Best European nation for summer travel revealed. And no, it's not France or Italy

For tourists planning their international getaways, one European destination is gaining renewed attention: Croatia. According to a feature by Travel + Leisure, a panel of seven international travel experts unanimously picked Croatia as their top recommendation for a summer vacation in Europe.

The country may no longer be a hidden gem, but its appeal remains strong. Drawing nearly 20 million visitors in 2023—a 10% rise from the previous year, per the Croatian Bureau of Statistics—Croatia continues to charm with its Mediterranean coastline, UNESCO-listed historic towns, and lesser-known islands that remain refreshingly underexplored.

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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.

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Here's a five-day itinerary for Indians planning a trip to Croatia:

Flights: Delhi → Zagreb → Delhi

• Major airlines (Emirates, Qatar, Turkish, Lufthansa) offer connecting flights via Middle Eastern or European hubs—no direct flights.
  
  
• Expect return fares around ₹26,000–30,000 per person, typically with 1–2 layovers
  

Sample outbound (Delhi → Zagreb):

• Depart IGI early morning, connect (e.g., Doha, Istanbul), arrive in Zagreb evening.
  
  

Sample inbound (Zagreb → Delhi):

• Depart Zagreb in morning, arrive back in Delhi late evening.

Day‑by‑Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Zagreb (Arrival & Exploration)

• Morning/afternoon: Stroll the historic Upper Town — St. Mark’s Church, Lotrščak Tower, funicular ride
  
• Lunch at Dolac Market.
  
• Evening: Relax at parks like Zrinjevac. Dinner at local spot serving štrukli.
  

Day 2 – Plitvice Lakes (UNESCO Nature Day Trip)

• Early drive/train to Plitvice Lakes (2 hrs from Zagreb).
  
• Walk wooden boardwalks, boat ride, waterfall views
  
• Return to Zagreb for dinner.
  

Day 3 – Split (Ancient Roman Highlights)

• Early travel to Split (bus/train).
  
• Explore Diocletian’s Palace, Peristyle, Cathedral of St. Domnius
  
• Afternoon: Climb Marjan Hill, stroll Riva promenade.
  
• Evening: Sea views, seafood dinner.
  

Day 4 – Island Escape (Hvar / Brač / Blue Cave)

• Choose one option:
  
  
  • Full-day ferry trip to Hvar or Brač.
    
  • Or Blue Cave + 5-island boat tour (approx. €80–100)
    
• Return to Split for evening.

Day 5 – Dubrovnik Finale (Old Town & Walls)

• Morning journey to Dubrovnik (bus/ferry).
  
• Walk the city walls, explore Old Town & Stradun
  
• Cable car to Mt Srđ or ferry to Lokrum.
  
• Sunset drink at Buža Bar. Late evening transfer back to Zagreb or evening flight from Dubrovnik via Zagreb.