Croatia 2026: What's New for Your Vacation?

New flight connections, more stable prices and Istria's deliberate move away from mass tourism – a lot is happening in Croatia in 2026. We researched what is really changing and what that concretely means for your next vacation.

Easier to get there: New flight connections to Croatia

Croatia Airlines with an entirely new fleet

Croatia Airlines renewed its entire fleet in 2026. The older aircraft were replaced by modern Airbus A220-300s — quieter, more comfortable and more fuel-efficient. In summer 2026 the airline connects Croatia with 32 European destinations across 55 routes, an increase of 9% compared to the previous year. For you this means: more options, better connections and a more pleasant flying experience, whether you are traveling to Split, Pula or Dubrovnik.

First direct flight from the USA to Split

Another big piece of news: United Airlines is launching the very first direct flight from Newark (New York) to Split in summer 2026. Dalmatia will thus become significantly more accessible to international visitors. Those arriving from overseas who want to explore the islands Hvar, Brač or Korčula from Split can now skip the detour via Zagreb.

Prices Stabilize – Good News for Villa Renters

After the record year 2025 with over 21.8 million tourists and 110 million overnight stays, Croatia's Minister of Tourism Tonči Glavina has a clear message: price stability is the top priority for 2026. Across Europe the trend is toward shorter stays and more mindful budgets – and Croatia is responding.

For you as a villa renter this is good news. Local ancillary costs – restaurants, shopping, excursions – should rise less sharply in 2026 than in recent years. Combined with a luxurious villa in Croatia, where you can cook for yourself and enjoy the pool right outside the door, you get noticeably more holiday quality for your budget than in a hotel.

Istria opts for quality over mass tourism

This news is especially relevant if you are planning your holiday in Istria: the region has adopted its own tourism strategy that deliberately focuses on fewer visitors, but higher quality. Instead of attracting ever more tourists, Istria is investing in authentic experiences, local gastronomy and nature conservation.

What does that mean for you? Quieter beaches, better restaurants, better-maintained hiking trails and a holiday experience that feels less like mass tourism. Exactly what makes a villa holiday: privacy, tranquility and genuine immersion in the culture. Whether you wander through the truffle forests around Motovun, enjoy the sunset in Rovinj or take a wine tasting in the hills of the hinterland – 2026 will make Istria that bit more special.

Croatia invests billions in infrastructure

Behind the scenes, a huge amount is happening right now. In 2026 Croatia is making broad investments in its tourist infrastructure. The largest projects:

• Valamar Pical Resort in Poreč: With around €200 million investment the country’s largest tourism project. A 5-star resort opening in spring 2026 intended to make the region more attractive outside the high season.
• Hotel Marjan in Split: Complete renovation for over €100 million with a new wellness area and rooftop restaurant – a sign of how strongly Split is growing as a destination.
• Marriott Tribute Portfolio in Rijeka: The historic Hotel Jadran on the Kvarner Bay was reopened as the city’s first international lifestyle hotel.

All these developments show: Croatia is taking its premium tourism seriously. And while hotels are upgrading, the biggest advantage of a private villa remains: your own pool, your own kitchen, your privacy – and often precisely the quiet location away from tourist centers that makes a villa so special.

Good to know: New EU border system from April

From 10 April 2026 the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will be introduced at all external borders. For travelers from non-EU countries this means: biometric data collection instead of passport stamps. The system is intended to speed up border crossings in the long term, but in the first weeks there may be longer waiting times at airports. EU citizens are not affected by this – for you nothing will probably change.