Wanderlust included Croatia on “The Good to Go List 2026”
Croatia has been included on
The Good to Go List 2026, the annual selection by the British travel magazine Wanderlust, which brings together 26 destinations the editors believe offer especially strong and meaningful reasons to travel in the year ahead. Unlike classic lists that often boil down to short recommendations and postcard motifs, Wanderlust emphasizes that these are destinations chosen for the experiences and stories that open up in them precisely in 2026—from important anniversaries and cultural events to local initiatives and themes that give travelers additional context.
The Croatian National Tourist Board say this is an important endorsement on the British market, one of the key source markets for Croatian tourism. The Director of the CNTB Representative Office in London, Bisera Fabrio, pointed out that inclusion on the list confirms Croatia’s position as a destination that offers more than travel itself, with authentic experiences throughout the year, connections to heritage, and experiences that guests remember for a long time. The CNTB emphasize that such recognition further increases the country’s visibility among a segment of travelers who increasingly seek content with a clear story, not just a place for a holiday.
How Wanderlust explains the selection and why 2026 is a special year
In the introduction to its list, Wanderlust states that
Good to Go is conceived as a reminder that travel can be a way of connecting with places in a way that celebrates their heritage, supports communities, and gives their stories greater visibility. The editors emphasize that destinations were chosen not only for “incredible experiences”, but also for the unique stories that are unfolding there precisely in 2026. Within that framework, Croatia is presented as a place where different layers of identity intertwine—from deep prehistory and archaeology to modern cultural interpretations and gastronomy.
For Croatia, the text also highlights a symbolic time marker: June 2026, according to Wanderlust, marks 35 years since the declaration of independence, which the editors use as a starting point for a broader story about change and continuity in the region. In tourism terms, such “moments of the year” often become a reason to travel outside the usual periods, because they attract an audience that plans ahead and looks for content with added value. That is precisely why Wanderlust’s selection of Croatia is not focused on one location, but on a series of themes that suggest to the traveler to stay longer, travel more slowly, and step away from the most famous postcard points.
Prehistoric heritage at the heart of the story: Krapina and the Neanderthal Museum
One of the most emphasized motifs in Wanderlust’s text about Croatia is Krapina. The magazine recalls that in that town, at the turn from the 19th to the 20th century, a discovery was recorded that entered global scientific frameworks: according to Wanderlust, it is the largest single collection of Neanderthal remains found to date. The editors then connect that fact with today’s tourist experience, stating that the Krapina Neanderthal Museum offers visitors an insight into the find and the periods of deep prehistory through a contemporary interpretation, which is increasingly attractive to travelers seeking educational and “experiential” content.
For the tourist offer of continental Croatia, such a focus carries weight because it shows that international media are increasingly looking for “proof” of authenticity and content that is not exclusively tied to the sea. Prehistory is particularly well suited in that sense: it combines science, education, and experience, and high-quality museum interpretation enables the visit not to be reduced to a short stop, but to an experience that stays in the memory. At a time when travelers are increasingly inquiring about content outside the peak season, such locations can become an important part of Croatia’s broader tourism picture.
The Vučedol culture and the Danube: archaeology as a contemporary experience
Another important segment of Croatia’s story on Wanderlust’s list relates to the Vučedol culture. The magazine states that the remains of the settlement of that culture, dated approximately to the period 3000–2500 BC, are today interpreted through a museum-and-site complex near Vukovar. The text also mentions a popular interpretation according to which the Vučedol culture is credited with early traces of beer production in Europe and the use of a calendar, which the editors use as an example of Croatia’s early contributions to European cultural history.
In tourism terms, this part of Croatia is often experienced through contemporary history and memorial content, so expanding the narrative to prehistory and the Eneolithic is an important addition, not a replacement. The traveler gets the opportunity to experience multiple time layers in the same area: from the earliest cultures on the Danube, through historical towns and river routes, to modern experiences and local gastronomy. That is precisely what matches the concept of “local stories” that Wanderlust highlights as a criterion, because heritage is not presented as a dry fact, but as part of the living identity of the place.
The necktie as a global symbol: from Croatian soldiers to Zagreb’s Cravaticum
In its text about Croatia, Wanderlust also gives special space to a symbol that is globally recognizable and whose name carries a trace of Croatian identity: the necktie. The editors point to the word “cravat” and its similarity to the word “Croat”, stating that the origin of the necktie is linked to Croatian soldiers who, four centuries ago, popularized this fashion accessory in Western Europe. As a place where this story can be experienced, the Zagreb Cravaticum is mentioned, a boutique museum dedicated to the necktie. The text also mentions an interesting detail showing how tradition and modern curiosity can be combined: the editors state that there is even a “bulletproof necktie”, which in the context of a travelogue is used as an illustration of how even “old” symbols can be reinterpreted in an unexpected way.
Such themes are not just charming footnotes. They are an important element of cultural tourism because they offer a recognizable motif to a foreign audience: it is an object that most travelers know, but rarely connect to a specific place of origin and a story of its spread across Europe. When that narrative is placed in Zagreb, alongside museums, architecture, events, and an increasingly strong gastronomic scene, the city gains an additional layer of identity that distinguishes it from other European capitals of similar size. Combined with growing interest in city-break travel, such motifs can become a reason to plan a visit to Croatia outside the summer months.
The Museum of Broken Relationships and contemporary culture: Zagreb as an experience, not a stopover
As a “top tip” for Croatia, Wanderlust also highlights the Museum of Broken Relationships, which it describes as the first center dedicated to romantic breakups. The editors emphasize that it is a collection of objects that is “much more optimistic than it sounds”, because the value of the exhibits is built through personal stories and emotions of people from different countries. In tourism terms, this is a signal that Croatia on the list is not presented only through the past, but also through contemporary cultural formats that align with the habits of modern travelers, especially those who want to experience a city in a different way.
