Tiny but beautiful European island named on world's 'Not Hot List' for 2026

Each year, tour operator Intrepid Travel names 10 destinations worldwide that will welcome more visitors in the coming years without losing their unique charm. For 2026, one of Europe's prettiest islands has been recognised as one of these lesser-known travel destinations.

Tucked away off the coast of Croatia lies the remote island of Vis, which boasts incredibly clear waters and beautiful towns, and, thanks to its decades-long isolation, has preserved its culture, offering a glimpse into an authentic Mediterranean lifestyle focused on fishing and winemaking at a laid-back pace. Vis was praised by Intrepid Travel as a peaceful retreat that prioritises locally-rooted tourism, offering visitors an experience a world away from the mass tourism that grips many of Croatia's cities like Dubrovnik and Split.

While the nearby island of Hvar - a well-known holiday hotspot - saw an impressive 195,000 arrivals last year, Vis welcomed just 27,518.

Nevertheless, the Croatian Tourist Board is keen to encourage more people to enjoy Vis and its offerings through its "Find your Pomalo" campaign, based on a phrase that means enjoying the moment and having a more relaxing time.

Vis has been able to maintain its hidden gem status for so long thanks to the fact that for many years, tourists were unable to get there. Vis was a strategic military site in the country of Yugoslavia. Before that, in World War 2, it was an Allied base. For this reason, it was shut off to the outside world for around 40 years. It was only when Croatia was on the way to getting independence after the collapse of Yugoslavia that it reopened to tourists.

Earlier this year, Joanne Lynn, travel expert at Riviera Travel, called Vis Croatia's best-kept secret and encouraged tourists to visit in the future: "A trip to Vis Town and Komiza, the island’s two main settlements, is a must, as they exude old-world charm with their stone houses and laid-back atmosphere.

"One of Vis’ biggest draws is the Blue Cave on the nearby island of Bisevo. Around midday, sunlight filters through an underwater opening, illuminating the cave in an ethereal blue glow."

In August alone, Croatia reported a record-breaking 15.5 million tourist arrivals and 79 million overnight stays - a 1% increase from the previous year. Dubrovnik stood out as the country's top destination, with over 1.9 million overnight stays and 615,000 arrivals in the first half of 2025.