We Asked 7 Travel Experts Their Favorite European Summer Destinations—and They All Said the Same Thing

Travel + Leisure

a day ago

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 Adriatic gem: Croatia.
Croatia isn't exactly a secret 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 percent increase from the previous year. Still, it's luring travelers in thanks to its perfect blend of Mediterranean coastline, historic cities, and still-underrated islands.
'We've seen an 800 percent increase in demand for stays in Croatia so far this year,' Edward Frampton-Fell, the general manager at Top Villas, shared with Travel + Leisure . While the Split Riviera, Dubrovnik, and Hvar remain top picks, Frampton-Fell noted that more surprising destinations like Korčula, often referred to as a 'mini Dubrovnik," are now firmly in the spotlight.
'Korčula offers 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 'Korčula is definitely 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 Pošip, is also a draw. 'A couple of years ago, Beyoncé and Jay-Z were spotted visiting Korčula and enjoyed lobster on the small islet of Vrnik.'
However, Korčula isn't the only destination in Croatia that's 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, travelers 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 exactly what many travelers are opting for.
'We're seeing bookings fill up at a much faster pace compared to the same time last year,' Mitja Mirtic, founder and CEO of the yacht charter company Goolets, shared. 'From our extensive fleet available across Europe, the yachts cruising in Croatian waters are in exceptionally high demand for the 2025 summer season."
Mirtic noted that people are also seeking to visit less touristed parts of Croatia for their visit, citing Korčula 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's Hvar. Gordana Tomicic, the president of the management board at Suncani Hvar Hotels, shared that demand for the island has surged, particularly among U.S., Canadian, Australian, and UK travelers. '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've seen a rise in premium bookings, with personalized 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 favorites [this year], particularly the towns of Split and Dubrovnik, where breathtaking architecture and clear blue water abound." Now all that's left to do is book your trip there, too.