British tour operator Saga Holidays has ranked four Croatian island gems among the top ten most beautiful European islands

Four Croatian islands have made the top ten list of the most beautiful European islands, according to a study conducted by the renowned British tour operator Saga Holidays, which compared over 80 European islands. Among the Croatian islands, Korčula ranks highest at fourth place, followed by Mljet, while Lošinj takes seventh place and Brač eighth. The remaining islands in the top ten belong to the Canary Islands in Spain, with Portugal's Madeira also featuring on the list.

Furthermore, two Croatian islands—Mljet, taking the top spot, and Korčula in third place—appear on the list of the greenest islands boasting the most beautiful natural scenery.

"Croatian islands have always fascinated British travelers, and this serves as further recognition of their beauty, sustainability, and overall offering. The fact that two countries—Spain and Croatia—dominate the list of the most beautiful European islands truly highlights the unique opportunity we have to promote our country as a destination of rich diversity, stunning nature, and a balance between the environment and island life. It is particularly gratifying to see Mljet recognized in this regard, as well as third-placed Korčula on the specific list of islands with the most beautiful natural surroundings," said Bisera Fabrio, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) office in the UK.

As Saga Holidays emphasized, the criteria for selecting the top 10 most beautiful European islands included the environment—specifically the percentage of greenery—weather conditions (such as sunny days, rainfall, wind levels, and average temperatures), and the number of restaurants, cafes, and bars relative to the island's size.

However, Saga Holidays is not the only one to highlight Croatian islands as favorites ahead of the peak tourist season. The prestigious magazine Condé Nast Traveler also featured them, publishing a report on the gems of the northern Adriatic—Cres and Lošinj—and praising their beauty and authenticity.

"The author, Rick Jordan, a frequent visitor to Croatia, truly enjoyed his travels across Cres and Lošinj, and that sentiment shines through in the report, which lauds the pristine landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Both islands are portrayed as hidden Croatian gems well worth visiting, captivating travelers with their rich history and tranquil Mediterranean lifestyle," concluded Fabrio.

Source: CNTB

Photo: Zoran Jelača, Ivo Biočina