Dalmatia encompasses Croatia’s western border with the Adriatic Sea, running roughly from the island of Rab just below the Istrian peninsula to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. From historic cities and quaint mountain towns to tucked-away beaches and sprawling vineyards, there’s a lot to do and see on the many islands that dot the coast. Here’s a guide to the region’s top five islands to get you started—Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis, and Mljet.
## Discover the Enchanting Dalmatian Islands: An Extended Exploration
Most travelers arriving in Croatia will undoubtedly find themselves drawn to one of the five principal islands that dot the shimmering Adriatic Sea: Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis, and Mljet. Each of these captivating islands boasts a distinct personality, a unique ambiance, and a diverse array of attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. The high season sees a flurry of ferry activity along the picturesque coastline between Split and Dubrovnik, with convenient ports of call at nearly all the islands, facilitating easy island hopping. For those seeking a more personalized experience, smaller boats offer connections between Split and the islands of Vis, Brač, and Hvar, or from Dubrovnik to the enchanting islands of Korčula and Mljet.
To truly appreciate the allure of these Dalmatian gems, it’s highly recommended that you meticulously plan your itinerary. Aim to spend at least one night, and preferably several, on the island or islands that pique your interest. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, explore hidden corners, and avoid the frustration of backtracking or the unnecessary expense of purchasing more ferry tickets than required. If you’re fortunate enough to have a rental car at your disposal, consider taking it with you on the ferry. This will grant you the freedom to drive directly onto the island upon arrival and embark on your adventure without delay, granting you the ability to explore the hidden treasures that each island holds.
## Korčula: A Miniature Dubrovnik with Lush Vineyards Awaiting
Korčula holds a special place in the hearts of many visitors, primarily due to its charming main town. Often lovingly referred to as “Little Dubrovnik,” this captivating town bears a striking resemblance to its more famous counterpart, a renowned tourist destination. Korčula boasts impressive 14th-century walls that encircle the historic center, as well as remarkably well-preserved gates and towers that stand as testaments to the island’s rich history. However, Korčula’s biggest claim to fame, a source of immense local pride, is its status as the purported birthplace of the legendary Marco Polo. While this fact remains a subject of ongoing debate and historical inquiry, the 17th-century Kuća Marka Pola, or Marco Polo House, is undoubtedly a worthwhile addition to your Korčula tour. It offers a glimpse into the life and times of the fascinating explorer and adds another layer of intrigue to his already compelling story.
Beyond Korčula Town, the island is dotted with a number of small, charming towns that are well worth exploring. Vela Luka, a village characterized by its 19th-century architecture, is one such destination. While it may not possess the same level of picture-postcard perfection as Korčula Town, Vela Luka serves as the primary docking point for most ferries arriving on the island. Moreover, it acts as a convenient gateway to two other notable attractions: the Vela Spila cave, a significant archaeological site that has been inhabited by humans since the Stone Age, and Hum Hill, a scenic lookout point adorned with olive groves and crowned by a Habsburg-era fortress.
Nestled on the eastern end of the island is the town of Lumbarda, a destination that is slightly less frequented by tourists but no less deserving of a visit. Lumbarda is renowned for its picturesque setting, surrounded by sprawling vineyards. These vineyards produce a variety of exceptional wines, including the renowned Grk, a varietal that is exclusively grown in this region. As a result, Lumbarda has emerged as a sought-after destination for oenophiles, wine enthusiasts who are eager to embark on unique vineyard tours and indulge in memorable wine tastings.
## Hvar: Where Glamorous Nightlife Meets Pristine Shores
Hvar, perhaps the most well-known and most-visited of the Dalmatian Islands, is often described as Korčula’s glamorous and vivacious cousin. This island is renowned for its pulsating nightlife, its stunning beaches that beckon sun-seekers, and its remarkable collection of four UNESCO World Heritage sites, each of which stands as a testament to the island’s rich cultural and historical significance. The main town, also named Hvar, is home to a ritzy harbor, a haven for the royal and famous who arrive on their luxurious yachts. This glamorous atmosphere has led to Hvar being frequently referred to as the “French Riviera of the East.” In contrast to the glitz and glamour of Hvar Town, the island’s second city, Stari Grad, offers a compelling alternative. With its intimate squares, narrow streets, and charming old stone houses, Stari Grad provides a tranquil retreat for those seeking respite from the crowds.
Venture beyond the towns, however, and you’ll immediately be captivated by the island’s natural beauty. Thanks to an exceptional amount of sunlight each year, Hvar is perpetually adorned with fields of wild herbs, including fragrant sage, rosemary, lavender, and thyme. In addition, the island is home to meticulously maintained vineyards that yield underappreciated but remarkably complex Croatian wines. One of the most appealing aspects of Hvar is that visitors don’t necessarily need to rent a car or book a tour to fully appreciate its lush landscapes. Even locals seem content to get around by bike and scooter, leisurely cruising along and soaking in the sights at their own pace.
