Croatia is blowing up as one of the hottest backpacker destinations in Europe, and honestly, it makes complete and utter sense.
I’ve been visiting Croatia for years now, and I’ve watched it slowly change as it’s gained more and more popularity. The beaches are still stunning, the ancient architecture is still as impressive as ever, and the food is still every bit as delicious, but (and yes, there is a but) the crowds have definitely arrived.
With that surge comes the usual chaos… an overwhelming amount of accommodation options to be found, with many of them ridiculously overpriced. And honestly, downright offensive in quality, without sounding too pretentious, right?
That’s exactly why I put this guide together. Whether you’re heading for the islands, wandering medieval old towns, or bar-hopping in the big cities, this guide breaks down the best areas to stay, what each place actually feels like, and where you’ll get the best value.
By the end, you’ll know Croatia almost as well as I do, and you’ll be ready to confidently lock in your trip. So without further ado, let’s dive in.
Croatia Neighbourhood Guide – Places to Stay in Croatia
Split
With Roman history, gorgeous beaches and lush nature, Split is the overall best place to visit. It is centred around Diocletian’s Palace and a waterfront buzzing with cafes, markets, and island-hopping adventures.
Korencia
Surrounded by pine forested National Parks, quiet coves and medieval stone streets, known for it’s slower-pace, Korencia is the best place to stay for families.
Dubrovnik
A dramatic walled city overlooking the Adriatic, full of marble streets, terracotta rooftops, centuries of history and quaint shops, it is a very romantic setting for couples!
Zagreb
Croatia’s cool capital, with hipster bars, vibey markets and a relaxed café culture, Zagreb is one of the coolest places to stay in Croatia. Spend your days exploring museums, galleries, and neighbourhoods full of creative energy!
Vis Island
Quiet and secluded, Vis Island is one of the most unique places to visit in Croatia. It is a peaceful island known for crystal clear waters, hidden beaches, rugged cliffs, and a laid back vibe shaped by fishing villages, local wines, and untouched nature.
Skradin
If you love adventure, Skradin is the perfect base. This picturesque riverside town sits at the gateway to Krka National Park, offering quiet waterfront stays, historic stone streets, and easy access to waterfalls, trails, and wild nature.
Pula
Pula has been occupied, besieged, pillaged, flattened, and rebuilt. It’s ideal for history buffs! It’s a coastal city with a relaxed energy famed for its Roman amphitheatre, gorgeous beaches, and relaxed lifestyle. Mix that in with a thriving food, wine, and seaside culture, it’s a winner!
A Guide to Croatia’s Best Cities
If you’re backpacking through Europe and craving a trip that feels a little different, Croatia is absolutely worth adding to your route. After visiting many times now, I can safely say it’s one of those places that hooks you with nature, history, and a coastline that never gets old.
Now that you’ve got a feel for the best areas to stay, let’s get into the part everyone stresses about: choosing actual accommodation. I’ve stayed in a mix of apartments, hotels, and hostels across the country, and I’ve narrowed it down to the places that consistently pull through when it comes to value, comfort, and location.
Here are my top recommendations for where to stay when visiting Croatia, the spots that I genuinely think are worth your travel time and money:
1. Split – The Overall Best Place to Stay in Croatia
If you’re looking for somewhere with history, idyllic beaches, and tons of nature, then you’ll love visiting Split. Its proximity to the nearby islands off the Adriatic coastline makes it the perfect place for ocean lovers. It’s also beautiful, in the same way that Dubrovnik is, with cobbled streets and quaint coffee shops – but at a slightly lower price. For this reason, it’s my overall best place to stay.
What merits the best place to stay in any country is always a matter of personal preference. For Croatia, it was a toss-up between two cities: Dubrovnik and Split. Split won this honour for several reasons. The city has a bit of everything and is the main jump-off point to many of the major Croatian islands found off the Adriatic coastline.
The Old Town is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved towns that you will find anywhere in Europe. However, you can stay in neighbourhoods in Split just outside of the Old Town for a fraction of the cost.
