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When it comes to European islands, most people immediately think of the Mediterranean's most famoushello, Santorini and Ibiza. But if you crunch the numbers, the Croatian archipelago is the largest in the Adriatic Sea and the second largest in the Mediterranean, after Greece. Put another way? Within the 718 islands and 389 islets, you've got a lot of places to explorehere's where to start.

When it comes to European islands, most people immediately think of the Mediterranean's most famoushello, Santorini and Ibiza. But if you crunch the numbers, the Croatian archipelago is the largest in the Adriatic Sea and the second largest in the Mediterranean, after Greece. Put another way? Within the 718 islands and 389 islets, you've got a lot of places to explorehere's where to start.

Why we love it: Vis was closed off from foreign visitors until 1989, when it ceased being a military base for the Yugoslav army. As a result, this islandthe furthest from the Croatian mainlandis relatively underdeveloped compared to its island siblings, and that makes it a big draw. Once there, make time to beach hop (try Lucica and Srebrna ), climb Hum Mountain, eat fresh lobster in picturesque Komia, and take an offshore trip to the blue cave of Bievo.

Why we love it: The countrys most popular island for nightlife and yachters, Hvar is also Croatias sunniest spot, which makes its beaches (Lucisca; Dubovica; Grebisce) ever-packed. The island has a rich history, too: It was once an important trade base in the Adriatic, and its Stari Grad Plain, an agricultural landscape set up in the 4th century by Greek colonists, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why we love it: Krk, the largest island in Croatia, connects to the mainland by a toll bridgeand as a result, is also one of Croatia's busiest islands. Due to its rich history, the island is considered a "cradle" of Croatian culture: It was part of the Republic of Venice during much of the Middle Ages, and at one point, inhabitants spoke five different languages on the 156-square-mile island.

Why we love it: With sandy shorelines, olive groves, vineyards, salted lakes (Veliko and Malo Jezero), and dense Mediterranean forest, Mljet holds a reputation as Croatia's greenest islandand one of its most beautiful. It's also the most forested island in the Adriatic, and the protected Mljet National Parkmuch comprises much of the island. Local specialties here include goat's cheese, eel, and red wine.

Why we love it: Twenty-two miles long, the Kornati archipelagoalso known as the Stomorski islandsis a nautical paradise. With more than 140 islands, the Kornati islands are the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean, but surprisingly lack any permanent settlements. Both land and sea are protected as part of the Kornati National Park, which means the waters (and beaches) here are some of the cleanest in the country.

Why we love it: Bra may be best known for its white-pebble stretch of beach, Zlatni Rat, but there's more to do on island than just sunbathe. Explore the picturesque towns of Bol and Supetar; trek to the Blaca Hermitage monastery, originally established in 1551; and hike Vidova Gora, the highest peak on the Adriatic islands.

Why we love it: When Greek settlers first came to Korula, they named the island Korkyra Melaina, Black Korula, for its dense forests. Today, Korula is famous for its white wine (poip grapes are primarily only grown here), and the island features a mix of tangled woods, winding coasts, small fishing villages, vineyards, and olive trees. Its biggest town, the eponymous Korula, is known as "Little Dubrovnik" for its fortified medieval walls and narrow streets. Local legend says explorer Marco Polo was born here, and the site of his alleged birth is open to visitors.

Why we love it: Tiny Krapanj, at just 0.14 square miles, is one of the smallest inhabited islands of the Adriatic Seaand no cars are allowed. Most famous for its spuvari, or sponge divers, the island also draws visitors for its scuba diving, free diving, and spearfishing.

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Croatia's 8 Best Islands - Cond Nast Traveler