In addition to being ranked the safest country in Europe for nightlife, this destination ranked 10th on Google’s list of most searched travel spots in 2024
With the rising prevalence of scams, pickpockets and tourist-targeted incidents, UK travellers are understandably picky on where they take their holidays. This is particularly relevant for party-minded travellers intent on exploring the vibrant nightlife of European countries like Spain and Hungary.
The need to take enhanced safety precautions is a reality of being a tourist, but there is one EU country that has distinguished itself for its low crime rate. For the second year in a row, Croatia has been ranked the safest country in Europe for nightlife by the World of Statistics. The country ranked first in a survey of 41 European countries for personal safety at night. Slovenia and Iceland ranked second and third on the list respectively, with Portugal ranking 16th, Spain ranking 21st and France ranking last in 41st place.
According to Darijo Saric, CEO of VIP Holiday Booker, Croatia’s first-place ranking is no surprise: “Croatia’s recognition as the safest country in Europe is a testament to its welcoming atmosphere, well-maintained public spaces, and strong sense of community.
Personal safety can be a major factor in travel decisions, and while other popular tourist hotspots may require extra caution after dark, Croatia offers peace of mind that few countries can match. “Whether it’s a leisurely stroll along Dubrovnik’s illuminated Stradun, an evening spent soaking in the lively atmosphere of Split’s Riva, or a romantic walk through the charming streets of Rovinj, visitors can fully enjoy their time without safety concerns.”
Complementing the World of Statistics’ survey results, VIP Holiday Booker shared the results of their own ranking of Croatia’s top nightlife destinations, factoring in quantity of bars, Instagram and TikTok popularity scores and TripAdvisor ratings.
These are Croatia’s top nightlife destinations, according to the holiday home letting agency:
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Split
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Zadar
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Dubrovnik
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Hvar
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Pag
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Pula
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Brač
For anyone that has travelled to Split, it is no surprise why it has topped the list. According to Saric: “Events like the Ultra Festival, pub crawls, and electronic music festivals have drawn crowds from around the world, making Split a must-visit for party-goers.”
Croatia also ranked tenth on Google’s list of most searched travel destinations in 2024, cementing clear interest in the country for holidaymakers. Even airlines and hotel groups are taking notice of Croatia’s growing popularity and racing to service UK tourists.
Jet2 and easyJet have both announced extensions of their UK to Croatia flight routes ahead of the 2025 summer travel season. Jet2 will offer twice weekly flights to Pula from Birmingham, London Stansted and Manchester between May and October. While easyJet will launch a twice-weekly route between Liverpool and Split beginning on June 9.
Additionally, both the Marriott and Hilton hotel groups have properties set to open later this year. The Marriott Isolano hotel is set to open in March, marking the group’s first foray into Croatia, and the Hilton Hotel Preko in the Zadar archipelago will open in May.
