Croatia Public Holidays 2026: Dates and What Travelers Should Know

Disclaimer: Public holiday dates and observances in Croatia may change. Always refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date information.

Public Holidays in Croatia

Croatia observes a set of official public holidays known locally as državni praznici (national public holidays) or neradni dani (non-working days). These holidays are observed nationwide and typically involve closures of government offices and banks, while tourist services usually continue operating.

List of Public Holidays in Croatia 2026

These dates form the backbone of Croatia’s annual holiday calendar and are important reference points for both residents and travelers.

Easter and Religious Holidays in Croatia

Religion plays a significant role in Croatia’s cultural life, and several public holidays are rooted in Catholic tradition. Among them, Easter is the most influential for travel.

Easter, known in Croatian as Uskrs, is one of the most important religious holidays in the country. In 2026, Easter Sunday falls on 5 April, followed by Easter Monday on 6 April, both of which are public holidays.

During Easter, many Croatians travel to spend time with family, while others take advantage of the long weekend for short domestic trips. Cities may feel quieter on Easter Sunday itself, while coastal areas and popular destinations often see increased activity.

For travelers, Easter is a good time to experience traditional Croatian customs, but it is also a period when accommodation and transportation should be booked in advance.

Other religious public holidays include:

• Epiphany (6 January)
• Corpus Christi (4 June)
• Assumption Day (15 August)
• All Saints’ Day (1 November)
• Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day (25–26 December)

These dates may affect opening hours, particularly in smaller towns and on islands.

Long Weekends and Travel Patterns in 2026

Several Croatian public holidays fall on Mondays or Fridays, creating extended breaks that encourage domestic travel. These long weekends are especially popular for short trips to the coast or countryside.

In 2026, notable long weekends include:

• Easter weekend in April
• Labour Day on a Friday in May
• Anti-Fascist Struggle Day on a Monday in June

During these periods, transportation demand increases, especially for buses and ferries serving coastal and island destinations.

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What Remains Open During Public Holidays in Croatia

Public holidays in Croatia do not mean a complete shutdown, particularly in areas that rely on tourism.

In general:

• Airports, ferries, buses, and trains continue operating
• Hotels and tourist accommodations remain open
• Restaurants and cafés usually operate, sometimes with reduced hours
• Supermarkets and shopping centers may open for limited hours
• Banks and government offices are typically closed

Travelers visiting smaller towns should expect more limited services on major holidays.

Seasonal Travel Considerations in Croatia

Croatia’s holiday calendar overlaps closely with its tourist seasons.

• Spring (March–April): Easter brings a mix of religious observance and domestic travel
• Early Summer (May–June): Long weekends and warmer weather increase travel activity
• High Summer (July–August): Victory Day and Assumption Day fall during peak tourist season, especially along the Adriatic coast
• Autumn (November): All Saints’ Day and Remembrance Day create quieter travel periods
• Winter (December): Christmas and year-end holidays bring festive events and seasonal closures

Understanding these patterns helps travelers decide when to visit based on crowd levels and availability.

Stay Connected While Traveling in Croatia with Eskimo

Public holidays and long weekends in Croatia often coincide with busy travel periods, especially during spring and summer. Ferries can fill up quickly, coastal towns become crowded, and reliable mobile data is essential for navigation, bookings, and schedule updates.

With Eskimo eSIM, you can stay connected across Croatia without relying on public Wi-Fi or searching for a local SIM card. Setup takes just a few minutes, and your connection works as soon as you arrive.

New users can try Eskimo for free with 500 MB of global data, valid in over 100 countries, allowing you to test the service before purchasing a full plan. Once ready, you can choose a Croatia eSIM, a Europe eSIM, or a Global eSIM, depending on your travel plans.

FAQs

Is Easter a public holiday in Croatia?

Yes. Easter Sunday (Uskrs) and Easter Monday are both public holidays. Easter is an important religious period and often results in increased domestic travel.

Are shops and restaurants open on public holidays in Croatia?

In tourist areas, most shops, restaurants, and cafés remain open, sometimes with shorter hours. In smaller towns, closures are more common, especially on religious holidays.

Do public holidays affect transportation in Croatia?

Yes. Demand for buses, ferries, and flights often increases during public holidays and long weekends. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during spring and summer.

What are long weekends in Croatia?

Long weekends occur when a public holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, creating an extended break. These periods are popular for short trips and can lead to higher accommodation demand.

Is summer a busy time to travel in Croatia because of public holidays?

Yes. Several public holidays fall close to the peak summer season, contributing to higher visitor numbers along the coast and on popular islands.