From car-free Silba to the sandy anomaly of Susak, these seven underrated islands are best discovered at a slower pace—ideally at gulet-pace, now if you want to know what a gulet is, read on.
What is a gulet?
A gulet is a traditional wooden sailing yacht, most commonly built along the Turkish coast and now a familiar sight across the eastern Mediterranean. Broad‑beamed and usually two‑ or three‑masted, gulets are designed for comfort rather than speed, with big decks for lounging, shaded outdoor dining areas and cosy cabins below.
On a gulet cruise you typically anchor in small bays and harbours that larger ships can’t reach, swimming straight from the boat, eating on deck and moving between islands at a much slower, more human pace. It’s a very relaxed way to explore Croatia’s coast – more like taking a floating guesthouse with you than joining a conventional cruise ship.
These are the places where harbours are still small, streets are mostly pedestrianised, and days are spent swimming in clear coves, wandering between stone houses and watching the light change over the water. Increasingly, they’re exactly what travellers are looking for: slower journeys, fewer crowds, and more time to actually enjoy being there.
Drawing on insights from small‑ship and gulet specialists, here are seven of the most underrated Croatian islands for a calmer take on the Adriatic.
Slow travel has shifted from a niche trend to a mainstream preference. Rather than racing through as many stops as possible, more travellers are choosing longer stays, simpler itineraries and lesser‑known locations where the atmosphere feels more authentic.
Across the Adriatic, that often means bypassing the busiest promenades in favour of islands with no cars at all, just a couple of villages, and walking paths instead of nightlife strips. You still get the same crystal‑clear water and classic Dalmatian scenery – just with more space, more silence, and more time to enjoy it.
Šipan: The laid‑back neighbour to Dubrovnik
Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, just north of Dubrovnik, yet it remains pleasingly low‑key. Olive groves, old stone houses and a pair of understated waterfront villages make it feel a world away from the city’s summer crowds.
It’s an island that rewards slowing down: an easy swim in clear water, lunch on deck, then a gentle stroll ashore once the day‑trippers have gone. For those cruising this stretch of coast, Šipan often becomes a favourite precisely because it feels so close to Dubrovnik, but so far removed in atmosphere.
Silba: The island with no cars, and no rush
Silba is famous for being completely car‑free – and you notice the difference immediately. With only sandy footpaths, trees, simple houses and quiet coves, there’s an almost old‑fashioned calm to the island.
The mood is unpretentious and relaxed rather than showy. If your ideal Croatian sailing holiday is more about reading on deck, swimming off the stern and wandering into a sleepy village than about nightlife, Silba is a near‑perfect match.
Zlarin: Small, characterful and gently paced
Close to Šibenik, Zlarin is a small island with a long connection to coral harvesting and a strong sense of local character. Like several of Croatia’s quieter spots, it is also car‑free, which immediately softens the feel of the place.
The harbour is attractive without being overdeveloped, the sea is beautifully clear, and there’s a sense that people come here specifically to disconnect. Zlarin is a useful reminder that some of Croatia’s most rewarding stops are the ones that rarely make the headlines.
Prvić: An island of two villages and timeless charm
Prvić is tiny, unspoilt and quietly full of charm. Its two villages, Prvić Luka and Šepurine, are linked by footpaths rather than busy roads, and the whole island feels pleasantly traditional.
This is not an island of big sights or late‑night bars. Instead, it’s about a pretty harbour, weathered stone buildings and an easygoing atmosphere that naturally makes you slow down. For gulet and small‑ship guests exploring the Dalmatian coast, Prvić is a gentle, peaceful pause between busier ports.
See a gulet in action – this is the kind of traditional wooden yacht you’d be sailing between these islands.
Susak: A sandy, softly shaped anomaly
Susak stands out immediately from most Croatian islands. Instead of the familiar rocky coastline, it is shaped by sand – soft, pale and almost dreamlike in places.
The island is also pedestrian‑only, adding to the sense that you’ve stepped into a different world.
Its unusual landscape and distinctive character mean Susak tends to stay just under the radar. For travellers specifically seeking Croatian islands that feel genuinely different to the norm, this is one that deserves a place high on the list.
Koločep: Peaceful coves right on Dubrovnik’s doorstep
Koločep is one of the closest islands to Dubrovnik, yet can still feel surprisingly serene. Pine forests, walking trails, sheltered coves and small bays make it a natural fit for a gentler day on the water.
It’s a good example of how exploring Croatia by sea changes your perspective. Places that look like quick stops on the map can easily become the most memorable parts of a journey when you arrive by boat, anchor in a calm bay and explore at your own speed.
Lopud: A green, elegant and car‑free island
Soft, green and quietly elegant, Lopud is another car‑free island where the calm feels carefully preserved. A graceful waterfront promenade, historic buildings and one of the region’s better‑known sandy beaches give it a little more profile than some of the others on this list, but it still manages to feel relaxed.
Visit as part of a sailing itinerary, rather than on a rushed day trip, and you see a different side to Lopud: early‑morning swims before the ferries arrive, tranquil walks inland, and long dinners overlooking the harbour as things quieten down again.
A different way to experience the Adriatic
As demand grows for slower, less crowded escapes, Croatia’s smaller islands are starting to attract more attention from travellers willing to look beyond the obvious hotspots.
For anyone ready to swap packed promenades for peaceful harbours and simple, unhurried days on the water, these seven islands offer a quieter, more understated side of the Adriatic – best appreciated at gulet pace.
“Some of the most memorable parts of the Croatian coast are often the quieter islands that people do not necessarily know before they travel. They offer a very different atmosphere to the better-known destinations, with a slower pace, smaller harbours and a stronger sense of calm. For many travellers, that is becoming a much more appealing way to experience Croatia, especially during the summer months when some of the larger resorts can be much busier.“
Yasmin Pekel, Blue Cruise
Quiet Croatian Islands
Explore seven lesser-known Adriatic islands perfect for slow, peaceful travel
