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Guide to Croatia Southern Islands
Croatia is well known for its stunning coastline and idyllic beaches, and Croatia’s southern islands are no exception. Just off the Dalmatian coast lie a beautiful range of islands, each with their own highlights, history and culture. From the vibrant nightlife in Hvar to the Mediterranean paradise in Mljet National Park, there is something for everyone while island hopping in southern Croatia.
Island hopping in Southern Croatia
Island hopping in Southern Croatia really gives off the feeling that you are immersed in utter paradise. From lounging in the sun to swimming in the sparkling turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia’s southern islands offer you a gateway into ultimate relaxation. There is also an abundance of things to see and do – water sports, hiking, wine tasting, ancient sites, architecture – the list goes on.
The local cuisine on the southern islands is also something special, including freshly caught seafood, local produce and olive oil from the nearby groves.
The best time to visit these gorgeous islands are in the summer months between May and September, when temperatures range between 66 – 86°F. The perfect way to experience island hopping in Croatia is through a private boat charter, as it gives you the freedom to plan your own itinerary and choose the amount of time you spend on each of Croatia’s southern islands.
Croatia Southern Islands
- Hvar
Hvar is known as one of Croatia’s trendiest islands, and with good reason. Hvar boasts a wide array of activities, sites and scenery, making it the perfect place to satisfy everyone on your vacation.
The island’s capital, Hvar Town, is a charming window into medieval Croatian history, filled with twisting lanes and Venetian architecture. It is also very lively and as the sun starts to go down, the town’s restaurants, bars and clubs begin to get busier and stay open late into the night.
Hvar is often referred to as “The Lavender Island”, due to its fragrant lavender fields, which flower in the beginning of summer, transforming the hills into a soothing shade of violet. The annual Lavender festival takes place in the traditional village of Velo Grablje every June, where there are workshops, stalls and tours through the fields.
Hvar does get busy during the peak summer months, so if this isn’t for you, we recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons.
2. Korčula
Korčula is a quintessential example of a paradisiacal Croatian island getaway, lying just off the Dalmatian coast. Here, history comes alive in the cobblestone streets of its old town, which is also rumored to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The Old Town is known for its medieval architecture – spend some time visiting ancient sites, such as the bell tower and St. Mark’s Cathedral.
Korčula is well known for its wine and it is home to grape varieties that can’t be found elsewhere, such as Grk and Pošip. It is definitely worth spending an afternoon visiting a local vineyard and sampling the local wines. It is also worthwhile seeing a Moreška Sword Dance, which is the island’s proudest tradition, while you are here.
There are picturesque beaches dotted around the island, including Žrnovo, Pupnatska Luka and Luka Korčulanska. Lumbarda, located on the eastern tip of Korčula, even has some sandy coves, which is a rare occurrence while island hopping in southern Croatia.
3. Brač
Brač is the largest of Croatia’s southern islands and is best known for its gorgeous beaches and culinary delights. The famous Zlatni Rat beach, also known as the Golden Horn beach, is well documented for its peculiar shape, golden sands and pristine sapphire waters. This beach is ideal for adrenaline junkies who enjoy kitesurfing and windsurfing as there is a strong, thermic wind that blows regularly.
There are a large array of activities available on the island – ranging from volleyball and kayaking to visiting historical sites such as the Pustinja Blaca monastery, Dominican Monastery and the Dragon’s Cave.
Brač is also home to Vidova Gora, which sits 780m above sea level and is considered to be one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the Adriatic. The hike is approximately 3 miles long and should take around 1.5 hours to get to the top.
4. Vis
Vis is undoubtedly the most relaxing of the Croatian southern islands and is the perfect place for a tranquil retreat. It’s the furthest island from the mainland and therefore attracts fewer crowds and has a more authentic feel. The movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was actually filmed here, which just goes to show the magic of this little island. There are many secluded bays on the island, which are perfect for spending a day relaxing in the sun. Some of them include Grandovac, Srebna, Stončića, Lučica, and Jurkovica beaches. Vis is the perfect place to have a boat tour around the island. Highlights of the island include the Blue Cave (the whole cave is illuminated azure blue due to a trick of the light), the Green Cave (which is less popular but you are able to swim in) and Stiniva Beach, which is the most popular beach on the island.
5. Mljet
If you are a nature-lover, then Mljet is for you. Mljet National Park covers one third of the island and is filled with lush greenery in the form of pines, olive trees, and cypresses. The island also contains two beautiful, interconnected saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero. These lakes are warm during the summer months and make the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.
St. Mary’s 12th Century Benedictine Monastery sits in the middle of Veliko Jezero. The historical remains are there for visitors to explore and enjoy – there’s even a restaurant and cafe within the old monastery. Odysseus Cave is another must-see attraction while on the island of Mljet. The cave is accessible from a trail in the village Babino Polje and after a 30 minute walk through vineyards and olive groves, you’ll reach the mystical cave where Odysseus spent 7 years.
6. Lastovo
Lastovo is definitely among the most off-the-beaten-track destinations of Croatia’s southern islands. It is just 18 square miles in size and has a population of less than 1000 people. It definitely has an undiscovered charm to it, with its thick forests and craggy coast.
Lastovo is part of Lastovo Islands Nature Park which includes 46 islands, islets, and rocks and was established in 2006. The nature park contains many different endangered species, including birds and plants, and it’s the perfect place to go for long walks through the forests and small villages on the island.
Also, astrologers have named Lastovo as the most beautiful night sky in all of Europe due to it having low light pollution and one of the darkest night skies. We recommend going to Galičine viewpoint for the opportunity to gaze up at the enchanting visage of the Milky Way.
Island hopping in Southern Croatia with Adventures Croatia
Your journey to paradise starts here, where every island tells its own story, waiting for you to be part of it. From pre-planned private tours to custom-made trips, we can assist you in creating the perfect holiday to Croatia that is tailored to your travel needs. Get in touch now to start planning your island hopping in southern Croatia vacation.
