Here are my picks for the 18 best things to see and do in Dubrovnik, with prices, opening hours and tips on how to avoid the worst of the crowds. Prices are given in euros. My most important rule of thumb is to do the city walls and the Old Town early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and spend the middle of the day on Lokrum, at the beach or on a boat trip. It’s also worth considering the Dubrovnik Pass, because the city walls alone cost almost as much as a one-day pass covering all the museums and the buses.

1. The city walls around the Old Town

The city walls are the reason most people come to Dubrovnik, and they don’t disappoint. You walk all the way around the Old Town on roughly 1,940 metres of wall, which in places is 25 metres high and up to 6 metres thick on the landward side. The walk takes an hour and a half to two hours, with stops at the Minčeta Tower in the north-western corner, which is the highest point, and Fort Bokar facing Lovrijenac. Along the way you look down on the red rooftops, into people’s back yards and out over Lokrum.

A ticket costs around 40 euros (around £35) for adults and 15 euros (around £13) for children and young people aged 7 to 18, and it also covers Fort Lovrijenac, but you can only walk the walls once, as re-entry isn’t allowed. In summer the walls open at 8am and don’t close until the evening, while in winter they’re usually only open from 9am to 3pm. The only day they close is 25 December. There are three entrances: by the Pile Gate (the busiest), by the Ploče Gate and by St John’s Fortress down by the old harbour.

My tip is to go up just as they open, or two hours before closing. In the middle of a summer’s day there’s neither shade nor space, and the stone gets scorching hot. Bring water, because the few stalls up on the walls overcharge. If you start at the Ploče Gate instead of Pile, you’ll usually avoid the longest queue, and you’ll get the steepest steps out of the way first.

Book a guided walk on the city walls early in the morning or at sunset here.

2. Stradun and the Old Town

Stradun is the 300-metre-long main street of polished limestone that runs from the Pile Gate to the bell tower on Luža Square. The street was once a channel between the island where the city began and the mainland, and after the 1667 earthquake the houses along it were rebuilt in the same Baroque style, with a shop on the ground floor and living quarters above. At the Pile end stands Onofrio’s Great Fountain from 1438, which still supplies drinking water, and at the other end you’ll find Orlando’s Column, the Sponza Palace and the Church of St Blaise, with the statue of the city’s patron saint holding a model of the city in his hand.

The best thing about the Old Town, though, is the side streets. North of Stradun they climb as steep staircases up towards the walls, and this is where you’ll find the washing lines, the cats and the little konobas that don’t rely on cruise passengers. All of this is free, and you can also pop into the Sponza Palace and its atrium without a ticket.

Take a stroll at 7 or 8am before the shops open, and do it again after 9pm when the day-trippers have gone. This is where most visitors stay, and the Old Town is the first area in my guide to where to stay in Dubrovnik. You can also see hotels in the Old Town here.

Book a guided walking tour of the Old Town with a local guide here.

3. The Rector’s Palace

Knežev dvor was the seat of the republic’s rector, who was elected for one month at a time and wasn’t allowed to leave the palace during his term, so that no one could gather too much power. The building is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance from the 15th century, and above the entrance to the council chamber is the inscription “Obliti privatorum publica curate”, meaning forget your private interests and take care of the public good. The atrium with its arched colonnades is still used for concerts during the summer festival.

Today the palace houses the Cultural History Museum, with around 10,000 objects from the late 15th century to the early 20th century, including the rector’s private chambers, portraits, furniture and coins. A ticket costs 15 euros (around £13), while the combined ticket for all ten museums run by Dubrovnik Museums costs 20 euros (around £17) and is valid for seven days. From April to October it’s open daily from 9am to 6pm; in winter it’s open from 9am to 4pm and closed on Mondays.

My tip is to get the combined ticket, because it also covers the Maritime Museum in St John’s Fortress and the Homeland War Museum up on Srđ, so the 5-euro difference quickly pays for itself. The palace stands on the square behind the bell tower, 30 seconds from Stradun.

4. The Franciscan Monastery and the old pharmacy

Just inside the Pile Gate, on your left as you step onto Stradun, is the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. The monks opened it in 1317 and it has served customers ever since, so you can still buy creams made to the monastery’s old recipes in the little shop facing the street. The cloister from 1360 is the most beautiful space in the Old Town, with double columns where every capital has its own face or animal, and orange trees and palms in the middle.

