Croatia has many places to stay. Where you choose to go relies on the kind of holiday you want and how much money you have. Croatia is a highly popular tourist destination, offering numerous places to stay with attractive deals on hotels, campsites, apartments, and holiday houses.
Where to stay in Croatia? The hospitality sector in Croatia has a very long history. It began in the 19th century, when fancy hotels and villas were built to cater to the rich people of the Austro-Hungarian Empire who chose to holiday in Croatia. Following the civil war that led to the country’s independence in the 1990s, Croatia became known as a relatively affordable destination to visit. It utilised this to its advantage, bringing in more and more tourists, mostly from northern Italy and Germany.
Over time, the selection of hotels has expanded significantly. In Croatia, you can now find all kinds of hotels, from budget pensions to high-end resorts and holiday towns, as well as traditional sobe (rooms with private facilities). At the other end of the price range, there are an increasing number of hostels catering to independent and budget travellers. There are also hotels from major international chains that fall into the medium to high category.
Get some ideas on where to stay in Croatia when you go on holiday to Croatia with these tips.
Where to stay in Croatia (The islands of Croatia)
The tourist board promises ‘The Mediterranean as it once was’ and several of Croatia’s greatest hotels agree. This takes into account Croatia’s glittering coastline and preserved pockets of authentic architecture and culture, but it doesn’t do it credit.
The thousand-island Croatian coast boasts sparkle, elegance, chic resorts, and smart residents. Dubrovnik and Hvar are renowned for their stargazing opportunities from luxury ships. Croatia is called ‘The pearl of the Adriatic’ for this.
Croatia’s pristine countryside and stunning wildernesses combine ancient and modern elements. Agro-tourism and outdoor activities such as bicycling, trekking, rafting, and canoeing are available in this lovely setting, hidden within the farmland.
This narrative of two Croatias—coast and interior—may also divide visitors.
Zagreb
Zagreb is a joy with acres of open space, great museums and architecture, a strong kavana (café) culture, and a cool bohemian background. Explore Trg Bana Jelačića, the main square, before ascending to Gradec, a green area with Baroque palaces and narrow lanes. Kaptol, a sector with the city’s beautiful filigree spires of the Cathedral, is best enjoyed while sipping a drink at one of the many outdoor cafés. Donji Grad (Lower Town) boasts a charming blend of Art Nouveau and socialist architecture.
Experience an alternative side of Zagreb at the Močvara pub, featuring comic-strip décor, or relax with coffee and music at Eliscaffe. The glass-fronted Sheraton Zagreb Hotel offers a restful night’s sleep. As an alternative, The Westin Zagreb has a pool and spa overlooking the Mimara Museum, dedicated to local sculptor Ante Topić-Mimara.
Istria
Istria is a large, wedge-shaped peninsula that stretches south from the border with Slovenia. It is a tempting mix of forested hills, towns that resemble those in Tuscany, and lovely beach resorts. Here are three of the best things about Istria.
The largest city in the area is Pula, which you should definitely visit, if only to see its impressive amphitheatre, one of the best outside of Rome’s Colosseum. Poreč, located on the western coast of Istria, boasts numerous beautiful examples of medieval architecture. The oldest building in Poreč is the Romanesque House, which dates back to the 13th century and features a beautifully maintained wooden balcony. The city also has some great beaches. The Basilica of Euphrasius in Poreč is a must-see for anyone interested in Byzantine art. It is one of the most complete early Christian buildings in all of Europe. Rovinj, with its red-stone houses and pretty harbour full of yachts, is the last of these three picture-perfect Istrian spots.
Plitvice Lakes and Zadar
The Plitvice Lakes area is a magical natural masterpiece. It is composed of sixteen lakes linked by a series of rushing waterfalls and cataracts that span 8 km. Different walking routes of varying lengths can be found on well-maintained trails, but the buses and boats that transport people to the most interesting parts of the park are best utilised.
