The Dalmatian Islands aren’t just places — they’re experiences. Each one is a story carved in stone, soaked in salt, kissed by sun, and whispered through pine trees and centuries of wind.

Whether you’re chasing hidden beaches, medieval villages, olive groves, or seaside glamour, the islands off the coast of Split offer something for every kind of traveler. Some are sleepy and slow, others pulse with nightlife and history. But all are authentically, undeniably Dalmatian.

Here’s your guide to the most iconic Dalmatian islands — and how to explore them from Split.

🌟 Brač – The Island of Stone, Sun & Soul

Travel time from Split: 50 minutes by ferry
Known for: Zlatni Rat beach, stone masonry, Vidova Gora viewpoint

Just a short ferry ride from Split, Brač is often overlooked in favor of flashier Hvar or remote Vis — but that’s a mistake. Brač is where local life, tradition, and raw beauty still dominate the landscape.

The island is famous for:

• Zlatni Rat, the shape-shifting golden beach near Bol
• Vidova Gora, the highest point on any Adriatic island
• Centuries-old quarries that produced the stone for Diocletian’s Palace and even the White House
• Traditional stone villages like Škrip, Splitska, and Pucisća

But it’s not just history — Brač is also a place of olive oil tastings, hidden coves, and peaceful inland trails.

👉 Discover it all on our Stone & Soul Tour of Brač – a full-day journey through culture, food, and unforgettable views.

Want something different? Try the dreamy Art Therapy Tour on Brač or book a Flying Dress Photo Experience for iconic island photos with a twist.

🌺 Hvar – Where Lavender Meets Luxury

Travel time from Split: 1 hour by fast ferry
Known for: Nightlife, Venetian architecture, Pakleni Islands

If Brač is rustic charm, Hvar is Mediterranean glam. Known as the sunniest island in Croatia, Hvar has long been a favorite of celebrities, sailors, and history buffs.

In Hvar Town, you’ll find:

• A bustling harbor lined with yachts and cocktail bars
• The Fortica fortress, offering panoramic views of the Pakleni Islands
• Lavender fields, vineyards, and Renaissance palaces inland

But Hvar isn’t just for partygoers — it’s also perfect for romantic getaways, island hikes, and seaside serenity.

👉 Visit Hvar on our Hvar & Pakleni Islands Day Tour (coming soon), or combine it with Brač for a deluxe multi-island experience.

🐚 Vis – The Island That Hid from the World

Travel time from Split: 2.5 hours by ferry
Known for: WWII tunnels, Blue Cave (on nearby Biševo), peaceful beaches

For decades, Vis was closed to foreigners due to its Yugoslav military base. Today, that isolation is its greatest asset.

Vis remains wild, slow, and stunning — a place where time moves differently. Highlights include:

• The ethereal Blue Cave on the islet of Biševo
• Stiniva Beach, voted one of Europe’s best
• WWII military tunnels and hidden coves
• Rustic villages like Komiža and Vis Town

👉 We’re currently preparing Vis and Blue Cave Tours launching soon via Dalmatia Top Tours.

🐟 Šolta – The Quiet Escape

Travel time from Split: 30 minutes by ferry
Known for: Honey, olive oil, bike paths, peaceful coves

If you want to disappear for a day — no noise, no crowds, no rush — Šolta is your answer. Just 9 nautical miles from Split, this is a land of family farms, sleepy harbors, and perfect swimming spots.

Popular spots include:

• The fishing village of Maslinica
• Nečujam, where Emperor Diocletian once bathed
• Kayaking, wine tasting, and biking routes

👉 You can visit Šolta on our relaxing Blue Lagoon Day Trip, which includes a stop on the island.

🐬 Drvenik Veli & the Blue Lagoon – The Color of Calm

Travel time from Split: ~1 hour by boat
Known for: The Blue Lagoon, crystal water, snorkeling

While technically not an “island destination” in the classical sense, Drvenik Veli is the quiet gatekeeper to the famous Blue Lagoon, a shallow bay of turquoise water perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and floating away from stress.

👉 See it for yourself on our Blue Lagoon Day Trip from Split – lunch, drinks, and island time included.

⚓ Tips for Island-Hopping from Split

• Use the Split ferry port (Trajektna luka) – it connects to Brač, Hvar, Vis, and Šolta daily
• Catamarans are faster but foot-passenger only
• If you’re staying for just a day, opt for organized tours that include transport and local guides
• Bring cash — some island cafés and stalls don’t take cards
• Sun protection, swimwear, and water are must-haves on any trip

Final Thoughts – The Heartbeat of Dalmatia

The Dalmatian Islands aren’t just detours from Split — they are the soul of the region. From the echo of waves in a stone harbor to the taste of homemade olive oil in a hidden village, these islands offer the kind of travel memories that don’t fade with time.

Whether you’re after peace, adventure, culture, or beauty, there’s an island waiting to tell you its story.

🧭 Start your journey with us at DalmatiaTopTours.com

Let the islands speak — and you’ll come back changed.