Where to stay in Croatia

Best for history buffs

Croatia’s got a cabinet full of UNESCO awards. One of the big winners is Split, with its 3rd-century Diocletian’s Palace. This ancient place was built as a retirement home for a Roman Emperor, but these days it’s full of bars and restaurants, as well as a pair of cathedrals. Stay at the Dalmatian Coast’s TUI BLUE Jadran, which is ideally placed for day trips to Split, for an authentically Croatian experience. Chat to an expert BLUE Guide for the insider info on where to see the best historical attractions.

You might think that when it comes to amphitheatres, Rome takes the crown. But Croatia’s a pretty strong contender, too. Pula’s massive Roman amphitheatre is the sixth-largest in the world, and it’s really well preserved – the undamaged outside looks almost as good as it did in its heyday. During summer, events include film festivals, concerts and plays.

Best for Instagram influencers

If you want to fill your feed with top-notch pics, Brac Island’s one of the best spots – its pine-edged sandy beaches are bound to rake in the likes. And, the small island’s Zlatni Rat Beach, with its iconic fishtail shape jutting out into the Adriatic, is the most photographed spot in the country.

Best for nature lovers

Croatia’s national parks are a cut above your usual holiday backdrops. Take Krka National Park, near Sibenik. This park’s full to the brim with waterfalls – the biggest of the bunch is Skrandinski Buk, which boasts a grand total of 17 cascades. You can explore the Kornati Islands from Split – expect vineyards, olive groves, and orchards scattered over 140 islands. Meanwhile, the eye-widening Plitvice Lakes National Park is daytripping distance from the Istrian Riviera. As its name suggests, this place features turquoise lakes – 16 of them to be precise – but it’s got dense forests and secret caves, too.

Best for festival fans

Thousands of music lovers flock to Croatia each year to get their festival fix. Hideout Festival’s one of the biggest names in electro music, boasting headliners like Chase & Status. This beat-heavy festival’s held on Pag Island. If you’re a fan of dance music, the Ultra Europe festival’s the one for you. You’ll find the likes of David Guetta and the Chainsmokers on the line-up, here. Wondering where to stay? Chilled-out Podstrana is just 20 minutes’ drive away from Split. Have a read of our guide to the best festivals of the bunch.

Best for FOMO travellers

Croatia’s the perfect place for travellers who don’t want to miss a thing. Thanks to its island-speckled coastline, it’s easy to see lots of different places in one holiday. Opt for an Istrian Riviera escape, for example, and catch a ferry to the photogenic nearby islands of Krk, Cres, and Rab from Rabac. Alongside its 1000-strong collection of hoppable islands, lots of Croatia’s destinations tick a few holiday boxes at once. Dubrovnik takes away that classic city-or-beach dilemma, by offering the best of both. And this Medieval city’s right next to the Adriatic, so smooth-pebble beaches are well within reach.

Found your fave?

Get your Croatia holiday booked, or check out our summer 2019 deals. Plus, discover why you should consider Croatia’s under-the-radar neighbour, Montenegro. And if you’re off on a romantic break, find out Croatia’s best spots for lovebirds.

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Hannah Stratton