CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?

5 hidden islands worth exploring in Croatia

1 ŽUT

George Bernard Shaw reckoned God created the Kornati archipelago out of “tears, stars and breath”, and Žut is certainly heavenly. Those who visit while exploring this string of islands seldom want to leave – not with the seafood being so good. Dine on fresh fish while gazing out at the waters it came from.

2 KRAPANJ

This remarkable little isle – the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic – hides just a short sail away from the city of Sibenik. It’s an oasis best enjoyed from the water, whether you fancy wild swimming or diving. You’ll certainly eat well here – try fish and octopus grilled over dried vine leaves and delicious squid-ink risotto, all washed down with a glass of the dry local white wine.

3 PALAGRUŽA

This far-flung archipelago hides Croatia’s most remote islands, and there is something of the Holy Grail about it for locals. Its most distinctive feature is the Palagruža Lighthouse, but there are plenty of beaches to enjoy as well as archaeological sites. Its walking trails and tall tales beguile, too. ‘Pope’s Field’ is named after Pope Alexander III, who was so entranced by Palagruža that he diverted course to venture out here.

4 LASTOVO

Having been shut off as a military base during the Yugoslav era, today you can delve beyond the curtain and enjoy a unique, remote island, whether hiking or cycling. Alternatively, just take it easy by relaxing on the pebbles at Skrivena Luka. The locals will tell you that Lastovo boasts the best lobster pasta in the Adriatic. You’ll enjoy finding out.

5 CRES

If you love your islands wild, remote and pristine, then this is the Kvarner Bay escape for you. Hide away in an off-the-beaten-track campsite, recline on a secret beach and seek out villages where time has stood still. There are also griffon vultures, whose breeding grounds have been protected here since 1986. A local guide can escort you into this natural paradise as you leave the modern world and all its cares behind.