Croatia’s coastline is no secret. But the best parts? They’re still hiding in plain sight. Beyond the packed marinas and hotspots lie islands where fishermen still wave as you pass, homemade wine flows, and the only sound at night is the wind brushing your mast.
This is a sailor’s guide to the islands that don’t need special advertising.
Places with safe moorings, great food, and that rare feeling of belonging, even if you’ve just arrived. If you’re charting a course, make it count. Here are 11 of the best islands in Croatia that offer something to remember.
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Vis - The sailors favorite keeps getting better
Why sail here: A longtime sailor’s favorite, Vis balances charm and practicality. With WWII caves, unspoiled bays, and plenty of diverse local dishes, it’s a must.
Best mooring: Kut and Vis Town both offer reliable moorings. Kut is smaller and quieter but still a port you should definitely visit.
Food tip: Pojoda in Kut is a standout for traditional Dalmatian cuisine.
Hidden gem: Swim into the Green Cave or anchor near Stiniva beach early in the day to beat the crowds.
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Dugi Otok - Wild north, welcoming south
Why sail here: From the cliffside drama of Telašćica Nature Park to the sleepy fishing towns, Dugi Otok offers something for every pace.
Best mooring: Sali has expanded its marina and now includes more berths with water and electricity. Zaglav and Brbinj also remain solid options for anchoring.
Food tip: Konoba Trapula in Sali serves excellent calamari and homemade liqueurs.
Hidden gem: The salt lake Mir and dramatic cliffs of Telašćica - easily reached by foot or dinghy.
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Krapanj - Tiny, quiet, and historically rich
Why sail here: The lowest island in the Adriatic (max height: 1.5 meters!) and famous for sponge diving. Perfect for a short land excursion.
Best mooring: No marina - best reached via tender from Brodarica on the mainland. You can anchor nearby in calm weather, but stay alert for ferry traffic.
Food tip: Konoba Riva on the mainland (Brodarica side) offers island dishes made with sponge divers’ catch.
Hidden gem: The island’s tiny monastery and sponge museum - a reminder that island life is built on more than tourism.
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Žirje - Fish, wine, and zero fuss
Why sail here: This is the kind of island where time stops, ideal if you want a breather between busy ports.
Best mooring: Anchor in Muna Bay or Stupica Vela, as both have decent shelter and are excellent mooring spots.
Food tip: Konoba Stupica has excellent fish and seafood, usually freshly caught.
Hidden gem: Inland trails lead past abandoned bunkers and WWII remnants, quite interesting if you're up for a walk.
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Iž - The craft island with a sailor’s soul
Why sail here: Nestled between Ugljan and Dugi Otok, Iž gives off a humble charm that’s hard to fake. It’s the kind of place where locals will tell you where to get the best fig rakija.
Best mooring: Veli Iž marina is well-protected and has new water and electricity hookups. There’s also anchoring possible on the west side, near Mali Iž.
Food tip: Konoba Baroni in Veli Iž gets praise for simple grilled meat and fish and for actually caring about service.
Hidden gem: Pottery workshops run by islanders are a nice land activity when the wind takes a break.
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Vrgada - Where the pines meet red sand
Why sail here: Often skipped by charter routes, Vrgada offers sandy coves, pine forests, and a gentle pace, perfect for a swim break.
Best mooring: Anchor on the north side of the island; it’s sandy, shallow, and sheltered in fair weather.
Food tip: Konoba Vrgada serves classic Dalmatian dishes and, of course, excellent house wine.
Hidden gem: Locals sell homemade bread, cheese, and honey right off the dock in the morning.
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Silba - No cars, no stress, all charm
Why sail here: This small island north of Zadar bans cars entirely, making it ideal for barefoot wanderings and peaceful anchorages.
Best mooring: Anchorage in front of the main village is safe, but be cautious of ferry and catamaran routes.
Food tip: Try konoba Alavija for grilled fish and homemade pasta, and for a wonderful atmosphere and view, too.
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Premuda - For divers and daydreamers
Why sail here: It’s quiet, clean, and known for the underwater cave system called Katedrala (the Cathedral) - a diving highlight of the northern Adriatic.
Best mooring: Anchor near the main village (sandy bottom, good holding). There is no proper marina, but enough space for a peaceful overnight.
Food tip: Konoba Masarine is the go-to, serving dishes with a local twist.
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Rab - Sandy beaches and a medieval core
Why sail here: Rab is rare in Croatia for its sandy beaches but also offers an unexpectedly rich cultural heritage - the old town is a beauty.
Best mooring: Marina Rab is walking distance to town and offers good wind protection. Anchorage is also possible in the nearby Supetarska Draga bay.
Food tip: Konoba Rab gets rave reviews for lamb peka and cozy dining.
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Susak - Croatia’s sandy, offbeat outlier
Why sail here: With no cars, no roads, and barely any rock, just footpaths and trees, Susak feels like it belongs to another time.
Best mooring: There’s a tiny harbor for smaller boats, but in good weather, anchoring just outside is fine. Watch your depth; the seabed rises quickly.
Food tip: Konoba Barbara is as close to home cooking as it gets, with slow-roasted lamb and strong local red wine.
Hidden gem: The traditional Susak folk costumes are exceptional, and the island's history is very rich and colorful.
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Unije - tiny, wild, and wind-friendly
Why sail here: Off the northwest coast of Lošinj, Unije is for sailors who love nature, wind, and unplugging. No cars, few tourists, and lots of sailing charm.
Best mooring: The main bay provides a sandy bottom for anchoring, but it's vulnerable to the bura, so it's important to monitor the weather.
Food tip: Konoba Barbara offers just a few items on the menu, but that doesn’t mean it’s not delicious and fresh.
Hidden gem: There is a lighthouse at the highest point on the island, which you must visit for a complete experience of the island.
Bonus: Porer
Why it’s cool: It’s a tiny 80m-wide rocky islet off the southern tip of Istria, with a 19th-century lighthouse you can rent overnight.
How to visit: It’s about 1.5 miles from the southernmost cape of Istria, cape Kamenjak. Anchor nearby in calm weather, or approach from the island of Premantura. Not for the faint of heart, as it’s very exposed.
What’s new: Porer lighthouse has 2 apartments available for booking, ideal for overnight stays during shoulder season.
Sail beyond the obvious. Visit these best islands in Croatia.
From the serene sands of Susak to the pine-fringed shores of Vrgada, these islands are more than just stops - they’re the soul of the Adriatic.
If you're looking to anchor in silence, taste the best local seafood, or explore WWII relics and underwater cathedrals, Croatia's lesser-known islands promise something rare: genuine connection.
No crowds. No noise. Just honest experiences, good sailing, and places that feel like they hide all the secrets.
At Jadranka Yachting, we don’t just rent boats; we help you plan the kind of route that makes your trip unforgettable.
Our fleet is fully equipped, our team knows these islands, and we’re here to help you sail smarter.
Start planning your route with Jadranka Yachting - your Adriatic adventure begins here.