Finally, Hvar’s beaches are widely considered to be among Croatia’s finest. Many of these beaches are shadowed by picturesque church towers, adding to their charm, while others are serviced by excellent local seafood restaurants, offering a delectable culinary experience. What’s more, Hvar’s beaches are generally less crowded than those found on the mainland, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. For those seeking adventure, a short taxi boat ride will take you to the enchanting Pakleni Islands, located just offshore. Here, hidden beaches and lagoons await, offering the perfect setting for a truly magical day trip.
## Brač: Where Famous Beaches Meet Storied Stone
This large island, conveniently located just next to Split, has gained immense popularity due to its easy accessibility. However, Brač offers far more than just convenience. It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, architectural gems that showcase the island’s rich history, and a storied local stone that has achieved global fame, adorning some of the world’s most iconic structures.
Any discussion of Brač’s beaches would be incomplete without mentioning Bol, a popular resort area that is home to one of the Adriatic’s most famous beaches: Zlatni Rat, also known as the Golden Horn. This iconic beach is renowned for its unique shape, which changes according to the tides, creating a constantly evolving landscape. Zlatni Rat is essentially an Insta-perfect advertisement for the island, drawing visitors from far and wide. However, if you find Zlatni Rat too crowded with daytrippers, there are plenty of other stunning beaches to explore within an easy drive, including Supetar, Sutivan, and Milna.
For those with a passion for history and architecture, a visit to Bol’s eastern end is a must. Here, you’ll find a 15th-century Dominican monastery, which also houses a museum showcasing ancient coins and a painting by the renowned Venetian master Tintoretto. If you’re drawn to natural wonders intertwined with mystery, consider booking a tour of the Dragon’s Cave near the village of Murvica. This cave features dragon reliefs that are believed to have been created by a monk in the 15th century, adding an air of intrigue to the site.
However, perhaps Brač’s most important export, the white stone that has traveled to the far corners of the world, is also its hardest to fully appreciate simply because it is so ubiquitous. This remarkable stone has been used in the construction of some of history’s most famous buildings, including the White House in Washington, D.C., the Reichstag in Berlin, and Split’s own Diocletian’s Palace. To gain a deeper understanding of this ancient trade and purchase unique souvenirs, a visit to the Stonemason’s School near the village of Pucisca is highly recommended.
## Vis: Illuminated Caves and Hideaways of Rebels
Vis, comparatively smaller and farther from the coast than its sister islands, boasts two significant claims to fame. The first is its history as a military base, which kept it remote for decades. The second is its recent role in the filming of a popular movie sequel, which has drawn a surge of new visitors. From the 1950s until 1989, Vis served as a military base, limiting both the human population and the scale of development. This allowed wildlife to flourish and lush landscapes to thrive. More recently, Vis was chosen as a filming location for the movie sequel to “Mamma Mia!”, resulting in an influx of tourists eager to experience the romance of the Greek Isles that the island evokes.
The island’s greatest draw is undoubtedly the Blue Cave, located on the tiny island of Biševo at Vis’s tip. The cave derives its name from the ethereal blue hue that permeates its interior when sunlight illuminates it through an underwater passage. Access to the Blue Cave is only possible by boat tour from Vis, or even from as far away as Split. For those interested in culture, a visit to the Issa Archaeological Museum is essential. Housed within an Austrian fortress, the museum boasts one of the largest collections of Hellenistic objects in Croatia, serving as a reminder of the close ties between Croatia and Greece. You can also embark on a tour of Titova spilja, or “Tito’s Cave,” where Yugoslavian rebels secretly plotted against the Axis powers during World War II.
If you simply wish to embrace a low-key island holiday, Vis offers an abundance of sunny beaches and hidden coves to explore, accessible by foot or by chartered boat. Regardless of your chosen activities, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a wide range of delectable seafood dishes at the island’s numerous restaurants, accompanied by a glass of Vugava, the local white wine.
## Mljet: Natural Beauty with an Island Monastery
If your ideal vacation destination is characterized by a dense, mysterious forest, you might believe that you’re out of luck on the sunny, beach-dotted Dalmatian Coast. However, Mljet is the exception to the rule. This island’s primary draw is its national park, a relatively old one that was established in 1960. Within the park, two deep bays—the Great Lake and the Small Lake—create romantic vistas that blend verdant woods and shimmering water. The Great Lake holds an even more remarkable surprise: the ruins of a 12th-century monastery situated on Sv Marija Island at its center. Throughout the ages, this monastery has served as a spiritual retreat for writers, thinkers, and mystics.
Mljet is neither a bustling party capital nor a center for industry and commerce. Instead, it promises tranquility and calm, offering the perfect setting for writing, creating, or contemplating, as so many have done before. On the opposite side of the island, the village of Pomena is where the majority of visitors to the national park choose to spend their nights. The village features a harbor where yachts come and go, as well as an array of shops, bars, and seafood restaurants that serve the day’s freshest catch.
If you wish to take advantage of the island’s beaches, there are plenty to choose from, including the simple, uncrowded Limoni Beach and the beach around Odysseus Cave. The latter is kept relatively empty due to its location an hour’s hike from any road. Regardless of your chosen beach, expect Mljet to be the calmest of the islands, where you can explore the sights at your own pace, engage in meaningful conversations with real locals, and rediscover why you were drawn to Croatia in the first place.
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