We Asked 7 Travel Experts Their Favourite European Summer

The unanimous pick has a tempting Mediterranean coastline.

Any day now, the grills will be fired up, the school bells will stop ringing, and the long sun-soaked days of summer will be here. But if you're still deciding where to go this summer for a little getaway, fret not, as we asked seven travel experts for their advice. And they all shared the same Aristocratic gem: Croatia.

Croatia isn't exactly a scary vacation destination. According to the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, the tiny nation has seen a dramatic rise in tourism, with nearly 20 million people arriving in 2023, representing an almost 10 per cent increase from the previous year. Still, it's luring travellers in thanks to its perfect blend of Mediterranean coastline, historic cities, and still underrated islands.

"We have seen an 800 per cent increase in demand for stays in Croatia so far this year," Edward Framptoon, the general manager at Top Villas, shared with Travel+Leisure. While the Split Riviera, Dubrovnik and Hvar remain top picks, Framptoon noted that more surprising destinations like Korcula, often referred to as a mini Dubrovnik, are now firmly in the spotlight.

"Korcula provides equally breathtaking architecture, scenery, amazing beaches, and cultural experiences, but with fewer crowds, it's no surprise that it's gaining recognition."

Darijo Saric, CEO of VIP Holiday Booker, agreed, noting that "Korcula is our top pick for summer 2025." The island is most certainly ideal for a warm weather break, as it receives more than 2,700 hours of sun a year and offers the perfect mix of hiking in the pine forests, Venetian architecture, and sandy shoreline.

"It's also supposedly the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo," Saric added, noting the island's thriving wine scene, particularly Posip, is also a draw. "A couple of years ago, Beyonce and Jay Z were spotted visiting Korcula and enjoyed lobster on the small islet of Vrnik."

However, Korcula isn't the only destination in Croatia that is getting some much-deserved praise. "You can't go wrong with visiting the likes of Hvar, Vis, Brac and Krk," Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer, said. However, according to Parker, Travellers should forgo a car and opt to see the nation by sea instead. "Allow a travel advisor to make the arrangements and connect the dots. They can get you a catamaran or motor yacht to travel in style."  

And that's precisely what many travellers are opting for. Mirtic noted that people are also seeking to visit less touristed parts of Croatia for their visit, citing Korcula as a top trend. "It's becoming a must-visit for many of our guests."

Michelle Slater and Linda Burch, both group tour managers at Fox World Travel, also noted that their clients are increasingly drawn to the Dalmatian Coast, especially the medieval towns of Split and Dubrovnik, for their beauty, affordability, and boundless adventure potential. The region they shared "delivers both luxury and authentic local experiences, whether it's sailing along the coast, wine tasting in Istria or exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites."

And of course, there is Hvar, Gordana Tomicic, the president of the management board at Suncani Hvar Hotels, shared that demand for the island has surged, particularly among US, Canadian, Australian and UK travellers. "July and August remain our peak months with guests drawn to the island's vibrant atmosphere, perfect summer weather and lively beach bars and events," Tomicic said. "This year we have seen a rise in premium bookings with personalised experiences such as custom excursions, private boat transfers and unique Hvar offerings like vineyard tours, exclusive beach access and sunset cruises being among the most booked."

Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance, summed it up nicely, noting that "Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is one of the favourites, particularly the towns of Split and Dubrovnik, where stunning architecture and clear blue water abound." Now, all that's left to do is book your trip there too.

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