The Adriatic sea is famous for its beauty and sailing fans have been exploring it for years. However, there is no need to love sailing nor to own a boat to fall in love with Croatia! I have picked for you 3 beautiful islands accessible by public transportation (car or passenger ferry), each of them with their own characteristics and charms. Pack a swimsuit!

“It was a warm morning of July and we took the ferry from Zadar. Two hours later, we arrived on what seemed to be paradise on Earth: the island of Dugi Otok.”

Less famous than the neighboring Kornaci islands, Dugi Otok is an underrated stop. Rent a bike and discover the Telašćica National Park, located on the south east of the island. You will be amazed by the coastline view with dozen of islands and islets lost in the sea. Later on your journey, it will be the peaceful Telašćica bay natural anchorage stop for many sailing boats. On the 90m high cliffs, try to spot one of the many falcon spices that live there. Don’t forget to take a dip in the salt lake “Mir”, it’s refreshing in summer and its gray silt is supposed to have curative properties.

Stay overnight in the quiet village of Sali to get a feeling for the slow pace of the local life (contact the tourist office to find a guesthouse). Enjoy the end of afternoon admiring the sunset over the sea, and have a beer at the unique bar of the village.

Hvar – party, speedos and jet-set feeling

What a contrast with the previous island! Crowded, noisy and sophisticated, welcome to the St Tropez of Croatia! You will realized quickly that on Hvar being seen is the dominant sport, with bigger and bigger yachts tie down on the pier.

You will spend the days on one of the beaches, tanning, eating ice creams and of course watching people, the second sport of the island! Don’t forget your shades…

It’s probably the nightlife that you will remember the most, enjoying cocktails in bars invaded by youngsters and jet-setters. The clubbing life is also extravagant, one of the most famous night club is located on a nearby islet that you reach by speedboat and  will leave around sunrise time.

In summer it’s preferable to book in advance a place to stay, especially if you arrive with the late ferry.

 

Korcula – wine, food and tranquility

Korcula, one of Croatia’s greenest islands, is of easy to access: just a 10min ferry from the main land. The place has been a locals’ holiday destination for centuries – apparently ancient Greeks already fancied it.

Don’t be pulled of by the tourists crowds at your arrival in the small old town of Korcula. Take a look at the medieval dalmatian town, but trust me the gem is somewhere else! With its vineyards, olives trees, and locals driving in retro cars, Korcula may remind a bit of Italy. It is a great place to just enjoy life. Walking along the coastline, you will soon be able to find you own little cove for a private swim. Finish the day with some delicious fresh fish and dalmatian food in one of the local konoba.

Korcula is a perfect place for camping, especially if you want to stay a bit outside of the town.

 

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Loving hidden gems? You may want to check  Neretva River scenic drive, Bosnia.