Budget giant Ryanair is turning up the heat in Croatia next summer, cranking up flights from its Zagreb base to some of Europe’s hottest spots.

From March 29, 2026, the no-frills favourite will be flying nearly twice a day on several key routes – with London Stansted passengers set for the biggest boost. Brits will be spoiled with 12 weekly services, meaning a double daily flight almost every day of the week, reports EX-YU Aviation. 

Sun-seekers heading to Malta can also pack their bags more often, as the airline ups its schedule to 12 flights a week, with two daily departures Monday to Friday. Dublin goes from five weekly flights to daily, while Palma de Mallorca jumps from four to six weekly, and Paphos from three to five.

It’s not just these hotspots getting extra love. Basel will finally go daily, Malaga climbs to six weekly, and Palermo hits four. But not every route makes the cut – Pisa and Marseille are being quietly dropped after struggling to fill seats.

The boost comes as Ryanair’s Zagreb routes notch up blockbuster numbers. In the first half of this year alone, more than 79,500 travellers jetted off to Stansted, with planes 93% full on average. Malta carried nearly 68,000 (91% full), while Dublin smashed it with 97.8% loads. Even quieter routes like Paphos and Palma held strong, with almost 90% of seats filled.

Ryanair bosses are still fine-tuning their summer 2026 schedule, but one thing’s certain: Zagreb is set to see a budget airline bonanza – with more planes, more passengers, and a lot more weekend getaways.

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The long-awaited “project of the century” in the Neretva Valley is finally moving forward. Texo Molior, a construction company from Cavtat, has been awarded the contract to build a mobile dam on the Neretva River, designed to protect farmland from saltwater intrusion and secure irrigation for nearly 1,900 hectares.

The dam, 130 metres long and consisting of five movable steel segments set on a reinforced concrete base, will operate between April and September, blocking seawater during dry months. Outside that period, it will rest on the riverbed.

Texo Molior won the second tender issued by Hrvatske vode with a bid of €21.87 million, beating competitor Pomgrad Inženjering. The total project, including a freshwater reservoir, a navigable channel for vessels up to 60 metres, a fish passage and a 116-kilometre distribution network, is valued at €73.5 million.

Around 85 percent of the funding will come from EU funds, while construction is expected to last four years once works begin.

This long-discussed project has been in preparation for more than two decades and is considered crucial for safeguarding the future of agriculture in the Neretva delta.

Pržina Beach in Lumbarda has once again made history. On the morning of October 1, new loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) hatchlings were spotted making their way to the sea—just weeks after the first confirmed nesting in Croatia was recorded at the same location on September 10.

The discovery was made by local resident Marijana Šurković Davis, who noticed three tiny turtles emerging from the sand while exercising on the beach. She photographed them from a distance, reported the sighting to the Blue World Institute, and ensured they safely reached the water without interference.

Experts suggest the new emergence could indicate a second nest or a prolonged incubation period, as hatchlings usually appear 55 to 65 days after eggs are laid. The first group of around 15 turtles hatched in mid-September, astonishing both locals and tourists.

The event further confirms Croatia’s place on the global map of loggerhead turtle nesting sites and raises hopes that the young turtles may return to the same beach in 15 to 20 years to lay eggs of their own.

Authorities remind the public not to touch nests or hatchlings and to report any sightings to the Blue World Institute.

Croatia recorded a six percent increase in tourist arrivals and overnight stays this September compared to last year’s record-breaking month, Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonči Glavina announced on Tuesday. Speaking at the 9th international Tourism 365 conference, Glavina said that results for the year so far also show growth of around two percent in arrivals and one percent in overnights.

Glavina stressed that 2024 marked a turning point, as growth was not driven solely by the two peak summer months but by strong performance in both the preseason and postseason. “This confirms that Croatia is changing and that, through strategic frameworks and legal reforms, we are creating conditions for year-round tourism,” he said.

He urged the tourism sector to set prices “very wisely” for 2026, noting that this year’s results could have been even stronger with greater price competitiveness. “For the first time, European surveys show that price is the main motivator for travelers when choosing a destination,” he explained, warning that the trend is likely to intensify next year.

Glavina also highlighted significant growth in continental tourism, where unprecedented investments of around €350 million are being directed toward infrastructure for health and sports tourism, helping to attract visitors outside the summer months.

The conference also featured European Parliament member Nikolina Brnjac, who announced work on a new EU strategy for sustainable tourism, expected to address issues such as climate change, local community impact, and short-term rentals. “Croatia is already a good example through its new Tourism Law, which balances capacity with affordable housing for locals,” Brnjac said.

Maja Bakran Marcich of the European Commission confirmed that the EU’s first sustainable tourism strategy should be unveiled in spring 2026, tackling challenges including sustainable growth, artificial intelligence, workforce shortages, and education.

