Dalmatian Islands Travel Guide 2026: Hvar, Brač, Korčula & Vis

The Dalmatian Islands stretch along Croatia’s central and southern coast, reachable by ferry from Split and (for some) Dubrovnik. The main islands each have a distinct character: Hvar is the most fashionable and most visited; Brač is known for Zlatni Rat beach; Korčula is linked to Marco Polo and has a well-preserved medieval town; Vis is the least touristy with the clearest water. All prices in euros (€).

The main islands

Hvar

Croatia’s most popular island. Hvar Town has a Venetian arsenal, a hilltop fortress, and a café-lined harbour that’s one of the most photographed spots on the Adriatic. The island is known for nightlife (Carpe Diem beach bar), lavender fields, and upscale beach clubs. Jelsa and Stari Grad offer quieter alternatives.

• Ferry: Split to Hvar Town (Jadrolinija catamaran, approx. 1 hour) or Split to Stari Grad (car ferry, approx. 2 hours)

Brač

A larger island with Zlatni Rat — the most photographed beach in Croatia, a distinctive sand-and-pebble spit that shifts shape with the current. Supetar and Bol are the main towns. Good for swimming, windsurfing, and day trips from Split.

• Ferry: Split to Supetar (car ferry, approx. 50 minutes)

Korčula

A medieval fortified Old Town often called “Little Dubrovnik,” reputedly the birthplace of Marco Polo. The island produces Marco Polo wine and has several good beaches. Less crowded than Hvar.

• Ferry: Split to Vela Luka (catamaran, approx. 3 hours) or Orebić (Pelješac) to Dominče (short crossing)

Vis

Croatia’s most remote major island, former Yugoslav military base, and now the most unspoiled option. The Blue Cave (Modra špilja) on nearby Biševo Island is its most famous attraction. The town of Komiža is charming and relaxed.

• Ferry: Split to Vis Town (catamaran, approx. 2.5 hours)

Šolta

The closest island to Split — 45 minutes by catamaran. Quiet, with olive groves and honey production, popular for short escapes from the city.

Getting to the islands

All major islands are accessible by ferry from Split. Jadrolinija operates the main services; Atlas and Krilo run catamaran services. Key notes:

• Car ferries run to Supetar (Brač), Stari Grad (Hvar), and Vela Luka (Korčula) — book car spaces well ahead in summer
• Passenger-only catamarans are faster and more frequent
• Dubrovnik serves Korčula and the southern islands via separate routes

When to visit

• July–August: Full services, maximum crowds, highest prices — book accommodation 2–3 months ahead
• June and September: Best for combining beaches and walkable towns
• May and October: Quieter; some beach facilities closed but swimming still possible

Accommodation on the islands

Hvar

Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel — boutique hotel in Hvar Town with rooftop pool.

• Price: €120–300

Podstine Hotel — quiet seafront hotel 1km from Hvar Town, private beach.

• Price: €100–240

Private apartments and villas dominate the island — Airbnb and Booking.com have good selections.

Korčula

Lešić Dimitri Palace — the top accommodation on Korčula: a 16th-century bishop’s palace converted into five individual apartments. Exceptional design and service.

• Price: €220–450

Brač and Vis

Mid-range hotels in Bol (Brač) and Komiža (Vis) from €80–150; private apartments widely available.

Food on the islands

The islands follow Dalmatian cooking broadly — grilled fish, seafood, peka (with prior ordering), and simple pasta dishes. Hvar has the best restaurant range; Vis is known for its octopus under peka and fresh tuna. Most islands have at least a few good konobas.