This paper refers to Croatian island tourism embellished by beaches, bays, clear sea, professed with cultural and historical heritage in combination with intact nature. Except for all of the adjectives describing Croatian islands, it is necessary to also mention issues regarding island's inhabitants and the islands in general, their virtues and flaws. In accordance with the above mentioned, highly advanced island of Hvar shall be compared with underdeveloped island of Mljet. Paper envisages what island of Mljet should improve in order to become more attractive as a destination and recognized by the broad public. Additionally, this paper elaborates on geographical advantages of Hvar compared to Mljet, together with Hvar’s developed beaches, touristic offer, attractions, surroundings and management of touristic destinations for the purposes of achieving higher competitiveness. Sustainable development of islands, in desperate need for changes when it comes to economy, energy transition, desalination and environmental conscious, shall be covered. The final segment of this paper elaborates on effect which social media, tourism agencies and communities have on touristic destinations, how important this effect is and how much it contributes to their development and visibility.