by Anita Barbaric

Croatia offers beside wonderful, historical cities like Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Rovinj or Zagreb, thousand islands, islets and reefs, of which 66 are inhabited. So you can find everything you need for a perfect holiday from nudist beaches to windsurfing, organic wines to all-night dance parties, amazing nature and history.

Komiza photo by Ante Perkovik/Wikimedia

Here are the TOP 5 of Croatian islands:
1. Vis: best for local food and wine In Yugoslavia Vis was closed to outsiders until 1989 because the entire island was turned into a large military fort. But it was this isolation that placed Vis among the favorite destinations of the entire Mediterranean when Croatia became independent. Beautiful beaches, preserved nature, ecological agriculture and preserved traditional architecture are only a few unique advantages of this special island. Vis has always been a home of fishermen and winegrowers. The Komiža fishermen where well known as experts in their field in all Mediterranean harbors. Today there is a Fishing Museum in Komiža, which shows the famous history of the Vis fishermen. Vis is also well known for its wine. The most famous white wine is definitely the grand “Vis Vugava”. You can try it in numerous restaurants and cellars on the island. Besides unique historical, cultural, and natural heritage there is the beautiful crystal clear sea and stunning hidden beaches to mention. You can stay at kind hosts and comfortable accommodation in private houses and apartments.

Village of Hvar photo by Ulrich Prokop Herbst/Wikimedia

2. Best for name-dropping: Hvar The island of has been famous since the antique because of its important strategic and nautical position, the plenty of various historical periods, the culture and natural monuments and the literature. Many guests, scientists and travelers are visiting Hvar. They are attracted by the Mediterranean nature, rich tradition and architecture, and nightlife. You will find vast fields of lavender, olive trees and vineyards, in impeccable harmony between man and nature. Guests, who are wishing to get closer to nature will stop at a small inn (“konoba”) rather than at a top quality restaurant. Through the centuries, an amazing oasis of culture has remained here on Hvar, a testimony to the identity.

3. Best for back-to-basics: Kornati The Kornati archipelago consists of about 130 islands, islets and reefs sprinkled in the deep blue sea of the Adriatic. 89 of the islands, islets and reefs, have been designated as a national park. Apart from a tiny area of cultivated land with fig trees, olives and vineyards, Kornati islands are rocky and arid, covered with thin grass, rare trees and Mediterranean scrubs. The Kornati have no permanent inhabitants, but owners from nearby Dalmatian islands periodically visit Kornati to tend their vineyards and olive groves and bringing their sheep to graze. The sea around the islands is rich with fish and a variety of marine life and it is perfect for surfing and sailing and diving. The islands have no fresh spring water, there is only rainwater collected in waterholes. The unique feature of the islands lies in their rugged shores with many caves and coves.

Brac photo by Hedwig Storch/Wikimedia

4. Best for water sports: Brac Zlatni Rat is Croatia‘s most photographed and most famous beach. You will find the white, fine pebble beach on Brac‘s south coast. It is a geological phenomenon and one of the most famous trademarks of Croatia. It originated thousands of years ago, on a submarine reef that stops banks of pebbles, sand and clay carried by waves and currents. It always surprises inhabitants and tourists with its new shapes of the top that bends itself up to please mild currents and winds in the turquoise blue Brac channel. Brac is a popular summer place for those who are looking for quietude and peace, for people who want to be active and have a great nightlife and it is definitely a top windsurfing spot. Some people say it is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Besides windsurfing, Zlatni Rat offers scuba diving, sea kayaking, parasailing, water skiing, jet skiing and wakeboarding.

5. Best for unspoiled nature: Mljet (nearby Dubrovnik) Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island. It is known for its Mediterranean vegetation, clear and clean sea, gentle sandy shoreline and a wealth of underwater sea life. This island is also well known for its red wine, olives and goat cheese. Mljet is also well known for its two salted lakes - Veliko and Malo Jezero, which are located at the north end of the island. Beside the beach Saplunara on the south end of the island the two lakes are favorite swimming spots for locals and visitors. It is an unspoiled island that is covered by a dense Mediterranean forest. The sea round Mljet is rich in fish and marine life. The northern part of the island of is also one of Croatian National Parks, and is therefore a favorite destination for travelers.

We invite you to explore these unique islands, which offer everything one needs for an unforgettable holiday. It is an amazing alternative to the continental parts of Croatia like Split, Zagreb or Dubrovnik.
http://www.dubrovnikmap.net