Croatia is your spot if you want a getaway like nothing else. The country has everything from urban bustle and lush forests to vast beaches and dramatic mountains. That's why more and more tourists are attracted to its exotic islands. In fact, an article from the OECD ILibrary shows that international tourism in Croatia rose from EUR 10.5 billion in 2019 to EUR 9.1 billion in 2021.
Of course, if you want to experience all of this in one trip, one of the best ways to do so is by planning a vacation on one of the country's many islands. From Korčula Island and Hvar Island to Šolta Island and Mljet Island, these spots are perfect for enjoying an exotic beach vacation without traveling far from home base.
Croatia's Islands are a popular tourist destination. With over 1000 natural formations, Croatia has a long tourism history and offers beautiful beaches and exotic scenery. Data from an official European Union site shows that there are 78 islands in Croatia. This means that you will have plenty of options to choose from according to your taste.
Croatia's islands offer many activities for visitors, such as hiking through the forests or swimming in crystal clear waters at their beaches. Many places offer yoga classes or massages on-site if you want to relax during your trip.
Another reason to plan a vacation to Croatia's islands is that it is a preferred destination for many tourists. According to Schengenvisa News, Croatia is ranked the fifth most preferable destination in the European Union in 2022. So whether you plan a group or solo trip, you will undoubtedly find many other tourists to accompany you.
When you're on vacation, why not make the most of your time and explore the culture of your destination? Croatia's islands have much to offer regarding food, history, activities, and culture.
The first thing to do is to check online for a guide to your island's best beaches. You can use Google or TripAdvisor, but visiting dedicated websites for detailed information is best. Once you decide what island you want to visit, you can do specific research for that island to get more specific details. For example, when you look for Hvar Island, you will find websites like https://www.hvarinfo.com/ for more info.
Once you've found some promising-looking spots, consider what makes them stand out:
Croatia's islands are the perfect place to hire a luxury yacht and explore the country in style. Croatia has many beautiful islands, which is why there will be a lot of crowds if you opt for a ferry. On the other hand, choosing a luxury cruise can offer you the exotic experience you are seeking.
One popular option for experiencing the beauty of this country’s islands is by embarking on a Croatia boat cruise from Sail Croatia for unforgettable sailing adventures and breathtaking coastal exploration.
By opting for a luxury boat cruise, you can leave the worries of crowded ferries behind and enjoy a more intimate and personalized experience. Passengers can indulge in the luxurious amenities offered on board, including comfortable cabins, delicious cuisine, and friendly crew members who are knowledgeable about the local culture and history. You can relax on the deck with a drink or have fun in the water with activities like snorkeling, swimming, or kayaking. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
Cruises allow you to experience Croatia's natural infrastructure closely. When you select Croatia’s luxury cruises, you can enjoy your travel at your leisure. There are hundreds of options, small private or big luxury cruises. But that also makes it challenging to choose the right one for you.
A general rule is to trust experts and hire someone with good accreditations. Many expert traveling groups, companies, and organizations accredit cruise service providers for doing good work.
For example, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), one of the world's leading associations of travel professionals, has given accreditations to companies like Always Croatia, a cruise and private tours offering company operating in Croatia. The ASTA was formed to represent travel intermediaries' regulatory public policy interests. Since its establishment in 1931, ASTA has been accrediting travel agencies and tour providers that put travelers at the core of their services.
If you want an off-the-beaten-path experience, explore the island's history. Visit the local museum and learn about Croatia's culture. Or walk through one of its parks to see what wildlife has made its home there. For those who want something more active, visit a local cafe where they'll serve up some traditional Croatian food or go shopping at their market if you're looking for souvenirs.
If exploring nature is more your thing, head to one of these islands' beaches. You can relax in the sand while enjoying views of the blue water surrounding you. It doesn't get much better than this.
Cycling is an excellent activity for those who want to explore Croatia's coast. The country has over 1,000 kilometers of bike paths, and many tourists choose to cycle along the beach during their visit. There are numerous routes available, but some of the most popular ones include:
If you're looking for something less strenuous than cycling or hiking through rugged terrain, consider renting or hiring a bike instead of bringing one on tour. This will allow you more freedom in choosing where exactly in Croatia's islands region your tour takes place and whether or not there's an island nearby.
If coasts aren't for you, there's also the option to go cycling or hiking in the forests of Croatia. While many islands and islets exist, you will be amazed that forests cover 32% of Croatia.
If you're visiting Croatia, be sure to try the local cuisine. Italian and Hungarian cooking styles and Turkish cuisine influence the country's culinary traditions.
The coastal region is known for seafood dishes, while the interior is famous for meat dishes. The Dalmatian Coast has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, perfect for growing grapes in vineyards.
The country is also known for its wine and cuisine, making it a popular destination among foodies. Data from OEC.World, a trade data platform, shows that Croatia exported $19.6 million in the wine sector in 2021. This makes Croatia the 46th largest wine explorer in the world.
We hope this guide has given you some ideas for your next trip to Croatia. The country has beautiful beaches and cultural sites, so it's easy to find something new every day on your vacation. Plenty of options are available whether you want to explore the islands or relax on the coast.
