Croatia is famous for its numerous and impressive islands in the Adriatic Sea. Whether luxurious harbor towns, untouched nature or charming fishing villages – Croatia’s islands offer yacht owners unforgettable experiences and are therefore among the most popular travel destinations.
The unique blend of history, culture, nature and crystal-clear water offers the ideal conditions for island hopping.
For your next yacht tour on the Adriatic, we show you which places should not be missing from your bucket list:
Hvar – modern luxury and historical flair
Hvar is known as one of Croatia’s most popular islands. It is located south of Split in the Adriatic Sea and is part of the Dalmatia region. Luxurious marinas, chic restaurants and exciting nightlife attract numerous wealthy travelers and yacht owners every year. In addition to glamorous hotspots, the island also offers historical sights and cultural highlights! Fortica Fortress is one of them. It is located on a hill above the town of Hvar, from where the view over the old town and coast is breathtaking. Originally, the fortress served as protection against pirate attacks.
In summer, the interior of the Croatian island is covered in lavender fields and smells wonderfully of fresh lavender. Another popular destination for boaters is the small group of islands off the coast of Hvar – the Pakleni archipelago. Crystal-clear water and secluded bays await you here! In the town of Hvar, excellent gastronomy awaits you after a relaxing day on the water. Upscale restaurants serve fresh fish, seafood, typical Croatian peka dishes and local wine.
Exclusive beach clubs, such as the Carpe Diem Beach Club, attract people from all over the world. Here you can relax and party both during the day and at night. But nature lovers also get their tastes here, as there are numerous hiking and cycling trails that lead through the island’s vineyards and olive groves. In between, there are bays where you can cool off and go snorkeling or diving.
Yacht tip: Anchor in a surrounding bay to avoid the crowds of tourists.
Vis – A special kind of retreat
Vis, one of the most remote Croatian islands, is located around 50 km from the mainland. It is perfect for travelers looking for peace, culture and untouched nature. The island was a restricted military area until 1989, which makes it a real insider tip today.
Vis was once a Greek colony called Issa and played an important role in various wars. Fragments of the ancient city can still be seen today. The fortress Fort Gorge is particularly interesting and worth seeing – a historical site with a great view of the island and the surrounding waters.
The beaches and bays on the Croatian island are fantastic! Stiniva Bay is one of the best known and most unusual. It is surrounded by high cliffs and seems almost enclosed, as the gap/entrance from the sea is only four to five meters wide. Also worth mentioning is the Blue Grotto on the nearby island of Biševo, which is a popular excursion destination due to the bright blue color of the cave.
Vis is easy to explore on foot or by bike and is a popular place for divers who want to explore the clear waters and caves off the coast.
The small fishing village of Komiža, on the west coast of Vis, is known for its traditional fishing and delicious Dalmatian cuisine. Accompanied by local wine, such as Vugava, a local white grape variety, you can enjoy the evening here.
Yachting tip: The bay of Komiža is a popular anchorage for discovering the charming fishing village and its culinary delights.
Korčula – Little Dubrovnik
Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, beautiful beaches and rich culture, Korčula is a fascinating island. It is located in Dalmatia in the southern region and is approximately 48 km long and 8 km wide. The capital of the island, Korčula Town, is surrounded by high city walls and defensive towers reminiscent of the fortifications of Dubrovnik. This is why the island is often referred to as “little Dubrovnik”.
A well-known and controversial story says that the explorer Marco Polo was born here. The Marco Polo Museum in Korčula town is dedicated to him. The beautiful old town of the Croatian island is a masterpiece of medieval architecture with narrow streets.
The Cathedral of St. Mark is a remarkable sight. The Gothic-Renaissance building stands in the center of the city and is therefore almost impossible to miss.
Away from the old town, Korčula also has a lot to offer in terms of nature – here you will find beaches and bays, some of which can only be reached by sea. A perfect destination for a day on the boat! Another special feature are the beaches of Lumbarda, which are characterized by their fine sand, which is very rare on the Croatian islands.
While you can relax in the secluded bays and beaches, there are also numerous opportunities for active vacationers. Hikes through the vineyards, boat trips to the nearby islands and kayaking along the coast are just some of the popular activities. For nature lovers, the interior of the island offers a different kind of beauty. Korčula is covered in lush vineyards, olive groves and pine forests that stretch across the island’s hills. The region is particularly famous for its Grk wine, an indigenous grape variety that only grows here.
Yacht tip: Anchor in the marina in Korčula town to explore the old town on foot and sample the local wines.
Brač – paradise for adventurers
Brač is Croatia’s third largest island in the Adriatic and home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach, also known as the “Golden Horn”. It is one of the most photographed places in the country. The pebble beach stretches like a long tongue into the turquoise blue sea and changes its shape depending on the wind and currents. Zlatni Rat is a dream destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers in particular, as the constant winds offer ideal conditions for water sports. The Croatian island has become a popular destination for both sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation. A popular hiking destination is Vidova Gora, at 778 meters the highest mountain on the Adriatic islands. From here you have a spectacular view of Zlatni Rat and the surrounding islands.
Brač is also known for its high-quality limestone, which has been quarried since ancient times. The quarries on the island have a long tradition and are famous for the fact that their white stone was used for the construction of famous buildings, including allegedly the White House in Washington, D.C., as well as parts of Diocletian’s Palace in Split.
For yacht owners, the bay of Bol, where Zlatni Rat is located, is an ideal place to anchor. Here you can not only enjoy the famous beach, but also immerse yourself in the charming town of Bol, which is characterized by narrow streets and historic buildings. Bol is also an excellent starting point for other water sports such as diving, kayaking and sailing. Like many Croatian islands, Brač is also known for its local cuisine. The island is famous for its lamb, which is often grilled over an open fire, and for its olive oil production. The island’s specialties include vitalac, a traditional lamb dish, and fresh fish from the surrounding waters, which is served in the restaurants of Bol and the surrounding villages.
Yachting tip: Anchor in the charming town of Bol and enjoy Zlatni Rat!
Whether for relaxation, sporting activities or cultural experiences – Croatia’s island world offers the perfect backdrop for any yacht vacation. Here, crystal-clear water meets beautiful nature, rich history and culinary delights. Each of these islands makes a yacht trip a varied experience that will be remembered for a long time.