Croatia is establishing itself as one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean. According to data collected through the eVisitor system, tourist arrivals and overnight stays increased by 4% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. This positive trend rewards the combined efforts of public institutions, private operators, and local communities, who are working together to enhance the competitiveness of Croatia’s tourism sector.
Particularly effective have been the government’s strategies aimed at extending the tourist season, along with strong promotional activities in international markets that have successfully supported Croatian tourism.
Statements by Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, expressed satisfaction with the results achieved. “Compared to the same period last year, we have recorded over 260,000 more arrivals and more than one million additional overnight stays,” said Minister Glavina.
Looking ahead, Kristjan Staničić added, “We approach the peak season with optimism, but also with awareness of the importance of maintaining the balance between growth and the quality of the tourist experience”.
June strongly positive, Istria most visited region
The collected data clearly show that tourism in Croatia is not slowing down – on the contrary, it is in a phase of growth. From January to June, 7.5 million arrivals and 29.3 million overnight stays were recorded, representing a 4% increase compared to 2024. June in particular saw a significant surge, with 3.3 million arrivals and 16.2 million overnight stays, marking year-over-year growth of 9% and 12% respectively.
The Adriatic coast remains the beating heart of Croatian tourism, accounting for 27 million overnight stays (+4%). The inland regions recorded 1.1 million overnight stays (+1%), while the capital, Zagreb, reached 1.2 million (+2%).
From a regional perspective, Istria leads with 8.6 million overnight stays (+2%), followed by the Split-Dalmatia County (5.2 million, +3%) and Kvarner (4.7 million, +6%). Further down the list are Zadar County (3.3 million, +3%), Dubrovnik-Neretva (2.9 million, +3%), Šibenik-Knin (1.4 million, +7%), and Lika-Senj (831,000, +5%).
Among the most visited destinations in the first half of the year are the coastal cities of Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Split, Poreč, Umag, and Zadar, along with Zagreb, which continues to attract tourists even outside the summer season.
Strong growth from German tourists: +2%
Croatian tourism is thriving across the board. All key economic indicators are on the rise, from transportation (+5% for road traffic, +11% for air, and +4% for maritime) to fiscal data (+4% in receipts issued compared to 2024, totaling €2.99 billion, 13% more than last year).
Germany remains Croatia’s top source market, with a 2% increase in overnight stays during the first half of 2025. According to official figures, German tourists accounted for 5.8 million nights, followed by domestic tourists with 4 million (+11%), Slovenians with 2.8 million (+5%), and Austrians with 2.7 million (+4%).
As for accommodation preferences, hotels remain the top choice with 9.5 million overnight stays (+3%), followed by private rentals (8.5 million, +5%) and campsites (5.6 million, +3%).
Photo by Josef Gadermaier
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