Tourism in Croatia

The modern tourist development of Croatia began with the arrival in the 19th century of Czechs, Austrians and Hungarians who immediately recognised the quality of the Adriatic coast, which encompasses Istria, the Croatian Riviera and Dalmatia.

The exceptionally beautiful and varied landscape, the crystal clear waters, the untouched nature, the pebbly and sandy coves and beaches, over 350 species of fish, crabs and shellfish, and the Mediterranean flora make it irresistible.

The warm currents, which come from the Mediterranean and pass up the Croatian Adriatic coast, provide the basis for a pleasant climate and vacation throughout the year. The sea temperature in summer is about 25 °C. The warm weather in the region is exceptional, especially in Dalmatia. For example, the island of Hvar has 2.718 hours of sunshine annually, while Dubrovnik has 2.584.

The needs of the most demanding visitor will be satisfied in the hotels, camping sites, marinas and private residences by the intimate atmosphere of the fishing villages and small harbours, the sport and the unique cuisine and excellent wines, and in the continental part by the countryside, hunting and fishing. The various cultural and sporting events, together with the sincerity and hospitality of the Croatian people will make a visit to a Croatia unforgettable experience.

Accommodation: Croatia offers accommodation in numerous hotels, tourist complexes, private accommodation and camping grounds.

Naturism: There are numerous well-established naturist camps. There are also naturist beaches near some hotels and camps.

Health tourism: There are a large number of health spas sited on thermal and mineral springs. Around Zagreb there is Tuheljske Toplice, Krapinske Toplice, Stubicke Toplice, Varaždinske Toplice, Ivanic Grad (Naftalan) and Topusko. In Slavonia there is Daruvar, Lipik and Bizovac. On the coast there is Vela Luka, Šibenik, Duga Uvala and the Istrian spas. There is also thalassotherapy in Opatija, Crikvenica, Veli Lošinj, Hvar and Makarska.

Diving: In Croatia there are over 120 diving centres.

Conference tourism: Croatia has 75 fully equipped conference halls. The largest conference centres in Croatia include Zagreb, Opatija, Dubrovnik, Pula, Rovinj, Cavtat, Porec, Brijuni, Crikvenica and the Plitvice Lakes.

Hunting tourism: There is a long tradition of hunting tourism in Croatia, and there are a large number of hunting resorts. In central Croatia and Slavonia one can hunt deer, wild boar, martens, foxes, hares, pheasants, wild geese and wild ducks. In Gorski kotar and Lika there are also opportunities for bear hunting and, in Dalmatia, chamois and mouflon.

Youth tourism: There are youth hostels in Dubrovnik, Pula, Šibenik, Zadar, Split, and Zagreb

Winter tourism: There are three major ski resorts with many ski lifts and ski runs: Medvednica near Zagreb, Platak near Rijeka and Bjelolasica near Ogulin.

Sports tourism: Most hotels and camps have tennis courts (ATP tournament in Umag, WTA tournament in Bol), as well as facilities for basketball and beach volleyball. It is possible to rent boats, fishing and scuba-diving equipment, and there are also scuba diving and sailing schools. One can go rafting on the Dobra and Cetina rivers, and white water rafting is organised on the Kupa, Korana, Mrežnica, Cetina and Una rivers.

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