Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast: the safer alternative — with one caveat

Croatia has become significantly more popular in recent years, partly as a deliberate alternative to destinations that made headlines with evacuations. The Dalmatian coast — Split, Šibenik, Dubrovnik and islands such as Hvar and Brač — combines crystal-clear water with a lower risk profile than Greece or Southern Italy.

In our atlas, the region scores an overall risk of approximately 49%. That is clearly more favourable than the Greek islands (61%) or Southern Italy (67%), but it is not zero. And there is one specific phenomenon you should be aware of here.

The bora: the wind that fuels fires

The fire risk in Dalmatia is moderate in itself. But the region experiences a strong, dry downwind — the bora — that rushes from the mountains to the coast. If a fire breaks out anywhere during bora conditions, it can spread explosively in a short time.

In 2023, fires near Split and Šibenik temporarily closed the motorway. In 2025, fire danger was elevated along the entire coast and several campsites were evacuated as a precaution.

The islands of Hvar and Brač experience minor fires almost every year. Usually they remain manageable, but the combination of a dry summer plus bora is why warnings should be taken seriously.

Heat and seawater

The second point to note is the heat. In the peak months of July and August, heatwaves occur, with seawater temperatures reaching 28–30 °C. Pleasant for swimming, but it also means warm, humid nights. Accommodation with air conditioning is not a luxury in high season.

Seismic risk is present but low; the earthquakes near Zagreb and Petrinja in 2020 occurred inland, not on the tourist coast.

Practical tips

• Choose a place with air conditioning in July/August and preferably on open water, where the breeze makes nights more bearable.
• Take warnings at campsites and marinas seriously — especially when bora is forecast.
• May, June and September are the best months: warm enough, quieter, and with the lowest fire and heat risk.

In short

The Dalmatian coast is rightly a beloved, relatively safe alternative. Fire risk is moderate, but the bora wind means coastal fires can escalate quickly here. Preferably travel outside the hottest weeks, choose cool spots by the water, and check the current fire danger for your area in the atlas shortly before departure.