- Location: Dalmatia, on Croatia’s central Adriatic Coast.
- Best for: History, island-hopping, food, beaches, nightlife.
- Stay here if: You want a busy coastal base with easy access to Croatia’s best islands.
- Transport Level: Walkable city centre; ferries are great; no car needed unless exploring inland.
- Ideal stay: 3-4 nights.
- Best time to visit: May-June or September for warm weather without peak season crowds.
- Skip it if: You’re looking for a quiet, small town escape. Split is energetic and busy, especially in summer.
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Things to See and Do:
- Explore Diocletian’s Palace and climb the bell tower of Saint Domnius Cathedral.
- Spend the day on Bavice Beach, famous for shallow waters and the local game of picigin.
- Take a day trip to Zlatni Rat Beach on Brac Island, one of Europe’s most iconic beaches.
- Join an island-hopping tour to Hvar, Vis, the Blue Cave, and other nearby islands.
- Stroll the Riva promenade and enjoy cafés, gelato, and sunset views over the harbour.
- Visit Krka National Park on a day trip to see waterfalls and forest trails.
Split Inn Apartments | Best Hotel
I like the Split Inn Apartments as a sort of hybrid apartment-hotel room option. The rooms themselves are very tastefully put together, and the location of the place is in the middle of everything.
You won’t have a full-on kitchen set up, but there is a kettle for making coffee and a fridge to keep your beer cold.
Backpacker Fairytale | Best Hostel
Clean, modern and in a bangin’ location, what more could you want from a hostel in Croatia? Backpackers Fairytale is a colourful, homey hostel with gorgeous views of the view.
They have friendly staff, relaxed social vibes, big common areas, balconies, and it’s an easy walk away from Diocletian’s Palace.
Mediterranean Dream Studio | Best Airbnb
Though I found this place pretty last-minute, it turned out to be one of the best places I stayed in all of Croatia. The apartment itself is small, but it has everything you need, and everything inside is homey and welcoming.
It’s in an unbeatable location, just steps from Diocletian’s Palace.
2. Korencia – The Best Place to Stay for Families in Croatia
Croatia is famous for having some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and incredibly impressive National Parks. The best of the lot lies just beyond the small town of Korenica; Plitvice Lakes National Park is a truly magical place, despite the storm of tourists who seek to visit nearly every day of the year.
The national park is a great place for families with kids because most of the “must-see” parts of the park have meandering boardwalks, making it easy for your little explorers to take in the gorgeous waterfalls.
For families wanting to explore the national park, basing yourself in Korenica is the obvious choice. Here you have access to grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, and multiple fine accommodation options. Being a small town, Korenica has a surprising number of places to stay.
If you visit in the winter, be sure to bring warm clothes! It was about -8 degrees C when I visited.
- Location: Sibenik-Knin region, inland from Croatia’s central Adriatic coast.
- Best for: Nature, road trips, hiking, and families.
- Stay here if: You want quiet countryside living within easy reach of Sibenik, Krka National Park.
- Transport Level: A car is essential; public transport here is very limited.
- Ideal stay: 2-3 nights.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for warm weather and access to outdoor activities.
- Skip it if: You want nightlife, beaches on your doorstep, or a lively town atmosphere.
Photo: Chris Lininger
Things to See and Do:
- Explore the abandoned underground tunnels of Željava Air Base.
- See the turquoise waters of Lake Kozjak.
- Spend the day wandering the trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- Visit the dramatic Sastavci waterfalls.
- Cross the border to explore Una National Park.
- Take a day trip to the nearby city of Bihac in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
B and B Villa Angy | Best Hotel
Apart from a few uninspiring “big box” hotels in Korenica, there are few proper hotels. Villa Angy is a guest house-hotel hybrid with plenty of charm. The red carpet inside the rooms is a little weird, but apart from that, this place has everything you need. It’s worth noting that the food is exceptionally good. For families, you’ll want to go with the large apartment room.
