Best places to stay in Croatia, view of Dubrovnik, Top Villas

Best Places to stay in Croatia

Discover the best places to stay in Croatia - with our essential guide.

Best places to stay in Croatia, view of Trogir waterfront

Where are the best places to stay in Croatia?

Croatia is a dream holiday destination on the Adriatic Coast - with a diverse mix of 1,200 stunning islands, historic cities, no less than 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites and a treasure trove of renowned coastal resorts to soak up and experience.

Whether you're looking for island-hopping adventures, cultural exploration, or idyllic beach retreats, Croatia has something for every traveller. Read on for the best places to stay in Croatia, covering the most sought-after regions and resorts.

Best places to stay in Croatia for couples

Best places to stay in Croatia for couples, Dubrovnik, Top Villas

For couples looking to embrace Croatia's romantic side, the Dalmatian Islands are an idyllic choice. Hvar sets the scene with its glamorous harbour and chic dining spots, offering a St. Tropez-style vibe in the Adriatic. The quieter islands of Vis and Korcula provide a more laid-back, intimate atmosphere - think hidden coves, seafront dinners, and charming old towns perfect for hand-in-hand strolls.

Over in the Dubrovnik region, the walled city of Dubrovnik itself is steeped in historic charm and panoramic sea views, while Cavtat and Lozica offer tranquil seafront promenades and magical sunsets.

For a mix of coastal elegance and nostalgic charm, the Kvarner region's Opatija delivers with its romantic Austro-Hungarian architecture and serene seaside walks. The Dalmatian Coast is equally irresistible - Split offers sunset cocktails and dramatic ancient ruins, while nearby Brela and Makarska promise secluded beaches and postcard-perfect scenery for couples.

Best places to stay in Croatia for young adults

Best places to stay in Croatia, Kvarner region, Rijeka carnival scene

Young adults looking for energy and excitement will find their ideal getaway on Pag Island in the Dalmatian Islands , home to Croatia’s answer to Ibiza -Zrće Beach, where open-air clubs and EDM festivals light up the summer. Hvar is another favourite, offering stylish beach bars, lively clubs, and a year-round party buzz.

In the Dubrovnik region, the historic walled city doubles as a party playground, with rooftop bars, beach clubs, and cliffside cafes catering to the youthful crowd. The Elaphiti Islands also make for great daytime adventures with kayaking and island hopping.

Up north, Rijeka in the Kvarner region is a cultural hotspot with an alternative vibe - festivals, art shows, and the famous Rijeka Carnival bring youthful creativity to the fore. Krk Island also has its share of beach parties and watersport activities. On the Dalmatian Coast, Zadar buzzes with youthful energy, from street performers and waterfront bars to interactive art installations like the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun.

Best places to stay in Croatia for beaches

Best places to stay in Croatia, view of Zlatni rat beach in the Dalmatian Islands

Beach lovers will find no shortage of pristine shoreline across Croatia, but a few standouts truly steal the show. In the Dalmatian Islands, Brac's Zlatni Rat Beach is a showstopper, with its unique horn-shaped stretch of pebbles meeting clear turquoise waters. The unspoilt Croatian island of Vis is a dream for beach explorers, from secluded coves to snorkeling former 007-style submarine bays. Dugi Otok meanwhile offers a serene paradise for nature lovers, with the scenery of Telascica Nature Park and the golden sands of Sakarun Beach waiting to be enjoyed.

The Dubrovnik region features Banje Beach, just outside the city walls, offering iconic views and a lively beach bar scene, while quieter gems like Mlini and Zaton deliver serenity by the sea.

On Lopud, part of the Elaphiti Islands, car-free streets lead to a beautiful sandy beach perfect for a laid-back escape. In Kvarner, Rab Island’s Rajska Plaža (Paradise Beach) and Mali Lošinj’s Sunčana Uvala provide classic beach holidays with family-friendly waters.

Down the Dalmatian Coast, the resort towns of Brela, Makarska, and Primosten stand out for their crystal-clear waters, scenic mountain backdrops, and relaxed beach town atmospheres.

Best places to stay in Croatia for nightlife

Things to do in Hvar, explore the nightlife, marina view at dusk

Croatia’s nightlife scene is diverse and electrifying. Hvar and Pag lead the way among the Dalmatian Islands - Pag’s Zrće Beach is lined with world-class beach clubs hosting international DJs, while Hvar’s harborside clubs and glitzy bars cater to a chic, cosmopolitan crowd.

In Dubrovnik, the party continues inside historic fortresses turned nightclubs, like Revelin Culture Club, and cliffside hangouts such as Buža Bar deliver unforgettable evening vibes. Cavtat offers a more refined night out, with stylish cocktail lounges. Rijeka in the Kvarner region pulses with energy, particularly in summer when bars, beach clubs, and cultural events bring the city to life. Krk Island also holds its own, with beach parties and late-night lounges attracting a youthful crowd. Along the Dalmatian Coast, Split is the go-to destination for an all-in-one cultural and nightlife experience - dance the night away in bars hidden within Diocletian’s Palace or join a party cruise departing from the city harbor.

Best places to stay in Croatia for families

Best places to stay in Croatia, Dalmatian Coast, view of Split waterfront and old town, Top Villas

Families traveling to Croatia will appreciate the mix of beach fun, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures the country offers. Ciovo Island in the Dalmatian archipelago is ideal for laid-back family holidays, with kid-friendly beaches and easy access to nearby Split, Trogir, and Krka National Park.

Korcula and Brac also shine, offering both nature and history, with safe swimming spots and interesting day trips. Mljet's salt lakes and national park provide unique natural attractions that little ones will love. In the Dubrovnik region, peaceful villages like Cavtat, Zaton, and Molunat offer shallow beaches and a quieter pace of life, while still being close enough for day trips to Dubrovnik’s cultural sights.

Families in Kvarner will enjoy Crikvenica’s long sandy beaches and fun activities, from mini-golf to aquaparks. Krk Island offers a variety of excursions and calm coves perfect for beach days with young children. On the Dalmatian Coast, Sibenik stands out for its proximity to Krka National Park and fun-for-all-age attractions, while Primosten and Rogoznica provide a charming, laid-back setting for making unforgettable family memories.