Where to stay in Croatia

From its elegant, history-rich cities, to all those idyllic islands, there are stacks of reasons to visit Croatia, and stacks of incredible places to stay. So, to help you plan your travels, and help you decide where to stay in Croatia, here we present some of the best destinations and places to stay. 

Where to stay in Croatia for history: Dubrovnik

Let’s be honest — Dubrovnik is an obvious starting point, and for good reason. Backed by cliffs and facing the Adriatic, it’s home to one of the world’s best-preserved medieval towns. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its stone walls and marble streets, easily ranks among the best places to visit in Croatia.

First-time visitors to Croatia never fail to come back raving about Dubrovnik’s romantic allure. But beyond soaking up that seductive atmosphere, you won’t be short of amazing things do in Dubrovnik and the surrounding area. Take your pick from enjoying boat trips to beautiful islands, to exploring Games of Thrones locations.

You won’t be short of finding great places to stay in Dubrovnik, either. From quaint guesthouses located in historic buildings, to glamorous apartments, to modern hotels for every kind of budget, this popular destination has it all.

Editor’s tip: before deciding where to stay in Croatia, arm yourself with info from our area-by-area guide to where to stay in Dubrovnik.

Best places to stay in Dubrovnik:

• Royal Neptun Hotel: Surrounded by fragrant pine trees, the hotel offers magnificent panoramic sea views. Most rooms have a balcony and free WiFi access is available throughout the hotel.
• Hotel Lero: Enjoy modern comfort in air-conditioned rooms, a buffet breakfast, and culinary delights at Terra buffet or Taj Mahal restaurant. 
• Villa Leoni: Villa Leoni is located above the popular Banje Beach and only 400 metres from the famous Dubrovnik Walls surrounding the Old City.

Browse more places to stay in Dubrovnik.

Where to stay in Croatia for architectural wonders: Split

Boasting a handsome 4th-century Diocletian's Palace, Split is a top location for travellers who want to see some of Croatia’s architectural wonders while browsing indie boutiques, and enjoying its cool café culture. 

Add to that the city’s easy access to beautiful beaches and gorgeous islands, and Split amounts to a magnificent Mediterranean destination with maritime heritage and modern verve.

As such, when it comes to finding accommodation in Split, you’ll be spoiled for choice. As a general rule, if you’re on a budget make a beeline for Dobri, Manus and Lucac. Travelling with kids? Consider staying in leafy Meje.

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for beach activity and nightlife, check out the Bacvice neighbourhood. Meanwhile, romantics and first-timers might want to consider staying in the Old Town or Veli Varos.

Editor’s tip: if you’re wondering whether to visit Split or Dubrovnik first, explore our customisable Feel and Taste Dalmatia trip. It’ll take you on an immersive food-and-culture-focussed tour from Split to Dubrovnik, via some undeniably stunning islands.

Best places to stay in Split:

• Heritage hotel Santa Lucia: Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia is conveniently located in Split. It offers air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi, and a shared lounge. Guests are offered an airport shuttle service, as well as bicycle hire.
• Bel Residence: Boasting an outdoor swimming pool, Bel Residence is located 450 metres from Trstenik Beach and 900 metres from Firule Beach in Split.
• Hotel Agava Split: Featuring 4-star accommodation, Hotel Agava Split is set 700 metres from Diocletian's Palace and 300 metres from Republic Square - Prokurative.

Browse more places to stay in Split.

Where to stay in Croatia for beaches: Dalmatian islands

Beach lovers wondering where to stay in Croatia might want to start with the islands, home to some of the best beaches in Croatia as well as charming villages and quiet coves.

For example, for old town ambience, fine food, and plenty of family-friendly places to stay, Korčula could well be your dream island destination.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking sun-drenched glitz and glamour, alongside places to walk on the wilder side, handsome Hvar has you covered. 

Alongside having lots of luxurious apartments and elegant boutique hotels to bed down in, it's possible to find more budget-friendly places to stay on the island. 

Can’t decide which island to head to? No problem — our practical guide to island hopping Croatia will help you choose, while our Sailing Croatia trip will see you embark on an unforgettable voyage from Spilt.

Prefer to stay on dry land? Read our run-down of the best islands in Croatia for every kind of traveller.

Editor’s tip: to experience Hvar in more immersive style, check out our customisable Authentic Hvar trip.