Falling Lakes Hostel | Best Hostel
Falling Lakes Hostel is a fun, social backpacker hub with clean dorms, big communal spaces, and daily outdoor adventures run by the team.
It’s the perfect budget-friendly base for meeting travellers, joining hikes, and exploring the nearby trails and waterfalls.
Apartment “Phoenix” No. 12 | Best Airbnb
This Airbnb in Korenica is awesome. When I walked in, I was surprised by how big and well outfitted the place was. The two bedrooms are plenty comfortable, the heat works well in winter, and if you have kids who don’t want to share the same room, one can sleep on the couch in the living room.
It’s also within walking distance of everything in town, which is very handy!
3. Dubrovnik – The Best Place to Stay for Couples in Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia, is just one of those places, and visiting Dubrovnik is an experience unto itself. Whether you are a Game of Thrones fan or not, there is no denying it: Dubrovnik is pretty darn dreamy. The walled city of Old Town is loaded with historical treasures, cafes, and marbled streets, making it super easy on the eyes.
I spent hours with my wife roaming the streets at night, taking photographs and drinking hot wine as the street lights bathed us in their dim, flickering glow. It was perfect.
You can catch one of the most epic sunsets of your life up Mount Srd, the best hike near Dubrovnik. And the apple pie served at the cable car café is well worth the extortionate price! If you are prepared to pay a pretty penny, taking a stroll around the top of the citadel walls is a solid option as well.
Throw in the epic sandy beaches to the north or south, and you, my friend, have yourself one perfect destination to share with your partner.
- Location: Southern Dalmatia, on Croatia’s far south Adriatic coast.
- Best for: City walls, island-hopping, couples, and big coastal views.
- Stay here if: You want a dramatic, medieval walled city with insane views and easy day trips to islands and Montenegro.
- Transport Level: Walkable Old Town; good bus routes; no car needed (and not useful inside the city).
- Ideal stay: 2-3 nights
- Best time to visit: May-June or September-October for warm weather without peak season cruise crowds
- Skip it if: You’re on a tight budget. Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most expensive destination
Photo: Chris Lininger
Things to See and Do:
- Walk the iconic city walls for unbeatable Old Town views.
- Take a day trip to the beautiful bay town of Kotor in Montenegro.
- Enjoy a rooftop dinner at Above 5 Terrace.
- Join a Game of Thrones tour to see real filming locations.
- Swim in the “Dead Sea” lagoon on Lokrum Island.
- Explore the Elaphite Islands on a full-day boat tour.
Hotel Ivka | Best Hotel
Hotel Ivka is a chill, reliable base in Lapad with big, comfy rooms, friendly staff, and easy buses into Old Town. It’s quiet, affordable, and perfect if you want a calm spot to crash after exploring Dubrovnik all day. It’s modern but without being too posh, and offers some of the best bang for your buck in town.
Hostel Angelina Southern | Best Hostel
Located in a fabulous 400-year-old building in the heart of Old Town, Hostel Angelina is my fav hostel in Dubrovnik. If you are a couple keen on achieving a balance between a happening hostel scene and a private space to hibernate in, Hostel Angelina offers a large 3-bed private room that will give you the best of both worlds. Book this one well in advance, as the private rooms go quickly.
Old Town Apartment | Best Airbnb
Holy hell, there are a TON of Airbnbs in Dubrovnik. That was also my first thought when I started planning this portion of the trip.
The actual Airbnb apartment I stayed in is no longer listed on Airbnb, but this selection is in the same building and has a very similar vibe. Spoil yourself and your partner and enjoy a few nights in one of the most romantic cities you two will ever stay in.
4. Zagreb – Where to Stay in Croatia On a Budget
You may have gathered by now: Southern Croatia and the islands found off the coast are the most expensive places to visit in Croatia. Zagreb, on the other hand, is without a doubt the best place in Croatia for travellers on a budget, and honestly, one of the coolest too.
The Old Town is packed with colourful architecture, St. Mark’s Church, and quirky museums like the Museum of Broken Relationships. Lower Town brings grand boulevards and lush parks. And the best part is that Zagreb is genuinely affordable. I found that accommodation, food, transport, and groceries were all cheaper than on the coast.
