Page last updated: 18 June 2025
Croatia, renowned for its breathtaking Adriatic Sea, charming mediaeval towns, and vibrant cultural festivals, beckons travellers with its blend of historical splendour and natural allure.
How many people visit Croatia each year?
Over 10 million international tourists have visited each year since 2014, reaching a record-breaking 26.38 million in 2024.1
- In 2019, Croatia welcomed 17.35 million visitors, marking the highest number of recorded visitors in history.
- When the pandemic began in 2020, this number dropped by 68% to 5.5 million visits.
- By 2021, visitation increased by 93% to 10.6 million visitors.
- Arrivals in Croatia continued to rise with 15.3 million visitors in 2022 and began to recover in 2023 with 16.8 million visitors. However, this was still 3% less than 2019 (pre-pandemic).
- In 2024, international tourist arrivals reached 26.38 million, up 56.46% from 2023 and 52.0% higher than the pre-pandemic peak in 2019.
How many people visited Croatia in 2025?
- From January to March 2025, Croatia recorded 1,003,714 tourist arrivals, representing a 3.5% decrease compared to 1,040,319 visitors during the same period in 2024.
Monthly Visitors Arrival in Croatia (2025)
| Month | 2025 Visitors |
| Jan | 257,305 |
| Feb | 313,006 |
| Mar | 433,403 |
How many people visited Croatia in 2024?
- In 2024, Croatia recorded 29.25 million total tourist arrivals, comprising 26.38 million international and 2.87 million domestic visitors. This represents a 50.0% increase from 2023’s 19.49 million total and a 49.5% rise compared to the pre-pandemic peak of 19.57 million in 2019.
How much do tourists spend in Croatia every year?
Visitors spent over $16.20 billion during trips to Croatia in 2024. 2
- Inbound tourist receipts in Croatia generated €11.97 billion in 2019.
- This number decreased to €5.5 billion in 2020 due to coronavirus travel restrictions and fewer international visitors. This increased to €10.89 billion in 2021.
- Tourists spent $13.40 billion in 2022 and $15.80billion in 2023, a 32% increase compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic).
- Visitors spent over $16.20 billion during trips to Croatia in 2024, an increase of 2.5% from 2023 and 35.3% higher than the $11.97 billion recorded in 2019.
How much do people spend in Croatia in 2024?
- In 2024, international visitors spent $16.20 billion in Croatia, an increase of 2.5% from $15.80 billion in 2023 and 35.3% higher than the $11.97 billion recorded in 2019.
How much does it cost to visit Croatia?
- In 2024, the average visitor to Croatia spent about $800 per trip, or around $133 per day, based on an average stay of 6.0 nights and total international tourism spending of $16.20 billion.
Which countries visit Croatia the most?
The leading sources of foreign tourists to Croatia in 2024 were Germany, followed by Slovenia, Austria, Poland, and Italy.
- In 2024, Germany remained the top source of international visitors to Croatia, accounting for 3,071,567 visits and 11.64% of the market share.
- Austria accounted for 1,509,652 tourists, representing 5.72% of the total.
- Slovenia contributed 1,570,749 visits, making up 5.95% of international arrivals.
- Poland accounted for 1,127,508 visits (4.27%), while Italy recorded 911,059 visits (3.45%).
How long do visitors stay in Croatia?
- In 2024, tourists generally spent 6 nights exploring Croatia’s popular cities and attractions.
Economic Impact – Croatia Tourism Statistics
- GDP Contribution: Tourism accounted for 26.4% of Croatia’s GDP in 2024, up from 25.8% in 2023 and 25.2% in 2019.3
- International Tourism Revenue: Revenue from foreign tourists reached $16.20 billion in 2024, marking a 2.5% increase compared to $15.8 billion in 2023.
- Tourism Employment: While specific figures for 2024 are not yet available, in 2023, the tourism sector employed over 120,000 individuals in accommodation and food services.
What are the peak tourist months in Croatia?
Based on tourist arrivals, the peak months in 2024 were August, July, June, September, and May. 4
- August was the busiest month, drawing 4.69 million visitors, thanks to Croatia’s coastline, vibrant cultural events, and the peak of summer travel.
- July followed closely with 4.42 million visitors, ideal for beach holidays, island hopping, and music festivals.
- June welcomed 2.83 million tourists, benefiting from warm but comfortable weather and the launch of summer festivals.
- September attracted 2.28 million visitors, offering sunny days and fewer crowds, perfect for late-summer travel.
