Vis Island in Croatia: why it is called the new tourist hit of 2026.

Vis Island - an incredible gem of Croatia

According to The Sun: Vis Island is one of the most beautiful places in the world that usually goes unnoticed by tourists.

However, this Croatian treasure has made it to Intrepid's Not Hot List 2026, which encourages travelers to avoid popular locations. Vis is famous for its beautiful beaches and almost nonexistent crowds of vacationers.

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Vis is located in the Adriatic Sea about 30 nautical miles southwest of Split.

Unique history and new opportunities

This island once served as a military base from the 1940s to the 1980s, and now around 3,000 residents live here.

The charm of Vis lies not only in its small population but also in its status as the least visited island in Croatia.

Last year, the island welcomed about 28,000 tourists, while the popular island of Hvar hosted 195,000 vacationers.

However, Vis may soon become more popular as a new tourism campaign focuses on the island's slow tourism.

Intrepid noted:

“Responding to the growing crowds of tourists in Dubrovnik and Hvar, Croatia is redirecting attention to Vis Island, a peaceful refuge ready to welcome more travelers in 2026.”

Very Dropplich, Intrepid's product manager for Western Europe, added:

“This island is free from long lines and crowds, which eliminates the stress often associated with popular destinations.”

Next year, new hiking and cycling trails, as well as a museum, will open in Vis.

On the island, you can engage in a variety of activities such as rock climbing, spelunking, and exploring traditional villages and local wineries.

Alamy Tiwai Island was at the very top of Intrepid’s Not Hot List 2026 Intrepid Travel

Vis offers many wonderful coastal spots with blue waters, such as Stiniva Beach, Zglav Beach, and Silver Beach.

Even if you have never visited Vis, you may have seen it on television since the island served as a location for a popular movie.

Vis was used as a filming location for Mamma Mia 2, where it portrayed the Greek island of Skopelos.

There is no airport or cruise stop on the island, so to visit, you need to take a boat from the mainland, usually from Split.

Flights from Manchester to Split start at just £15 with easyJet, and the journey from Split to the island takes around two and a half hours.

Other places on Intrepid's Not So Hot list include Tiwai Island, known as a wildlife sanctuary in Sierra Leone and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Vis in Croatia ranks fourth on Intrepid's Not Hot List 2026.

Vis Island, with its picturesque beaches and tranquil atmosphere, is becoming increasingly appealing to tourists seeking to avoid crowded places. Its unique history as a military base and low visitor numbers compared to other popular destinations make it an ideal spot for those who value peace and natural beauty. With new tourism initiatives, Vis is open to new opportunities and explorations.