As a late winter snowstorm barreled toward Washington, D.C., this week, my seasonally depressed thoughts turned to the Mediterranean climate of Croatia, whose island residents enjoy up to 2,800 hours of sunshine each year. It certainly isn’t fair to the rest of us, but it helps explain why the Dalmatian Archipelago is quickly becoming one of the world’s most desirable vacation destinations.

But with more than a thousand islands speckled along the coast, including 48 with permanent residents, planning a visit to Dalmatia can feel a bit daunting. Each island proudly claims its own identity and character, from Mljet’s natural splendor to Brac’s opportunities for adventure. However, if your aim is to blissfully explore charming towns and beautiful coastlines, consider splitting your time between Korčula and Hvar, two of Croatia’s largest, loveliest, and most easily accessed islands.

Korčula offers a wide variety of budget accommodations—including Accommodation Drasko and its unforgettable view—but Hvar has a well-earned reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. Still, budget travelers need not fear: with an apartment booked at Tri Sestrice, you’ll have an awe-inspiring view from your balcony and more than a few kuna leftover.

So if you find yourself island-hopping though the Adriatic, here are some incredible ways to spend three days.

FRIDAY

Marco!?

In 1298, a Venetian galley commander was taken prisoner by the Genoese near Korčula. During his captivity, the commander—a merchant traveler named Marco Polo—dictated stories of his travels through Asia to a fellow inmate. The eventual manuscript, The Travels of Marco Polo, soon spread throughout the continent, giving many Europeans their first glimpses of China, Japan, and much of the Far East.

It is in Marco Polo’s legendary (but unproven) birthplace, the old town of Korčula, where your long weekend begins. So spend the morning exploring the Gothic-Renaissance architecture of this beautiful fortified town, the narrow alleys of which were carefully designed to resemble the spine and skeleton of a fish.

Under The Boardwalk

Korčula’s stone walls, which date back to the 13th century, are a longstanding symbol of the island’s importance as a holding of the Venetian Republic. Today, those same fortifications are home to a parade of shaded cafés and, just below, some of the islanders’ favorite swimming spots. But swimmers and sunbathers take note: the rocky shores a bit more eastward offer lovely views of the town, while the sandy beaches (and quiet vineyards) of Lumbarda are only 15 minutes away by bus.

Where The Sidewalk Ends

Bring the evening to a close at Pizzeria Amfora, a tiny gem nestled inside one of Korčula’s cozy alleys. With a sidewalk table and a carafe of Croatian wine, you’ll enjoy a delicious selection of pizzas, pastas, and fresh seafood in one of the island’s most atmospheric settings. But don’t stay out too late—you’ve got an early morning ferry to catch (Ulica Od Teatra 4).

SATURDAY

Hvar, A Long Long Way To Run

Back in 384 B.C., the ancient Greeks colonized a new territory north of Korčula—an island that they called Pharos. Although Pharos has since become Hvar, and the Greeks were eventually replaced by the Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Venetians, Hungarians, Habsburgs, and Croatians, this verdant island has lost none of its international appeal.

In the years since, Hvar, its sparkling waters, and its endless sunshine have become magnets for the rich and famous. In 2011, Prince Harry made headlines after he jumped into a pool—fully clothed—at one of the island’s legendary nightclubs. A year later, Hvar town’s mayor granted honorary citizenship to the baby daughter of Beyoncé and Jay Z, whose name, Blue Ivy, was reportedly inspired by one of the island’s trees.

But while luxury yachts continue to fill the harbor, Hvar has managed to retain a delightfully relaxed atmosphere that even the most casual of travelers will appreciate. So hop off the morning ferry, drop off your bags, and take a short stroll west from the dock—you’ll discover that Hvar’s best spots for swimming and sunbathing are just around the bend.

Square Pegs

Recover from a long day in the sun on the shaded terrace of Palača Paladini, an island institution for freshly caught seafood and simple, delicious meats (Petra Hektorovića 4). Housed in a 500-year-old palace, this local favorite is also a stone’s throw from the outdoor cafés of St. Stephen’s Square, a perfect perch from which to enjoy Hvar’s evening splendor.

SUNDAY

Palmižana Sunday

Rise and shine with a morning stroll down to the harbor, where a fleet of water taxis await passengers to Palmižana, the largest of the Pakleni Islands guarding the entrance to Hvar’s port. With a picnic lunch packed, spend the morning and afternoon in Vinogradišće Cove, where the calm, blue water is ideal for swimming—and the surrounding woods perfect for exploring.

If you’d rather stay on dry land for the day, consider taking a local bus toward Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe situated on Hvar’s northern shore. Hop off at Velo Grablje to hike nearly five scenic miles back into Hvar town, passing the beach at Milna along the way.

A Room With A View

Following a period of uncertainty in the Middle Ages, the Venetians became Hvar’s protectors in 1278 and commissioned the construction of public buildings, town walls, and a hilltop fortress that remains today. To enjoy one of the island’s most commanding views, follow a series of switchbacks carved into the hillside above town—the short hike to the fortress will give you a sunset show you won’t soon forget.

Return Of The Macondo

Spilling into an alley two blocks north of the Pjaca, Macondo and its sidewalk tables are a favorite among locals for traditional, impeccable seafood. Choose from the grilled fresh catch of the day, or try the traditional Croatian gregada, a garlicky fish and potato stew. Either way, as the weekend draws to a close, you can be confident you’ve enjoyed the very best that Hvar has to offer.

A Few Notes

Whether you begin your journey in Dubrovnik or Split, both Hvar and Korčula are easily accessible with public transportation. From Dubrovnik, opt for the large Jadrolinija ferry to Korčula, or save a few kuna by taking the bus. Believe it or not, your travel time will be nearly the same. To travel between Korčula and Hvar, or Hvar and Split, the speedy Krilo catamaran is the surest way to go.

Budget travelers in Hvar: Meet Konzum, your dear local supermarket and deli. In a town of sky-high prices, you’ll be thankful for the ability to eat breakfast on your apartment terrace and pack picnics during the day.

Photographs

TITLE: Hvar town, from Tri Sestrice | FRIDAY: The old town of Korčula, from Accommodation Drasko; the alleys of Korčula | SATURDAY: The harbor of Hvar town; a swimming spot west of the harbor; the alleys of Hvar town; the sun sets over Hvar town | SUNDAY: Vinogradišće Cove; the Pakleni Islands, from Hvar’s fortress.