Croatia, kayaking, islands, where to stay?!?

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Never been to Croatia. Really fancy going with two teens and hopefully see some islands and maybe stay on one. Just for a week to ten days. Anyone have any info or recommendations.
We like swimming int he sea, walking, kayaking, cycling. But mostly want to relax and for it to be some where pretty!

So grateful for any info. The internet seems over with so many islands!

Oh and we will go air bnb probably. No hotels or resort type places

Bump!

I have been to many Croatian islands, they are all great and have a similar vibe. You won't go wrong if you stay in one of the main villages on any of the islands. Bol, a village on the island of Brac is great, as is Hvar Town. Solta is also close to Split but much quieter (stay in Stomorska). Viz is further from Split but also good especially if you're exploring away from Viz town. If you want to head further north, Cres and Krk are lovely. I was less impressed with Korcula, nono beach in Korcula town. I would definitely recommend islands over the mainland, and staying in more than one place if you're going for more than a few days, the island hopping is easy and fun ( book ferry in advance if you have a car and are going in August, otherwise no need). You won't find resorts or high rises, and not many hotels, it's mainly family run apartments that are immaculately clean but have a certain Croatian 'charm' ie bizarre layouts, and old fashioned with doilies everywhere. You could fly to Split and back from Dubrovnik and visit some islands along the way as well as a stunning drive along the coast. If you flew back from Split airport, spending the final night in Trogir is highly recommended, v pretty and v close to airport. So much i could say about wonderful Croatia, I have such happy memories! Feel free to message me.

Ps Croatia doesn't have the best beaches, but is the sea is crystal clear and flat. However the beach in Bol is great, look up Zlatni Rat, it's a lovely 15 min pinewalk from Bol village.

Thank you that is so helpful

Do you think Bol would be packed in early July?

I've been in late June and it wasn't. Hvar town on the other hand was. Hvar town is the only place in Croatia that I wouldn't return to!

We were in Bol in early July and it was busy but not packed. It reminded me of Greece in the early 90’s. Loved it and will most definitely be going back.