Travelling to Croatia? Here are the best places to visit

Croatia has entered its summer peak season with more than 600,000 visitors staying across the country during the final weekend of June.

While this figure is slightly below the same period last year, tourist arrivals are up 5%, with overnight stays also increasing by 7%.

Sunseekers continue to flock to household destinations like Dubrovnik, which has recorded tourist arrival growth.

This deserves a mention according to Miro Drašković, director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, especially given the massive disruptions that have rocked the travel and tourism industry in 2026.

Speaking to Croatian Radio and Television, Drašković said: “All in all, we are still in the plus of 1%, which is satisfactory considering the geopolitical situation in the world and everything that is currently happening in tourism.”

Meanwhile, in the run-up to the three-day Ultra Europe festival in Split in July, where crowd favourites such as Calvin Harris, Afro Jack and Miss Monique will take the EDM stage, visitor numbers are more or less the same as last year.

The country’s appeal stretches beyond its famous “Game of Thrones” filming locations along the Dalmatian Coast, with the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) saying that its biggest draw is increasingly in the untapped locations.

Euronews Travel spoke with Saša Popovac, Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Tourist Experience Director at CNTB, to find out about the lesser-known destinations that deserve a spot on travellers’ itineraries, and the upcoming festivals and cultural events visitors really ought not miss this year.

When is the best time of year to visit Croatia?

For any traveller who is in two minds of when to book their trip, the advice from CNTB is simple: “No matter what season you choose for visiting Croatia, you won’t go wrong.”

The weather heats up in July, generally reaching 30C in the summer – although the recent heatwaves have seen temperatures of 35C and 36C. This is the most popular time for visitors to arrive, with the country’s sun and sea perfect for days out on the beach.

On the island of Brač, Zlatni Rat is a long golden pebbled beach that stretches into the Adriatic Sea. Famed for its fresh seafood and olives, the beach is the ideal escape for water activities, dining and reclining on a deck chair soaking up the sun.

For travellers who are not too concerned about getting a tan, the temperatures from November to February are mild – reaching no higher than 15C.

During the cooler months, such as December and January, the temperature drops to 10C. While it’s easy to associate Croatia with sun and sea, the country’s inland and mountainous regions are blanketed with snow during the winter, where visitors can enjoy ski resorts and sledging runs.

In the mountainous region of Gorski Kotar, the Platak ski resort overlooks lush greenery topped with snow alongside views of the sea. In the heart of the region, Čelimbaša combines ski with sledge runs with an array of slopes perfect for pros and novices.

“In 2025, the primary motivations for visiting Croatia remain the sea (92%) and nature (61%), which continue to be the most dominant reasons for travel,” Popovac said, adding that there has also been a spike in visitors coming for entertainment, festivals, city breaks, arts and culture.

Grand reopening of Villa Argentina

Debating on where to stay? How about checking into one of Dubrovnik’s iconic landmarks?

This August, the historic Villa Argentina will reopen following a multi-year renovation that has revamped the property into a luxury retreat overlooking stunning locations, including the Adriatic Sea, Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town.

The five-star hotel will offer guests 95 rooms and suites to choose from, while its sister property, the 13-room Villa Orsula, has also been restored as a boutique stay. Both are a stone’s throw away from the city’s historic centre.

Guests can also expect landscaped gardens with an array of native plants, direct beach access, plus space to unwind at the expansive Anima Wellbeing & Spa, which includes indoor and outdoor pools, a Finnish sauna and wellness treatments.

There will also be no shortage of culinary delights with several eateries championing local and seasonal menus. At LIZ in Villa Argentina, guests will be treated to the freshest catch of seafood. On offer are also local Croatian fruits, cheeses and cured meats at breakfast time.

While in Villa Orsula, Marea restaurant will serve up Mediterranean cuisine paired with the South American flair of Peruvian executive chef Roberto Chavez.

What’s on this summer and beyond?

Euronews Travel asked the Croatian National Tourist Board which events visitors should keep on their radars this summer and into the autumn.

Its top picks span everything from centuries-old cultural traditions and classical performances to electronic music festivals and international sports events.

Culture lovers should catch the Dubrovnik Summer Festival from 10 July to 25 August when the Old Town transforms into an open-air stage for ballet, classical music and theatre.

The Split Summer Festival is also recommended. Starting 14 July and ending on 4 August, the event, now in its 72nd edition, is one of the country’s longest running traditions for performing arts, offering spectators jazz concerts, film screenings and street theatre.

Other highlights include the Vinkovci Autumn Festival, which takes place every September as a celebration of Croatian Slavonian folklore. There’s also Špancirfest in Varaždin, one of Croatia’s biggest street festivals.

Sports fans who are up for a challenge can mark 16-18 October in their calendars for the Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3 Poreč. The triathlon attracts thousands of competitors and endurance athletes from around the world to the pristine landscapes of Istria, taking full advantage of the region’s mild mid-autumn climate.

Places to go beyond Dubrovnik, Zagreb and Split

If you’re ready to pack your bags but want to venture beyond Croatia’s hotspots, there are plenty of rewarding destinations where you can immerse yourself in local culture, nature and everyday life. Here are the places the Croatian National Tourist Board recommends for travellers seeking a more authentic experience.

“For those seeking additional inspiration and wishing to explore destinations beyond the well-known tourist hotspots, we would be delighted to recommend several lesser-known locations that offer authentic experiences, local charm and a deeper insight into Croatia’s diverse regions,” said Popovac.

Among the top recommendations are Hrvatsko Zagorje, just an hour’s drive away from the capital Zagreb. The region is known for its castles and fairytale-esque landscape.

While in Gorski Kotar, a mountainous inland region in western Croatia, Popovac described it as filled with “unspoiled green” – ideal for reconnecting with nature by taking a walk.

In Istria, Popovac recommends the hilltop towns of Motovun and Grožnjan for travellers with an interest in medieval heritage and hearty appetites as the two destinations’ gastronomy scenes are exceptional.

Among the dishes Istria is known for is soft cuttlefish paired with young beans, which is usually found on dining tables during the spring season.

While further along the coast, the Zadar region and Ravni kotari “reveal a lesser-known side of Dalmatia through olive groves, lakes, and authentic rural experiences beyond the main tourist routes”, Popovac said.

Šibenik, Croatia’s oldest coastal town, is an ideal place for those keen on slower travel.

Islands such as Zlarin, Prvić and Krapanj on the archipelago offer a car-free, slow-paced island lifestyle rooted in local tradition and culture.

On the other hand, the country’s inland Dalmatinska zagora (Dalmatian hinterland) offer some of the most authentic experiences through its natural landscapes, such as the Cetina canyon, while Konavle offers a perfect blend of heritage, nature, and local traditions just beyond Dubrovnik.

According to CNTB, these destinations all offer visitors a wealth of experiences through local life, culture and nature, which in turn gives them a high “value of time”.

“Overall, they align with growing demand for sustainable, off-season, and meaningful travel, showcasing Croatia as a destination where the most memorable moments are often the simplest,” said Popovac.