WHEN TO TRAVEL to Croatia

Location

Climate

Croatia is one of Europe's top vacation destinations, whether for sunny beaches, national parks or historic towns.

Low and high season periods

Before going any further, we need to define the different tourist periods in Croatia:

• Low season : November to April
• Mid-season : May, June and September, October
• High season : july and august

During the low seasonDuring the summer months, the climate is generally less mild, with lower temperatures and more precipitation. However, this can be an opportunity to discover Croatia without the crowds of tourists that invade popular sites during the high season. Visit middle season offers a good compromise between pleasant weather and low visitor numbers. The months of May, June and September are particularly suitable for swimming and water sports, thanks to mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Finally, the high season is the summer season. The months of July and August attract large numbers of visitors, resulting in higher prices for accommodation and flights. However, this is also the period when cultural events are most numerous, and when you can take full advantage of the beaches and national parks.

Major cultural events

Croatia is rich in cultural events all year round. Here are a few not-to-be-missed events:

Dubrovnik Festival

Every year, between mid-July and the end of August, the city of Dubrovnik hosts the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. For several weeks, theatrical performances, classical music concerts, operas and ballets follow one another in the medieval city's emblematic venues, such as its palaces and churches. An event not to be missed if you're in Croatia during this period.

Film festivals

Several film festivals take place in Croatia, including the Pula Film Festival in July and the Zagreb International Film Festival in October. These events provide an opportunity to discover new film productions and meet international directors and actors.

Carnival in Rijeka

If you visit Croatia in February, don't miss the Rijeka Carnival. This festive and colorful event is one of the biggest carnivals in Europe. It features parades of floats and traditional costumes, as well as open-air shows and concerts.

Public holidays

In Croatia, several public holidays are celebrated throughout the year. On these days, you can attend religious processions, concerts and other festivities. Here are the main public holidays to be aware of:

• New Year's Day (January 1) : Like everywhere else in the world, January 1st is a public holiday in Croatia. New Year's Eve festivities often extend to this date.
• Epiphany (January 6) : This Christian festival is celebrated with masses and processions throughout the country.
• Easter (date varies) : Easter celebrations in Croatia include Good Friday processions, Resurrection mass and a traditional Sunday meal.
• Labour Day (May 1) : This public holiday is marked by demonstrations and open-air picnics.
• National holiday (May 30) : National Day commemorates the first democratic election of the Croatian Parliament in 1990. Official ceremonies and performances are organized for the occasion.
• Assumption (August 15) : This religious festival is celebrated mainly in coastal towns, with maritime processions and concerts.
• All Saints' Day (November 1) : In Croatia, November 1st is a day of mourning and remembrance for the deceased. Families go to the cemetery and light candles on the graves.
• Christmas (December 25): Christmas festivities in Croatia include markets, concerts and midnight masses.

Immigration data for Croatia

According to official data, the immigrant population in Croatia has increased in recent years. In 2019, it is estimated that almost 8 % of the Croatian population was made up of immigrants. The majority of immigrants to Croatia come from neighboring countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovinathe Serbia and the Macedonia of the North. It should also be noted that in recent years, the number of asylum seekers in Croatia has also increased. This can be explained in part by the country's geographical situation, which lies on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. the Balkan routeone of the main migration routes to Western Europe.

Causes of immigration to Croatia

Several factors explain this upward trend in immigration to Croatia. Firstly, the country offers better economic and employment opportunities than some of its neighbors. What's more, since Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, nationals of other member states now have the right to live and work in Croatia without the need for a visa. Finally, Croatia's natural beauty and Mediterranean climate also attract many immigrants looking for a better quality of life.

Most popular visas in Croatia

There are several types of visa for entering and staying in Croatia. The most popular visas are :

• Tourist visa (type C) Croatia visa: This visa is intended for people wishing to come to Croatia for tourist reasons or to visit friends and family. It is generally valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Business visa (type D) This visa is granted to people wishing to come to Croatia for professional reasons, such as attending business meetings, conferences or training courses. The visa's validity depends on the length of the planned stay, but can be up to one year.
• Work visa (type E) This visa is issued to people who have found employment in Croatia. To obtain this visa, you must first obtain a work permit from the Croatian Ministry of the Interior. The period of validity of the visa generally depends on the duration of the employment contract.
• Study visa (type F) This visa is intended for foreign students wishing to study in Croatia. It is valid for the duration of the study program, up to a maximum of five years.

Other types of visa include family reunion visas, humanitarian visas and medical visas, although they are less frequently requested than the above-mentioned visas.

International tourism figures for Croatia

Croatia is an increasingly popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world thanks to its breathtaking nature, magnificent beaches, rich cultural and historical heritage, and tasty Mediterranean cuisine. In 2019, the country welcomed around 20 million international touristsThis represents an increase of 5 % over the previous year.

International tourist arrivals and overnight stays

International tourist arrivals in Croatia amounted to almost 20 million in 2019, while the total number of overnight stays reached around 110 million. German tourists accounted for the largest share of arrivals, followed by Slovenians, Austrians, Poles and Italians. In addition, foreign tourists spent an average of 6.5 days in Croatia, with a predominance of stays in coastal regions during the summer season.

Croatia's tourism hubs

Croatia boasts several major tourist destinations that attract millions of visitors every year. Among the most popular are :

• Dubrovnik: this historic city on the Adriatic coast is famous for its fortified old town and picturesque beaches.
• Split: Croatia's second-largest city is famous for its Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its lively nightlife.
• Zagreb: the Croatian capital offers an interesting mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture and year-round cultural events.
• The Croatian islands: Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Mljet are some of the most visited islands, offering breathtaking scenery and pristine beaches.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park: this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its spectacular waterfalls and turquoise lakes.

Croatia's public transport infrastructure has also improved in recent years, making it easier for tourists to reach the country's various destinations.