Everyone tells you to visit Dubrovnik (and they are right, it MUST be visited, and I have an itinerary just for that), but Croatia has so much more to offer. And if you’re like me, you might be looking for less crowded yet equally stunning places in this country, perfect for your 2026 vacation.
Over the years, I have explored the corners of this country that don’t always make the front page of travel brochures. I’ve collected a list of destinations that still offer that authentic Adriatic magic – places where the water is turquoise, the seafood is fresh, the pace is human, and can be called hidden gems.
And today, I’m sharing my findings – the 10 best summer destinations in Croatia. Let’s begin!
Quick List of the Hidden Gems:
There’s a lot more to learn about each of my recommendations, but here’s how things stand, at a glance, if that’s all that matters to you:
| Destination | Best For | Vibe |
| Losinj | Wellness & Vitality | Active & Therapeutic Price Level: €€€ |
| Solta | Quick Escapes | Quiet & Authentic Price Level: €€ |
| Dugi Otok | Exotic Beaches | Raw Nature Price Level: €€ |
| Lastovo | Stargazing | Remote & Isolated Price Level: €€ |
| Pelješac | Wine & Oysters | Foodie Paradise Price Level: €€ |
| Murter | Boating | Nautical & lively Price Level: €€ |
| Brijuni | History Buffs | National Park Luxury Price Level: €€€€ |
| Mljet | Nature Lovers | Green & Serene Price Level: €€€ |
| Vis | History & Movies | Chic & Historic Price Level: €€€ |
| Rab | Families with Kids | Sandy & Medieval Price Level: €€ |
1. Losinj Island
Best For: Wellness, respiratory health, and dolphin watching.
Price Level: €€€
We’ll start with the island of Losinj, which is part of the Kvarner bay islands. The island is a popular destination in Croatia, offering a lot for the money – from more secluded places for relaxation to more active ways of spending your stay.
Here is a list of reasons that make Losinj a great choice:
- Mild climate, clear sea and the amazing Mediterranean nature make it an ideal place for everybody, including those who have respiratory problems.
- The island is ideal for fans of active holidays, offering more than 280 kilometers of cycling and walking routes, as well as various sports and water sports spots.
- It is Croatia’s only island where you can watch dolphins – some 200 of them are known to be swimming in the area.
- It was called the “Island of Vitality” by the Food Wine and Travel Magazine which considered it the second best travel destination for 2018.
I wrote an article detailing the best beaches in Losinj, so make sure to check that one out to explore your options.
Getting there: Regular ferries connect Losinj from mainland ports (Zadar, Rijeka). Travel time is approximately 3-5 hours depending on departure point.
2. Solta Island
Best For: A quiet, authentic retreat near Split.
Price Level: €€
Next is the lovely Solta Island, a quiet retreat located just a short ferry ride from Split (which has amazing beaches to offer, it’s true). What draws me back to Solta again and again is its genuine tranquility and charm, but also the amazing turquoise waters. Yes, there are some amazing beaches here, too!
To round things up nicely, medieval villages, local vineyards and family-run olive oil farms are ready to offer unique experiences.
The island of Solta is an ideal destination for a peaceful summer holiday in combination with relaxing activities:
- Explore the bays of island on foot, by bike or boat.
- Enjoy swimming in numerous amazing beaches and bays.
- Taste the native olives called Levatinka.
- Try the local rosemary honey called Olintio.
- Visit local winery Dobricic and taste their red wine made from the autochthonous Dobricic grapes.
If you want to get more in depth with the options here, check out my full guide to Solta Island.
Getting there: Ferries run frequently from Split, with a ride of about one hour.
3. Dugi Otok (Long Island)
Best For: exotic beaches and dramatic cliffs.
Price Level: €€
I really think that this year the real standout is Dugi Otok- famous for nature that looks like it belongs in the Caribbean!
It is a long, thin island (hence the name “Long Island”) that serves as the outer barrier of the Zadar archipelago. You come here for two specific natural wonders:
- Sakarun Beach: This is one of Croatia’s rare sandy beaches. With its white sand and incredibly turquoise, shallow water, it looks tropical. It’s perfect for families or anyone who prefers sand between their toes over pebbles.
- Telašćica Nature Park: Located at the southern tip, this park features massive vertical cliffs that drop 160 meters into the sea and a saltwater lake, Mir, which is warmer than the ocean and has medicinal mud.
There are no loud clubs here. Instead, you get sleepy fishing villages like Sali, where the locals are welcoming and the rhythm is slow. It’s the ultimate detox and I have a full guide to Dugi Otok that you should read before visiting.
Getting there: Ferries depart from Zadar to Brbinj. You absolutely need a car here, as the island is 45km long and public transport is sparse.
4. Lastovo island
Best For: Stargazing and total isolation.
Price Level: €€
When I first visited Lastovo, I felt like I’d stumbled upon a secret. This remote outpost is the furthest inhabited island from the mainland (along with Vis), and that distance has preserved it perfectly.
Lastovo is a “Nature Park,” but more importantly, it is designated as a Dark Sky Park. The light pollution is so low that you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. It’s raw, unspoiled, and quiet.
- The Vibe: Do not come here expecting luxury hotels or nightlife. The infrastructure is basic. You stay in private apartments, eat lobster (a local specialty) at small taverns, and swim in crystal-clear water.
- Chimneys: The main village is famous for its unique “fumari” (chimneys), none of which are identical.
I strongly recommend booking accommodation well in advance. Since there aren’t many options, they fill up with returning guests who know just how special this place is.
