talk to you about the most beautiful islands in Croatia First of all, it requires a strong selection process. The Balkan country has more than a thousand of them bathed by the Adriatic seaNearly fifty of them are inhabited and therefore suitable for your stay.
They are also distributed in different areas. They are very numerous in the region of Dalmatia, both in the north and the south. Among the most important of these are Pasman, Brac o Hvar. But also in the Kvarner Gulf (Kvarner) you can enjoy the Krk o Losinj and on the peninsula of Istria of the of BrijuniAnd all of them have good connections to the Dalmatian coast via ferries from, for example, the city of SplitBelow, we show you some of Croatia's most beautiful islands.
Hvar, one of the jewels of Dalmatia
View of Stari Grad, on the beautiful island of Hvar
As a part of the Split-Dalmatia County, is among the most beautiful islands in Croatia both for its wonderful beaches and lavender field landscapes as well as for its lots of hours of sunshine, almost three thousand a year. In fact, it has appeared on several occasions among the most beautiful in the world.
Among its most famous sandy beaches are those of Dubovica, Mekicevica, Pokonji Dol o Jerolim, which is suitable for nudism. You can also enjoy small, charming fishing villages, such as, Jelsa. These contrast with the great nightlife of other areas of the island.
But more interesting is that it houses the oldest city in Croatia. It is The Old City, which was founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC under the name of Pharos. In it, you have to visit the church of san juan, built in the 6th century; the 15th century Dominican monastery that houses an archaeological museum and the fortified house built by the humanist Petar Hektorovic in 1520.
No less beautiful is the town of Hvar. Curiously, there is a spanish fortress. It was actually built in the 16th century by the Venetians, but with the help of Spanish engineers. The French also built another one during the Napoleonic era. Also worth a visit are the St. Stephen's Cathedral, which combines the Renaissance and Baroque styles; Saint Francis monastery and the spectacular Venetian Lodge, also Renaissance.
Krk and its wonderful climate
The picturesque town of Vrbnik on Krk, one of Croatia's most beautiful islands
We now travel to Kvarner Gulf to show you another of Croatia's most beautiful islands. Krk or Veglia In Dalmatic it is, together with the nearby Cres, the largest in the Adriatic, covering over 400 square meters. It is also known as the "Golden Island" due to its excellent climate.
Likewise, it offers you wonderful beaches such as those of malinska, Another, Njivice o Headache, many of them with a Blue Flag. You'll also find beautiful towns on this island, such as the picturesque Vrbnik, famous for its wine. Don't forget to visit the Church of the Assumption, which houses the Gothic chapel of the Rosary and, above all, documents written in Glagolitic alphabet, the oldest among the Slavs.
On the other hand, in the town of Krk You have numerous archaeological remains from the Roman period. This can be seen, for example, in the Kamplin Square, the nerve center of the town. Its ancient walls and the Frankopan Castle. Finally, come and visit the Biserujka Cave, with its stalactites and stalagmites. As a curiosity, we'll tell you that it's also known as "the pearl cave" because it was used by pirates in the area. In fact, it even has its own cave. legendHe says that in one of its rooms there is hidden a great treasure left there by the corsairs.
Brac, magnificent beaches among the most beautiful islands in Croatia
Zlatni Rat Beach in Bol, one of the best on Brac Island
We now arrive at the third largest island in Croatia, which is also the highest thanks to the Vidova Gora, a mountain that reaches 780 meters above sea level. We don't need to mention the wonderful views from its summit, which you can reach on foot or by car.
Precisely, from it you can see the beautiful beach of Zlatni rat in Bol, considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Its golden sands and turquoise waters are breathtaking. Plus, thanks to the area's winds, it's perfect for sports like sailing. windsurfBut this island is famous for its White stone, which has marked Dalmatian architecture throughout history. For example, it was used to build the Diocletian's Palace in Split or the Santiago's cathedral in Sibenik. It has even reached the Casa Blanca from Washington.
On the other hand, the largest town on the island is Overcome, where you have wonderful beaches like those of Vlacica, Spa o LovrecinaWe recommend that you stroll through the old town and stop at the Restoration Square, where there are bars and local craft shops. You can also walk along the promenade, where you will find the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin MaryIt was built in the 18th century and houses valuable works of sacred art.
