When people think of sailing the Croatia coast, what often comes to mind are the iconic stops—Hvar’s lively harbour, Korčula’s walled city, or the thrumming nightlife of Split. But beyond the familiar rhythm of the tourist trail lies an entirely different rhythm: one of hidden anchorages, near-empty bays, car-free villages, and island time that runs slow and serene. The Croatia islands are more than postcard moments—they’re invitations to discover a quieter, more authentic side of the Adriatic.
Whether you’re returning to Croatia, sailing its turquoise waters for the first time, or mapping out a romantic escape, this guide charts a course through the best Croatian islands to visit if your dreams include clear water, peaceful landfalls, and places where the only crowds are fish beneath your boat. These are the islands off Croatia that sail under the radar—no cruise ships, no beach bar chaos, just raw beauty and
deep serenity.
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Šćedro – A Quiet Anchorage
Nestled just off the southern coast of Hvar, Šćedro is a place many Croatian locals retreat to when they want peace, quiet, and a taste of timeless island life. This Croatian island is barely inhabited, and its protected coves offer some of the most peaceful overnight anchorages you’ll find anywhere along the Croatia coast. You won’t find rows of shops or buzzing nightspots here. Instead, you’re greeted by a nature park filled with wild herbs and pines, silent swimming spots, and coves where the wind seems to hush out of respect.
This is a dream for sailors looking to spend a night under the stars without the hum of a town nearby. It’s one of the best islands in Croatia for couples or solo adventurers chasing quietude. If your idea of island luxury involves still water, natural shade, and maybe a dolphin at sunrise, then make room on your itinerary for Šćedro.
Silba – A Car-Free Gem
Between the northern Dalmatian coast and the open Adriatic lies Silba, an island so tranquil that even bicycles are discouraged during peak summer hours. Known as the “island of love and light,” it offers something rare in the modern Mediterranean: total calm. Silba is one of the best Croatian islands near Zadar for those looking to disconnect. No cars, no buildings over two stories, no chain hotels—just sun-dappled trails, artist-run cafés, and locals who know your boat’s name before you dock.
The harbor moorings here fill up quickly in summer, but arriving early is worth the effort. Whether you’re walking hand-in-hand through the pine forest to hidden coves or lingering over coffee while sea breezes stir the tamarisk trees, Silba lets you breathe deeply. If you’re wondering which Croatian island to visit to genuinely unwind, this one is pure therapy.
Lastovo – Stargazers and Sailors Who Like Their Space
Among the furthest inhabited islands off Croatia, Lastovo is a sanctuary of space, silence, and stargazing. This remote jewel, part of a protected nature park, rewards those who sail the extra miles with dark skies, untouched beaches, and one of the most pristine environments in the Adriatic. Pine forests cloak its dramatic cliffs, while underwater caves and coves beckon curious divers.
It’s a destination suited to longer charters, especially for those interested in Croatian island hopping without the crowds. Lastovo is wild but not hostile, remote but not unwelcoming. Come here to unplug fully, to float under galaxies of stars, and to remember that the best part of Croatia to visit might just be the parts without WiFi.
Kornat – The Archipelago’s Epicentre
Stark and surreal, Kornat is the largest of the Kornati Islands, a hauntingly beautiful archipelago that’s unlike anywhere else on the Croatia islands map. Its hills are mostly bare, its surface sunburnt and wind-shaped, yet the sailing here is superb. This is no place for glitz or high fashion—Kornat calls to the adventurous, the photographers, and the sailors with salt in their veins.
Despite having no permanent residents, a handful of seasonal konobas offer freshly grilled seafood and rakija that tastes like the sun. Anchorages are plentiful, and the surrounding national park islands provide ample opportunities for secluded swims and moonlit dinners on deck. Kornat is a must-see if you’re island hopping in Croatia with a taste for wild beauty.
