Croatia is one of Europe’s most attractive coastal destinations, known for its historic cities, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, national parks, and island archipelagos.
The country has experienced a strong tourism rebound since 2022.
In 2023, Croatia welcomed around 20.6 million tourists who generated just over 108 million overnight stays.
Tourism plays a major role in the national economy, contributing around 18% of Croatia’s GDP — one of the highest shares in the European Union.
Key stats: Croatia Tourism
- ≈ 21.3 million arrivals in 2024 – Croatia welcomed more visitors than ever before, marking a 4% rise year-on-year.
- Over 108.7 million overnight stays in 2024 – showing that guests are staying longer or lodging more widely.
- €14.99 billion in foreign tourist revenue (2024) – a new record and up nearly 3% from 2023.
- Tourism contributes roughly 20% of the country’s economy – underlining how critical the sector is for Croatia.
- 15.5 million arrivals and 79.2 million nights up to 20 Aug 2025 – early indications that 2025 will beat 2024’s results.
- €4.375 billion revenue in H1 2025 – up 5.9% over the same period in 2024, showing strong momentum.
- June 2025 alone: 3.3 million arrivals & 16.2 million nights – +9% and +12% respectively compared to June 2024.
How Many Tourists Visit Croatia Each Year?
In 2023, Croatia welcomed ~20.6 million tourists.
| Year | Total Tourists | Overnight Stays |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 (pre-pandemic) | ~21.0M | 108.6M |
| 2021 | ~13.8M | 84.1M |
| 2022 | ~18.9M | 104.8M |
| 2023 | ~20.6M | 108.0M |
| 2024 | ~21.0M | ~110.0M |
Croatia has nearly recovered or slightly surpassed pre-pandemic tourism levels.
How Many Tourists Visit Croatia Each Day?
On average, Croatia receives ~56,000 visitors per day, with peaks reaching 300,000+ daily arrivals in July and August.
How Much Money Does Croatia Make From Tourism?
Tourism revenue in Croatia totaled ~€14.6 billion in 2023.
- Tourism contributes ~18% to national GDP
- ~150,000 jobs directly depend on tourism
- The highest-spending months are June–September, especially on the coast
Which Countries Visit Croatia the Most?
Germany remains by far Croatia’s largest tourism market, followed by Slovenia, Austria, Poland, and Italy.
| Country | Visitors (2023 est.) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~3.3M | ~16% |
| 🇸🇮 Slovenia | ~1.6M | ~8% |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | ~1.5M | ~7% |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | ~1.4M | ~7% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | ~1.0M | ~5% |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | ~1.0M | ~5% |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | ~0.9M | ~4% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~0.7M | ~3% |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | ~0.6M | ~3% |
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~0.5M | Growing rapidly |
What Are the Most Visited Cities and Regions in Croatia?
The Adriatic coast attracts the majority of visitors, but inland cities are growing in popularity.
| Destination | Annual Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubrovnik | ~1.5M | UNESCO Old Town + Game of Thrones tourism |
| Split | ~1.7M | Gateway to Dalmatian islands |
| Zagreb | ~1.4M | Capital city cultural tourism |
| Zadar | ~900K | Coastal city with Roman history |
| Pula | ~600K | Arena & Istrian coast |
| Rijeka | ~500K | Port city, European Capital of Culture 2020 |
Island tourism is dominated by:
- Hvar (luxury + nightlife)
- Brač (beaches, Zlatni Rat)
- Korčula (walled city charm)
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Croatia?
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plitvice Lakes National Park | ~1.7M | UNESCO waterfalls & lakes |
| Dubrovnik Old Town | ~1.5M | Medieval fortress city |
| Krka National Park | ~1.3M | River + waterfalls |
| Diocletian’s Palace (Split) | ~1.0M | Ancient Roman palace |
| Zagreb Cathedral | ~900K | Gothic landmark |
| Hvar Town | ~850K | Yachting + nightlife |
| Zlatni Rat Beach, Brač | ~700K | Iconic beach |
| Pula Arena | ~500K | Roman amphitheater |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Croatia?
Tourism is strongly seasonal — summer dominates.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Very High | Peak tourism, warm sea, crowded |
| Shoulder Season (May + Sep) | High | Best balance of weather + fewer crowds |
| Spring (Mar–Apr) | Moderate | Cheaper, cooler weather |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Low | Zagreb Christmas Market still attracts visitors |
Which Croatia Tourism Regions Are Most Popular?
| Region | Share of Tourist Nights | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Istria | ~28% | Beaches, camping, wine |
| Split-Dalmatia | ~22% | Islands, beaches |
| Primorje-Gorski Kotar | ~15% | Rijeka, Opatija, Kvarner |
| Dubrovnik-Neretva | ~10% | Dubrovnik tourism |
| Zagreb Region | ~9% | City culture + events |
Cruise Tourism in Croatia
- Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s busiest cruise ports
- ~547 cruise arrivals in 2023
- ~735,000 cruise passengers
(Local authorities are gradually reducing cruise inflow to protect the old town.)
FAQ – Croatia Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Croatia annually?
~20.6 million in 2023.
What is the main tourism season in Croatia?
June through September.
Which country sends the most tourists to Croatia?
Germany.
How much does tourism contribute to Croatia’s economy?
~18% of GDP — among the highest in Europe.
What is the most visited attraction in Croatia?
Plitvice Lakes National Park (~1.7M visitors annually).
Sources
- Croatian Ministry of Tourism & Sport — Tourism Statistics & Annual Sector Reports (2023–2024)
- Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) — Visitor Numbers & Overnight Stay Data (2023–2024)
- Croatian Bureau of Statistics (DZS) — Statistical Yearbook & Tourism Indicators (2023–2024)
- Ekonomski Institut Zagreb — Tourism GDP Impact & Labor Market Reports (2023)
- Eurostat — Tourism in EU: Travel Flows & Economic Contribution (2023)
- UNWTO – World Tourism Organization — International Tourism Trends & Ranking Reports (2024)
- Plitvice Lakes National Park Authority — Visitor Statistics & Annual Reports (2023–2024)
- Port of Dubrovnik Authority — Cruise Ship Arrivals & Passenger Data (2023)
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