The best bars and cafés Îles Croates

Have you ever drunk a blue cocktail on top of a medieval tower? That's what this bar offers, if the climb to the terrace at the top of the fortress doesn't scare you. You can climb up the ladder. The effort is rewarded with a fantastic view of the sea. If you are afraid of heights, take your time... You can sit on the crenels. It's a pity that the music is too loud and that the drinks are so expensive but, once you're there, you stay for the atmosphere and the originality of the place. Other tables on the various floors are crowded.

The owners found archaeological fragments in the foundations. They drew inspiration from the thick Roman walls, installing beams on the ceiling, pillars in the center, exposed stones, clay and whole amphorae on the floor. They brought in contemporary elements that weren't too kitsch, a play of lights and imagined their establishment as an antique tavern with a garden. Good cocktails and grilled meats or wood-fired pizzas. An exhibition room in the basement traces the history of this original place.

In the morning, it's the ideal place for a coffee. During the day, cold drinks, ice creams, granités, waffles, snacks, deckchairs and umbrellas are the order of the day. Afterwards, the atmosphere slowly shifts towards the before-hours and happyhour, with a huge choice of cocktails. With music and alcohol in full effect, customers start dancing, especially on the lovely terrace. In the same festive spirit, the management has opened another venue, the Beach & Lounge Bar Auro, on the famous Zlatni Rat beach. Great atmosphere all day long.

You can't miss it, it's the last café before the sea promenade (hence the name!). A real neighborhood bar. The fishermen influenced the decoration, which is made of salvage, with in particular this boat at the quay in a corner. The bar attracts lovers of convivial aperitifs and good cocktails. The music is eclectic for DJ nights, concerts or birthdays. In short, there is always an opportunity to party here. The soccer matches broadcast on the big screen also keep people on the spot. Snack service is also available

Set back from the town square, this wine bar is located at the foot of the campanile of the Sv. Marija church. In its flowery patio, the place is just right for an aperitif. Try the slightly bitter tonic grappa (Travarica), those with medicinal herbs (Medica) or with nuts (Orahovica). These alcoholic drinks, prepared with white wine, honey, lavender and other herbal decoctions, are a Dalmatian specialty to be tasted. Natural drinks to be consumed in moderation, accompanied by very good tapas, hot or cold, or a hearty dish.

In an old village house, very well restored, is an original coffee shop. Run by a couple who love the navy, the place keeps a lot of historical objects of the European navy. Outside, in the alleyway or inside, very cozy, you can order hot or cold drinks, the coffee of Vis, 100% Arabica, lightly roasted, a wide selection of champagnes, wines, proseccos, beers and fruit juices. A bistronomy formula is also available (cheese and sausage platter, seafood platter).

After the Royal Navy's victory at the Battle of Vis (1811), the British built fortifications on the island, the largest of which is this one. After its restoration, it could have been turned into a museum, but the option of opening a café-bar-restaurant-nightclub was more promising. In just a few years, it has become the most chic address on the island. The climb up to the site is a pleasant hike. The panoramic view from this promontory is superb, especially at sunset. Please check opening times, as the site is often privatized.

You'll remember the terrace of this café long after you've left the island of Lastovo. Located at the edge of Lastovo village, before the descent to the beaches of Mihajla and Lucica, this little café overlooks the sea. From the tables on the sunny terrace, the view is lost between the blue of the sea and the blue of the sky. Order a coffee and croissant to start your day, before heading off to the nearby fruit and vegetable market. In the evening, the atmosphere is livelier. But we much prefer this bar during the day.

Located in the Place du Forum, this popular and friendly pub has been open since 1996. It is renowned for its regional and international beers, cocktails made with style and precision, sometimes served in a carafe to be shared by several people, such as the raspberry-flavoured Negroni, for those who like the sweet combinations of fruit cream and bitter Campari, on a vodka base. Gin and tonic drinks are also a big hit. To be consumed in moderation, of course! The musical evenings with the DJ can become very festive.

You can't miss it, it's the first café you see on the quays when you get off the ferry. It is also the most lively! With its strategic position, the Caffè Bar Maritimo attracts tourists who are walking around but also boaters, regulars and islanders. In the morning, in the afternoon, it's rather quiet but in the evening, with the musical entertainment provided by the DJ, the atmosphere can quickly become very festive. A place that one frequents throughout the day and which changes face as the hours pass.

One of Biograd's favorite hangouts for young people. This large café-restaurant-club is famous for its cocktails, but you can also eat good fisherman's cooking, have a nightcap on the harbour promenade or spend part of the night here in summer with the music of the DJs. It's a place for everyone to come and relax at the time of day that suits them best. It's a great place to meet people, with a lively atmosphere and dynamic service (a must for all customers). Caffe Bar Hobos is a good place to party, without going too "overboard".

In this café-bar in the historic center, people like to sit on the terrace for a hot or cold drink depending on the time of day: the first coffee in the morning with the newspaper, the aperitif before lunch, the afternoon refreshment in summer. At the end of the day, orders flow in for cocktails, and in the evening, the bar comes alive and becomes more festive, with the local youth and tourists meeting. A lively place that should appeal to all those who don't mind the happy and noisy atmosphere. Organizes clubbing parties.

On the harbour, you can't miss it, it's one of the first establishments at the exit of the pier, right next to the art gallery. People come here all day for a coffee, sitting on the terrace watching the bustle of the docks. In the morning and evening, they serve cold drinks, cocktails, pastries and especially ice creams, which are excellent and generous here. To be consumed on the spot or to take away. The customers are quite mixed between locals and tourists, it varies according to the day and the ferry rotations. Good atmosphere.

The number of beach bars and restaurants has exploded on this side of the port, along the Vela luka. The Roso was one of the first to invest the waterfront. It's open from morning to night. For breakfast, it's mostly espresso, fresh fruit juices, pastries. Then when lunchtime comes, it's time for pizza, grilled meats and salads. In the afternoon, the preference goes to ice creams and cold drinks, and in the evening, one appreciates the cocktails (a little expensive all the same!) as well as the DJs who liven up the clubbing atmosphere.

Situated in the ancient fortress of Batari, Frutarja wins the prize for the most beautiful terrace in Vis! Widely open on the ancient cobblestones of the seaside, the place enjoys a central location, with its tables overlooking the bay. As early as breakfast, you can choose from fresh fruit juices, smoothies and other milkshakes. In the snack formula, hummus club sandwiches are accompanied by a homemade cocktail, an iced beer or a glass of local wine. Friendly welcome, jazzy music and a flowerbed of aromatic plants.

A neighborhood bar, recently revisited by the new owner as a food & wine bar. It retains its good mix of young locals and tourists, all attracted by the musical ambience and the cosy, colorful feel of the place. The terrace is ideal for morning coffee and croissants, and cold drinks all day long. In the evening, you can enjoy live music almost every day, or rock concerts at weekends. There's also a snack bar serving salads, pizza and the famous makarun cake with macaroni.

The relaxed atmosphere, the thatched roof, the view over Mihajla Bay and the sunset over the sea: Mihajla's little bar is a magical place. In August, during the Lastovo Otok Glazbe festival, the bar often comes alive late into the night. On other summer days, bar customers play cards, chat, have a coffee or sip a gemišt (white wine and sparkling water) or a beer between two dips in the sea. Sometimes, hot croissants are also available in the morning. Ideal for breakfast by the sea.