May the 27th, 2025 – Volcanic activity probably isn’t the first thing you associate Croatia with. Did you know that there’s a far flung volcanic apple in Croatia called Jabuka? You can visit it, but it’s far from easy…
The exact number of Croatia’s islands, both inhabited and entirely wild, always appears up for debate. There are so many large islands, rocky outcrops, islets and faraway reefs that the answer always ends up falling on what you consider an island to be. To hell with the actual definition, apparently. Needless to say, we can all agree on the fact that this small country with the astonishing, long coastline has over 1000 of them.
Some are packed with humans during the summer, and are left close to bare by the time autumn rolls around. Others are called home only by snakes, lizards and birds. Others were forced up above the surface of the Adriatic by volcanic activity millions of years ago, and are named after fruit.
the volcanic apple of croatia is a protected paradise
The 4.5-hectare Jabuka, likely named after its round shape which loosely resembles an apple, is a strictly protected area. It is home to all kinds of interesting marine life, also acting as a refuge for nesting gulls and other seabirds. Marine biologists can often be seen exploring the waters around this island as its surrounding ecosystem is so rich. About 20 kilometres or so away from the distant but popular island of Vis, this rocky “fruit” of the sea boasts some truly unusual geological features. The sheer level of the presence of basalt highlights its volcanic origins.
Strictly protected as a maritime location, even professional climbers have a task on their hands when attempting to tackle Jabuka’s dizzying steep rock face. Those rocks are also very sparsely covered with mostly salt-tolerant vegetation and scrub plants which can cope with endless dryness and strong sunshine. Little else could manage to survive the harsh conditions there.
volcanic activity once shaped croatia’s glorious coast
The calm waters of the crystalline Adriatic are a natural lure for tourists from all over the world in the modern day, and have been for many, many years. That was far from always the case, however. Few realise just how much volcanic activity shaped Croatia’s marine world. To understand more, we need to turn the clocks all the way back to when there were no clocks, more specifically to the distant Miocene epoch. That’s about 12 million years ago, just for context. It was around about then that the Croatian volcanic apple of Jabuka first appeared, about 5 miles from the mainland.
Luckily, Jabuka is dormant and more than likely entirely extinct as a volcano, meaning that the climbers who do attempt to conquer it no longer need to worry about a lava-induced end. With no eruptions ever recorded in modern history, Jabuka is often utilised by maritime traffic, acting as a natural lighthouse of sorts.
the unusual ecosystem of the volcanic apple of croatia – jabuka
As stated, Jabuka has an unusual and rich ecosystem, and marine biologists are a common sight exploring the surrounding waters. It is home to rich coral systems, as well as mollusks and fish that aren’t so commonly seen closer to the mainland and human activity.
Pollution and tourism, particularly in the Croatian “flavour” of it, as well as pollution could irreversibly damage Jabuka and its delicate ecosystems. Outside of scientists and seasoned explorers, only passing fishermen tend to be seen anywhere nearby.
you can visit jabuka… but it isn’t simple
Jabuka’s strange position in the Adriatic Sea means it is situated more or less midway between the Croatian coast (and Vis island) and neighbouring Italy. That in itself makes it a bit of a pain to get to, with only private boat tours run by people very well acquainted with the entire Jabuka area making it possible.
Generally speaking, sightseeing trips to the one and only Croatian volcanic apple are solely for the aforementioned groups of scientists, researchers, and seasoned explorers with prior clearance. Rough seas plague this part of the Adriatic, making it seem completely different to the gentle lapping of the waves on the coast. It isn’t an island you can hop on Jadrolinija to visit, and you certainly won’t find it on Booking.com.
