Croatia has landed two spots on Condé Nast Traveler's list of the 20 best cities in Europe for 2026, voted for by more than 200,000 readers in the magazine's annual Readers' Choice Awards. Dubrovnik came in at number 15 with a score of 87.24, while Rovinj on the Istrian coast took 17th place with 86.29 — a solid showing for a country of under four million people.
The awards rate cities on what travellers actually experience on the ground: food, shopping and hotels, among other categories. Dubrovnik earned its place thanks to its remarkably intact old town, the famous city walls and the views out over the Adriatic, plus a hotel and dining scene that keeps expanding. Rovinj was praised for its unmistakable old-town skyline rising from the harbour, narrow stone lanes, galleries and restaurants — and flagged as a smart pick for anyone who wants a proper city break and a beach holiday in one, at a gentler pace than the Dalmatian hotspots.
The overall podium went to Paris (97.14), Istanbul (95.96) and reigning champion Valletta (95.76). Amsterdam, Stockholm and Madrid filled out the top six, with Porto and Lisbon flying the flag for Portugal further down the list. There are a few surprises worth noting: Cork in Ireland at 14, Monte Carlo at 10, and Genoa and Krakow closing out the top 20.
For holiday planners, the Croatian double act makes a neat pairing. Dubrovnik delivers the blockbuster experience — walking the walls early in the morning before the cruise crowds arrive is still worth the ticket — while Rovinj offers a lower-key alternative with excellent seafood, Istrian wine and easy swimming spots close to the old town. If anything, Rovinj's inclusion is the more useful tip: it has long played second fiddle to Dubrovnik and Split in the headlines, yet often means fewer crowds, more reasonable prices and a softer rhythm, especially in early autumn.
Just bear in mind that a Readers' Choice nod tends to boost demand. If either city is on your 2026 list, booking rooms well ahead — and aiming for shoulder season — is the sensible move.
