Croatia has been named the best country to visit in Europe in 2025 by European Best Destinations. Over 1.2 million travelers from 139 countries participated in the extensive voting, with Croatia taking first place among 44 countries with an impressive 118,261 votes.
The official award ceremony took place on 4 March 2025 at ITB Berlin, the world's largest travel trade fair. The award was received by the Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board and the country's Minister of Tourism. By winning this prestigious award, Croatia will gain significant international exposure and will be recognized in global media such as Forbes USA and Condé Nast Travelers as a destination for travelers seeking exceptional experiences.
”The great interest in our country at ITB, together with the appreciation we received from EBD, confirms Croatia's status as a premium, high-quality destination, well-known all over the world. This is especially significant for us, as the award is based on votes from travelers globally, including from reputable platforms such as Forbes and Condé Nast.”, says Kristjan Staničić, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board.
European Best Destinations is one of Europe's most visited travel websites and has been highlighting the most popular destinations in Europe for over 15 years. Based in Brussels, the website collaborates with over 300 European tourist offices and the EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence) network, an initiative of the European Commission.
During ITB Berlin, Croatia presented its rich range of destinations and activities for visitors, from the beautiful islands and beaches of the Adriatic Sea to UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites such as Plitvice National Park and Dubrovnik. Croatia offers something for every traveler with unforgettable natural experiences, extraordinary sailing experiences and historic cities.
European Best Destinations 2025 reflects a clear trend towards sustainability and exclusive experiences. Travelers are increasingly looking for destinations that combine authenticity, well-being and gastronomic experiences.
”This is further confirmation of the quality of our tourism offer, the continuous raising of our standards and the best recognition for everyone working in the tourism industry. We will also use the ITB fair in Berlin as an opportunity to showcase these values on an international level. Through these initiatives, we have positioned ourselves as a leading player in the development of sustainable tourism,” added Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina.
The prestigious award is expected to further strengthen Croatia's position as a sought-after destination in the international travel market. Historically, previous winners have experienced a significant increase in tourism, making this recognition an important catalyst for the country's continued success in the hospitality industry.
According to the press release.
