More than 1,000 idyllic islands line the striking stretch of Adriatic coast. Tony Kelly explores the favourites in Dalmatia.

With over a thousand islands off the Adriatic coast, Croatia is perfect for island-hopping. Even without your own yacht, you can visit the larger islands using the excellent network of Jadrolinija ferries, which operate throughout the year. Three of the most intriguing islands - Brac, Hvar and Vis - are all found in central Dalmatia, an easy ferry ride away from Split.

Brac
The largest island in Dalmatia is reached in under an hour, with boats running around 12 times a day from Split to Supetar in summer. Brac is famous for its white limestone, which has been quarried here since Roman times, and you notice straight away how all of the houses seem to have that extra layer of sheen. It was marble from Brac that was used to build the Roman emperor Diocletian's palace in Split , as well as the White House in Washington DC . There are still several quarries working on Brac today and marble sculptures make a popular souvenir.

Supetar is the biggest town on the island, but arriving from Split it feels like a sleepy little fishing village, with low-rise stone cottages set around a pretty harbour lined with restaurants and bars. Many people from Split have their summer homes here, looking across the water to…

The full article can be found on pages 30-39 of April/May issue.