Croatia’s 5 best honeymoon destinations

With its breathtaking beaches, dramatic sunsets and palm-fringed ports, Croatia certainly isn't short of romance and beauty. In fact, you voted it one of the most beautiful countries in the world making it pretty much perfect for a honeymoon you'll never forget.

Happily, Croatia is currently emerging as one of Europe’s best options for that magical post-vows trip, thanks to a recent swell in the number of boutique hotels, spa resorts, outstanding restaurants and specialist tour operators. Whatever you’ve jotted down on your honeymoon wish-list, the necessary infrastructure is here.

Indeed, there’s hardly a single corner of the country that hasn’t got something going for it, and the real trick is deciding when to do the deed.

Arrive in high summer (when the peak tourist season coincides with what is traditionally the peak wedding season) and it can seem as if every couple have booked into the same hotel. Choose spring, early autumn, or even December, and you could come back with some very special memories indeed.

For more on the best time to visit, read up on when to go to Croatia, and read on to discover Croatia's best honeymoon destinations to help you plan your perfect getaway. If you'd prefer to forgo the stress of planning, explore our Croatia itineraries.

1. Best for romance: Dubrovnik

When it comes to Mediterranean romance, Dubrovnik is hard to beat. A breathtakingly beautiful city, dramatically situated — it really is as seductive as all the photographs suggest.

Be warned that you’re unlikely to be on your own in high summer, when hordes of day-trippers render the old-town alleys almost impassable. Better to save your strolling energies for the evenings and early mornings, when the city is guaranteed to charm your pants off.

Adding to the romance, Dubrovnik offers easy access to a smattering of stunning islands — take your pick from fertile nature reserves and chic retreats. Plus, it's also close to several of the best beaches in Croatia. For more inspiration, read up on top Croatian island getaways, and discover top things to do in Dubrovnik.

Where to stay

For private a balcony, terrace and classic views, you can’t beat Villa Dubrovnik.

Discover more places to stay with our guide to the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik.

2. Best for pampering: Lošinj

Few Croatian destinations have changed as much as Lošinj, an island that transformed itself from two-and-a-half star family package resort to five-star lap of luxury in only a handful of years.

The key component in Lošinj’s makeover is the provision of a broad palette of spa and beauty treatments, many of which owe at least something to the island’s extraordinary natural treasury of medicinal plants and aromatic herbs. Indeed, special two-person spa ‘rituals’ are included in the honeymoon packages offered by the main hotels.

For beach addicts, local ferry lines offer the chance to cruise leisurely towards some of the Adriatic’s most seductive smaller islands, notably sandy Susak.

Lošinj’s single most popular tourist attraction is the Apoksiomen, a Graeco-Roman statue of a handsomely naked athlete, which adds to the island’s sensual appeal.

Where to stay

Hotel Bellevue offers five-star comforts complete with wellness centre and seaside location.

Explore more places to stay in Lošinj.

3. Best for urban hipsters: Zagreb

A city whose most celebrated tourist site is the Museum of Broken Relationships — as featured in our run-down of unexpected highlights of Croatia — may not immediately spring to mind as the most promising place to celebrate your nuptials.

However, this buzzing Central European capital has a lot to recommend it, with its café culture, cutting-edge contemporary design, and copious cake shops.

Arrive on a Saturday and you can join the local newlyweds having their photographs taken in front of St Mark’s Church — the city’s main registry office is nearby. If your hearts are set on a December wedding then consider Zagreb very, very seriously — it’s home to one of the best Advent scenes in Europe, with boutique wines, gourmet food and live music enlivening its parks and squares.

Need more convincing? Find out why Zagreb is Croatia's capital of cool.

Where to stay

Enjoy Art Deco elegance at the luxurious Regent Esplanade.

Discover more Zagreb accommodation.

4. Best for hedonists: Hvar Town

Located on the ruggedly handsome island of Hvar, Hvar Town has an international reputation for being something of a celebrity magnet and party destination, yet it never seems to lose its refined edge. Fittingly enough, it's known as the Queen of the Dalmatian Islands.

Arrive in style by taking the European Coastal Airlines seaplane from Split to Jelsa before picking up a taxi to Hvar Town. After being blown-away by its medieval charms, explore Stari Grad Plain and Start Grad historic centre — both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Hvar is the kind of place where chic bars and restaurants rub shoulders with gothic palaces and chapels, while water taxis whisk bathers to idyllic offshore islets. Talking of which, in good news for beach-lovers, Hvar bagged a few spots in our overview of the best beaches in Croatia.

Where to stay

Harbour-front Hotel Adriana has great views, a spa and top-floor pool.

View more Hvar accommodation.

5. Best for Riviera-style chic: Rovinj

With the reflected colours of its pastel-painted houses rippling across the harbour, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Rovinj had jumped straight out of the French Riviera or Italy’s Ligurian coast. It’s an undoubtedly traditional spot, with an old quarter of cobbled alleyways overlooked by the trademark tower of a Venetian-style church.

However, Rovinj also scores high marks for discreet sophistication, with a sprinkling of bijoux galleries and suave wine and cocktail bars. Excellent local restaurants serve up platefuls of fish, scampi, truffles and other regional goodies. Oysters from nearby Lim Fjord, for example, make the ideal aphrodisiac.

Talking of food, the gourmands among you will want to read up on Croatia's top foodie experiences.

While in Rovinj, take a trip down the coast to pretty, historic Pula — hailed by one of our experts as a place that should be your next city break.

Where to stay

Cute harbour-side Adriatic Hotel is arty and intimate.

Read up on other places to stay in Rovinj.

6. Best for peace of mind: take a tailor-made trip

Arguably saving our best tip for last, arranging a honeymoon can be pretty stressful, so why not let our our experts take the hassle out of planning and do it all for you?

All Rough Guides trips are 100% customisable, which means you'll be able to curate the honeymoon you've been lusting after without having to go through the pain of planning and coordinating all those pesky details.

If you adore fine food and idyllic islands, the Feel and Taste Dalmatia itinerary may well float your honeymoon boat. Alternatively, if you and the love of your life share a love of the great outdoors, how about sailing across Dalmatia, or enjoying the ultimate Croatian adventure?

Contact Marko, our local Croatian expert, to start making your honeymoon dreams a reality.