Getting there: Ferries depart regularly from Split and Dubrovnik, taking about 3-5 hours depending on the route. It seems long, but trust me when I say it again: it’s worth it!
5. Pelješac Peninsula
Best For: Oysters, world-class wine, and sandy beaches.
Price Level: €€
I am replacing the Makarska Riviera on this list this year with the Pelješac Peninsula. Why? Because Makarska has become incredibly crowded, while Pelješac offers equally stunning scenery but with a much more relaxed, “foodie” atmosphere. It is also the wine empire of Croatia!
- Wine & Oysters: This is the home of the Dingač wine region, where vines grow on steep 45-degree slopes crashing into the sea. Stop in the town of Ston to eat oysters fresh out of the water – they are considered some of the best in Europe.
- Prapratno Beach: A beautiful sandy bay surrounded by old pines and olive trees. The water is shallow and warm.
- Accessibility: Thanks to the Pelješac Bridge which opened recently, you can now drive here from Split or Zadar without crossing the Bosnian border, making travel seamless.
It is the perfect middle ground: you have the feeling of an island, but the convenience of the mainland.
Getting there: Drive across the Pelješac Bridge from the north, or drive up from Dubrovnik (about an hour away).
6. Murter Island
Best For: Boating and proximity to National Parks.
Price Level: €€
Known as the gate to Kornati islands, Croatia’s nautical paradise of 89 islands, islets and cliffs, Murter is a place you will surely love due to its amazing position and natural, traditional charm.
There are four settlements: Murter, Tisno, Betina, and Jezera. Tisno is famous for bridging the narrow channel between the island and the mainland (the bridge literally lifts up to let boats pass).
- Beaches: Slanica beach is the most popular sandy spot with shallow waters, but if you want privacy, head to the rocky coves facing the Kornati archipelago.
- Nautical Base: Because it is so close to the Kornati National Park, this is the best place to rent a boat or take a day trip to explore those uninhabited islands.
If this sounds like the right place for you, click here to read an in-depth article about this island.
Getting there: Connected by a short bridge from mainland Croatia, it’s easily accessed by car.
7. Brijuni Islands
Best For: History buffs, golf, and safari vibes.
Price Level: €€€€ (Very expensive if staying overnight)
Brijuni Islands are truly a hidden treasure off Croatia’s coast that I already recommended visiting in my Istria itinerary.
The archipelago consists of 14 islands, but Veliki Brijun is the main one. It was the private summer residence of Tito, the former Yugoslav president, and you can still feel that exclusive, diplomatic atmosphere.
- The Experience: You’ll find safari parks with zebras and elephants (gifts from world leaders), Roman ruins, and dinosaur footprints all on one island.
- The “Hidden” Trick: Most people visit Brijuni on a day trip. But the real magic happens if you stay at one of the few hotels on the island. After the last tourist boat leaves at 5 PM, you have the entire national park to yourself. It is surreal to walk among Roman ruins with only deer for company.
Getting there: Ferries depart regularly from Fažana, near Pula. The trip takes about 20 minutes.
8. Mljet Island
Best For: Nature lovers and silence.
Price Level: €€€
Mljet Island, Croatia’s green oasis, is less crowded, but still a great choice for travelers who wish to mix a beautiful, raw natural paradise with more traditional summer destinations on the Adriatic’s coast.
The island’s standout feature is its two saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero, which are a must visit. Read more about what the island offers in my full travel guide to Mljet Island.
- Activities: You can cycle around the lakes (the path is flat and shaded), kayak to the tiny St. Mary’s Island in the middle of the big lake, or swim in the warm waters.
- Odysseus Cave: For the adventurous, hike down to this sea cave on the south side of the island. Legend says Odysseus was shipwrecked here for seven years. The neon blue light inside the cave is mesmerizing.
Getting there: Regular ferries run from Dubrovnik (approx. 2 hours).
9. Vis Island
Best For: Foodies, history, and movie fans.
Price Level: €€€
Vis Island has only recently begun receiving more attention, but it can still be considered a hidden gem (an interesting one, if you consider that it was a military base closed to tourists until 1989).
Today, it is chic, slightly more expensive, and incredibly beautiful.
- Hollywood Fame: You might recognize Vis as the filming location for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
- Must-Dos: Visit the Stiniva Cove (often voted best beach in Europe), but go early to avoid the boats. For history, take a “Military Tour” to see the submarine tunnels and bunkers hidden throughout the island.
- Dining: My personal recommendation is to stay in the Kut section of Vis town or in Komiža. Be sure to try Peka (meat or octopus slow-cooked under a bell) or the “Vis Hib” (a fig cake).
Getting there: Ferry from Split takes around two hours.
10. Rab Island
Rab Island is perfect for families. Known for its sandy beaches (and you probably know there’s not a lot of these in Croatia,) Rab offers shallow waters ideal for children, plus a medieval town charm and family-friendly accommodations.
Check out my full guide to Rab Island here and make sure to learn everything about its most popular spot, Paradise Beach.
And if you prefer something that’s less DIY and more “everything included,” I recommend checking out my article sharing the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Croatia – you can never go wrong with these!
Getting there: Ferry connections available from Rijeka or drive via mainland ports like Stinica.
Wrapping up
I honestly believe that Croatia’s true beauty lies beyond its most popular cities, and there’s a lot to explore. Start with my recommended hidden gems above, which are perfect for unforgettable memories.
I’d love to hear your personal favorite hidden spots in Croatia – share your experiences and recommendations in the comments down below!