Best places to stay in Korcula:

• Aminess Lume Hotel: Aminess Lume Hotel is located just a few steps from the seaside promenade, where guests can enjoy relaxing walks surrounded by pine forest. Snorkelling, canoeing and hiking, as well as windsurfing, diving and fishing can be enjoyed nearby.
• Apartments Vela Luka: The apartment features a terrace, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.
• ECO Aparthotel The Dreamers's Club: ECO Aparthotel The Dreamers' Club is a 4-star apartment with seafront views, located in Lumbarda. It offers free bikes, a garden and on-site parking.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Korcula.

Best places to stay in Hvar:

• Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort: Set in a secluded cove, this luxury hotel is close to the beach and a multi-level pool. It offers sea views and the centre of Hvar is just a 10-minute walk away.
• B&B Pansion Jure Matijević: Located on the south coast of Hvar Island in Jagodna, next to Sveta Nedelja, B&B Pansion Jure Matijević offers a children's playground and sea views.
• Pharos Hvar Hotel: Set in a secluded pine grove and completely renovated in 2016, the modern Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel offers brightly decorated rooms, an outdoor pool, and a modern restaurant serving international and local cuisine.

Browse more places to stay in Hvar.

Where to stay in Croatia for history and adventure: Zadar 

Sitting very pretty on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, Zadar serves 3000 years of history, moreish Italian influenced food, and extraordinary sunsets with just a fraction of the tourist crowds you’ll encounter in Dubrovnik or Split. 

Also offering access to some of Croatia’s best national parks (including Paklenica National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park) and beautiful beaches, few Croatian bases deliver such rewarding variety. Suffice to say, there are lots of reasons you need to visit Zadar.

When it comes to accommodation, Zadar offers everything from family-friendly beachfront hotels and apartments and luxurious spa joints, to Old Town charmers that ooze historic ambience. This is, after all, the ancient capital of Dalmatia.

Watching the pennies? Zadar isn’t short of decent hostels and budget hotels.

Editor’s tip: fancy exploring Croatia’s wilder side? Check out our Ultimate Croatian Adventure trip.

Looking for more ideas for your holiday? Explore our guide to the best beach destinations for holidays in Europe.

Best places to stay in Zadar:

• Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel: Located in Zadar's Old Town, next to historical monuments and museums, Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel offers concierge and tour desk services. Guests can relax on the hotel's terrace with a selection of refreshing refreshments and garden views.
• Magic View Apartments: Boasting sea views, Magic View Apartments features accommodation with patio, around 1.2 km from Maestrala Beach. 
• Villa Mičić: Villa Mičić offers air-conditioned apartments with satellite TV and a balcony or terrace. It is about 500 metres from Borik Beach. Free shaded parking is available in the courtyard.

Browse more places to stay in Zadar.

Where to stay in Croatia for cultural highlights: Pula

While our Croatia experts have been raving about Pula being a top city break destination for some time, we also reckon it makes a wonderful break for longer stays thanks to the variety of things to do in Pula.

Boasting a bounty of ancient attractions — including a monumental Roman amphitheatre that gives the Colosseum a run for its money — Pula is a dazzler of the Istrian coast. 

In fact, after you’ve explored the city’s historic sights, taken in a show at the amphitheatre, and soaked up its café culture, it’s easy to explore said coast by boat, using Pula as your base. 

As for where to bed down in the city, you’ll find more upmarket options around the Verudela peninsula (south of the city centre) and Havajka beach. For the best of both worlds — i.e. to enjoy a beach holiday and city break in one — check out the Stoja neighbourhood. 

Editor’s tip: fancy exploring this impossibly scenic stretch of coast? Take inspiration from our customisable Adriatic Road-trip from Istria to Dalmatia.

Best places to stay in Pula:

• Mimoza Old Town Pula Apartments: Mimoza Old Town Pula is a self-catering apartment located 2 km from Verudela Beach. The apartments are 400 metres from Pula Arena and 400 metres from Hercules Gate.
• Park Plaza Histria Pula: Just steps from the beach, Park Plaza Histria Pula Hotel is located 4 km from the centre of Pula. It offers 3 restaurants, tennis and squash courts, an outdoor pool, billiards, mini golf and sun loungers.
• Park Plaza Arena Pula: Park Plaza Arena Pula is surrounded by a fragrant pine forest, just 50 metres from the Adriatic Sea coast. The wellness centre is complemented by 2 seawater pools and a solarium with sea views.

Browse more places to stay in Pula.

Inspired to visit? Read The Rough Guide to Croatia to help you plan your perfect trip. Or, avoid the hassle of planning, browse our customisable Croatia itineraries, and talk to our local experts. 

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