Croatia has once again this tourist season, specifically in the summer of 2025, confirmed itself as the absolute favorite for Slovak travelers, and its irresistible allure of the Adriatic coast and interior resonates strongly in the most influential media in Slovakia. At the height of the main summer season, as temperatures climb and the search for the perfect vacation reaches its peak, leading Slovak news portals are dedicating significant media space to the beauties of Our Beautiful Homeland. Detailed reports and articles not only celebrate the already well-known assets of Croatian tourism but with equal enthusiasm also reveal its hidden, lesser-known gems, offering their readers a fresh perspective and inviting them to explore beyond the beaten paths. This media interest is not a mere formality; it is a reflection of the deep connection and the status that Croatia enjoys as the favorite foreign holiday destination among Slovaks.

Rab: The Island of Happiness That Captivates with Sand and History

One of the most widely read portals, Aktuality.sk, in its extensive article titled "Kam v lete? Rab vás zavedie na piesočné pláže i do zákutí zelene“ (“Where to in the summer? Rab will take you to sandy beaches and corners of greenery”), portrays the island of Rab as an idyllic refuge that fulfills the wishes of even the most demanding visitors. The authors of the article skillfully highlight Rab's unique ability to combine the seemingly incompatible: vast sandy beaches that entice all-day lounging in the sun, lush greenery that offers an escape from the heat, and a rich cultural and historical heritage that testifies to a millennial past. Special emphasis is placed on Lopar, the tourist center in the north of the island that has become synonymous with family vacations precisely because of its specific beaches. It is from Lopar, according to legend, that Saint Marinus, the founder of the Republic of San Marino, originates. The central place in the story of Lopar is, of course, occupied by Paradise Beach (Rajska plaža). Described as the true queen among Rab's beaches, this sandy bay, an impressive 1.5 kilometers long, offers shallow, warm sea and an abundance of amenities, making it a perfect choice for families with children. However, the article does not forget those in search of peace and solitude, recommending the nearby Stolac beach, a hidden gem that provides a more intimate atmosphere. On the other side of the island, the town of Rab is described as the historical heart of the island, whose old town center, recognizable by its four elegant bell towers, invites you to walk through its stone streets and discover the secrets hidden in ancient palaces and churches.

Five Croatian Wonders That Leave You Breathless

The portal Pravda.sk, another media giant in Slovakia, decided to take its readers on a journey through five unique Croatian locations that, as they claim in the article "Myslíte si, že poznáte Chorvátsko? Toto je 5 unikátov, ktoré inde nenájdete“ (“Do you think you know Croatia? These are 5 unique things you won't find anywhere else”), represent European rarities. This report goes beyond classic tourist recommendations and delves deeper into the heart of Croatia's cultural and natural heritage.

In first place is the magnificent Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik, a masterpiece of late Gothic and Renaissance architecture, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. What makes it absolutely unique is its construction method – it was built exclusively of stone, without the use of any binding material, using a technique of fitting precisely carved stone slabs and ribs. This architectural feat by Juraj Dalmatinac and Nikola Firentinac, along with the external frieze of 72 realistic head portraits of 15th-century Šibenik citizens, represents the pinnacle of building artistry.

The second stop on this journey are the monumental Walls of Ston, the longest preserved fortification system in Europe. These walls, which once protected the precious salt pans of the Republic of Ragusa, stretch for about 5.5 kilometers, connecting Ston and Mali Ston. A walk along these walls offers not only a spectacular view of the surroundings but also a tangible sense of the history and strategic importance of this area.

An unmissable point is also the Krka National Park, whose crown jewel is the Skradinski Buk waterfall. This longest and most visited waterfall on the Krka River creates a magical picture with its 17 travertine barriers over which the water flows, forming a series of lakes and cascades. The setting of old watermills, now converted into an ethno-village, further enriches the experience and takes visitors back to a time when the power of water drove the life of the entire region.

Near Dubrovnik, the portal highlights the Trsteno Arboretum, the oldest botanical garden in this part of Europe, with roots dating back to the 15th century. Created on the estate of the noble Gučetić-Gozze family from Dubrovnik, this garden is a living monument to Renaissance culture. Visitors can admire centuries-old plane trees, exotic plants from all over the world, a baroque fountain with Neptune, and walk along paths that also served as a backdrop for the popular series "Game of Thrones".

The fifth wonder on the list is the magnificent Arena in Pula. This Roman amphitheater, built in the 1st century, is one of the six largest and best-preserved in the world. Its outer shell structure with all three Roman architectural orders is completely preserved, making it a unique example of ancient architecture. Today, the Arena is not just a monument, but also a living stage where concerts by world stars and film festivals are held, thus merging its glorious past with contemporary culture.

Pag: The Moon-like Island That Offers an Extraterrestrial Experience

The fact that Croatia also offers experiences bordering on science fiction is confirmed by the portal Interez.sk in an article with the intriguing title "Túto chorvátsku pláž musíte navštíviť: Vyzerá to tam ako na Marse“ (“You must visit this Croatian beach: It looks like Mars there”). The focus is on the island of Pag, specifically its eastern side near Metajna, where the beaches Ručica and Beritnica are located. The author rightly compares this landscape to the surface of Mars. The bare, rugged stone, almost completely devoid of vegetation due to the relentless gusts of the Bura wind that carries salt, is in sharp contrast with the turquoise, crystal-clear color of the sea. This almost surreal combination creates breathtaking scenes and gives the feeling of being on another planet. Ručica beach, easily accessible, offers a wide space to enjoy the sun and sea within this unique ambiance, while the nearby Beritnica, known for its three large rocks in the shallows, is a real treat for adventurers and photographers, and can be reached on foot or by boat. For the most active, this area also offers a hiking trail with the symbolic name "Life on Mars", which allows for complete immersion in this fascinating, "space-like" landscape.

Exploring Hidden Oases: Vis and Mljet as the Pinnacle of Adventure

Besides Pag, the article on Interez.sk also mentions other hidden gems of the Croatian coast, encouraging readers to explore. Among them, the island of Vis stands out, which was closed to foreign visitors for decades, helping to preserve its authenticity. Here you will find Stiniva beach, repeatedly declared one of the most beautiful in Europe. Its beauty lies in its seclusion; the cove is enclosed from the sea by two high cliffs that leave only a narrow passage. It can be reached by boat or by a steep goat path, and the effort is more than rewarded by the view of the pebble beach surrounded by mighty cliffs. For those seeking even more intimate corners, Vis also offers Pritišćina beach, a smaller cove that provides a perfect escape from the crowds. At the other end of the Adriatic, on the green island of Mljet, lies the sandy lagoon of Blace. Located not far from the more famous Saplunara, Blace is a large, shallow bay with fine sand, ideal for a peaceful family vacation and carefree children's play in the warm sea.

The positive and affirmative portrayals of Croatia in the Slovak media are not a random phenomenon. They are a clear indicator not only of the immense popularity our country enjoys but also the result of continuous and targeted efforts in promoting authentic, diverse, and unique tourist experiences. The focus is increasingly shifting from well-known locations to discovering less-famous destinations that offer originality and unrepeatable experiences. The Slovak media have recognized the value of such an approach and enthusiastically invite their compatriots to personally witness all the charms that Croatia has to offer during the summer of 2025. That Croatia will again be the number one foreign destination for Slovaks this year is also confirmed by the impressive tourist results achieved so far this year. According to available data, Slovak guests in our country have already realized about 300 thousand arrivals and an impressive 1.7 million overnight stays, which is a firm confirmation of their status as one of the most loyal guests on the Adriatic.