Brač

Well-connected to Split by ferry and catamaran services, the island of Brač makes for the perfect offshore escape. While it makes for a delightful day trip from Split, you will see why opting to stay a few nights is a no-brainer as soon as you step foot on the island. Think craggy seascapes, rosy bougainvillea crawling over sun-drenched stone houses, and calming cricket songs ringing out from the pine trees. Despite its proximity to the mainland, the slow pace of island life pervades many of Brač’s main attractions, from the Blaca Hermitage and the Dragon’s Cave to the Pučišća Stonemasonry School. While you're on the island, try a walking tour through the Dolce Vita trail to see, touch, and taste where the country’s best olive oil comes from. Or hook up with one of the many outdoor adventure–sports companies for heart-pumping kayaking, climbing, windsurfing, or sailing. Although a visit to the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) beach, which is also a prime windsurfing spot, can seem a bit overcrowded, exploring the more hidden sides of the island like Bobovisće or Sutivan will reveal some of the most crystal-clear water in the entire Adriatic.