- Location: Northern Croatia, inland at the base of the Medvednica mountains.
- Best for: Culture, food, museums, cafes, budget travellers, and year-round city breaks.
- Stay here if: You want a laid-back European capital with great coffee, walkable neighbourhoods, and a strong culture.
- Transport Level: Plenty of trams and buses; fully navigable without a car.
- Ideal stay: 2-3 nights.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and outdoor cafe culture.
- Skip it if: You’re expecting a coastal vibe. Zagreb is lovely, but it’s far from a beach destination.
DTA Zagreb | Best Hotel
DTA Hebrangova is a modern, great value stay in central Zagreb with bright, comfortable rooms and a relaxed vibe.
It’s in an unbeatable location that puts you steps from cafés, museums, and tram lines, making it an easy, affordable base for exploring the city at your own pace.
Swanky Mint | Best Hostel
If you’re heading to Croatia, Swanky Mint News should be on your list. A once dry-cleaning factory has been given a new lease of life and transformed into a hub of meaningful connections and good vibes.
Meet travellers from all around the world, share stories and build memories that will last a lifetime. Located on the doorstep of the old town of Zagreb, Stay Swanky offers dorms, private rooms, studio apartments, sunny terraces, a common room with a fully equipped adjoining kitchen and a seasonal pool.
Rakuscha Apartment | Best Airbnb
Sleeping up to four guests, this apartment is ideal for couples or groups deciding where to stay in Zagreb. It’s stylish and modern throughout and features an open-plan design. The apartment has one double bedroom and a sofa bed, as well as wifi and a flat-screen TV. It’s just 15 minutes from the Old Town, so you can easily get around and explore.
Things to See and Do:
- Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships and the Museum of Illusions.
- Wander Tkalciceva Street for bars, cafés, and dinner.
- Learn about Croatia’s wartime history in the WWII tunnels.
- Shop for fresh produce at Dolac Market.
- Take day trips to Plitvice Lakes, Rastoke, or to Ljubljana and Lake Bled.
- Visit the Neanderthal Museum or the medieval castle at Tito’s birthplace.
5. Vis Island – The Most Unique Place to Stay in Croatia
Vis isn’t the most remote island in Croatia, but far fewer travellers stay overnight, making evenings wonderfully quiet. In winter, it becomes a sleepy, atmospheric place with plenty to explore. The island is small yet perfect for a few days of hiking, beaches, and viewpoints. With limited public transport, scooters or hitchhiking are the easiest ways to get around.
Visit Tito’s WWII cave hideout, hike to the tiny chapel on Mt. Hum, or descend to Stiniva Beach for a swim. Vis still feels authentically Adriatic, with its own dialect and a refreshingly low-key vibe compared to the yacht-filled party islands.
Staying near the ferry port is easiest without a vehicle, while those renting wheels can base themselves in quieter rural spots.
- Location: Central Dalmatia, the outermost major Croatian island in the Adriatic.
- Best for: Couples, slow travel, beaches, food, wine, and off-the-beaten-path exploring.
- Stay here if: You want a quiet, authentic island with gorgeous coves, great seafood, and minimal crowds.
- Transport Level: Walkable towns; buses between Komiza and Vis. A car or scooter is ideal for exploring.
- Ideal stay: 3-4 nights.
- Best time to visit: June or September for warm seas, sunshine, and a peaceful vibe.
- Skip it if: You want nightlife or a fast-paced island scene. Vis is slow and low-key.
Things to See and Do:
- Take a boat trip to the Blue Cave or over to Hvar
- Relax on secluded beaches like Srebrna Bay
- Hike up Mount Hum for panoramic island views
- Explore historic Fort George
- Swim in the clear waters at Prirovo Beach
- Join a speedboat tour around Vis’s hidden coves and cliffs
Bella Vista Suites | Best Hotel
The Bella Vista Suites guest house is one of the best places to stay in Vis. They offer a pool, free wifi, and a bike hire so you can easily explore the city. Rooms are simply furnished with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay, and are full of natural light. Beaches, restaurants, and Fort George are all within easy walking distance.
