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Best Places to Island Hop In Croatia

Whether Yacht Week, Sail Croatia, or a lovely ferry from the mainland is taking you adventuring around to several of the 1,000 islands that make up the country of Croatia, it's important to keep in mind that every island has it's unique appeal and characteristics that attract every type of traveler. Listed below are some of the most popular islands or attractions with a breakdown of the must sees and dos:

BRAC

Being one of the closest island to the city of Split, it's interesting how Brac has been relatively unexploited by tourist. It's beautiful white pebble beaches and the famous beach of Zlatni Rat (voted top in Croatia), give the place a more relaxed vibe. The beautiful cities of Bol and Supetar are very similar to their neighbors to the west, and give the impression you're strolling on the sidewalks of Sicily. While each island curtails to a certain traveler or interest, one could say Brac appeals to the foodie. With the million olive trees and vineyards occupying the island.

Food and Drink Recommendations:

  • For the Views - Kastil Gospodnetic, enjoy a delicious dinner in an old castle with views of the Adriatic sea.

  • For the Best Variety - Belvedere Dalmatian Restaurant, located in the heart of the city of Bol is this tasty dining spot with a great atmosphere (also the best veal dish I've ever had in my life).

  • For the Beer - Beer Garden Pub, with over 50 different beers from 15 different countries, there's not a better beer spot on the island.

  • For the Music and Dancing - Auro & Yolo, These tend to be packed during the summer months. Great Djs and the club is always dancing.

  • A Quick Meal - Arguola Sandwich Bar, if looking for something fast in Bol before heading out to the beach, these sandwiches do not disappoint.

Activities:

  • Get a free walking tour - this island is one of the richest in history and a deep dive of it's past is highly recommended!

  • Kite Surfing - for the most athletic and brave souls, this islands serves as a huge hot spot for kite surfing throughout Dalmatia

  • Visit a winery - Croatian wine is produced on this island, so where better to get a local sampling than the vineyards themselves. Some to visit include: Stina Winery, & Hrvoje Bakovic Winery.

  • Kick up those tastebuds at the Olive Oil Museum - Located in the town of Skrip

HVAR

The most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen, have been while staying on the island of Hvar. Known as the 'Party Island', Hvar is famous for it's stop on Yacht Week and its awesome clubs visited by the celebrities and the well-to-dos. But the beauty and charm of the island have so much more to offer than a good party! Home to hundreds of acres of lavender fields and historic land sites, mixed with a variety of small archipelago islands making up Hvar, there is so many different things to experience.

Food and Drink Recommendations:

  • For the Views - Restaurant Park Hvar, and the food is beyond delicious. They also feature live music in the evenings.

  • Want the Best Variety - Agava, everything from traditional Croatian to Mediterranean and vegetarian.

  • Best Music and Dancing - Carpe Diem, when the electronic music scene of Berlin meets the Miami-chic lifestyle, you get Carpe Diem.

  • Where you can watch the sunset - Hula Hula Beach Bar, also one of the most iconic spots on the whole island. The two bars on the coast covered by lounge chairs and tables filled of friendly fun faces ready to have a good time.

  • A Quick Meal - Da Vinci Hvar, for those day parties to nightclubs, it's the perfect place to pick up a quick bite in-between partying.

Activities:

  • Visit Sveti Klement - take a 15 minute ferry from downtown Hvar and bring out your inner diva by lounging at the beach at Zori lounge.

  • Walk through a Neolithic Cave at Grapčeva špilja.

  • Get lost in the old ruins of the Ottoman Empire in the city center.

VIS

If Hvar is South Beach, think of Vis as Palm Beach. As it's the island furthest away from the Croatian shore, the tourism seen on an island like Hvar has not spiked as high in Vis. It also served as a military base for 40+ years in the 1900s which led the development of the island to be primarily focused on fishing and agriculture versus tourism. This is a desired spot for tourist who are looking for things to do with a quieter atmosphere - but don't be fooled, there are still parties to be attended and phenomenal food to be had!

Food and Drink Recommendations:

  • For the Views - Tramontana, located in the center of town right on the sea. The views of the beautiful yachts and the water are breathtaking.

  • Want the Authentic Croatian Cusine - Roki's, known as the best octupus peka on the island and one of my favorite meals in Croatia.

  • Because why not dance in an old Fort - Fort George, mix the history lesson with your favorite tunes and dance the night away in an old fort.

  • A Quick Meal - Pranamana, if venturing around the island and looking for a fast place to stop and eat before your day full of activities, this place is your best bet!

Activities:

  • Hike Mount Hum - and see Vis from the highest point on the island.

  • Kayak through the Green Cave - witness emerald colored lights beam out under the sea floor.

  • Climb up the Red Rocks- located inland take a stroll through Vis' Red Rock formations.

BLUE CAVE

Located on the island of Biševo (which has close proximity to Vis), is a small water-logged sea cave. Explored and discovered in the early 1800s, it has since become a major must see to Croatian island visitors. Similar to the Blue Grotto in Capri Italy, this miraculous cave reflect the light off the water to create a mysterious blue hue light encapsulating the cave. The only way to discover the cave is through a tour company located on the east side of Biševo. They will take their size appropriate boats through, and charge 15 Euro for entrance.


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