6 Dream Islands You Must Visit In Croatia

Mostly accessible from the main transport hubs of Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia’s key islands offer a flavour of what life was like before tourism. The likes of Hvar, Korcula and Brac can get crowded in high season, but it’s easy to find a quiet beach or a remote family-run tavern to escape to – if you know where to look. We round up the top 6 must-visit Croatian islands, some well known and some not, but all within day-tripping distance of a renowned mainland town.

# Brac

Brac’s proximity to the main port of Split is not the only reason it’s so popular with travellers. On the north shore – where the ferry docks – you’ll find Supetar, a lively town with a bar-and-restaurant-lined harbour and a beautiful beach nearby. On the south shore is Bol, home to Zlatni Rat – also known as the Golden Horn and one of the most famous beaches in Croatia, owing to its gleaming white sand. In both towns, churches and residential houses have been built with local Brac stone, also used in the construction of Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Getting there: You can take a 50-minute ferry from Split for 33 Croatian kunas (£3.95), or a 60-minute ferry from Makarska for the same price.

# Hotel Lemongarden

Comprising three separate houses, Hotel Lemongarden is unassuming from the outside. Made of sandstone and draped with vibrant flowers and climbing vines, it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the town. However, stepping inside, you realise this is somewhere a bit different. Every enormous room is enhanced with patterned headboards, neon chandeliers and spacious bathrooms. Outside, a lush garden hides a refreshing pool and leads down to a private beach, where you can order cocktails to your lounger and spend the day being pampered.

# Hotel Milna Osam

A peaceful, uncluttered space directly on the harbour, Hotel Milna Osam is steps from the Adriatic Sea. A harbourside pool and a spacious seafront lounge provide places to swim and dry off in the sun, while the bar and restaurant terrace create a magical spot to start or end the day, offering sweeping sea views over the boats as they come and go. If you’re looking for a bit more space, the one-bedroom villa suite comes with a separate living space, providing oodles of room for two.

# Brijuni

Off the Istrian coast near Pula, Brijuni was the offshore domain of post-war Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito. Here, he hosted world leaders and global celebrities and established a safari park, housing the exotic animals he was given. Today, the main island, Veliki Brijuni, is a national park, with limited opportunities for accommodation – meaning staying here feels like a private island. During your time here, you might also discover dinosaur footprints, Roman ruins and a botanical garden from the Habsburg era. Getting there: Take the ferry from Fažana; the journey is 15 minutes long, with prices ranging from 125 to 210 kunas (£15-25).

# Neptun Annex

Gorgeous rooms within a palatial building designed in an old-school Dalmatian style, this bright and airy hotel provides a glimpse into a bygone era. Rooms are enormous, and most come with large sea-facing balconies so that you can take your morning coffee or sunset beverage while looking out to sea. Throw open the balcony doors to let the salty ocean air lull you to sleep – the high ceilings and coastal breeze will keep you cool and revive even the weariest of travellers.

# Brijuni Rooms Karmen

Previously called Hotel Karmen, this renovated spot preserves all of the hotel’s original elements – from soaring ceilings and huge windows or balcony doors to varnished teak elements and vibrant Moroccan rugs. Breathtaking views will greet you when you wake up, and the large balcony gives you ample time to take them in.