In this way, Zagreb fits into the broader trend of European cities expanding their offer beyond classic museums and monuments. In practice, this means that itineraries increasingly combine exhibitions, creative districts, smaller conceptual museums, gastronomy, and local walks, often with an emphasis on authentic atmosphere, rather than “must-see” points. In the Croatian case, this is particularly important because it mitigates the seasonal concentration of tourism on the coast, and visitors get a reason to visit the country in periods when the climate is more pleasant, prices more stable, and crowds smaller.
Istria and truffles: an autumn magnet for gourmets and travelers seeking the “taste of a place”
Besides history and culture, Wanderlust also assigns Croatia a clear gastronomic focus. In the text, Istria is described as one of Europe’s most significant areas for truffles, i.e., as a region with high potential for travelers who travel motivated by flavors and local cuisine. The magazine specifically describes autumn scenes: truffle hunting with dogs in forests, followed by tastings and events that accompany the season, mentioning places such as Livade, Motovun, and Buzet. This positions Istria as a destination that offers a strong reason to come precisely outside the summer peak, which is increasingly important both to tourism boards and local entrepreneurs.
For local communities, this type of tourism has multiple effects. Gastronomy encourages cooperation among small producers, restaurants, and event organizers, and offers travelers an experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere, because it depends on the specifics of the place, climate, and tradition. At the same time, it broadens the image of Croatia as a destination that is not uniform, but diverse and regionally rich: from the river and the interior to the peninsula and the coast, with different identities and emphases. In international media, such diversity is increasingly becoming a criterion for recommendation, because the traveler gets the impression that in one country they can put together several different trips.
British guests in Croatia: figures from 2025 and where they stayed the most
In its release on the occasion of inclusion on the list, the Croatian National Tourist Board also presents the latest figures for the British market. According to the CNTB, British guests in 2025 recorded more than 834 thousand arrivals and 4.1 million overnight stays in Croatia. Compared to 2024, it reports an equal number of arrivals, with a 2% increase in overnight stays, which may indicate a slight extension of the average stay or higher occupancy in periods outside the strongest peaks. Such indicators are important because the United Kingdom is among the markets that respond strongly to the overall value of the offer, transport connectivity, and perceptions of safety, so stable results signal a sustained level of interest.
According to the same source, the largest number of overnight stays by British tourists was recorded in Dubrovnik-Neretva County and Split-Dalmatia County, and among the most visited destinations are Dubrovnik, Split, Konavle, Župa Dubrovačka, and Rovinj. These are also areas that bear the greatest pressure at the peak of the season, so the issue of managing mass tourism is most visible there—from crowds and infrastructure strain to questions of prices and housing availability. In that context, Wanderlust’s emphasis on content not strictly tied to summer can be an incentive for part of demand to be redirected to periods and locations that can distribute tourist traffic more evenly.
Sustainable tourism and destination management: policy that follows media criteria
While travel media increasingly highlight responsibility, local benefits, and “slower” travel, Croatia is simultaneously implementing changes in tourism management. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports states that the goal of the reform is to establish an effective strategic, organizational, and legal framework that would steer tourism development in destinations toward sustainability and quality. Within that framework, the Tourism Act (Narodne novine 156/23) is highlighted, which, according to the Ministry, entered into force on 1 January 2024 as the fundamental legislative framework for managing tourism development toward sustainability. In parallel, the importance of strategic documents such as the Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy to 2030 is emphasized, which represents a framework for longer-term planning.
In practice, such documents and regulations are most often “seen” through very concrete topics: capacity planning, a more even distribution of traffic throughout the year, investments in infrastructure, and smarter management of public space. These are issues particularly important for coastal towns and municipalities that struggle with excessive pressure in a few peak-season weeks, but also for inland destinations that want to grow without losing authenticity. In that sense, recognitions such as Wanderlust’s can be useful as a “spotlight” of international attention, but the long-term effect will depend on how much the recommended stories can be translated into a high-quality on-the-ground offer, while respecting the needs of local communities.
What Croatia gains by entering a prestigious list and what will be key in 2026
For Croatia, inclusion on Wanderlust’s list has value primarily as a signal to the British public, editors, and travel organizers: the country is recognized as a destination with a story that can expand beyond the summer months. The CNTB emphasizes that the recognition comes from a market whose guests recognize Croatia as a quality and safe destination with a wide range of tourism products, which is an important element in trip planning and repeat visits. However, the key will be whether interest turns into more content-rich itineraries and an incentive to travel in periods when Croatia can offer a calmer atmosphere and a more authentic experience.
Wanderlust presented Croatia through a series of themes that complement each other: prehistory in Krapina, archaeology along the Danube, the necktie as a symbol that went out into the world, contemporary Zagreb, and Istrian gastronomy with truffles. It is precisely in this breadth that the potential lies for the message from the British market to translate into more stable and balanced tourist traffic in 2026, with an emphasis on experience, identity, and a more responsible relationship to space.
Sources:- Wanderlust Magazine – “Good to Go List 2026”, editorial selection of 26 destinations and the rationale for Croatia (link)
- Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) – release on Croatia’s inclusion on “The Good to Go List 2026” and data on British arrivals and overnight stays in 2025 (link)
- Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia – “Tools for managing tourism development in a destination”: management reform, Tourism Act (NN 156/23) and date of entry into force (link)
- Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia – “Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy to 2030”, strategic framework for tourism planning (link)
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