Where to Stay in Croatia

Parts of Game of Thrones was filmed on the Dalmatian Coast in Split and Dubrovnik. So…do with that tidbit of information what you will. And by the way, we’re not going to suggest you stay in the world’s smallest town, which is Hum. Its population varies between 17 and 23, rising or falling by 5% with every birth or death. Anyway, we’re not going there, so let’s move on. Film director Alfred Hitchcock claimed the Dalmatian Coast has the best sunset in the world. And if it’s sun you’re after, you’ve come to the right place, because Croatia has a remarkable amount of it.

And that’s the beauty of this country, because its cities and towns manage to blend its coastal sunny havens with a rich history made up of crumbling vestiges. Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik are among the many fascinating and beautiful destinations. So, if you’re feeling a little…Split…about where to stay in Croatia, Plum Guide is on hand with some of our top advice (not to mention top notch rental homes).

Explore our homes in Croatia.

Red-tiled roofs characterise this stunning coastal town, which is also known for its vast seaport and pebbly strands by the Adriatic Sea. If you're feeling daring, you can try cliff diving and all sorts of water sports. Or take it easy and watch that famous Hitchcockian sunset from the terraces of seafood restaurants in the Old Town district. You absolutely must dine one night at the exclusive Nautika Restaurant, which provides views of the rock formations and stacks rising from the sea. Try some of the lovely specialties from Croatia and the rest of Europe in the city. Tuck into the seafood at the Oyster & Sushi Bar Bota, and dine in style at the Restaurant Dubrovnik and the Forty Four Restaurant. Bring your family to the fun and friendly setting of the Tavern Arka Restaurant, which has its own children’s menu.

One of the main draws to the city is the coastline, and you can enjoy it with a trip to the Lapad Beach. It lies on the end of a promontory just outside the centre of the city, its pebbly bay overlooking the green cliffs that surround it. Locals also like to recline on the nearby concrete slabs that have ladders leading down into the water. Head to the Banje Beach to work on your tan with views of the historic centre’s ramparts, and travel to the Lokrum Island to swim in its Dead Sea.

We haven't forgotten that you're searching for where to stay in Croatia. Near a pebble beach on the outskirts of the city is our gorgeous Plum Guide home Chalk and Green.

Explore our apartments near Dubrovnik.

We’ve already used up our Split pun above, so there’ll be no more of those side-splitting puns. So, this is the second-largest city in Croatia, and it has some of the country’s most iconic and spectacular landmarks, such as the Diocletian’s Palace. It’s incredibly well-preserved considering it dates back to the fourth century; it looks like it could have been built last week. Wander through the Old Town district and see the old town hall, with its elaborate renaissance architecture and spacious plazas. St. Duje’s Cathedral is also one of the oldest structures of its kind in Europe, with its tower protruding into the famous Split skyline. Make your stay extra special by taking a boat to one of the islands just off the coast to one of our professionally vetted homes. Ad Infinitum and the spectacular Blue Langoustine are among the highlights.

Explore our coastal homes near Split.

We couldn’t miss out the capital city on a list of where to stay in Croatia (nor would we want to), which stands in the centre of the country (geographically and culturally). It’s divided into the Upper Town and Lower Town, which are both packed with restaurants and bars. Explore the medieval historic centre of the former, and pass through the Old Town Gate and the Strossmayer’s Walkway. Admire the cathedral and the St. Mark’s Church, before bringing your kids to the Maksimir Park & Zagreb Zoo. ‘And we’ll leave you here with your real parents if you don’t start behaving,’ you’ll tell them.

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There are many wonderful cities rich with history and iconic landmarks, but Croatia has many faces, and they're not all urban. Plitvice Lakes offer a particularly gorgeous face, one besieged with waterfalls and a great range of exotic vegetation. Explore the myriad nature trails and even go skiing at the small resort in winter, when snow graces the park. This beautiful reserve tops many a list of places to visit in Croatia, and for good reason.

Explore our homes near Plitvice Lakes.

Don’t try to pronounce it, just live it. That should be its official motto. You know how we were saying that Croatia gets an extraordinary amount of sun? Well, Hvar is like a supernova (we don't know what that is either), its thriving port and surrounding beaches bathed in bright rays for months on end. Lavender also graces the terrain, so you’ve got no excuse not to pick some of it for your lover, partner or whomsoever you might be with. Check out the impressive vessels in the harbour and watch people go by in front of the glorious sunset. Get your beauty sleep at this gorgeous Hvar home before taking a boat out to the Pakleni Islands in the morning.

Explore our homes in Croatia.

• Things to do in Dubrovnik

• The best places to visit in Croatia

• Things to do in Croatia

• Things to do in Split