Croatia has once again, on the cusp of early autumn 2025, confirmed itself as the undisputed leader when it comes to the holiday choices of Slovenian citizens. The latest data, supported by detailed market research, paints a clear picture of the deep and lasting connection Slovenians have with the Croatian coast, islands, and continental beauties. This connection is not just a mere habit, but the result of decades of built trust, recognition of quality, and a sense of welcome that Croatian tourism provides to its closest neighbors.

According to a recent Vox populi telephone survey conducted by the Ninamedia agency, when asked which destination they would recommend to their friends and family for an ideal holiday, the largest percentage of Slovenian respondents answered without any doubt – Croatia. This result is not a surprise, but a logical consequence of a series of factors that make Croatia so attractive. Geographical proximity certainly plays a key role, allowing for quick and easy arrivals, not only for the main annual holiday but also for short weekend trips throughout the year. However, to reduce Croatia's attractiveness solely to kilometers would be a great mistake.

The irresistible attraction of the Adriatic and hospitality

What brings Slovenian guests back to Croatian addresses year after year is the unique combination of natural beauties, from the crystal-clear sea and indented coast with a thousand islands, to hidden coves and imposing mountain landscapes in the hinterland. Every corner of the coast tells its own story, and the rich cultural and historical heritage, woven into the stone streets of coastal towns, offers more than just sun and sea. It is an experience of the Mediterranean as it once was, imbued with modern amenities and top-notch service.

The eno-gastronomic offer is an additional magnet that attracts visitors. From Istrian truffles and world-class olive oils, through Kvarner scampi to Dalmatian specialties of fresh fish and fine wines of indigenous varieties, Croatia offers a journey of flavors that Slovenian guests greatly appreciate. It is this authenticity and the opportunity to enjoy local products that make a key difference compared to other, often uniform tourist offers.

The overall quality of the tourist offer, which includes an increasing variety of accommodation capacities, from luxury hotels and villas to family apartments and high-category camps, ensures that every guest can find something to their liking. This positive picture rounds off the main part of the tourist year and inspires optimism for the upcoming post-season, which traditionally attracts a large number of visitors from Slovenia.

Numbers that confirm a tradition of loyalty

That this is not just about impressions, but about solid facts, is confirmed by the official data from the eVisitor system. In the period from the beginning of the year to August 25, 2025, tourists from Slovenia made an impressive 1.4 million arrivals and as many as 9.1 million overnight stays in Croatia. This data represents a stable growth compared to the same period last year, 2024, with an increase of 2 percent in arrivals and 1 percent in overnight stays. Such a growth trend, although seemingly modest, is extremely significant because it comes on top of already extremely high numbers, confirming that for Slovenians, Croatia is much more than a passing trend – it is a constant in their holiday plans.

An analysis of the overnight stays achieved also reveals the preferences of Slovenian guests when it comes to regions. The absolute winner is still Istria, a peninsula that, with its proximity, developed infrastructure, rich gastronomic scene, and diverse facilities, represents the first and most logical choice. Immediately after Istria follows Kvarner, with islands like Krk, Cres, and Lošinj, which offer a perfect blend of relaxation and active holidays. In third place is the Zadar County, which attracts with its unique combination of historic cities, beautiful beaches, and proximity to national parks.

Favorite destinations of Slovenian tourists

When the statistics are broken down to the level of individual destinations, well-known names that have been building their status as favorite places for Slovenian tourists for years stand out again. Cities like Umag and Novigrad in Istria represent bastions of Slovenian tourism, where guests feel at home. That is why finding the ideal accommodation in Umag has become a key part of holiday planning for thousands of families. The situation is similar with Novigrad, which with its charm and quieter atmosphere attracts those seeking true relaxation.

In Kvarner, the title of leader is held by Mali Lošinj, known as the island of vitality, whose mild climate and lush vegetation attract visitors seeking health and nature. Many Slovenian guests, looking for the perfect place to escape from everyday life, place their trust in Lošinj, and the wide range of apartments and hotels in Mali Lošinj allows them to have a tailor-made holiday.

In Dalmatia, Novalja on the island of Pag particularly stands out. Although globally known for festival tourism, for Slovenian guests, Novalja is much more than that – it is a family destination with some of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic. Therefore, it is not surprising that the demand for accommodation in Novalja does not wane throughout the entire summer season. This destination perfectly combines entertainment, relaxation, and natural beauty, which makes it irresistible to different profiles of guests from Slovenia.

This long-standing tradition of arrivals has created unbreakable bonds. Many Slovenian citizens own holiday properties in Croatia, and generations have grown up spending their summers on the Adriatic. This creates a feeling of a second home, a place they always gladly return to and recommend to younger generations, thus ensuring that the story of the love between Slovenians and Croatian tourism will last for many more years.