The Croatian coastline together with its islands ranks among the most intricately indented coastlines in the world. Of 1244 islands, islets, cliffs and reefs that have remained following the dramatic rise in the level of the Adriatic Sea around 13000 years B.C., today only 50 are inhabited.

This wealth of islands and islets attracts adventurous travellers from all over the world. Kayakers and yachtsmen never fail to be delighted by the smaller isles and their romantic atmosphere, and by the relaxed way of life amid such tranquillity and beauty.

Many island towns please the senses with their beautiful architecture and atmosphere, by their monuments dating from Antiquity, works of art in stone, wood, on canvas and on ancient parchments. Superb quality stone and highly skilled stonemasonry is a tradition on a number of the islands. Stone from the Island of Brac has been incorporated into towns, summer residences and many splendid works throughout Croatia, Italy and indeed the world. Along the coast you can find islands: Badija, Bisevo, Brac, Brijuni, Ciovo, Cres, Daksa, Drvenik Mali, Drvenik Veli, Dugi Otok, Elaphite Islands, Goli Otok, Hvar, Ilovik, Ist, Iz, Jakljan, Kakan, Kaprije, Kolocep, Korcula, Kornati, Kosljun, Krapanj, Krk, Lastovo, Lavsa, Lokrum, Lopud, Losinj, Maun, Mljet, Molat, Murter, Olib, Pag, Pakleni Otoci, Pasman, Piskera, Plavnik, Premuda, Prvic, Rab, Rava, Rivanj, Scedro, Sestrunj, Silba, Sipan, Skarda, Soline, Solta, Susac, Susak, Ugljan, Unije, Vir, Vis, Visovac, Vrgada, Vrnik, Zlarin, Zut, Zverinac, Zirje...

Buy your own isle, beach optional:

Pebbly beaches, crystal clear water - but bring your own generator. A string of tiny islands scattered off the Croatian coast are up for sale. Located along the country's pristine coastline, the islands are said to be attracting attention from people with deep pockets and a taste for privacy. The islands may be strewn with pines and olives but owners will have to pay extra to lease their own beaches, as they remain government property. Property in Croatia, is booming with brokers seeing a 20% rise in prices in some areas in just six months.

Croatia's Broker Real Estate are advertising the islands - which include a pair of twin islands and an L-shaped promontory - on their website. "For your money you get an island in an idyllic setting," Peter Ellis of Croatia Property services told BBC News Online. A 35,000-sq-metre island will set you back 1.5m euros, about L1m. Although he is not managing the sale of the islands, he knows the kind of people who might be interested. "People do ask about them, often celebrities wanting peace and quiet. But they are sometimes put off by the fact that you can't prevent anyone from coming to visit," Mr Ellis said.