Tourist Season in Croatia: Results so far

A year-round destination:

Currently, we are in August, meaning Croatia is in the midst of the busiest period of the summer season. The summer season was always a crucial period for Croatian tourism but the country has slowly evolved into a year-round destination. Now many tourists arrive in Croatia even in the first quarter of the year. Croatia has actually entered the 2025 summer season with fantastic pre-season numbers and there is a clear sign that the number of visits is spreading evenly throughout the entire year, not just the few summer months.

As reported by Croatia Week, Croatia’s tourism industry experienced a solid upswing in the first half of 2025, recording a 4% increase in both arrivals and overnight stays compared to the same period last year.

Between January and June, the country welcomed over 260,000 more visitors, while overnight stays rose by more than one million.

The Adriatic coast continued to dominate as the key draw, generating around 27 million overnight stays, a rise of 4%. Zagreb also saw growth, with 1.2 million overnight stays (+2%), while continental destinations together reached 1.1 million, marking a slight 1% increase.

As reported by Croatia Week, Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonči Glavina emphasized the country’s strong performance, stating: “All indicators – from physical to financial performance and transport statistics – are positive. We recorded over 260,000 more arrivals and over a million more overnight stays compared to last year, with air traffic improving by 11 percent overall.” (Croatia Week)

He further noted that revenue from foreign tourists in the first quarter saw an increase of 54 million euros, adding that coordinated work within the sector, supported by government strategies and legislation, is positioning Croatia as a year-round destination. Germany remained the top source market, contributing 5.8 million overnight stays (+2%). Domestic travelers followed closely with 4.0 million (+11%), while visitors from Slovenia (2.8 million, +5%) and Austria (2.7 million, +4%) also made significant contributions. When it comes to accommodation, hotels took the lead with 9.5 million overnight stays (+3%). Private household rentals accounted for 8.5 million (+5%), while campsites recorded 5.6 million (+3%).

Altogether, the first half of 2025 underlines Croatia’s steady tourism growth, showing strong demand across regions, accommodation types, and markets, with government policies and industry efforts reinforcing its position as a leading European destination. The country has truly evolved into a year-round destination. Still the summer remains the period where the highest numbers of tourists are noted, so let's take a look at how the summer of 2025 is playing out so far.

A record breaking June:

Right from the start June was a record breaker. Minister Glavina in a recent interview revealed that the month of June had a growth of as high as 25% from 2024. There was an 11% increase in arrivals and 19% more overnight stays. This clearly shows that while Croatia is a year-round destination for tourists, the summer is still developing as its offerings are top tier.

So far during the summer, the usual regions have achieved the best results. Croatia offers a wide array of experiences for tourists, and every single region has something to offer. The region of Istria, Split-Dalmatia county and Kvarner have achieved the best results this summer. The most visited cities so far are Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Zagreb, Split, Poreč and Umag. 

A slower July: good or bad sign

At first glance, Croatia’s July tourism numbers took a bit of a dip. About 4.17 million international travelers arrived, which is about 2% less than the same month last year. Their overnight stays also slipped slightly, totaling 25.95 million, down by 1%. Domestic travelers showed the same trend: 429,000 Croatians set off on holiday within their own country, spending 3.27 million nights away from home, again, a small 1% decrease. But here’s the twist, people are staying longer. The average trip lengthened to 6.36 days, a small but meaningful rise. Instead of quick visits, travelers are settling in, exploring more deeply, and soaking up the country at a different pace.

Zoom out, and the year looks even brighter. From January through July, Croatia welcomed around 12.21 million visitors, a 2% increase compared to last year. Overnight stays rose at the same pace, reaching nearly 58.71 million. So while July was softer, the broader trend is one of steady growth. And that little July slowdown? It may actually be good news. Fewer tourists at the peak of summer mean less crowding in Dubrovnik’s old streets, lighter traffic along the Adriatic coast, and a gentler impact on nature and local communities. For travelers, it translates to a more relaxed atmosphere, the chance to enjoy Croatia’s beaches, cities, and national parks without the crush of high-season chaos. For locals, it’s a welcome breather.

There’s also an economic silver lining. A more balanced spread of visitors across the year can help soften the dramatic price spikes that have become a summer norm. With steadier flows, restaurants, hotels, and small businesses can thrive without being overwhelmed in July and August, while travelers get more consistent value for their money. To sum up, sure July was a bit slower than usual but this is not necessarily a bad sign. It may mark the beginning of a shift toward a more sustainable rhythm of tourism in Croatia. A year round tourism that values longer stays and balance over sheer numbers.

What’s next:

Croatia’s tourism sector has reached unprecedented heights in 2025, cementing the country’s position as one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. According to official data, by 20 August Croatia welcomed 15.5 million tourist arrivals and recorded 79.2 million overnight stays, representing a slight but significant 1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. While the percentage may seem modest, it is noteworthy given that the country was already operating at near-peak visitor levels in previous years.

The diversification of services offered to tourists, paired with improved infrastructure and investment in sustainable tourism practices, has helped Croatia maintain momentum even in a competitive European travel market.

The record-breaking 2025 season underscores a long-term trajectory of growth, and government officials have expressed confidence that Croatia’s tourism will continue to strengthen, not only in volume but also in quality, ensuring that the sector remains one of the most dynamic pillars of the national economy.

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