The instant my flip-flop chose to break for Croatia—floating off towards Italy on my first evening in Split—I should have known the country would capture my heart. Half-sober following my first glass of Plavac Mali, I was walking into the Adriatic in front of a curious gathering of residents, a bunch of British visitors yelling “Go on, mate!” and a sunset so absurd it seemed Photoshopped.
For you, it is Croatia—beautiful, erratic, and best experienced not just in what you see but also in where you stay. Every town, island, and city had me looking at lodging that seemed like stories just begging to be told. Here is our journey, described as it happened—with lots of hotel stays, salted air, and enough rakija-fueled memories to last a lifetime.
Split: Where New Meets Old and Breakfast Arrives Views-wise
Our first destination was Split; the second we entered Hotel Cornaro; I knew Croatia wouldn’t be cheap, but darn, would be worth it. The rooftop bar looked out over the entire Diocletian’s Palace, which is older than most nations. Drinking espresso up here while the city came alive below? Just magic.
Local tip: Split becomes raucous; think of inebriated karaoke till three in the morning. Double-glazed windows on hotels are not negotiable. Sure, trust me.
Additional treasures:
Hotel Park Split: Their morning is a religious one. Local prosciuttto, handcrafted fig jam, fresh pastries smelling like every bakery dream you have ever had. Five-star luxury combined with classic appeal.
The Heritage Hotel 19 – Tucked down on a cobblestone lane, this one is meant for romantics. Walking distance from the craziness; quiet, personal.
We wandered little lanes smelling of lavender and grilled sardines for several days. Evenings meant Dalmatian wine and clinking glasses as residents chanted “Živjeli,” louder than required.
Sun, Sea, and a Suggestion of Excess: Hvar
Hvar is the major event if Split is the warm-up. This island clearly does not do “low-key,” by the time we docked. Consider gigantic yachts, bronzed bodies, and every cocktail presented beside a sprig of rosemary.
We lavished money on Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel; Rooftop pool, check. Sunset views, check. Cocktail that cost more than dinner? Check as well. Really, though, it’s worth it for that midnight swim under the glittering harbour lights.
Other must-stay Hvar:
Grand Beach Resort Amfora Hvar – a maze of pools where you almost certainly will lose at least one member of your group. welcoming but still elegant for families.
The Elisabeth Palace, Hvar Heritage Hotel – Imagine marble stairs, fresco ceilings, and waking up as king.
Local tip: Hvar taxis are wallet killing agents. Either hire a scooter or stroll. Skip the tourist bars as well; ask residents about “Carpe Diem Beach.” The party is on a private island. Unbelievable and memorable.
Dubrovnik: The Fairy Tale Considering 10,000 visitors
Yes, Dubrovnik. The Pearl of Your Credit Card Bill as well as Adriatic. Still, it is well worth every kuna.
Let me tell you, we slept at Hotel Excelsior and woke up to find the Old Town walls with the water breaking below the drapes pulled back. Un Unreal. Every area seemed as though it were holding a royal wedding; the location smelt like fresh pine mixed with salted air.
Further hotel choices:
Villa Dubrovnik: Private balconies, sea views, and a library you would pretend to use. Book here if your taste is for romance.
Right in Old Town, but somehow quiet is St. Joseph’s Boutique Hotel. Furthermore, their handmade breakfast is the nicest thing you will have in Dubrovnik—no lie.
Pro tip: Avoid the too costly cable car restaurant. Rather, reserve a hotel facing the water. Sunset beverages from your own balcony surpass packed tourist attractions.
Nature, Waterfalls, and a Night with Wolves ( Sort of) Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice felt like another planet following all the city life. Mist rising over turquoise lakes, waterfalls so loud you felt it in your breast, and air so pure it smelt costly.
We slept in Hotel Jezero within the park. Yes, basic lodgings; but, could one explore the lakes before morning before the tourist crowds arrived? Unbreakable.
If you want something more cosy? Try Ethno Houses Plitvica Selo—wooden houses smelling of fresh pine and handmade apple strudel first thing every morning.
Local advise: Spend the night. Day-trippers miss the daybreak mist, in which case the park seems to belong to you.
Zadar – Sunsets and Singing Sea Acquired from Heaven
It’s even better as Zadar is not on every tourist’s radar. Reason enough to explore the architectural masterpiece known as The Sea Organ, where the waves really create music. Sit there with a beer, watch the sunset, and let the sound of the water to serve as your music.
We looked at Hotel Bastion – Relais & Châteaux. Stone walls, upscale elegance, and walking distances to all. Bonus: if the windows of your room are open, you may hear the Sea Organ from there.
Additional lodging:
Pure spa bliss is Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera. Unknowingly needed spa treatments, saunas, and saltwater pools.
Right on the main street is Art Hotel Kalelarga. Request the chamber featuring the stone bath.
Local advice: Spend no time at the main beach. Find out from your hotel about the secret rocky areas residents swim in. Well worth the search.
Rovinj – the Best Kept Secret (But Not For Long) from Istria
Rovinj felt as though one were entering a pastel picture. Little streets, fishing boats bobbing, and eateries serving truffle pasta on a regular basis. Istria is truffle land; battle against it.
We lavished much effort on Grand Park Hotel Rovinj. Floor to ceiling windows, lavender and olive oil-smelling spa treatments, and a breakfast buffet that wrecks you for life.
Other stays in Rovinj:
Hotel Lone: Stylish, contemporary, surrounded by pine woods. They also provide rooftop yoga lessons.
Small, comfortable, and feels like staying in someone’s lovely old house Casa Amando Boutique Guesthouse.
Local advice: Plan a trip looking for truffles. True, it is touristic. No, you won’t regret it—particularly when you taste the fresh truffle scrambled eggs.
Useful Travel Advice from Practical Croatia You Will Want Sooner
✅ Cash rules: Particularly on islands, card machines inexplicably “stop working.”
✅ Book Ferries early; Jadrolinija runs out. Split to Hvar is the summer carnage path.
✅ Water shoes: Croatia is mostly focused on pebble beaches. Your feet won’t become used to it.
ⅆ Talk to residents; a basic “Dobar dan! (Good day)” opens secret locations.
👅 Pack light; you will be carrying your baggage across cobblestones.
🅆 Taste everything: black risotto, soparnik (a Swiss-chard pie), Pag cheese. Just eat.
Last Thoughts: You Slippery, Beautiful Siren, Croatia
Thanks, truffles; we left Croatia sun-kissed, somewhat overweight, and with much too many hotel shampoos in our bags. Every stop had appeal, but really? The hotels paid for the excursion. From waking up to sea views in Dubrovnik to drinking coffee as the Sea Organ sung in Zadar—it is the stays that bind this voyage together.
Would I travel back? Within a heartbeat. Croatia is more than simply a nation; it’s a series of ideal tiny moments woven together by the nicest hotel mattresses you will ever sleep on.
And subsequently? For the flip-flops, I’m carrying super glue.
Has anybody visited Croatia? I missed a spot. Have another? Share it; I am always designing the next journey.