January the 20th, 2026 – Travel loving Brits have taken to The Guardian and spotlighted two absolutely gorgeous Croatian islands to visit in 2026.
As Putni kofer writes, we might still be in the dark depths of winter and many people are focused exclusively on skiing and other snow related breaks, there are those who are already starting to plan their summer holidays. Naturally, Croatia is on the radar of very many, with travel loving Brits keen on two stunning Croatian islands in particular for summer 2026.
There are a million options, and sometimes you need a bit of a hand. This is exactly what the reputable The Guardian has been doing for the past 20 years. The respected British publication has now published its own list of the best destinations for 2026, and naturally, two Croatian islands are on it.
The first of the Croatian islands being highlighted for 2026 is the magical Silba in the expansive Zadar archipelago, which delighted reader Elaine. She describes it as a small island with no cars, with family accommodation instead of hotels. “Walk along shady paths through old olive groves, discover quiet pebble coves with clear sea for swimming, and for a beautiful sunset over the Adriatic, climb the Toreta tower,” she recommended for in The Guardian.
“Be sure to bring a snorkel! Stay at least two nights and book your return ferry in advance,” Elaine added. Stunning Silba is a true little paradise where untouched nature reigns, it’s an island that is said to have the most beautiful beaches in the entire Adriatic. One of them is the incredible Šotorišće, with a light sandy bottom and a crystal clear turquoise sea lapping the shoreline.
Silba’s only settlement is dotted with charming old captain’s houses, and the aforementioned Toreta, a 15-metre-high stone tower with a spiral staircase, dating back to the 19th century, is the ultimate monument to love, dedicated to the romance that once blossomed between sailor Petar Marinić and Silba’s Antonija Mauro.
The second Croatian island on The Guardian’s list is the magnificent Mljet, chosen by reader Mark. “In this peaceful oasis not far from Dubrovnik, pine forests descend straight into turquoise bays, and there is also the islet of St. Mary, located in the middle of the Great Lake within Mljet National Park, home to an old Benedictine monastery,” this travel enthusiast highlights.
On Mljet, he was particularly impressed by the warm summer nights spent under the endless starry sky, as well as the daily activities such as kayaking and walks along fragrant paths through the National Park. “This is an island where you will feel as if time has stood still, it is ideal for escaping stress and the crowds,” concluded Mark.
Mljet is otherwise the most forested and greenest island in the entire Croatian part of the Adriatic and one of the most incredible jewels of the Mediterranean. Secluded, untouched, and one hundred percent authentic. If your trip takes you there, we recommend that you definitely visit its famous Odysseus Cave. You will find it on the southern side of the island, and according to local legend, it was precisely here that the ancient hero took refuge during a shipwreck, after which it was eventually named.
