Croatia has once again confirmed itself as one of the leading tourist powers in the Mediterranean, winning a high sixth place on the list of the best European countries according to the readers of the prestigious British The Telegraph. In an extensive survey, in which almost 20,000 travelers participated, Croatia surpassed traditional tourist giants such as Spain and France, which were ranked just behind it. This prestigious recognition, awarded as part of the Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, is a clear indicator of the growing popularity and recognition of Croatia in the extremely demanding British market. Greece positioned itself at the top of the list of the best European destinations, but Croatia's entry into the very top testifies to the strength of its brand and the quality of its offer.

Confirmation of status on the demanding British market

The success on The Telegraph's list is not accidental. It is the result of continuous investment in quality and promotion and confirms that Croatia is recognized as a destination that offers outstanding value for money, unique experiences, and a high level of security. Bisera Fabrio, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board representation in Great Britain, emphasized the importance of this recognition. She stressed that the voting within one of the most influential British media confirmed Croatia's status as an exceptionally valued destination in the Mediterranean. British tourists, known as very engaged and experienced travelers, despite global economic and security challenges, are not giving up on travel, and Croatia is increasingly positioning itself as their first choice for a holiday. The wide range of offerings, from untouched nature and rich cultural heritage to top-notch gastronomy, allows Croatia to compete with the best and attract high-paying guests.

Tourist numbers as proof of popularity

That this is not just about perception, but also concrete results, is shown by the latest data on tourist traffic. In the part of 2025 so far, British tourists in Croatia have made an impressive 420,000 arrivals and as many as 2 million overnight stays. This data represents a stable growth of 1% in arrivals and a more significant 3% in overnight stays compared to the same period last year. Such a trend indicates the loyalty of British guests and their desire for a longer stay and deeper exploration of Croatia's beauties.

The analysis shows that British guests prefer to holiday in the southern parts of the country. Dubrovnik-Neretva County and Split-Dalmatia County are absolute favorites, attracting visitors with their historic cities, beautiful islands, and crystal-clear sea. Right next to them is Istria, which wins over the British with its gastronomic offer, picturesque hills, and charming towns. Looking at individual destinations, the top of the popularity list is occupied by cities that have become global brands. The absolute leader is Dubrovnik, whose walls and historic core attract visitors from all over the world. It is followed by Split with its magnificent Diocletian's Palace and lively Riva. Also high on the list are Župa dubrovačka, Rovinj with its romantic atmosphere, Zadar with its unique Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, and Pula with its impressive Roman amphitheater. Many visitors are looking for the ideal accommodation in Rovinj to fully experience the charms of Istria.

The Adriatic coast as a magnet for the British media

In addition to readers' votes, Croatia regularly receives praise from British journalists and editors. A recent article in the influential The Times, dedicated to the most beautiful beaches on the Croatian coast, further confirmed the status of the Adriatic as one of the most desirable summer destinations. The authors of the article highlighted the beauty of hidden gems with particular enthusiasm, thus showing that Croatia offers much more than commonly known locations.

Stračinska bay on the island of Šolta was especially singled out, described as an oasis of peace and quiet, ideal for escaping the summer crowds. Its turquoise sea and the surrounding pine forest represent the essence of a Mediterranean holiday. The Raduča beach in Primošten also attracted great attention, praised for its spaciousness, clear sea, and rich facilities, making it perfect for families. The possibility of finding accommodation in Primošten allows tourists to fully explore this beautiful part of Dalmatia. The absolute star of the article was Pupnatska Luka on the island of Korčula, a beach whose beauty, as they state, is breathtaking and can be compared with exotic world destinations. The deep bay, pebbles as white as snow, and the unreal blue sea are the reasons why many visitors come to the island of Korčula.

But the list does not stop there. The British media also celebrate the diversity of Croatian beaches, from sandy to rocky ones. Beaches on the island of Lošinj, known for its healing climate, were also highlighted, as well as the world-famous Zlatni rat on the island of Brač, which changes its shape depending on the wind and waves. The hidden coves of the island of Hvar, the sandy beach Šunj on the island of Lopud, and Sakarun on Dugi otok, whose sand and sea colors are reminiscent of the Caribbean, were also mentioned. This media attention is crucial for attracting new guests looking for authentic and unforgettable experiences.

More than sun and sea: Culture, adventure, and gastronomy

What sets Croatia apart from the competition is its ability to offer much more than a passive beach holiday. British tourists are increasingly recognizing the richness of cultural heritage, from Roman remains in Pula and Split to Renaissance palaces in Dubrovnik and Hvar. The possibility of swimming on a beautiful beach in the morning and listening to a classical music concert in a thousand-year-old cathedral in the evening is a unique experience that Croatia offers.

Nautical tourism is one of the strongest assets. With more than a thousand islands, islets, and reefs, the Croatian archipelago is a paradise for sailors. The British, as a maritime nation, greatly appreciate the opportunity to explore hidden coves, safe marinas, and charming fishing villages. In addition, Croatia has also become an unmissable destination for music festival lovers, attracting a younger audience with world-renowned events.

Gastronomy is another key element of attraction. The diversity of regional cuisines, from seafood specialties in Dalmatia, through truffles and top-quality olive oils in Istria, to continental delicacies, offers an incredible journey of flavors. The wine scene is also booming, and indigenous varieties such as Plavac Mali, Pošip, or Malvasia are increasingly valued on the international scene. All this, combined with national parks like Plitvice Lakes and Krka, and nature parks, creates a complete tourist product that can satisfy even the most demanding guests from the British market, thus ensuring a bright future for tourism.