Croatian coast, with a Hungarian heart: Vir is once again the summer favorite

Vir Leads the Pack

Hungarian tourists continue to favour northern Croatian coastal destinations that are easily accessible by car. Vir island remains the top choice, known for its family-friendly beaches and easy access. Crikvenica and Selce take second and third place, reinforcing the trend towards familiar, trusted destinations.

Further down the list are Zadar, Starigrad, Bibinje, Rovinj, and Njivice, while the more distant Dalmatian destinations, Makarska and Omis, see comparatively lower demand.

Cars, Apartments and a Classic One-Week Stay

Eight in ten Hungarian travellers drive to Croatia, with 66% choosing apartment accommodations. Hotels are selected by 25% of respondents. The average length of stay remains seven nights (29%), followed by five nights (21%) and six nights (19%), underscoring the popularity of the traditional one-week summer break.

Among those travelling, 56% are families and one-third are couples. Nearly half of the guests opt for self-catering, while a third choose half-board options.

Familiar Destinations, Returning Guests

Croatia is far from an unknown territory for Hungarian holidaymakers: 40% of respondents have vacationed there at least three times, 32% once or twice, and for 28%, 2025 will be their first visit to the Adriatic. Sandy and pebbly beaches remain the most sought-after.

Key attractions include the natural beauty of the coast, historical sites, reliable destinations, and good value for money.

Alternatives on the Rise

Despite Croatia’s continued popularity, an increasing number of Hungarians are exploring other options. Among those not planning a Croatian holiday, the most common reasons are financial constraints or a preference for domestic travel.

Popular alternatives include Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, while Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Romania (especially Transylvania) are attracting more interest from those seeking active or nature-based experiences. City breaks and exotic getaways rank lower, with “coolcation” destinations like Scandinavia and the Baltic states trailing in popularity.

Regional Booking Breakdown – Summer 2025

1. Kvarner Gulf – 34%

2. Dalmatia (Zadar region) – 28%

3. Istria – 14%

4. Dalmatia (Split region) – 13%

5. Lika-Karlovac – 3%

6. Dalmatia (Dubrovnik region) – 2%

7. Other – 6%

Top 10 Croatian Destinations for Hungarian Travellers – Szallas.hu 2025 Pre-booking Rankings

1. Vir

2. Crikvenica

3. Selce

4. Zadar

5. Starigrad

6. Bibinje

7. Rovinj

8. Njivice

9. Makarska

10. Omis

The data, based on Szallas.hu’s booking records and a recent survey of nearly 1,000 Hungarian travellers, highlights a clear preference for accessible, family-friendly, and familiar Croatian destinations. In 2025, Hungary’s love affair with the Adriatic shows no signs of fading.