One of the reasons why Croatia is a beloved vacation destination in Europe is the islands. These oases of land in the Adriatic Sea are beacons of a relaxed way of living in modern times where lives are getting faster and faster each day. But did you ever wonder how many islands are there in Croatia? The number will leave you in awe and once again confirm Croatia as one of the best destinations to enjoy.
We love the Croatian islands because of the many things. At many of these, it almost seems that the time has stopped in some different, less stressed time period. They have that unique vibe that overwhelms you as soon as you step on them. And the Adriatic Sea. The sea on the islands is so clear you almost can’t believe it. It’s kind of a shock if you first swam on the mainland and later on the islands.
This article will be all about islands in Croatia. Let’s visit them all.
Mini Cruisers near Maslina Resort on Hvar Island So How Many Islands are there in Croatia? Croatia has a total of 1,244 islands, islets, and reefs ! A lot, especially if you’re a boat navigating the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea. You would have to be extra careful in that case. Out of these, only 78 islands are inhabited, while the rest remain untouched natural wonders of Croatia . The islands stretch along the Croatian Coast , forming one of the most spectacular and diverse island groups in the whole world.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Islands: 79 (with an area greater than 1 km²)Islets: 525 (smaller than 1 km² but still substantial land masses)Reefs & Rocks: 640 (tiny formations barely peeking above the surface of the sea). Great for fishing and diving in Croatia.
Zlatni Rat Beach on Brač Island – one of the most iconic beaches in Croatia Why Does Croatia Have So Many Islands? But why? Why does Croatia have so many islands while some other coasts have none? Well, the formation of the Croatian islands is the result of tectonic movements and rising sea levels . Some thousands of years ago, what are now islands were once mountain tops and hills on the mainland, but over time, they became separated by the sea. This natural phenomenon has left Croatia with a unique and stunning coastline which is the basis of modern tourism in Croatia.
Thank you tectonic movements and rising sea levels.
Badija, small island near Korčula Largest Islands in Croatia Not all islands are tiny, some are large enough to have many cities and relatively lot of inhabitants living on them! Here are the five biggest islands by land area:
Krk – 405.8 km² (often debated as the largest due to its close size to Cres)Cres – 405.7 km² (virtually the same size as Krk, only slightly smaller) Few more trucks of soil and it will become larger than Krk.Brač – 395 km² (home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach, one of the landmarks of Croatia)Hvar – 297 km² (known for its vibrant nightlife and lavender fields)Pag – 284 km² (known for its unique moon-like landscape and cheese. Aliens landed on Pag too.)
Boat day trips are a great way to explore Croatian islands Most Famous Islands in Croatia Some islands in Croatia have gained worldwide fame due to their beauty, culture, and history . Here are a few of the most popular ones:
Hvar – For a long time known as the party island, filled with luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, and historic architecture. This party part changed in 2024. and the rest remained the same.Korčula – Known as the birthplace of Marco Polo and home to a charming medieval town of the same name that is often nicknamed the ‘little Dubrovnik .Vis – Famous for being a former military base and the filming location of the movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again .Brač – Home to Zlatni Rat, Croatia’s most famous and unique beach.Mljet – A lush paradise featuring Mljet National Park, perfect for nature lovers.
Jelsa on Hvar Island Uninhabited Islands: Hidden Gems of the Adriatic While only 78 islands are inhabited (which is still quite a number for a relatively small coastline compared to some others in the world), hundreds of uninhabited islands provide untouched nature, hidden beaches, and excellent opportunities for sailing and kayaking in Croatia. Some of the most beautiful uninhabited islands include:
Sveti Klement – Part of the Pakleni Islands near Hvar, perfect for a peaceful getaway.Galešnjak – The famous heart-shaped island , often called the “Island of Love”.Proizd – A stunning islet near Korčula with pristine beaches and turquoise waters.Jabuka – the most unique island in Croatia. Made of a volcanic rock. Basically a rising cliff. Perfect as a destination for sailing in Croatia .
A view of Jabuka island throug a binoculars near Skywalk Biokovo Island National Parks Croatia has a total of 8 national parks , and 3 of them are located on islands or consist of islands. These island-based national parks in Croatia are famous for the natural beauty and unique ecosystems of the Adriatic. The most famous ones include:
Mljet National Park Mljet Island , this park features saltwater lakes, dense forests, and a historic Benedictine monastery .Kornati National Park – An archipelago of 89 islands and islets , ideal for sailing, diving, and exploring unique landscapes.Brijuni National Park – A group of 14 islands known for their lush greenery, historical ruins, and diverse wildlife .
Mljet Island National Park What Makes Croatian Islands Unique? You would expect that all the islands in Croatia are pretty much the same. But no, definitely not. It seems like each one of them is completely different.
Diverse landscapes: Some islands are lush and green (Mljet, Korčula), while others are rocky and barren (Pag, Kornati).Rich history: Many islands’ habitats date back to ancient Greek and Roman times .Fantastic food & wine: The islands are known for their olive oil, fresh seafood, and local wines .Sailing paradise: The Adriatic is one of the best sailing destinations in the world, offering countless bays, secluded beaches, crystal clear sea, and marinas.
Odysseus Cave on Mljet IslandHow to Explore Croatia’s Islands? There are several ways to experience island-hopping in Croatia :
Ferries: They connect most major islands to the mainland. Jadrolinija is the main ferry company in Croatia, but there are a few more less known ones.Catamarans: Faster than ferries, perfect for day trips. These are passenger-only ships.Private boats & yacht charters: Perfect for those looking for a personalized adventure or sailing escape in Croatia.Kayaking: Perfect for exploring smaller islands and hidden bays. Keep in mind not to paddle far away from the coast and always wear the safety equipment.
Before you venture to any of the Croatian islands Did you like what you have read? Croatia is truly an island paradise , and although we live on the mainland, we still love spending as much time as possible on any of the islands in Croatia. Our plan is to visit most of them during our lifetime, and we have pretty much explored every island in southern Croatia. The northern islands are next on the list. When coming to Croatia, we suggest you either stay on any of the islands for your vacation or at least visit any island through numerous day trips available on the mainland.
Enjoy the island’s way of life.
