Wonderful coastlines, hospitable people, wonderful Croatia

Since the country became independent in October 1991, tourists have also come to this land of islands and beautiful coastlines. In recent years, Croatia has turned from an insider tip to a magnet for tourists. The country includes 1246 islands. 47 islands are inhabited. The largest and most popular islands are Cres and Krk. But the smaller islands of Hvar, Rab, Vis and Losinj also attract more and more tourists. But the mainland with its national and nature parks has long been a synonym for relaxation and holidays at a high level.

The tourist development of Croatia

The number of tourists increases from year to year. 19,7 million tourists were counted who vacationed in the country in 2018. This corresponds to an increase of 6,5% compared to 2017. The number of overnight stays also rose from 2017 to 2018 by 4% to 106 million. According to the Ministry of Tourism, this is a new record. Increases were also recorded for 2019. The growth increases from year to year.
These increases are no coincidence. The country invests a lot of money in tourism. The quality of the accommodation is continuously increasing and word of that gets around quickly. In the meantime, the country has held its own very well on the world tourist market and besides summer bathing tourism, it offers a lot more. For example, the port city of Rijeka, next to the Irish city of Galway, will be the cultural capital in 2020. This shows how positively everything is developing and the country is committed to positive, sustainable tourism. Events such as the ZagrebDox, the international documentary film festival, are attracting more and more enthusiastic tourists and visitors to the Mediterranean.

Vacation on the islands or the mainland

The Croatian islands are among the most popular holiday destinations in Croatia. Crystal clear water and many hours of sunshine attract holidaymakers. Even if most of Croatia's beaches cannot serve with fine sand, the rocky and pebble beaches are a bitter beauty in wonderfully green stretches of land. And the increasing number of holidaymakers shows that a fine sandy beach is not everything.
On the mainland, the Unesco World Natural Heritage Plitvice Lakes National Park will make the hearts of every hiker and nature lover beat faster. Climbers and cave explorers are not neglected either. In the Paklenica National Park with its karst caves and its Velebit mountain range, no wish remains unfulfilled.
International events have been launched for those who are active in sports. For example Skraping, an international trekking race, for extreme athletes from all over the world. The event is organized completely with supplies and accommodation. Likewise the Dugi Otok Trail.
If you want to take it a little easier, you can cycle hundreds of kilometers of bike paths or follow well-marked hiking trails. Suitable for the whole family. All water sports are not neglected either. Diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing and everything that such a wonderful sea can produce is to be had in the land of the many coasts and islands.
The continuous tourist expansion is attracting more and more holidaymakers of all stripes. From young to old, from extremely active to active, from culturally interested to absolute connoisseurs of local cuisine and products.
For a long time, Istria has been the most popular region for holidays and vacations. Closely followed by the counties Split-Dalmatia, Kvarner, Zadar and Dubrovnik-Neretva. Another lovely area is Omis Riveria. Here, too, growth in the tourism industry can be seen.

Cities, luxury, wellness and cuisine

In addition to nature and the diverse sporting and cultural opportunities, the cities of Croatia are also full of charm. Picturesque alleys, bright colors and culinary excellence, city trips to this country are also popular. The hotels in Croatian cities and towns compete well with the luxury hotels in the world. Star cuisine, or simple food cooked and served at the highest level, slows down the time of enjoyment. No hectic rush, only peace and serenity characterize the cities and towns.
Wellness of the highest standard and relaxation of body and mind have long been at home in Croatian hotels and wellness temples. On the islands and on the mainland. There are at least seven restaurants in the country that have been awarded a Michelin star. Overall, the density of excellent restaurants is very high and is attracting more and more connoisseurs. The cities that have the most visitors are Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Poreč, Split and Medulin.

Myths and legends

The legends and sagas that tell of the origins of the islands, the Plitvice Lakes and the country's many cultural monuments are exciting and full of fantasy. Stories of Karolina, the savior of Rijeka or of the petrified wedding guests. The story of the dragon of Trsat and the horror of the cruel Black Queen, who is considered to be the creator of the Plitvice Lakes. There are also sunken treasures, as well as elves and witches. These stories are partly connected to magical places and invite you to linger and listen. Likewise the pirate stories from Omis Riveria.

Beaches for families, togetherness and solitude

The country is known and loved for one thing: for its beaches, bays and small paradises. Not only the beaches on the islands, but also the city beaches are certified with the Blue Flag. This means that the water quality and safety are absolutely green. Over 95% of the beaches tested were rated as ideal bathing beaches. Some beaches have already achieved a certain fame. This includes the paradise beach "Rajska plaža" in Lopar on the island of Rab. The beaches on the island of Brac are valued as a surfer's paradise and loved for their smooth, white pebbles. Romantic, hidden beaches and sandy beaches for the whole family, there is just the right thing for everyone.

Diversity and all options

In summary, the country is a fantastic country with a wonderful nature, crystal clear turquoise sea, with outstanding campsites and luxury hotels in the premium sector. With accommodations in the countryside and accommodations with family connections. Athletes, idlers, nature lovers and connoisseurs are always right here. The hospitality and the mild climate throughout the year speak for themselves. Holidays in Croatia are affordable for all budgets.
But that's not all. There are cities here that want to get rid of single-use plastic and the voices for sustainable and responsible tourism are getting louder and louder. Smoke-free beaches are required and Hvar introduced the beach ashtray. Young people in particular are committed to the preservation of their homeland, plant trees, organize climate protection protests and take care of nature conservation. Many tourists are also becoming more and more attentive and thank them for this commitment by paying attention to environmental protection themselves. Geothermal power plants and new water treatment systems do the rest.