Where to Find Croatia’s Most Captivating Stays

 

 

Croatia may have been one of Central Europe’s best kept secrets, but today it’s quickly becoming a popular destination for tourism. The Game of Thrones filming location won Reader’s Digest Destination of the Year in 2016—and we can see why!

Gorgeous beaches make up Croatia’s coastline, while its extraordinary national parks are filled with lakes and waterfalls that will make your jaw drop. Solo travelers love the safe nature of its historic cities, good infrastructure for getting around, and reliable public transportation.

Wondering where to stay in Croatia and which attractions simply can’t be missed? We’re going over all of that and more with the best recs and must-sees for when you visit Croatia!

The Republic of Croatia is part of the Balkan Peninsula and located in South Central Europe on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy. The crescent-shaped country shares borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The main points of entry in Croatia are the capital city of Zagreb and the smaller but equally enchanting cities of Dubrovnik and Split. Once you arrive in the country it’s easy to get around by train, bus, or ferry to see all the sights and find your ideal place to stay in Croatia.

Average Travel Time to Croatia From:

• California: ~14 hours flight time
• New York: ~11 hours flight time
• England:  ~2 1/2 hours flight time
• Australia:  ~24 hours flights time

 

Popular coastal cities like Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Split boast impressive accommodations like beach resorts with dreamy modern facilities and features like indoor and outdoor pools, fine restaurants, and luxurious European spa treatments.

See our recommendations on a map! Get our map here.

When looking for areas to stay in Croatia, the Dalmatian Coast offers some of the most stunning options.  Croatia doesn’t boast your typical sandy beaches, but more striking rocky, pebbly beaches with unique formations and hidden sea caves. The waters aren’t muddied by sandy sediment and remain crystal clear and incredibly clean.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is the place to be if you’re looking for a stunning sea view. Enclosed in medieval walls, Dubrovnik’s old town is something out of a movie… kind of. It’s actually out of Game of Thrones and the film location of King’s Landing.

Hotel Croatia Cavtat

Address: Frankopanska ul., 20210, Cavtat, Croatia
Phone: +385 20 300 300
Website: Hotel Croatia Cavtat

Relax by the outdoor swimming pool surrounded by trees and stay in luxurious suites offering private balconies with stunning sea views and access to beautiful beaches and the hotel’s exclusive beach club. This is one of the most popular hotels in Croatia, with five places to dine and enjoy unique Croatian cuisine, including a rooftop bar and terrace restaurant.

Some of the best things to do in Cavtat include spending the day swimming, taking in some culture at Vlaho Bukovac House, and trying all the Croatian food!

 

Hiking Retreats Near Croatia’s Capital

Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, serves as an ideal base for hiking enthusiasts, offering easy access to stunning trails in the surrounding mountains. Accommodations in and around Zagreb cater to outdoor lovers, ranging from boutique hotels with panoramic city views to charming mountain lodges nestled in nature. Many of these stays provide hiking-friendly amenities such as trail maps, packed lunch services, and equipment storage. By choosing a hiking-oriented retreat near Zagreb, visitors can enjoy the perfect blend of urban exploration and natural adventure, with comfortable lodgings to return to after a day on the trails.

Thanks to its proximity to the surrounding mountains, Zagreb is a great place to take a day trip to hike nearby trails with epic views. Whether you walk the Strossmayer Promenade for views of the old city below or venture out of town to one of the many trails tucked in the surrounding mountains, Zagreb is the best place to stay in Croatia for hikers and nature lovers alike.

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Address: Ul. Antuna Mihanovića 1, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
Phone: +385 1 4566 666
Website: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Sip cocktails at the best hotel in the old town overlooking the Upper Town and winding cobbled streets after a long day on the trail. Enjoy first-class service and facilities with modern tennis courts and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The luxury hotel’s business center makes this location perfect for a working vacation with a quick day trip to the mountains in between.

Accommodations Near Croatia’s Stunning National Parks

Picture this: you’re waking up to the sound of rushing waterfalls, surrounded by forests so lush they make you want to hug a tree (we won’t judge!). That’s the magic of staying near Croatia’s natural wonders! As the morning mist lifts, revealing crystal-clear lakes and rugged mountain peaks, you realize you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime. With comfy accommodations just steps away from breathtaking trails and hidden coves, you’re perfectly poised to dive into the heart of Croatia’s great outdoors.

If you’re starting in Zagreb, then make a road trip down to Plitvička Jezera for the second most talked about hiking region of Croatia: Plitvice Lakes and Paklenica National Parks. In fact, we love it so much that we spend two days there before heading to Kornati National Park on the Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Hotel Jezero

Address: Josipa Jovića 19, 53231, Plitvička Jezera, Croatia
Phone: +385 53 751 400
Website: Hotel Jezero

The Hotel Jezero is centrally located in the Lika Region, an outdoor lover’s paradise and home to Plitvice Lakes and Paklenica National Parks. Relax in the hotel’s indoor pool after hiking, wind down in their Finnish sauna, and enjoy a meal at the hotel restaurant with spectacular views. The friendly and exceptional facilities make this hotel perfect for a few days of hiking on a solo trip or an outdoorsy family holiday.

A Glimpse of Croatia’s Treasures

Ready to uncover the hidden gems of Croatia? Get ready for an adventure that’ll make you want to pack your bags and never look back! 🌟

From jaw-dropping national parks to mouthwatering local treats, Croatia’s got it all, and we’re here to help you dive in headfirst! Picture yourself:

• Lacing up your hiking boots for epic trails that’ll leave you breathless (in the best way possible!
• Savoring every bite of Pag cheese like it’s your new religion (trust us, it might be)
• Lounging on the Dalmatian Coast’s beaches that are so gorgeous, they should be illegal
• Island-hopping to Hvar and beyond on a boat tour that’ll make you feel like a total VIP
• Sipping your way through the Istrian countryside, where the wine flows and truffles grow

No matter where you plant your flag in Croatia, you’re in for a wild ride of natural wonders and cultural treasures. So grab your adventure buddies, join our Explorer Chick community, and let’s make some unforgettable memories together! Who knows, you might just find yourself plotting a permanent move to this slice of European paradise. 😉

Ready to dive in? Let’s go, girls! 💪🏼🌍

Where to Stay in Croatia: Perfect Escapes for Your Next Adventure

Are you longing to get yourself to those dreamy beaches we keep mentioning? Want to find your adventure in the mountains of Croatia? We’ve done the leg work of planning so you can simply sign up and ENJOY!

Our Croatia Hiking and National Parks MultiSport Adventure will have you ready to move to Europe. You’ll get amongst it with your fellow female travel buddies and expert Explorer Chick guides doing awesome outdoor activities every day. Ride e-bikes and sip wine in the Istrian Countryside, enjoy epic hikes in Croatia’s national parks, and top it off with a speed boat ride and sea kayaking off the Adriatic Coast! Join the Explorer Chick Facebook Group to connect with other adventurous babes and get news, updates, and more trip info!