Everyone talks about Hvar, Brač, and Dubrovnik.
And yes — they’re beautiful.
They’re also busy, expensive in peak season, and often feel more like a destination everyone agrees on… than something you discover for yourself.
But as someone who’s from Croatia and has spent years traveling across it, I’ve learned something simple:
the best places are usually the ones nobody talks about.
The smaller islands.
The ones slightly harder to reach.
The ones that don’t try to impress you — and end up doing exactly that.
They’re quieter, more relaxed, and still feel… real.
No rush.
No pressure to “see everything.”
No feeling that you’re part of a moving crowd.
Just space, sea, and time.
These are the islands I’d choose — not because they’re famous, but because they still feel like Croatia before everything became a trend.
1. Silba
Silba is one of those rare places where time just slows down.
No cars.
No traffic noise.
Just narrow paths, pine trees, and incredibly clear sea.
It’s the kind of island where you actually hear your own thoughts again.
What makes it special
- completely car-free (yes, really)
- crystal-clear water everywhere
- very few crowds, even in summer
There’s no big “attraction” — the whole island is the point.
What nobody tells you
If you’re used to constant movement, this can feel too quiet.
There’s not much to “do.”
And that’s exactly why people who love Silba… really love it.
Also:
- limited restaurants
- slow pace everywhere
- no nightlife
What to do (realistically)
- swim (almost anywhere — the water is consistently clean)
- walk across the island
- sit, read, do nothing
That’s the experience.
Bonus (huge!)
If you have access to a boat or sailboat, Silba becomes a perfect base:
- Premuda
- Olib
- Ilovik
- Lošinj
All close, all worth it.
Who it’s for
- slow travelers
- couples
- people escaping noise
Who should skip it
- party seekers
- anyone who needs constant activity
If this is your vibe → Silba is perfect.
If not → you’ll get bored in 24 hours.
2. Mljet
Mljet feels like a completely different version of Croatia.
Green, quiet, almost untouched.
And then — suddenly — a lake in the middle of the island.
Why I love it
It’s not dramatic or flashy.
It’s calm.
You arrive, and everything slows down — but in a different way than Silba.
Less “empty peace,” more “immersed in nature.”
What makes it special
- Mljet National Park
- saltwater lakes (yes, lakes on an island!)
- forests everywhere
It’s not really about beaches here.
It’s about the feeling of being surrounded by nature.
What nobody tells you
This is not a party island.
Not even close.
Even in summer, it feels quiet compared to places like Hvar or Brač.
Also:
- things are spread out
- you’ll need to plan a bit (bike, car, or boat)
- evenings are very calm
If you expect energy — you won’t find it here.
What to actually do
- cycle around the lakes (best way to experience it)
- swim in warm, calm saltwater
- visit the small monastery island in the lake
- walk, explore, disconnect
Who it’s for
- nature lovers
- introverts (perfect 😄)
- slow travelers
Who should skip it
- nightlife lovers
- people expecting luxury resorts everywhere
- anyone who needs constant movement
If Silba is silence,
Mljet is nature.
And if you’re in the right mindset, it’s one of the most relaxing places in Croatia.
3. Murter
Murter is underrated for one simple reason: people pass it on the way to somewhere else.
Big mistake.
Why I love it
It’s one of the easiest islands to reach — and still feels like an island.
No ferries, no waiting, no stress.
You just drive over a bridge and you’re there.
That alone makes it very different from most Croatian islands.
What makes it special
- connected to mainland (easy access!)
- some of the best beaches in Croatia
- perfect base for exploring the Kornati National Park
And then there’s this:
Right nearby is Vransko Lake Nature Park
Completely different landscape — great for cycling, walking, and birdwatching.
Sea one day, lake the next.
What nobody tells you
Murter is all about flexibility.
You don’t need to plan everything in advance.
- beach day
- nature day
- island hopping
All without complicated logistics.
Also:
- it can get busy in peak summer
- some beaches are more crowded than you’d expect
but you can always move around — that’s the advantage.
What to actually do
- explore different beaches (Slanica, Podvrške…)
- take a boat trip to Kornati
- cycle or walk around Vransko Lake
- just switch plans depending on the day
Who it’s for
- people who want variety
- easy travel (no ferries stress)
- beach lovers
Who should skip it
- those looking for total isolation
- travelers who want a “hidden island” feel
Murter is not the quietest.
Not the wildest.
It’s the most practical — and sometimes, that’s exactly what you want.
Quick Comparison
| Island | Best for | Not for |
|---|---|---|
| Silba | peace & silence | nightlife |
| Mljet | nature & reset | luxury / parties |
| Murter | flexibility & beaches | isolation |
My Take
If you ask me, Croatia isn’t about ticking off famous places.
It’s about finding the version of it that actually fits you.
Sometimes that’s a busy island with restaurants and nightlife.
And sometimes it’s a quiet place where nothing really happens — and that’s the whole point.
And more often than not?
those places are the ones most people skip.
Some of the stunning photography featured in this article is sourced from the talented contributors on Unsplash – a platform for freely usable visuals that capture Croatia’s magic perfectly.