House Brava | Best Guest House
Sorry, guys, there are no hostels on Vis! There are, however, a few decent guest houses that won’t break the bank. The House Bava has lovely, bright, modern studios in the heart of Vis Town, just a short walk from the ferry.
The rooms are clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, making it an easy, great value base for exploring beaches, coves, and the relaxed island atmosphere without needing a car!
Little Seaside Paradise | Best Airbnb
Okay, so if you’re looking for a place to stay in Vis, this one is perfect for you. This little seaside paradise is set in a beautiful and tranquil bay, Parja, about 3.5km outside of town, with steps down to the private deck on the sea.
There is a bedroom with a double bed, a fully equipped kitchen connected with the living room, a bathroom with a shower and two spacious terraces offering breathtaking views of the sea.
6. Skradin – The Best Place to Stay in Croatia for Adventure
The town of Skradin itself is nothing too special. What makes it an awesome adventure base is its proximity to Krka National Park for waterfalls and the Dinaric Alps to see Croatia’s tallest peak. Skradin sits on the Krka River, and though most definitely a small town, you can find a few bars, cafes, and other small shops in Skradin.
If you base yourself here for a day or two, you can hit up the national park and climb Mount Dinara without having to commute back to Split each time. The drive from Skradin to Mt. Dinara is a little less than 2 hours one way, so start early if you plan on reaching the summit and driving back in a day.
- Location: Sibenik-Knin region, on the Krka River just inland from the central Adriatic coast.
- Best for: Families, nature lovers, foodies, and visiting Krka National Park.
- Stay here if: You want a quaint riverside town with easy boat access to Krka’s waterfalls.
- Transport Level: Walkable town. Buses to Sibenik are available. A car is helpful but not essential.
- Ideal stay: 1-2 nights.
- Best time to visit: May-June or September for warm weather and fewer crowds at Krka.
- Skip it if: You want beaches. Skradin is riverside, not coastal
Things to See and Do:
- Spend a day exploring the waterfalls of Krka National Park.
- Head to Bibich Winery for a memorable wine tasting.
- Climb Turina Fortress for views over Skradin.
- Visit the Museum of Historical Vehicles and Industrial Heritage.
- Swim at Skradin Beach near the river.
- Take the scenic boat ride up the Krka River into the park.
Wine Garden Rooms | Best Hotel
Wine Garden Rooms is a cosy, modern place to stay in Skradin, just a short walk from the river and the entrance to Krka National Park. The rooms are bright, clean, and comfortable, and the peaceful garden makes it a great-value base for exploring the waterfalls and nearby trails.
Guest Accommodation Zura | Best Guesthouse
Once again, a Croatian town void of any hostel scene. Guesthouses are plentiful, however. Guest Accommodation Zura is a no-frills spot offering clean rooms close to the town centre. Some rooms even have small kitchenettes so you can do a spot of cooking or at least make coffee. All rooms have wifi and AC (which you will need during the summer).
Vila Marija 1 | Best Airbnb
This Airbnb is basic and tidy, but if you are looking for a cheap place in town to crash, look no further. The owner is super nice and brought us a massive plate of cookies when I checked in. There is a convenient bar/cafe located directly downstairs when you need to pop in for a drink or a morning coffee. By boat, the national park is 20 minutes away from the flat. The wifi was a bit slow but functional.
7. Pula – Best Place to Stay for Roman History Nerds
Like many other places in Croatia, Pula has quite a storied past. Pula has been occupied, besieged, pillaged, flattened, and rebuilt many times over the centuries. The Romans, Ostrogoths, and Venetians, as well as the Allied Forces during World War II, have each occupied and governed the city. Incredibly, through all of this turmoil and change, much of the stunning Roman ruins remain intact.
