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The Dalmatian Islands are probably Croatia’s most famous destination. They all have superb beaches and beautiful landscape covered in vineyards, olive groves and forests. But they are not all the same. There is an island to suit everyone’s needs, from humming party island Hvar, to virtually untouched little Lastovo. The best way to see the islands is by yacht charter, so you can explore at your own pace and stop at the little ports and marinas.

About the Dalmatian Islands

Most of the islands have been inhabited for hundreds if not thousands of years, but have only become popular with tourists in the last 20 years or so. You can find Greek and Roman ruins, Venetian architecture, fortresses and military instalments among the greenery on the islands. Most of the islands have vineyards on them, and the oldest ones on Hvar are UNESCO World Heritage sites as they date back to the ancient Greeks.

Things to do in the Dalmatian Islands 

If you want to party by night at world class nightclubs , see beautiful architecture and go wine tasting or sunbathing by day, head to Hvar. For fantastic beaches, water sports, hiking and climbing, head to Brač. If you’re interested in history, visit Vis Island to see Greek and Roman ruins, and explore old military barracks. Korčula, Mljet and Lastovo are the most untouched islands, with lush forests, vineyards and olive groves, as well as hidden beaches and coves. 

Places to stay and visit

  • Hvar Island

    Hvar Island has history and culture with warm and friendly locals welcoming their guests. 

  • Vis Island

    Vis is the furthest island from the mainland, with clean waters and a naturally beautiful island.

  • Korcula Island

    Korcula Island is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic and hosts various events throughout the year. 

  • Lastovo and Mljet Islands

    Both islands sport dense forest, natural surroundings and some stunning walks to fulfil that need for the great outdoors.

  • Brac and Solta Islands

    Less visited by tourists, these authentic islands offer rocky landscapes and gorgeous swimming spots. 

  • To party, head to Hvar Town

  • For watersports & beaches head to Brac

  • For splendid isolation head to Lastovo

Hire a bike or a dinghy to explore the area at your own pace. For diving, visit Bisevo Island near Vis which has beautiful sea caves, or Mljet where you can dive shipwrecks.

The Best beaches in the Dalmatian Islands

One of the best beaches is Zlatni Rat beach on Brač, a beach peninsula which juts out into the sea. Stiniva Bay on Vis Island is a pretty beach almost enclosed by cliffs, which you can get to by boat or down a rocky path. For a great selection of small and lovely beaches, take a dinghy from Hvar Town to the Pakleni Islands.

  • Stiniva Bay

  • Pakleni Islands

Food and wine

Most of the islands have their own vineyards, where you can do tours and tastings, or ask for local wines at restaurants. There are restaurants and bars on most of the islands, but Hvar and Brac probably have the biggest selection, followed by Vis and Korcula. Specialities on the islands include olive oil, seafood, figs and other fresh produce. 

  •                        Restaurants in Hvar

  •                                Vineyard on Vis Island

  •                     Olive picking on Brac Island

  • Getting there

    Ferries go from Split to most of the islands, and between the islands as well. You can also charter yachts, boats and water taxis to get around at your own pace. The closest airports are Split and Dubrovnik, which have regular flights to and from the UK. 

  • When to go

    The warmest months of the year are July and August when the islands have average highs of 29°C or 30°C. The coldest months are January and February with average highs of around 11°C. The rainiest months are November and December, with very little rain in July and August. If you want to do lots of swimming and outdoor activities visit between May and October.

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