Croatia’s Heart-Shaped Island Is Real (And You Can Visit It)💙🏝️

Where Is the Heart-Shaped Island in Croatia?

Galešnjak lies in the Pašman Channel, between the island of Pašman and the mainland village of Turanj. It is part of the Zadar archipelago, an area packed with small islands, clear water, and excellent excuses to be on a boat all day.

The island itself is tiny. You can walk across it in under ten minutes. There are no buildings, no cafes, no souvenir stands, and no one trying to sell you matching T-shirts. Just low greenery, pebbled beaches, and very convincing silence.

How Did Galešnjak Become Famous?

The heart shape was first recorded in the early 1800s by Napoleon’s cartographers, but it lived a quiet life until Google Earth noticed it in 2008. The internet did what it does best, and suddenly Galešnjak was featured by outlets like CNN and Forbes, with Forbes famously calling it one of the world’s most romantic places.

Even Beyoncé celebrated a birthday nearby, which more or less sealed its reputation as an island with main-character energy.

How Do You Visit the Island of Love?

You cannot just stroll onto Galešnjak, but getting there is doable.

Most visitors arrive by boat from Zadar or nearby coastal towns. You can join a small group tour, rent a private boat, or include it as a stop while sailing the Adriatic. Kayaks and paddleboats are possible in calm conditions, and yes, people do swim over, though that is very much an enthusiast choice.

Because the island is uninhabited, visits feel private even during peak season. Bring water, sun protection, and a sense of timing. There is nothing there to buy, which is honestly part of the appeal. For the full effect, a short scenic flight over the archipelago is unbeatable. That aerial heart view is the reason Galešnjak exists on so many proposal boards.

What Else Is Nearby?

A visit to Galešnjak pairs easily with some of northern Dalmatia’s best highlights:

• Zadar for Roman ruins, sunsets, and the Sea Organ that literally plays music using waves

• Krka National Park for waterfalls, boardwalks, and dramatic canyon views

• Kornati National Park for raw islands, boat-only bays, and unreal sea colors

In other words, Galešnjak works best as part of a coastal itinerary rather than a standalone trip. Think romantic pause, not full-day agenda.

Why Galešnjak Feels Like a Valentine’s Day Secret

Galešnjak is not about grand gestures. There are no restaurants, no hotels, and no itinerary to follow. It is just a quiet island, clear water, and the slightly absurd realization that nature accidentally created something more romantic than most humans ever manage.

For Valentine’s Day, that makes it oddly perfect. Whether you visit in February while planning a future trip, or later in the year when the Adriatic is warm enough to swim, For honeymooners, anniversaries, or anyone who enjoys their romance with a side of geography, it is hard to top.

FAQ: Croatia’s Heart-Shaped Island Is Real

Is Galešnjak privately owned?


Yes. The island is privately owned, but short visits by boat are standard and widely accepted.

Can you stay overnight on the island?


Camping is possible only with the owner’s permission. There are no facilities, so most visitors stay on nearby islands or in Zadar.

When is the best time to visit Galešnjak?


Late spring and early fall are ideal. You get warm water, fewer boats, and calmer conditions than peak summer.

Do you need a tour to visit?


No, but tours make logistics easy. Private boats offer more flexibility and privacy.

Is it worth visiting if you are not traveling as a couple?


Absolutely. The island is photogenic, peaceful, and genuinely interesting, even without the romance angle.