Pula is home to one of the best-preserved Roman-built gladiator arenas to be found anywhere on earth. The Arena is the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers and with all three Roman architectural orders entirely preserved. It was constructed in 27 BC–68 AD and is among the world’s six largest surviving Roman arenas. If you fancy yourself a bit of a nerd for history, you need to get yo ass to Pula.
- Location: Istria, on Croatia’s northern Adriatic coast near the tip of the peninsula.
- Best for: History lovers, families, foodies, budget travellers, and beach + city breaks.
- Stay here if: You want Roman ruins, relaxed beaches, and a laid-back base for exploring Istria.
- Transport Level: Walkable centre. Good local buses. A car is useful for beaches and day trips around Istria.
- Ideal stay: 2-3 nights.
- Best time to visit: May-June or September for warm weather and fewer crowds at the Arena and beaches.
- Skip it if: You’re after a polished resort vibe. Pula is more lived-in and local than fancy.
Pula City Centre Accommodation | Best Hotel
A great option for those travelling by car, as you can utilise the free on-site parking. The rooms themselves are modern and clean, though they should have the exterior architect/designer stop building stuff, as the building is pretty ugly. All of the important sites, including the beach, are walkable from this hotel.
Hostel Art & Joy | Best Hostel
Alright, I’m back on the proper hostel train. Hostel Art & Joy is a fun backpackers’ hostel in Pula, located in the heart of the best part of town. Getting your Roman history rocks off is easy, as the famous arena is only a three-minute walk away. The rooms are simple but clean, and the staff is genuinely kind.
Ancora City Apartment | Best Airbnb
Perfect place for a couple, a small family, or a group of three-four friends. The rooftop terrace is the place to knock back a glass or two of chilled Croatian wine after a day of wandering around the splendours of the former Roman empire. If you want my honest opinion, this Airbnb is worth the price.
Things to See and Do
- Check out the ancient ruins of the Amphitheatre de Pula
- Marvel at the iconic Temple of Augustus.
- Wander at the jaw-dropping Arco dei Sergi.
- Try some traditional Croatian meals at Backyard Restaurant.
- Go clear kayaking at night!
How to Pick Where to Stay in Croatia
The best way to choose where to stay in Croatia is to forget the idea of “seeing everything” and focus on the kind of trip you actually want.
Start with the vibe. If you want bigger city energy, Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik all deliver. If you’re dreaming of beaches, head for Hvar, Brac, Korcula, or Vis. For waterfalls and nature, Skradin or the Plitvice region is where you’ll want to be. If you’re travelling on a budget, Zadar, Zagreb, and Sibenik will stretch your travel bucks further. And if you’re after some wild nightlife, Hvar Town and Split are for you.
Then be honest about how long you have. Croatia may look small, but travelling by ferry and the coastal roads takes time. If you’ve only got 3-4 days up your sleeve, stick to one place and enjoy it properly. With a week, two bases is the sweet spot. With 10+ days, three bases work well without feeling too rushed.
Finally, decide whether you’ll rent a car. Without one, you’ll want to stick to well-connected hubs like Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Zagreb, Hvar Town, Korcula Town, or Skradin. If you choose to hire a car, you’ll be able to travel off-the-beaten path and have the freedom to explore when and where you want.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Croatia
There’s one thing that’s essential if you want to prepare yourself properly while staying in Croatia: good travel insurance.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Which Part of Croatia Should You Choose?
Croatia’s cities, islands, and countryside are among some of the most visually and culturally appealing locations one can visit in Europe. From the white marble streets of Dubrovnik to the art-smattered hipster dens of Zagreb, some of the top places to stay in Croatia are now at your fingertips.
I enjoyed the vastly different spaces I slept in throughout my trip. On the coast, things are fancier, newer and generally cost more. The interior of the country felt forgotten about and offers a glimpse of what non-touristy/post-Yugoslavia Croatia really feels like.
Wherever you plan to go on your trip, you now have a tidy list of the best places to stay in Croatia. You’re welcome! Enjoy, amigo!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Croatia.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Croatia.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
