Best Islands to Visit While Sailing in Croatia

Sailing in Croatia provides visitors with a panoramic view of some of the world's most stunning landscape. From aboard a yacht in the warm turquoise waters, travelers gaze at steep rocky mountains and a majestic coastline. However, that's not all. Sailing in Croatia also allows visitors to explore some of the country's world-renowned islands. And with over a 1,000 of them, there's no shortage of choices.

So, in order to help you narrow your options, here's a list of some of the best islands by category.

Best for learning to sail: Murter

Since we focus on sailing in Croatia, we figured this would be a good place to start. Murter, located just off the mainland, is a crowd favorite among yachters. Its abundance of surrounding islets and reefs offers tons of opportunity to explore while learning to sail. Each summer, the Adriatic Nautical Academy (ANA) runs a sailing school in Jezera, a town located in the southeast of Murter.

Best for local food and wine: Vis

After a long day of sailing in Croatia, you're bound to build up an appetite. This swanky summer getaway is known for its taverns and delectable Dalmatian seafood. And be sure to wash it all down with some of Vis's organic wines--white Vugava and red Mali Plavac--and rogacica, a potent tipple made from carob, which grows in abundance here.

Best for beach parties: Pag

Once praised for its delicious cheese, Pag is now Croatia's hottest summer party spot. As of 2007, Zrce beach, is the only location in the country where bars and clubs can operate 24 hours a day. Kalypso, Papaya, and Aquarius all throw popular after-beach parties, which transform into full-fledged dance clubs once the sun sets. Famous DJs such as Joe Montanta, Tiesto, and Armand van Helden have all performed at Pag.

Best day trip from the mainland: Lopud

Lopud, a tiny, car-free island, can be reached from Dubrovnik by ferry in 50 minutes or by the summer-only speedboat in 30 minutes. For many, this serves as a perfect escape from touristy Dubrovnik. With only 269 residents, Lopud offers plenty of untouched beauty. And if you don't feel like returning to city life come sunset, there are several family-run hotels.

Best for extreme isolation: Palagruza

Roughly halfway between Italy and Croatia, rising up out of the Adriatic Sea, rests the little island of Palagruza. With the lighthouse serving as the island's only building, you can enjoy untouched nature at its finest. And if you feel like extending your stay, the lighthouse has two two-bedroom apartments (minimum stay of a week). Be sure to bring a week's worth of groceries, though. There are no deliveries; however the lighthouse keeper will often sell fresh fish.