Zlarin – Where Coral Diving Meets Laid-Back Culture
Not far from Šibenik, Zlarin quietly upholds centuries of coral harvesting tradition. It’s an island that blends craftsmanship and culture with sea-lapped charm. Like Silba, Zlarin is car-free, its narrow lanes lined with old stone houses and sun-faded shutters. You’ll find local jewelry shops selling coral pieces, olive groves on the edge of the village, and a harbor perfect for easy mooring.
Zlarin feels both rustic and warm—a perfect pause for Croatian island hoppers who want less tourist gloss and more genuine welcome. Its slower pace makes it ideal for families, creative souls, and those seeking the human stories beneath the postcard scenes.
Susak – The Sand Island
Among the most unusual Croatian islands, Susak breaks all the rules. Located in the northern Adriatic, this island is composed almost entirely of sand and covered in terraced vineyards. It looks more Greek than Dalmatian and even sounds different—the local dialect is unique, an echo of ancient settlers and island isolation.
For sailors, Susak offers a soft landing—literally. Its beaches are sandy and shallow, ideal for families or anyone craving a change from the pebbly norm. Susak’s houses are colorful, its customs deeply rooted, and its allure unforgettable. It’s often named a best island in Croatia for beach lovers and culture seekers alike.
Pašman – A Gem Close to the Mainland
Too often overshadowed by its neighbor Ugljan, Pašman is one of those Croatia islands many skip—mistakenly. Situated close to Zadar, it offers everything a sailing stop should: clean anchorages, scenic hill hikes, charming taverns, and locals who still make time for conversation. The western side boasts views toward the Kornati, while the eastern face turns peacefully toward the mainland.
Pašman isn’t flashy, and that’s its gift. It’s one of the best parts of Croatia to visit for those who value sunsets over cocktails, morning swims over DJs, and peaceful harbors over party ports.
Premuda – Diver’s Paradise
Tiny Premuda is a diver’s dream, known primarily for The Cathedral, a vast underwater cave system that draws scuba enthusiasts from around the world. But even above the surface, Premuda holds its own. The anchorage is calm, and the moorings, though limited, provide a great base for quiet nights and island strolls.
It’s a destination where exploration reigns. Whether you’re paddling along sea cliffs or diving beneath them, Premuda is among the top Croatian islands to visit if you’re looking for your next favorite undiscovered spot.
Iž – Authentic, Welcoming and Peaceful
Tucked between Ugljan and Dugi Otok, Iž might be small, but it’s got heart. There are just two villages—Veli Iž and Mali Iž—and a scattering of konobas, cafés, and local bakeries. The rest of the island is pine groves, beaches, and the sweet sounds of nothing.
This is where you linger over morning coffee at the harbor, chat with fishermen as they mend their nets, and marvel at how easy it feels to slow down. For those searching for an authentic slice of island life, Iž is one of the best islands in Croatia to truly unwind.
Unije – A Tiny Island That Gets It Right
Some places make you whisper, “We should’ve stayed longer.” Unije is one of those. This little Croatian island near Lošinj is quiet, car-free, and vibrantly alive with wildflowers, clear water, and pastel houses stacked like soft confetti against the sea.
There’s not much here—just a village, a bakery, and the gentle rhythm of days defined by swims and strolls. But that’s precisely why Unije earns its spot among the best Croatia islands for sailors who value soul over flash. It’s a simple place, done perfectly.
Sail Croatia Like a Local
The Croatia islands offer something rare: a sailing destination where ancient culture, natural beauty, and quietude still prevail—if you know where to look. From stargazing in Lastovo to sandy strolls on Susak, coral diving in Zlarin to lazy afternoons in Iž, these hidden gems reveal a deeper magic than any nightclub or cruise stop ever could.
So, forget the crowds. Set a new course. And when you’re ready to sail these off-the-beaten-path waters, do it with a partner who knows the coast inside out.
Want to skip the crowds? Charter with Borrow A Boat and island hop Croatia like a local – to the coves, hidden harbors and destinations most tourists never hear of, let alone find.