{"id":2412,"date":"2019-08-13T08:00:57","date_gmt":"2019-08-13T07:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine-uk\/?p=2412"},"modified":"2023-08-07T15:44:53","modified_gmt":"2023-08-07T14:44:53","slug":"six-of-croatias-best-island-destinations-for-beaches-food-and-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/six-of-croatias-best-island-destinations-for-beaches-food-and-nature\/","title":{"rendered":"Six of Croatia\u2019s best island destinations for beaches, food and nature"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Beyond the shores of Croatia\u2019s <\/a>ruggedly beautiful coastline lie over a thousand islands, each with their own distinct Adriatic flavour. Most of these islands can easily be reached via ferry services from Split and Dubrovnik<\/a>, making an island-hopping detour particularly attractive for travellers. From the glitz and glamour of Hvar to the deeply historical Korcula, here are six Croatian island destinations worth setting sail for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hvar<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Despite being probably the most well-known island in Croatia, Hvar offers a well-rounded experience with its storied history, pastoral countryside, quiet bays and striking fields of lavender. Come sundown, you\u2019ll experience a different side to the island as its elegant waterfront restaurants begin dinner service and upscale bars start to fill up. But it\u2019s not all about the party crowd – visitors to the island\u2019s oldest town, Stari Grad can wander the time-worn halls of Tvrdalj Castle or go on a scenic hike to the top of Glavica Hill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mljet<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If Hvar seems just a little too frenetic, set your sights on Mljet – a lush forested island that will stun with its untamed Adriatic beauty and minimal infrastructure. Hikers and seclusion-seekers will feel right at home here, wandering the trails that wind through the national park that occupies the western coast of the island. The more sedate traveller can frolic on the sandy beaches near the town of Saplunara, on the island\u2019s eastern tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Brac<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the largest Adriatic islands, Brac\u2019s landscape is dominated by rolling hills, fig trees and emerald forests. One of its most popular attractions is Zlatni Rat, a pebble beach that extends along a spit on the island\u2019s southern coast. Brac\u2019s largest town, Bol lies a short walk from the beach and is home to Blaca Hermitage – a 16th-century monastery founded within a cave and built outwards along the hillside. If you prefer to stay close to nature, hike Vidova Gora mountain and you\u2019ll be treated to spectacular views of the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pag <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Though better known for its lively party scene centred around Zrce Beach and the glitzy beachfront clubs that line Novalja\u2019s shores, visitors to Pag might be surprised to discover the island\u2019s rich culinary heritage. A must-try Pag speciality is roast lamb. Though a simple, rustic dish, lamb on Pag is richly flavoured – supposedly from a diet of wild sage, rosemary and lavender. The island\u2019s most famed fare is undeniably its distinctively flavoured sheep milk cheese that\u2019s known for its sharp, salty taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Korcula<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Steeped in history, Korcula\u2019s claim to fame goes beyond being the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo. The island\u2019s eponymous town is built on a walled promontory and centred around the Cathedral of Saint Mark, a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral that was constructed throughout the 13th and 18th centuries. Beyond the city\u2019s gates, the island\u2019s calm waters are also particularly enticing thanks to the island\u2019s perennially warm weather. You can rent a kayak and snorkelling equipment from around town and paddle your way to the smaller islets that dot Korcula to explore hidden beaches and snorkel the shallow waters. Come sundown, park yourself at one of the town\u2019s many waterfront bars and unwind with a glass of the local speciality – a dry white wine made from the regional posip grape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vis<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While you\u2019re likely to find fantastic beaches on most Croatian islands, Vis is home to a particularly charming one that\u2019s made its way onto European Best Destinations\u2019 list of top beaches in 2016. Hidden down an unpaved path in the south of the island lies Stiniva Bay – a tiny stretch of pebbled beach that will strike a chord with those seeking a tranquil beach experience. The island\u2019s main town, also named Vis, is easily explored on foot. Should you desire to explore the other outlying towns, bicycles and mopeds are an excellent way to get around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t