Conference organizer Ivana Kolar added that tourism’s share in the global economy is expected to double over the next decade, with one in eight jobs worldwide projected to be in the sector. AI is already reshaping travel habits, with around 30% of tourists now using it to plan their journeys. Georgi Dimitrov, CEO of Fantasy AI and an expert in artificial intelligence innovation, said that the travel industry is entering a new phase where AI will act as a personal companion rather than just a planning tool. “AI will soon be able to tailor entire travel experiences — from suggesting destinations that fit a traveller’s mood to helping them create AI characters or virtual companions that share recommendations and memories from the trip,” Dimitrov explained. “For tourism in places like Croatia, where culture and storytelling are central, AI can enhance engagement and make every journey feel more personal.”

@croatiafulloflife Island hopping, salty breeze, no rush… just pure bliss ☀️ ???? Show us your pomalo moments - where do you escape to slow down? ???? #findyourpomalo ♬ Instrumental Piano - Piano Music

While many complexes scale back outside peak months, Akademis remains vibrant all year long. Its doors stay open, its lights warm, its hearth alive. Whether you arrive in the quiet hush of winter or the golden days of autumn, you'll find the staff attentive and the atmosphere genuine.

The complex also acts as a stage for Dubrovnik's emotional drumbeat: during the festive season, Advent on Vojnović brings musicians, markets, and lights to the plaza in front of Akademis.

Weekly cocktail nights offer local flavour with skilled bartenders and music that gathers both travellers and neighbours—reminding you that this is a place rooted in local life just as much as in hospitality.

Local Flavor, Hearty Meals

If you arrive at Akademis hungry—for warmth, flavour, or fat-rich portion—your table will be ready. The gastronomic offering balances refinement with heart. Traditional Croatian dishes sit alongside modern touches; fresh local produce, seasonal fare, and generous servings make each meal satisfying. Breakfast, for instance, isn't a rush.

Expect freshly baked pastries, strong coffee, and plates meant to set you up for leisurely exploration. By evening, the menu shifts but keeps tone: soups, braised meats, fish, grilled local vegetables, and wines from the Dalmatian hinterland. There is something deeply satisfying about tucking into a hearty meal, especially on a cooler night, surrounded by friends or stars or both.

A Hub of Events & Cultural Warmth

More than just lodging, Akademis is a meeting place. Its Congress Hall "SALOCHA" hosts events--from corporate gatherings and weddings to themed evenings. Local community events take place in its spaces: think cocktail evenings, festive programmes, and gatherings celebrating Dubrovnik's cultural heartbeat. Because it's open all year, these events aren't seasonal concessions—they are part of the regular rhythm.

Great Value, Deep Experience

For many travellers, value isn't just about price; it's about what you receive in return. Akademis scores highly here. Modern rooms, comfortable beds, service that feels artisanal yet professional, and location that places you within walking distance of buses, the Old City, harbour, and airport—all without paying summer premium rates. Travel in the off-season means quieter streets, easier reservations, and more personal attention.

Why Choose Akademis Academia

Now If you're considering Dubrovnik in the coming months, especially autumn, winter, or early spring, Akademis Academia offers something rare: constant life. A place where you can savour hearty food, join in festive culture, explore the Old City without the crush, and feel rooted in place rather than passing through. 

Public transport company Libertas has announced that the Dubrovnik–Kotor bus line will cease operations as of Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

The cross-border service connected southern Croatia with Montenegro, offering passengers a direct route between the two Adriatic cities.

Retail chains in Croatia recorded revenues of €8.41 billion in 2024, an increase of 8.8% compared to the previous year, according to research by the Croatian Competition Agency (AZTN). This marks a rise of €679 million compared to 2023, when revenues stood at €7.73 billion, reports N1. 

The study covered 41 of the largest retailers in the country. While there were three fewer companies than the year before—due to acquisitions by Studenac and NTL—the total number of outlets grew by 126, reaching 5,266 across Croatia.

Konzum Plus remained the country’s leading retailer, followed by Lidl, Plodine, Spar, Kaufland, Studenac, Tommy, KTC, NTL, and Trgovina Krk. Konzum also recorded the highest nominal revenue growth, alongside Studenac, both surpassing €100 million. Lidl, Plodine, Spar, and Kaufland each grew between €50–100 million, while NTL, Tommy, Eurospin, and KTC reported growth of €20–50 million.

Among regional players, Boso, Ribola, Djelo Vodice, Trgovina Krk, Bakmaz, NewMIP, and Slavonija Bošković also reported steady revenue increases. Supermarkets generated the largest share of turnover, €4.4 billion or 52.3% of the total, followed by hypermarkets with €1.66 billion (19.7%).

The report also revealed that average profit margins were highest in the bakery and confectionery sector, followed by fresh fruit and vegetables. Compared to 2023, margins rose slightly in six product categories—including meat, dairy, soft drinks, and staple foods—while poultry, eggs, fruit, and vegetables saw a minor decline.

The Dubrovnik Brass Band gave a special concert in Pomena on the island of Mljet on 26 September 2025, performing on the terrace of Hotel Odisej. The performance marked the 65th anniversary of the founding of Mljet National Park, one of Croatia’s most treasured natural areas.

The concert was made possible thanks to the support of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Mljet National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park and Adriatic Croatia International. Additional assistance was provided by Luka Dubrovnik, Hotel Odisej (ALH) and the company Kapetan Luka Krilo.