of the Adriatic (Kvarner bay), islands Krk and Cres are the largest Croatian islands (with a surface of 405 km2) while island of Brač , which is located in the central Adriatic (Dalmatia), is the highest island (778 meters above sea level).
3 national parks on the islands
There are 3 national parks on the islands in Croatia. Brijuni National Park in Istria, Kornati National Park in northern Dalmatia, and Mljet National Park in southern Dalmatia. We definitely recommend a day trip to one of these unique islands of the Adriatic sea.
Nature, sailing and active holidays
Croatian islands are a paradise for all lovers of nature, sailing and active holidays. There are many different activities and opportunities on each of the islands: hiking, cycling, sailing, diving, kayaking, swimming, various water sports, long walks with the scents of Mediterranean herbs...
Most beautiful Adriatic beaches
The islands have some of the most beautiful and famous beaches on the Adriatic; Zlatni rat in Bol on the island of Brač, Stiniva on the island of Vis, Paradise beach on the island of Rab, Sakarun on Dugi Otok, Sv. Ivan Lubenice on the island of Cres, sandy beach Slanica on Murter, party beach Zrće on the island of Pag... From beautiful and spacious sandy beaches to pebble and stone beaches, everyone can find something for themselves on the islands.
Crystal-clear Adriatic sea
Thanks to favorable sea currents, the Adriatic sea is one of the cleanest in the world. You can experience crystal clear sea especially on the islands where you can see a variety of sea colors from deep blue to emerald green. Here visibility reaches up to 50 meters in depth. A special experience is swimming with various species of marine fish and mammals, especially on the outer remote islands.
Authentic Mediterranean lifestyle
If you want to experience Laganini way of life, then you must spend a vacation on one of the islands, especially the smaller ones where time seems to have stopped. The time here is passing slower, there is no noise, crowds, and smog but only peace and relaxing energy of the sea and surrounding greenery. Traffic is banned on smaller islands, and tourism on many islands has not yet reached its full potential, so you can truly enjoy your vacation and experience a traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.
Affordable private accommodation
On all islands, you can find affordable accommodation in private apartments and holiday homes. Kind hosts will share with you all the secrets and show you hidden corners of the island, and maybe even treat you with local delicacies. The experience of staying in private accommodation certainly remains in the memory for a long time, and the vast majority of guests return to their hosts to enjoy their next vacation.
Top picks
Handpicked apartments, holiday homes and private accommodation — advertised by verified owners across Croatian islands. Book directly with owners and pay no agency fees.
Island guide
Almost all islands in the Adriatic Sea belong to Croatia, stretching along its eastern coast beside the steep slopes of the Dinaric mountains. The coast's deep indentation is the result of rising sea levels after the last ice age — as ice melted across Europe, the sea level rose by 100 m, submerging mountain peaks to form today's islands, bays and sea passages. This is why the islands run parallel to the mainland mountains, a formation known as the (Dalmatian type of coast).
As the entire Croatian Adriatic coast is dotted with islands of different sizes, islands are defined in 3 categories: islands with an area of more than 1 km2, islands with an area of fewer than 1 km2 and more than 0.01 km2, and reefs with an area of fewer than 0.01 km2. According to this classification, Croatia has 78 islands, 524 islets, and 642 reefs. In total, Croatia has 1,244 islands and islets — of which only 48 are inhabited.
Most islands in Croatia have a similar history. The islands reached their peak in the number of inhabitants and economic activity at the beginning of the 20th century, after which significant emigration began due to poor economic conditions, mostly to overseas countries. This trend of emigration continued until the end of the 20th century when tourism began to develop, and the trend reversed. Today, some islands even recorded an increase in population, especially those connected by a bridge with the mainland (islands Vir, Krk, Pag, Murter, Čiovo).
Historical circumstances and hardships have allowed the islands to remain largely protected from over-development, heavy industry, over-construction, and pollution. Even today, tourism on most islands is not developed, and on many of them, it seems as if time has stood still. This brings them a special charm — a chance to slow down and experience the true Mediterranean way of life. Perfect relaxation is guaranteed.
Accommodation on most smaller islands can only be found as part of private family accommodation. This makes them an ideal destination for all lovers of a peaceful and relaxed holiday surrounded by untouched nature and crystal clear sea. The most popular islands for a summer holiday include Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Krk, Rab, Vis and Mljet — each offering a unique mix of scenery, beaches and local character.
Most Croatian islands offer private apartments, holiday homes and rooms rented directly by owners. Laganini.com lists properties across 33+ islands — browse, compare and book direct with no agency fees and no commissions.
Croatia has 1,244 islands and islets in total — 78 islands, 524 islets, and 642 reefs. Of these, only 48 are inhabited. The largest islands are Krk and Cres in Kvarner Bay, while the highest peak is found on Brač in Dalmatia.
Yes, there are 3 national parks on Croatian islands: Brijuni National Park in Istria, Kornati National Park in northern Dalmatia, and Mljet National Park in southern Dalmatia.
Five Croatian islands are connected to the mainland by bridge: Vir, Krk, Pag, Murter, and Čiovo. These are the easiest islands to reach by car.
The peak season is July and August, with sea temperatures above 26°C and all services open. June and September offer the best balance — good weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. May and October suit visitors who prefer quiet beaches and mild temperatures.
Krk, Rab, Vir, Brač, Hvar and Pag are among the most popular islands for families, offering safe beaches, good ferry connections and a wide choice of private apartments and holiday homes to rent directly from owners.
Planing holiday on island?
