Coming to Croatia in 2025? Read our article about top trending Croatian destionations for vacation in current year.
Planning a trip to Croatia in 2025? You’re not alone. Croatia continues to grow in popularity thanks to its mix of seaside towns, islands, national parks, and historic cities. If you’re deciding where to go, these trending destinations stand out for their accessibility, family-friendly atmosphere, and authentic experiences.
From well-known spots to hidden coastal places, here’s where people are booking their Croatia vacation in 2025.
7. We're starting from Mljet Island
Mljet is one of Croatia’s greenest and quietest islands, with large parts protected as a national park. It’s still under the radar, but not for long. In 2025, more visitors are choosing Mljet for nature retreats, bike trails, and kayaking on saltwater lakes.
Why it’s trending:
- Ideal for digital detox trips and family stays with no loud nightlife.
- Eco-accommodation and small guesthouses are growing, especially near Pomena and Polace.
Who’s coming & what type of tourism is growing:
- Popular among nature-first Gen Z, sustainability-minded travelers (30s–50s), and families wanting off-grid holidays.
- Growth in green travel, multi-day cycling tours, and off-season exploration.
6. Straight to Šibenik and Krka National Park
Šibenik is rising fast on the list for travelers who want a cultural town with fewer tourists. The nearby Krka waterfalls are a major draw, but the town itself is becoming a destination—not just a stop.
Why 2025 is Šibenik’s year:
- New boutique hotels and renovated stone guesthouses are popping up in the old center.
- You can swim near waterfalls (unlike in Plitvice), and combine beach and nature in one day.
Who’s coming & what type of tourism is growing:
- Increasingly popular among millennials, adventure-focused couples, and solo travelers in their 30s and 40s.
- Growth in nature-based tourism, urban hiking, and mid-budget boutique stays.
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5. Never forget about Korčula
Often called a “mini Dubrovnik,” Korčula is popular for its walled old town, clear water, and relaxed pace. It’s trending for 2025 as more visitors skip the larger islands and head here instead.
Why Korčula stands out:
- Great for bike tours, family-friendly beaches, and local olive oil/wine tastings.
- Smaller crowds than Hvar or Brač, but just as scenic.
Who’s coming & what type of tourism is growing:
- Appealing to couples (30s–60s), quiet-travel seekers, and multi-generational families.
- Growing interest in cycling tourism, culinary travel, and small-scale heritage experiences.
4. Zadar and surrounding islands
Zadar is becoming a go-to destination for those who want a less commercial feel without giving up comfort. It’s walkable, good for families, and close to smaller islands like Ugljan, Pašman, and Dugi Otok, which are gaining traction in 2025.
Why it’s trending:
- People are choosing slow island stays over hopping from place to place.
- Zadar’s mix of Roman history, local markets, and swimmable beaches gives you a bit of everything in one place.
Who’s coming & what type of tourism is growing:
- Attracting young families, digital nomads, and travelers in their 30s–40s.
- Growth in island hiking, camping, and cultural travel with a local twist.
3. Hvar (beyond the party image)
Hvar is known for nightlife, but in 2025 it’s catching attention for something else: quiet luxury and off-season escapes. More families and couples are discovering its hidden beaches, hiking trails, and peaceful villages like Velo Grablje and Zaraće.
What’s new:
- May, June, and September are now considered the best months to visit Hvar, with fewer crowds and lower prices.
- Eco-conscious travelers are booking stays in sustainable villas and off-grid cottages inland.
Who’s coming & what type of tourism is growing:
- Split between Gen Z in spring, millennial couples, and young families seeking calm spots.
- Increase in eco-stays, wellness retreats, and hiking-based tourism.
2. Rovinj and the Istrian coast
Rovinj has become a top pick for those who want a mix of culture, good food, and Adriatic views—but without the heavy crowds of Dubrovnik. It’s especially popular among families and couples who want to avoid airports: you can easily drive there from many European countries.
Why it’s trending:
- The nearby towns of Poreč, Motovun, and Grožnjan offer wine tastings, truffle tours, and relaxed inland vibes.
- Many travelers are combining coastal stays with agritourism experiences in Istria’s interior.
Who’s coming & what type of tourism is growing:
- Favored by travelers 35+, older millennials, and Western European road-trippers.
- Growth in agritourism, cycling tourism, and food & wine travel.

1. Dubrovnik (but with a twist)
Dubrovnik is still one of the most searched destinations in Croatia, but in 2025 the trend is shifting from just staying in the Old Town to exploring the surrounding area. Places like Cavtat, Zaton, and Mlini are popular bases—offering more space, better prices, and easier beach access while keeping you close to the city.
What’s new:
- Families are adding zipline activities, sunset boat tours, and local food experiences to their Dubrovnik itineraries.
- Day trips to Elafiti islands and Konavle villages are trending for their quieter, nature-based appeal.
Who’s coming & what type of tourism is growing:
- Most popular with families (30s–50s) and couples over 35 looking for a mix of beach and culture.
- Rise in soft adventure tourism, gastronomy-focused day trips, and coastal eco-tours.

Final words: Where to go in Croatia in 2025?
Croatia offers something for every type of traveler, from relaxed coastal towns to nature escapes and cultural old towns. The most popular regions remain the same, but the way people travel is changing—more families are booking in shoulder season, more couples are staying outside big cities, and more travelers are seeking local experiences.
For visitors coming from Germany, destinations like Istria, Lošinj, and Krk are top choices thanks to easy highway access, strong camping infrastructure, and family-friendly beaches. Rovinj and Poreč are especially popular among road-trippers and those traveling with pets.
Travelers from the UK are choosing Dubrovnik, Korčula, and Split, with more interest in adventure tours, sunset boat trips, and quiet escapes in May or September. Direct flights from London, Manchester, and Birmingham make the south easy to reach.
Those traveling from Italy often stop in Rijeka, Opatija, or the Kvarner Gulf for weekend breaks. But in 2025, more Italians are exploring Hvar, Vis, and the central Dalmatian coast, combining ferry travel with boutique stays and authentic food.
The big shift this year is how people travel:
– Staying longer in one place
– Choosing eco-accommodation
– Prioritising local food and off-season quiet
Croatia remains a flexible, scenic, and rewarding destination—especially for travellers who plan smart and move slower.