Also, visit the Brac Island Museum to learn more about its history and culture. Finally, if you are interested in the world of oil, we recommend that you visit the Supetar factory 1903You'll discover the entire process of making the island's own wine and even participate in a tasting. However, if we're talking about tastings, don't miss out on tasting the typical cheese from Brac.
Korkula or Curzola
The town of Korkula, on the island of the same name
Smaller than the previous ones, it belongs to the Dubrovnik-Neretva County and the southern Dalmatian archipelago. It also has important elevations such as the peaks Do some (510 meters) and Klupca (568 meters). But, above all, once again, its beaches with crystal-clear waters stand out, among them, those of Prizna Sail, Orlandusa, Bratinja Luka, Rasoha o Istruga.
You also have picturesque towns on the island such as Pupnat, the oldest, or Lumbarda, with its iconic lighthouse. More touristy is Luka candle, where the ferries arrive and which is full of restaurants. Nearby, you also have the rock settlement of Vela SpilaThis is a very photogenic cave, reaching a height of 17 meters, where human remains dating back 20 years have been found.
But, without a doubt, the most beautiful town on the island is Korkula, nicknamed "Little Dubrovnik" for its walls flanked by turrets. No less characteristic are its narrow streets framed by stone houses and red roofs. You should also visit the St. Mark's Cathedral, whose construction extended between the 14th and 19th centuries; Franciscan monastery of the 15th century with its Venetian Gothic cloister and the palace of the governors.
Furthermore, the island has a unique ethnographic tradition. It is the war game known as Moreska. It simulates a series of sword fights accompanied by military marches, music, and folk dances. It takes place on, among other dates, the day of San Teodoro.
Mljet, natural exuberance among Croatia's most beautiful islands
The island of St. Mary, with its Benedictine monastery, on Mljet
Also located on the Dalmatian coast, near the beautiful Dubrovnik, Mljet It stands out among the most beautiful islands in Croatia for its spectacular natureIn fact, more than seventy percent of its surface is covered by pine forests and other species.
Many of them make up the Mljet National Park, created in 1960. In addition, it includes two lakes, the Big (Veliko Jezero) and the Small (Malo Jezero), which are connected and house an islet where you will see the Benedictine Monastery of Saint Mary, which dates back to the 12th century. You can reach it by boat provided by the park itself.
No less impressive is the Ulysses' cave, a spectacular geological formation where, according to legend, Odysseus was held by the nymph CalypsoIt is approximately twenty meters long and five meters wide. It is also bathed by the Adriatic. Therefore, if you enjoy diving, it's a magnificent place to do so. Likewise, there is no shortage of beautiful beaches on this island. We recommend that of Saplunara, one of the few sandy ones.
On the other hand, there are two major towns on Mljet. One of the Polace, located in a spectacular bay and more historic, dating back to Roman times. This is evidenced by the archaeological remains of a villa from that period and an early Christian basilica. The other is that of Pomena, a more touristy area, where many of the hiking and cycling trails that run through Mljet National Park begin. However, in its waters, you can also enjoy other activities such as boating, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Cres, the largest along with Krk
Lubenice Beach, on Cres, one of the largest among the most beautiful islands in Croatia
We finish our tour of the most beautiful islands of Croatia in the Cres, which, along with Krk, is the largest. But above all, it has nothing to envy in beauty to the previous ones, mainly due to its natural wonders. If you like birdwatching, you should know that the griffon vulture inhabits its cliffs. However, of course, you'll also find magnificent beaches on this island. We recommend that of Lubenice, which is located under the beautiful medieval village of the same name.
And, if you prefer a quieter environment, head to the Vransko Jezero, a freshwater lake that is among the deepest in all of Europe. Regarding its populations, in addition to the one mentioned above, you have to see the Cres, the island's capital. It is a beautiful town with cobbled streets and Venetian architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries, which can already be seen in the old city gates. It is also the style to which the governor's palace, current Town Hall and Museum of Cres.
You should also see some religious monuments in the town. Among them, the Church of San Isidro, dating back to the 12th century, and, already on the outskirts, that of Saint Mary Magdalene and the Saint Francis monastery, which houses a collection of medieval manuscripts.
In conclusion, we have shown you some of the most beautiful islands in Croatia. However, we could mention many others (as we said, it has more than a thousand). Among them, those of the Elaphiti archipelago; the one Lokrum, off the coast of Dubrovnik, wave of Dream, perhaps the most remote. Come discover Croatia's beautiful islands.