Zadar, the oldest city in Croatia, which has been inhabited continuously, is located approximately an hour and a half’s drive southwest of the lakes region. It’s Old Town, with its tangerine-colored roof, feels very old. Its treasures include buildings from the ninth century, the Roman Forum, and the Arsenal. This last one is a former military warehouse in Venice that is now the city’s best place for art shows and music of all kinds.
Split and the southern islands
Split is centred around Diocletian’s Palace, the emperor’s former retirement residence. Today, the city is full of charming restaurants and bars.
Split is the gateway to Croatia’s most appealing offshore islands. Nearest to the mainland is Brač, known for its V-shaped beach Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape), followed by Hvar, known for its vibrant nightlife and Carpe Diem Beach, the town’s most popular site. From here, take another ferry to Korčula, a magical old town with a fishbone-shaped wall. Vis, originally a Yugoslav military outpost, is even more distant and fascinating. Explore its secret tunnels and caves or relax on one of its many pebbly beaches.
Le Méridien Lav Split offers spacious and lovely rooms with stunning seaside views for overnight guests in Split.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a magical place that is three hours by car south of Split. It is especially beautiful in the spring or early fall, when there are fewer tourists. Walk along the city’s strong medieval walls, and then check out the Old Town’s smooth marbled streets, which are lined with green-hued white stone houses and grand homes, such as the Rector’s Palace, a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece from the 1400s. You can walk straight to the beach from the stylish Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel, where you should book a room.
Top things to do in Croatia
One of the major attractions in Zagreb is the 16th-floor observation deck of Zagreb 360 (also known as the Zagreb Eye), located on Trg Bana Jelačića. The city’s most central green space is Art Park Zagreb, an outdoor art gallery with a fun summer program of free events. Medvenica (Bear Mountain), whose highest peak, Sjleme, can be reached by cable car, offers stunning views of Zagreb and its surroundings. Visit Pula’s amphitheatre in Istria for its stunning architecture, but for a unique experience, attend a movie or concert there.
The winding road between the azure Adriatic and craggy limestone peaks south of Istria is one of Europe’s most unforgettable driving trips.
Alpine views and activities await you in Croatia’s greatest range, the Velebit Mountains, at 1757m. Further south, Paklenica National Park’s craggy peaks and vast valleys offer more fantastic trekking options for all abilities.
Dubrovnik, the southernmost city in Croatia, is a popular destination for holidays and day trips. Take one of the half-hourly ferries from Porporela, Dubrovnik’s historic harbour, to the lush island of Lokrum to swim and picnic, where you may have the place to yourself. Or kayak to the Elaphite islands.
Cavtat is a peaceful, colourful harbour town 17km south of Dubrovnik and a stone’s throw from Montenegro. Cavtat’s summer festivals and klapa (traditional a cappella singing) groups in the main square are great.
Hidden gems in Croatia
One of the most interesting things to do in Croatia is to visit the islands of Cres and Krk, which are relatively quiet. They are only a few miles from the coast of Istria and have beautiful sandy bays and cute little fishing towns. From Brestova on the mainland, you can take a boat to get to Cres. From Krk to the mainland, you have to pay for a bridge.
For something different to do, go to the less-visited Kornati Archipelago. Some of the islands in the group are Pazman, Iz, and Dugi Otok. These islands offer privacy that you won’t find much else along the coast. Dugi Otok, also known as “Long Island,” is the biggest of these Zadar Islands. Telašćica Nature Park is the main draw there.
Exclusive holidays in Croatia
The beautiful towns and beaches in Croatia are the main parts of a high-class vacation there. It’s perfect for culture buffs who want to see the interesting historical buildings in the towns. The winding streets are full of brand shops and boutiques. You can take a boat tour and ride along the beautiful coast, or you can visit the national parks and see waterfalls and green hills. For food, there are numerous great choices. There is a traditional Croatian menu as well as international options, featuring Asian and Mediterranean favourites.
Where to stay in Croatia? Book your high-class holiday in Croatia through Low Cost Vibes, and we’ll help you find the perfect hotel for your trip. Our Personal Travel Planners will get to know you before suggesting one of our carefully chosen hotels, whether you’re travelling with your family, as a couple, in a small group, or by yourself.
