Why tourists still pick Croatia « Euro Weekly News

Croatia’s charm remains intact despite inflation surging, rising accommodation prices, and even increasing restaurant bills. Croatia welcomed more than 2.5 million tourists on June 25th 2025 alone. The beaches are full, the ferries are packed, and cities like Dubrovnik and Split are once again buzzing with visitors. The numbers show that people are coming, and the question is, why? 

Croatia of 2025 is not exactly cheap. So what’s really going on? Is Croatia still a good value, or are tourists willing to accept higher costs in exchange for something else? Let’s look at what’s behind the numbers and what they mean for future travellers, residents, and the country itself.

The tourism boom 

According to the Croatian Tourist Board, the country recorded approximately 2.8 million tourist arrivals and over 13.6 million overnight stays in June alone. This is an 11% increase in visitors and a 20% jump in overnight stays compared to June 2024. 

The top five source countries? Germany, Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland — a steady core of regional visitors who tend to return year after year. Some of the most visited destinations include:

Dubrovnik — still the crown jewel, despite premium pricing
Poreč and Rovinj — Istrian favourites with strong family appeal
Split — a busy hub for island-hoppers
Umag — increasingly popular with mid-range travellers

Tourists continue to arrive, despite rising prices. In fact, for many, the extra cost seems to underline Croatia’s growing appeal.

Why travellers choose Croatia 

After adopting the euro in 2023, the travel logistics became far simpler for visitors across the Eurozone. Because there’s no more currency exchange to worry about, and EU travellers enjoy frictionless movement across the borders. But practicalities aside, the travel is worthwhile for the way Croatia: 

You’ll find Roman ruins just a walk away from sea cliffs in Istria. Croatia doesn’t separate nature and history — it blends them in ways that feel oddly seamless.
Down in Dalmatia, the sea is clean enough to drink — not literally, but it might feel that way. It’s no surprise Croatia keeps ranking high for coastal quality.
Compared to many tourist hotspots, Croatia still feels safe. Low crime rates help — but so does the overall sense of calm.

It’s just big enough to get lost, and just small enough not to care. That mix — old towns with Wi-Fi, remote bays with taxis — keeps people returning. The ferries are full again. The views haven’t changed, but the crowds are a reminder: Croatia still knows how to put on a summer worth remembering.