The secluded European island with no cars, magical blue lagoons and only 150 residents
THERE’S a tiny island in Europe that’s home to crystal clear waters and secluded beaches.
Drvenik Veli, also known as Drvenik Veliki, is an island off the coast of Split in Croatia, which is home to just 150 locals.
Located in the central Dalmatian archipelago, Drvenik Veli is only 2km away from the Croatian mainland.
It takes just 50 minutes by boat to reach Drvenik from Trogir, with daily ferry services costing €2 (£1.71).
Because the island doesn’t have any paved roads, cars are forbidden.
Holidaymakers will have to get by on other means of transport like bicycles, and their feet.
One of the island’s main draws is Krknjasi Bay, also known as the Blue Lagoon Croatia, which is located on the far side of the island.
Set between Drvenik Veli and two other smaller islands (Krknjaš Mali and Krknjaš Veli), the Blue Lagoon is a popular tourist attraction.
Tourists have praised how clean the water is in the Blue Lagoon, with a sandy beach.
Despite the praise from tourists, many noted how “busy” the beach could become with boats and other holidaymakers.
There are a couple of restaurants close to the bay, and activities like swimming, snorkeling, and diving are also permitted.
Nearby, there’s also the Junior Blue Lagoon, which has been described as a “nice little bay with clear water”.
Solinska Beach is the island’s other beach, which has also won praise among holidaymakers.
Because the beach is difficult to reach, visitors have described the Croatian beach as “quiet and isolated”.
The beach is a 30-minute walk from Drvenik Veli, and can also be accessed on a bicycle or a small golf buggy.
In addition to the island’s beaches and crystal-clear waters, there are a handful of other tourist attractions.
One of those is the Church of St. Nicholas, which is the second-highest viewpoint on the island.
From this viewpoint, visitors will be able to see the likes of Hvar and Šolta.
The island’s other viewpoint is a short uphill walk away from the centre of Drvenik Veli.
For both of these walks, tourists should aim to wear sensible shoes and be weary of loose stones and pebbles.
Accommodation options on the island are limited, with only a handful of villas available for overnight guests.
In the summer season, both Wizz Air and easyJet operate direct flights from the UK to Split, with prices starting at £25 for a one-way ticket.
There are over 1,000 islands in Croatia, which means there are plenty of other lesser-known spots to choose from, including Lopud.
The tiny Croatian island is home to just 200 locals, and just like Drvenik Veli, it’s also car-free.
Lopud has also won favour with the Beckhams who often visit the Croatia island for a holiday.
Here’s another amazing European island that is great for a budget holiday.