Korčula Island
Korčula is one of the closest islands to Dubrovnik. It has a medieval Korčula Town, a gorgeous mix of beaches, vineyards, villages, and quiet, harbor-side restaurants and resorts. Rent a bike or scooter and explore the island and its many hidden beaches. To get a unique local experience, join a wine and cycling tour of the Lumbarda region or hike the ancient Napolean path across the island.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Hvar Island
Party into the wee hours in Hvar Town, which has an international vibe and is surrounded by luxury hotels, bars, and restaurants. Rent a bike for less than $20 a day and pedal along a challenging route lined by fields of lavender, 16th-century architecture, and a family resort. On the Stari Grad Plain, you'll find ancient Greek ruins from the 4th century BCE and the quaint towns of Jelsa and Vrboska. And to get more views, take an off-road tour of Hvar.
Vis Island
Vis is becoming a popular port of call for sailors. Vis’ history as a Yugoslav military outpost kept tourism from taking hold for decades. This left the island with unique markets and kiosks selling produce, fresh-caught fish, local organic wine, and artistically bundled bunches of dried lavender. It is one of Croatia’s least-visited islands but one of the most fascinating.
Vis Town on the island’s northeastern end is the island’s main port. Komiža at the western end of the island is a fishing village and jumping-off point for boat tours to attractions like Biševo Island, the Blue Grotto, and Jabuka Island.
Jabuka (pronounced ya-boo-kah, translates to Apple Island) is an uninhabited volcanic island—a vertical rock formation. In between are breathtaking coves best reached by private boat, rolling hills covered with vineyards, and picturesque churches and villages. Diving around the island and farther out to sea is becoming a major activity around Vis.
Day sailing trip from Hvar - Vis
The best way to see the islands is to charter a sailboat. Most chartered trips offer only private week-long trips. If you do not have a week, there are full-day sailing tours. Join an excursion to Vis island, where the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. You can choose to charter a private boat for the day or sail with a group.
Expert tip: Outside of the major cities, Croatia is mainly cash-based. There are ATMs, but make sure to carry plenty of local currency on hand, especially when you visit Vis and the islands or countryside on the mainland.
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