The most beautiful islands of Southern Croatia
15 June, 2020 | Update: 24/11/2020
In the still relatively unknown south of Croatia you will find peace, space and impressive nature. With an average of 2500 hours of sunshine per year unique islands, beautiful beaches and nature reserves, this is an ideal holiday destination. Croatia has more than a thousand islands, of which just a few dozen are inhabited. I would be happy to tell you more about some of these wonderful places, and what you can do there.
Isn’t your family a fan of long car rides? Then it’s good to know you don’t have to drive for almost a full day (from London) to southern Croatia. Just take the plane to Split! This will take just about two hours. After this you can continue to one of the beautiful campsites in Omiš or on the Bay of Trogir. Would you like to enjoy the real island feeling? Then book a holiday on the peninsula of Peljesac or the island of Čiovo. I’ve listed some other beautiful Croatian islands for you below.
Go and explore Mljet
Are you a real nature lover? Then be sure to go to the island of Mljet! Most of the island is part of the Mljet National Park. You can spot birds here very well. Look out for nightjar and stone partridges, for example. Are you looking for a campsite near the National Park? Nevio Camping is just over an hour’s drive away.
There are also two saltwater lakes in the park: Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero (the big and small lake). In the largest lake, Veliko Jezero, there is a small island with a Benedictine monastery that you can visit. Explore it and let your children use their imagination. Do they already see tough knights appear? After all this adventure, the explorers, and you, can take a dip in the lake. Lovely to cool off and splash around!
View over the beautiful Mljet
Visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
From Split you are quickly on the island of Brač, which is rich in pine forests and vineyards. This island is very popular among tourists. Not surprising when you consider that one of the most beautiful beaches in the world is on the island! This beach Zlatni Rat (literally translated: Golden Horn) is located near the town of Bol. Here you can do water sports, swim or just enjoy the sun. Brač is very nice to visit with older children. They will look their eyes out during a snorkelling session, paddle surfing or mountain biking. Super cool, right?
The Beautiful beach of Zlatni Rat
Vis: here we go again!
Ready for a new adventure? Then take the catamaran to Vis. With this unusual boat you’ll be on Vis from Split in about 1,5 hours. Fun fact: the second Mamma Mia movie was shot on Vis. Are you sure you want to get in the right mood? Then take a night out to watch this movie (and sing along, of course).
On Vis you can enjoy the sun, for example on the Stoncica beach. The seawater here is quite shallow for the first few meters, which makes it very suitable for children. Come to the beach early, because it can get crowded. For a nice excursion you can take a boat trip from Vis to the neighbouring island Biševo. Be sure to visit the famous Blue Cave (Modra Špilja). It is fairytale beautiful here!
Doesn’t this view just make you want to sing?
Peace and space on Peljesac
Nevio Camping, which I mentioned before, is located on the peninsula of Peljesac, the second largest peninsula in Croatia. This peninsula is known for its peace and quiet. Near the campsite is the town of Orebić. This place was known for a long time as the center of shipping. At Orebić you can enjoy sandy beaches, such as the beautiful Trstenica beach, visit the Franciscan monastery or climb Mount Sveti Ilija (961 meters high). Orebić is also the ideal starting point for a visit to neighbouring island Korčula or for a day trip to the old centre of Dubrovnik.
Orebić is a former center of shipping
A cultural excursion: Dubrovnik
Have you seen all the islands? Then make some time for Dubrovnik! Dubrovnik is also called ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic’, and for good reason. Dubrovnik’s historic city centre, for example, is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Here you can feast your eyes between the medieval buildings. You can also take a walk along the old city wall. Bet you’ll come home with hundreds of pictures of Dubrovnik! Would you like to do your children a favour as well? Then take the cable car. This will give you a beautiful view over the city. Would you like to spend more time on the water? It is possible to book a boat tour from Dubrovnik to Mljet or a day of kayaking around Dubrovnik. This way you will discover Dubrovnik in a unique way!
Kayaking around Dubrovnik is fun to do!
Want more Croatian inspiration? Be sure to read our blogs about Krka National Park or glamping in Croatia.
Latest comments