Few places in Europe can match the drama of Croatia’s coastline, where mountains drop into the Adriatic and islands stretch across the horizon. It is this geography that makes the country so captivating for travellers, whether you are arriving on a ferry in Dubrovnik or flying in over Split, joining a Yacht Club Croatia cruise, or spending a week island hopping.
If you’re thinking you can visit all the islands and wondering, how many islands does Croatia have, you might be hard pressed to fit them all in. The official number is more than 1,200 with only around 50 permanently inhabited, but even the smaller, uninhabited ones add to the country’s unique landscape.
The Numbers Behind the Islands
To be precise, Croatia has about 1,244 islands, islets and reefs. The largest are Cres and Krk in the north, but the most famous lie further south among the Dalmatian islands, including Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Vis and Mljet.
This makes Croatia one of the most island-rich nations in the Mediterranean, second only to Greece. The islands vary dramatically: some are lively centres with summer festivals and nightlife, while others are quiet, covered in pine forest and barely touched by development.
The Best Croatian Islands to Visit
Brac
Brač is known worldwide for Zlatni Rat beach, a golden spit of sand that changes shape with the tide. Away from the beach you will find olive groves, stone villages and the highest peak of any Adriatic island, Vidova Gora. If you are planning a trip and wondering how to get to Brac island Croatia, the most straightforward way is to take a ferry from Split. Car ferries run frequently, and there are also fast catamarans for foot passengers. Many sailing routes also include Brač as the first stop after leaving Split.
Hvar
Often called the sunniest place in Croatia, Hvar island combines history, glamour and natural beauty. Its old town is filled with Venetian buildings and narrow laneways, while the harbour is lined with superyachts in summer. Lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards spread across the island’s hillsides, making it as scenic inland as it is by the sea. If you are searching how to get to Hvar island, you can take a catamaran from Split or Stari Grad, or arrive by yacht on all our Yacht Club Croatia routes.
Korcula
Known as “Little Dubrovnik,” Korcula island has medieval walls, stone streets and a charming old town. The locals say it is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and visitors can explore a small museum dedicated to him. The island is also one of the best for wine tasting in Croatia islands, with unique native varieties like Pošip and Grk. For those wondering how to get to Korcula island, ferries connect from both Split and Dubrovnik, and it is a favourite stop for Croatia yacht tours.
Vis
The furthest inhabited island from the mainland, Vis has a fascinating history. Closed to foreign visitors until 1989 due to its cold war era military base, it has retained an authentic, unspoilt charm. Today it is known for its vineyards, caves, and secluded bays. It even appeared as the backdrop in Mamma Mia 2. If you are trying to find how to get to Vis island, the only direct route is a ferry from Split, which takes around two hours. Many private sailing itineraries also include Vis as a highlight.
Mljet
Nature lovers are drawn to Mljet island, much of which is a national park. The park is centred on two saltwater lakes, surrounded by pine forests and walking trails. In the middle of one lake is small island with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, adding to the island’s sense of tranquillity. If you want to know how to get to Mljet island, catamarans run from Dubrovnik, and it is an essential stop on several yacht cruise Croatia itineraries.
Sipan and the Elaphiti Islands
Northwest of Dubrovnik lie the Elaphiti islands, a small group that includes Sipan, Lopud, and Kolocep. Of the three, Sipan island Croatia is the largest and is known for its quiet fishing villages, summer villas, and relaxed pace of life.
The Elaphiti islands are often described as Dubrovnik’s garden islands, offering pine forests, sandy coves, and sheltered bays. While ferries do connect Dubrovnik with the Elaphiti, services are limited and timetables do not always match what travellers want during a short holiday. Because of this, the best way to experience Šipan and the surrounding islands is by private boat or yacht cruise, where you can set your own schedule.
Travelling with Yacht Club Croatia makes the Elaphiti a highlight of the week, as we typically anchor off one of the Elaphiti islands, giving guests the chance to swim straight from the boat or enjoy a night at anchor under the stars.
Smaller islands like Solta, close to Split, and Lastovo, further south, offer quiet villages and untouched bays for travellers who want to escape the busier routes.
Island Hopping in Croatia
With so many options, the best way to explore the Croatian islands is through island hopping in Croatia. Ferries and catamarans are efficient but planning is time consuming and takes up valuable relaxation time.
Nothing beats the ease and freedom of a Croatia sailing holiday with Yacht Club Croatia, where you can wake up in a hidden bay, spend the afternoon in a lively town, and move on the next day without worrying about timetables. Week-long Croatia yacht tours between Split and Dubrovnik, or the reverse, include stops in Hvar, Korcula, Mljet, and Vis, balancing culture, beaches and nightlife.
Culture, History and Food
The Adriatic islands of Croatia carry layers of history. Greek and Roman ruins remain on some, while Venetian influence is visible in the architecture of Hvar and Korcula. Traditions still run deep, from fishing festivals to local sword dances.
For food lovers, the islands are a highlight. Seafood is abundant, often served grilled with olive oil and herbs, while specialities like octopus under the bell and black squid ink risotto are worth seeking out. Pair these meals with local wines, and you understand why the islands are as much about taste as scenery.
Best Time to Visit and Practical Tips
The best months to visit are May through September. July and August bring the warmest seas and liveliest nightlife but also the largest crowds. Spring and early autumn are ideal for those who want warm weather with more space to breathe.
If you are travelling by ferry to Croatian islands, book ahead during peak months. Catamarans are faster but fill quickly, especially on routes to Hvar and Korcula. Sailing avoids these queues entirely, which is why many travellers choose it for flexibility and comfort.
Conclusion
So, how many islands does Croatia have? More than 1,200, though the real beauty is that you do not need to see them all. Visiting even a handful leaves lasting memories, whether that is swimming at Zlatni Rat beach Brac, sipping wine on Korcula, dancing in Hvar, exploring history in Vis, or hiking through Mljet’s forests. Whether by ferry, catamaran, or on a Croatia yacht tour with Yacht Club Croatia, the Dalmatian islands are waiting to be discovered.
