There are dozens of “secret” islands to explore in Europe. For anyone craving peace, crystal clear waters, and slow island charm, Croatia has some hidden gems that swap the crowds for calm.
We’ve researched some of the quietest Dalmatian islands based on travel reviews. These are the Adriatic’s most peaceful sanctuaries, from secluded coves to historic towns.
Some beautiful Croatian islands are car-free, others are dotted with medieval towns, and many rely on family-run guesthouses and small vineyards.
They may not produce wine on the scale of Sicily or France—sometimes grapes even arrive from across the Adriatic—but they offer something harder to find: peace. For travelers seeking solitude with a salty breeze, these islands are Croatia’s best-kept secret.
Vis and Hvar – Quietest Islands in Croatia for Relaxation, Naked Beaches & Village Food
Vis
Vis is the farthest island off the Dalmatian Coast and is home to sandy beaches, exclusive wine, local seafood, and plenty of natural and historic spots. No wonder it stood in for a Greek Island in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. See if you can recognise some locations, like Stiniva Beach, a beautiful cliff-framed cove. To get to Vis, you’ll fly into Split, followed by a short drive to the port, then a hop onto a ferry or catamaran.
It’s off the beaten track so that you won’t see mass crowds, but if you really want to stay off the grid, how does a lighthouse on its own island sound? Villa Vis Light House sits on an isolated island, just 2km from Vis, and is available to rent from $4,088 a week. The guest testimonials speak for themselves, and it was recently featured in a Financial Times review.
If you’re looking for a spot with a little more life around it, the Hotel San Giorgio is right in the center and is highly praised among visitors. Stay at this boutique hotel from $267 a night for a double room. Yoga retreats are available here, with classes for beginners and intermediates. You don’t need to leave the hotel to enjoy some of the Island’s finest cuisine. Restaurant Boccadoro has a menu of locally sourced ingredients, like Dalmatian Makaruni Puttanesca and tuna steak.
Explore three of the island’s iconic spots in one hit with a boat tour and visit Vis’ Blue Cave, Green Cave, and Stiniva Beach. To the West of the Island is Komiža, where you’ll find more serene beaches and things to do, including hiking Mount Hum for sweeping vistas of the Island and Vis town. Komiža has a selection of popular places to eat and sip, like Konoba Jastožera. Many other highly-rated restaurants like Peškarija and Lola, Kanoba & Bar, are dotted around the island.
Hvar
To the Northeast of Vis, just a short ferry ride away, is Hvar. It’s a little livelier than Vis, but just as beautiful and still with pockets of peace. Like Vis, you’ll most likely land in Split (occasionally Dubrovnik), then climb aboard a catamaran to reach the destination. Here, soak in the culture and some delicious wine, visit glorious beaches, like Veliki Pokrivenik, which was recently featured in Vogue, and wander through scenic ancient towns.
Hvar is home to some luxurious hotels and resorts, and The Times published an article sharing some of the top hotels on the island. This includes Maslina Resort, which is located on Maslinica Bay, just a short walk from the town and overlooking the ocean. Forbes also featured it and described it as a ‘haven of mindful luxury’.
If a beach retreat isn’t enough to relax you, the hotel has a range of wellness packages for guests. Stay here from $585 a night. For more of a chic retreat, the Hotel Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis might be more suitable at $591.
There is so much to see on this island, including a trip to Stari Grad Plain, one of Hvar’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. The plain remains almost untouched and dates back to 384 BC. Hvar Town has some stunning sights, including Europe’s oldest surviving public theatre, Pjaca Square, and Loggia.
You might be keen to visit some of the local vineyards, and there are plenty to choose from. TripAdvisor has a range of highly-rated tours that are worth checking out. You also don’t need to look too far to find some tasty local food on the island, like Trica Gardelin, Restaurant Mina, and The Albatros.
Zlarin
It doesn’t come much more peaceful than a car-free island. Zlarin is just a short distance from Šibenik, and one of the regular ferries can whisk you away to the island. It’s understated, authentic, and ideal for slow travel. It makes the perfect haven for peaceful walks and cycling through untouched nature; it’s no wonder The Times recently named it one of the Best Croatian Islands to Visit.
Zlarin has earned its nickname, The Coral Island, thanks to centuries-old coral harvesting and craftsmanship traditions. There’s even a Coral Museum, which receives high praise from visitors. The island is full of trails that take you around the island through pine forests, olive groves, and vineyards. You can hike to Klepac, Zlarin’s highest peak, for the best view of the Island. Or, you can hop between the serene beaches for relaxing, swimming, and snorkelling.
To end your days, or to refuel while exploring, Restoran Prslika is highly rated by visitors.
While staying on the island, you can enjoy quaint village-style hospitality. It’s full of chic holiday rentals like House AnaDora, which has four bedrooms, a pool, and the host can arrange for guests to be picked up from Šibenik by private boat. Stay here from $197 a night. If you’re looking for more of a retreat, you’re better off staying at Šibenik, like the Armerun Heritage Hotel, which National Geographic has praised. Rooms here start at $157.
Korčula
Last but by no means least is the beautiful Korčula, which The Times named the best Croatian Island for its wine. But it’s not just about the vineyards; it’s full of history, and its UNESCO World Heritage town features untouched architecture and fortified walls. It’s often called Little Dubrovnik for its similar charm, without the crowds.
Like the other islands, you’ll need to hop on a ferry to get here. There are links from Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, and more.
There are some delightful stays on the island that fellow travellers have highly reviewed. For a five-star experience, as recommended by Vogue, you could stay at Lešić Dimitri Palace from $491 a night and enjoy the blissful spa and try the food at the Michelin-starred LD Restaurant. Or for a smaller boutique stay, you could try Aminess Younique Korčula Heritage Hotel from $359 a night.
There is much to see and do here, like wandering through the old town and climbing the viewpoint near Revelin Tower for sweeping vistas of Korčula. Conde Nast Traveller has reviewed some of the best beaches on the island, like Vela Pržina, a sandy beach with a convenient beach bar. If you enjoy wine, there are vineyard tours. You can also sip on local wine and enjoy the cuisine at one of the many restaurants on the island, like Adio Mare and Biankura.
Once you’ve wandered these islands, you’ll understand why visitors return year after year. From Vis’s hidden coves to Zlarin’s car-free charm, these islands prove that relaxation is just a ferry ride away.
