Novalja among leading Croatian destinations: July brought growth in tourist traffic

In the Novalja and Stara Novalja area, 642.140 overnight stays were recorded in commercial accommodation in July 2026, which is 3,9% more than in the same month last year. 95.350 arrivals were also recorded, or 2,6% more.

The strong July result compensated for the slightly weaker traffic from the first six months, and the cumulative number of overnight stays since the beginning of the year increased to 1.078.690, what is 0,7% above last year's level.

Growing markets mitigated the decline of traditional

In the first seven months, the United Kingdom, Poland and the domestic market stand out in particular.

The number of overnight stays of guests from Great Britain increased by 85,5% thanks to the large number of visitors during the Hideout festival, followed by 12,2% from Poland, which discovered Croatia, and thus Novalja, after the pandemic, with tourist traffic from the country in question increasing every year.

There was also a clear increase of 9,6% in domestic guests who showed their preference for Novalja as their second place of residence throughout the year. This growth was offset by the decline in traffic from the traditionally important markets of Germany, Italy and Austria.

"The positive result reflects the combined effect of a strong July, quality events, good connections with source markets, and a diverse accommodation and destination offer. Novalja has been systematically building its recognition as an outdoor and gastronomic destination for years, and new investments further increase the quality and value of the overall experience." according to the Novalja Tourist Board. 

Events, availability and year-round positioning

The result was also contributed by this year's extremely successful edition of the Hideout Festival, one of the most internationally recognized events on Zrće. Along with a strong festival segment, Novalja has been developing a dispersive tourist offer in the wider area of ​​the destination for years and systematically building the brand of an outdoor and gastro destination.

A diverse calendar of cultural, entertainment, gastronomic, family and outdoor activities gives guests more reasons to come and stay longer.

An important competitive advantage remains the very good transport connections to key source markets. Novalja is accessible by the Prizna-Žigljen ferry connection, while the Pag Bridge allows easy access from the highway from the direction of Posedarje.

Starting this year, Lun has a new catamaran line, popularly called "Kvarner Bridge", connected to Kraljevica, Crikvenica, Senj Rab and Lošinj. The line additionally connects the island of Pag with the Kvarner islands and the mainland, making it easier for guests to arrive and move between destinations.

International catamaran line Pesaro-Novalja For fifteen years, it has been bringing Italian tourists to the destination, primarily younger guests, including many visitors to Zrće, Croatia's most famous party beach.

"The continuity of this line confirms the importance of direct connections with the Italian market and their contribution to Novalja's recognition among a younger international audience." they point out from the Novalja Tourist Board. 

Novalja among the leading Croatian destinations

According to the Croatian Tourist Board's overview of total tourist traffic, which includes commercial and non-commercial accommodation, 741.524 overnight stays were recorded in Novalja during July.

This means that Novalja has taken over seventh place among Croatian destinations according to total number of nights, fourth place in family accommodation te seventh place in camping accommodationFrom the beginning of the year to the end of July, a total of 1.212.417 overnight stays were achieved, placing Novalja in the top tenth place in Croatia.

Various accommodation and new investments in quality

"Novalja has a diverse accommodation offer - from family accommodation and campsites to hotels and hostels, which suits different guest profiles. An additional step forward in quality was achieved this year with the complete renovation of the Liberty S facility, which has been upgraded to a four-star level in a new look. Such investments strengthen the competitiveness of the destination and confirm the focus on a higher quality and more comprehensive offer.", they conclude with the Novalja Tourist Board.

Photo: TZG Novalja