Wanderlust: Croatian Islands Most Desirable Region in Europe

Croatian islands earned the Gold Award for “Most Desirable Region (Europe)” at the 2026 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards in London, according to the organizer’s announcement on November 6, 2026. The recognition comes as studies vary on the exact number of islands—some cite 1,185, others 1,244 or 1,246—but the article emphasizes the shared appeal of Croatia’s Adriatic archipelago. Beyond well-known Hvar, Brač and Korčula, the piece highlights quieter, car-free communities such as Silba, national-park landscapes on Mljet, and Lastovo’s status as a candidate Dark Sky Park. It also points to UNESCO-listed Trogir and sailing trips from Vis on traditional sardine-fishing boats. Hvar has previously been recognized in the 2026 Conde Nast Readers Traveler Awards and the islands collectively boast UNESCO heritage. The article notes 50 inhabited islands and calls out lesser-known claims like Korčula being the first place in the world to abolish slavery and Vis credited with the birth of cricket in mainland Europe.