Croatia sets new August tourism record as millions arrive

ZAGREB, 10 September 2026 – Croatia recorded 17.5 million tourist arrivals and 90.5 million overnight stays in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the eVisitor system which was presented today.

The figures, which cover tourist traffic in commercial and non-commercial accommodation as well as nautical charter through the eCrew system, represent a 1% increase in both arrivals and overnight stays compared with the same period last year.

The Adriatic accounted for the vast majority of overnight stays, with 86.7 million recorded between January and the end of August, up 0.5% year-on-year.

The continental part of Croatia, including Zagreb, recorded 3.8 million overnight stays, an increase of 1% compared with the first eight months of 2025.

August was particularly strong, with more than 5 million arrivals and 31.4 million overnight stays recorded across Croatia.

Arrivals increased by 2% compared with August last year, while overnight stays rose by 0.5%.

For the first time, Croatia recorded more than 5 million tourist arrivals in a single August.

German visitors generated the highest number of overnight stays during the month, followed by domestic Croatian visitors, Slovenes, Poles, Austrians, Italians, Hungarians and Czechs.

By county, Istria recorded the most overnight stays in August, followed by Split-Dalmatia County and Kvarner.

Rovinj, Vir, Poreč, Medulin, Umag and Dubrovnik were among the destinations recording the highest numbers of overnight stays.

Istria leads the year-to-date figures

Looking at the first eight months of the year, Istria was Croatia’s leading county with 25.4 million overnight stays.

It was followed by Split-Dalmatia County with more than 17 million and Kvarner with 15.2 million.

At destination level, Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Poreč, Split, Umag and Medulin recorded the highest numbers of overnight stays.

Tourists from Germany remained Croatia’s largest foreign market, generating 16.9 million overnight stays during the first eight months.

Croatian guests accounted for 11.7 million, followed by visitors from Slovenia with 9.6 million, Austria with 6.3 million and Poland with 6.3 million.

The Czech Republic accounted for 4.5 million overnight stays, Hungary 3.7 million, Italy 3.5 million and the UK 3.2 million.

Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina said the results showed that Croatian tourism remained competitive despite changes in travel behaviour and consumer spending.

He noted that the stronger growth in arrivals compared with overnight stays reflected a trend towards shorter trips and more careful management of travel budgets.

Croatian Tourist Board director Kristjan Staničić said demand for Croatia remained strong and highlighted promotional campaigns, social media activity and cooperation with airlines, tour operators and international platforms as factors supporting the results.

With the main summer season now behind it, Croatia is turning its attention to the remainder of the year, with a focus on maintaining tourism activity during the shoulder and winter seasons while improving quality and competitiveness.