- May saw 1.94 million visits as travelers enjoyed mild weather, blooming landscapes, and pre-summer events.
When is the best time to visit Croatia?
- The best time to visit Croatia is from June to September for beach trips, island hopping, and festivals.
- For fewer crowds and mild weather, May and October are ideal. December is also great for Christmas markets and winter events in cities like Zagreb.
How popular is Croatia as a tourist destination?
At the 2024 Wanderlust Travel Awards held at London’s Tate Modern, Croatia achieved:
- Silver for Most Desirable European Destination, surpassing France, Spain, and Greece.
- Silver for Most Desirable Region for its islands.
- Bronze for Most Desirable City awarded to Dubrovnik.
- 5th Place for Most Desirable Island awarded to Hvar.5
Travvy Awards (USA) often referred to as the “Tourism Oscars,” the 10th Travvy Awards in Florida honored Croatia with:
- Silver for Best Destination – Mediterranean.
- Bronze for Best Cruise Destination – Europe.
- Silver for Best Tourism Board – Europe, awarded to the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB).
Croatia ranked 14th among the top 20 world destinations in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler.
Croatia is also among the 10 friendliest countries in Europe, with Hvar recognized as one of the best European islands and Dubrovnik as one of the best cities.
Croatia Travel Resources
Croatia Travel Statistics – International & Domestic Tourism
2024 marked Croatia’s recovery year, with a record 26.38 million international visitors and 2.87 million domestic tourists, totaling 29.25 million tourist arrivals, the highest ever recorded.
- Pre-Pandemic Period (2007-2019): Croatia experienced steady growth in terms of both international and domestic visitors, peaking in 2019 with 19.56 million visitors.
- Pandemic Impact (2020-2021): The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted tourism, causing a 64% drop in visitor numbers in both segments.
What are the main reasons people visit Croatia?
Shopping, leisure, visiting friends and relatives, business trips, and other personal reasons were the main reasons why international tourists visited Croatia in 2020.
- Seaside Vacation (43%): The primary reason for visiting Croatia in 2020 was for its stunning Adriatic coastline and beautiful beaches.
- Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) (28%): A significant portion of visitors travelled to Croatia in 2020 to maintain strong social and familial ties.
- Sports and Recreation (13%): Croatia’s diverse natural landscapes make it popular for activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports.
- City Break Trips (9%): Historical sites and urban experiences in cities like Dubrovnik, Zagreb, and Split attracted many tourists in 2020.
- Wellness and Health (5%): Spa resorts and health facilities in Croatia cater to those seeking relaxation and medical tourism.
- Others (2%): This category includes business travel, education, and other niche tourism sectors.
Is Croatia safe to visit?
Yes, Croatia is considered a very safe destination for travelers in 2024, consistently ranking among the safest countries globally.
- Croatia ranks 15th out of 163 countries in the 2024 Global Peace Index, placing it above many popular European destinations like Germany, Italy, and France.
Which cities are the most visited in Croatia?
The following are the top cities that attract millions of visitors each year.6
- Dubrovnik, known for its breathtaking coastline, offers a variety of beaches like Banje and Sveti Jakov, making it ideal for relaxation and swimming in the Adriatic Sea.
- Split is a city characterised by its Mediterranean charm and delicious seafood, and serves as a gateway to Croatia’s southern islands.
- Zadar provides a laid-back atmosphere and is a hub for day trips to attractions like Krka National Park and the Kornati Islands.
- Zagreb is Croatia’s capital and is rich in historical and modern attractions, offering a vibrant cultural scene, historic architecture, and diverse dining experiences.
- Pula, renowned for its Roman ruins, including the Pula Arena, offers beautiful beaches and nearby natural parks like Brijuni National Park and Cape Kamenjak Nature Park.
Europe Travel Resources
- Austria Statistics
- Belgium Statistics
- Croatia Statistics
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- France Statistics (incl. Paris, Disneyland Paris, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame)
- Georgia Statistics
- Germany Statistics (incl. Berlin)
- Greece Statistics (incl. Parthenon)
- Iceland Statistics
- Italy Statistics (incl. Florence, Milan, Rome, Venice)
- Netherlands Statistics (incl. Amsterdam)
- Norway Statistics
- Portugal Statistics (incl. Lisbon)
- Spain Statistics (incl. Barcelona, Madrid, Mallorca)
- Sweden Statistics
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- UK Statistics (incl. Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Oxford, Scotland)
