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Croatia is currently on track to set an all-time record for tourism this year.
This European country has exploded in popularity with travelers in recent years, and this November was a record-breaking month for visitors.
Although Croatia is typically viewed as a summertime destination, the recent increase in visitors proves that this stunning country is actually becoming a year-round destination.
According to recent data, these are the top five most popular destinations in Croatia right now.
1. Zagreb
Surprisingly, the most popular destination in Croatia at the moment is not one of its famous coastal towns on the Adriatic Sea. The capital city of Zagreb is actually the top trending location in the country right now.
Zagreb is located in the northern part of the country, and it's one of the most underrated winter destinations in Europe. The charming Old Town of Zagreb, which is divided into Upper and Lower parts, is especially festive around the holidays.
Zagreb has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, where you can shop for holiday gifts and try delicious treats and hot beverages.
2. Dubrovnik
Another popular destination in Croatia right now is Dubrovnik. This historic walled city on the southern coast of Croatia is famous for being a main Game of Thrones filming location.
With its quaint stone buildings and orange-tiled roofs, pedestrian-only streets, and location jutting out into the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is by far one of the most gorgeous destinations in Croatia. However, it's getting more and more crowded, not to mention expensive and hot during the busy summer season.
Summer is the peak time to visit Dubrovnik, but winter is actually the best underrated time to discover the city. During winter in Dubrovnik, you can enjoy exploring the city with lower crowds, lower prices, and milder weather.
3. Split
Split is another trending destination in Croatia. Located along the coast in the central part of the country, Split is a great gateway to exploring many of Croatia's best islands and national parks, such as Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park.
The city itself has a lot to offer, from the historic area of Diocletian's Palace to the more modern districts known for dining and nightlife.
Split makes for a great alternative to Dubrovnik if you are looking for fewer crowds and lower prices. It's another destination that is much quieter in the winter compared to the busy summertime.
4. Opatija
Another one of the most popular destinations in Croatia is lesser-known among foreign visitors, and that is Opatija. This coastal town in the northern part of the country may not be as famous as Dubrovnik or Split, but it's something of a hidden gem.
Opatija has been a fashionable resort town since the 19th century, and it remains a popular destination today for travelers who are looking for a more low-key getaway in Croatia. This is the perfect place to go if you want to have a relaxing stay on the stunning Adriatic Sea.
5. Zadar
Finally, Zadar is one of the top trending destinations in Croatia right now. Like Opatija, Zadar is not as well-known as the more popular coastal destinations, but this charming town is steadily growing in terms of tourism.
More and more travelers are discovering the beauty of Zadar, which resembles Split and Dubrovnik in many ways but without as many crowds (and with lower prices.)
Croatia is known for being the most-liked digital nomad hub of the year, and for digital nomads looking for a home base on the coast, Zadar is the perfect choice. It's not too big, and yet there's still a lot going on. It's convenient to many other destinations in Croatia, and it's more affordable.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.