Croatia has been named the “Best European Country to Visit in 2025” at the ITB Berlin world tourism fair — cementing its status as the croatia best european destination for summer holidays. This prestigious recognition confirms the Adriatic nation’s enduring popularity, making it one of the top choices for travellers from across Europe, including the UK.
The award was based on a combination of expert jury votes and traveller feedback, with Croatia beating other popular European destinations including Italy and Spain. The organisers highlighted the beauty of the Adriatic coastline, authentic gastronomy, rich cultural heritage, and the country’s growing commitment to sustainable tourism.
According to statistics from the travel agency Travel Family, a leading operator for holidays in Croatia, interest in summer stays in the country has grown by 10% compared to last year.
“Important negotiations took place with Croatian partners, including hotel chains, ferry operators, and regional tourist boards. The result is an expanded offering featuring exclusive hotels with premium services, new Adriatic cruise options, and a wider range of accommodation for families and more discerning guests,” said Martina Blahová, CEO of Travel Family.
Where to Go in Croatia: The Most Popular Destinations
One of the most popular regions is Istria, which is easily accessible — you can fly from London to Pula in around two and a half hours with airlines like easyJet or Ryanair during the summer season.
Particularly popular are resorts such as Poreč, Rovinj, and Pula, which offer a wonderful mix of beautiful beaches and a vibrant cultural scene. The Makarska Riviera, home to some of the most stunning beaches in Croatia, is also hugely popular, along with islands like Krk, Rab, and Hvar.
Families with children often choose the Kvarner Riviera with resorts like Crikvenica and Opatija, while younger travellers tend to head for cities like Split or Šibenik. In recent years, there’s also been a growing interest in Southern Dalmatia, including Dubrovnik, even outside the main summer season.
Check out our 24 tips on where to go on holiday in Croatia.
A Diverse Range of Holiday Options in Croatia
Self-catering apartments remain a favourite among holidaymakers, but there’s a growing appetite for more luxurious hotels with all-inclusive packages. Mobile homes and glamping are also seeing a surge in popularity. Interestingly, Croatia ranks as one of the top destinations in the world for boat-based overnight stays along the Adriatic. If you’re looking for great accommodation, you can browse options on Booking.com.
Getting to Croatia from the UK is easier than ever. Budget airlines like easyJet, Jet2, and British Airways operate direct flights from London, Manchester, and other UK cities to Dubrovnik, Split, and Pula during the summer months. There’s also a train connection from various European hubs to Split, which even allows you to transport cars and motorcycles.
Another growing trend is extending the season — more and more travellers are discovering the charm of spring and autumn visits, which offer a more relaxed atmosphere, pleasant weather, and more attractive prices.
You might also enjoy:
- Where to Go on Holiday in Spain? The Most Popular Spots
- Where to Go on Holiday in Italy? All the Tips in One Place
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