The monastery museum displays the old pharmacy’s jars, mortars and distilling equipment, a collection of old paintings and parts of the library, which is one of the largest monastery libraries in Croatia. Admission costs around 10 euros (around £8), and it’s normally open daily from 9am to 6pm, but check the sign at the entrance, as the hours change with the season. Above the church portal facing Stradun hangs a Pietà from 1498, one of the few things that survived the earthquake.

My tip is to go in at 9am, before the first groups have made their way here from the harbour. The cloister is small, and with 40 people in it the atmosphere is gone.

5. Dominican Monastery

At the opposite end of the Old Town, squeezed up against the city walls by the Ploče Gate, stands the Dominican Monastery. Far fewer people visit it, even though in my opinion it’s at least as good. The cloister was built between 1456 and 1469 in a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles, with 24 carved saints in the vaulting and a 16th-century well in the middle. Look out for the staircase up to the entrance, where the balusters have been bricked in so that nobody below could peek up the ladies’ dresses.

The museum in the old chapter house holds the monastery’s greatest treasure, Titian’s painting of St Blaise with Mary Magdalene from 1550, along with a painting by Nikola Božidarević showing what Dubrovnik looked like before the earthquake. The library was founded in 1492 and contains 239 incunabula and around 100 medieval manuscripts. Admission costs about €5 (around £4), and it’s usually open from 9am to 6pm.

Combine your visit with a walk up Svetog Dominika, the street that runs alongside the monastery up to the Ploče Gate. It’s one of the best spots for photographing the walls and Fort Revelin, and there’s rarely anyone in the way.

6. The Cathedral and Treasury

Legend has it that Richard the Lionheart paid for the first cathedral as thanks for surviving a shipwreck off Lokrum in 1192. The Romanesque church collapsed in 1667, and the Baroque cathedral you see today was built between 1671 and 1713, with a pale dome that’s visible from all along the city walls. Above the high altar hangs a polyptych of the Assumption of the Virgin, attributed to Titian’s workshop, and that alone is reason enough to go inside.

The treasury beside the altar holds 132 relics, the most important being the head, arm and leg of St Blaise in gold and enamel reliquaries, the head reliquary dating back to the 11th century. The church itself is free, while the treasury costs a small fee of about €4 (around £3.50). It’s usually open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, while on Sundays it only opens after the morning Mass, and you can’t get in during services.

The cathedral stands on the square behind the Rector’s Palace, so visit the two together. If you’re here on 3 February, the whole city celebrates St Blaise with a procession in which the relics are carried through the streets, and it’s the one day of the year when Dubrovnik belongs to the locals.

7. Fort Lovrijenac and Gradac Park

Lovrijenac towers on a 37-metre-high rock just west of the Pile Gate, outside the city walls themselves, and was built to keep Venice off the best rock in town. The fort is first mentioned in 1301, and above the gate is the republic’s motto “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro”: freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world. The walls facing the sea and the land are very thick, while the wall facing the city is thin, so that a commander could never turn the cannons on his own people.

The fort is included in the city walls ticket, and if you only buy entry here, it costs about €15 (around £13). Opening hours largely follow those of the walls, so expect 8am until early evening in summer. The view back towards the Old Town and Fort Bokar is the best in the city, and this is where Hamlet is staged during the summer festival and where Game of Thrones filmed the Red Keep.

Afterwards, carry on along the path behind the fort to Gradac Park, a small pine grove on the cliffs with benches and clear views of Lovrijenac and the walls. The park is free, there’s hardly ever anyone there, and it faces west, so it’s my pick for the best place in the city to watch the sunset without buying an expensive drink.

8. Srđ Cable Car and Fort Imperial

Mount Srđ rises 412 metres directly behind the Old Town, and the view from the top is the Dubrovnik you know from postcards: the entire walled city, with Lokrum and the Elaphiti Islands in the background. The cable car, dating from 1969, was shot to pieces during the war and reopened in 2010. It takes you up in about four minutes from the lower station, a few minutes’ walk uphill from the Buža Gate in the northern city walls.

The ride isn’t cheap. A return ticket costs €30 (around £25), a single €17 (around £14), and children aged 4 to 12 pay €8 (around £7) for a return. It runs from 9am until as late as midnight in high summer, but is closed from December to March inclusive. At the top is Fort Imperial, built by the French in the early 19th century, which now houses the Homeland War Museum about the siege of Dubrovnik. The museum is open from 8.30am to 10pm from April to September, with shorter hours in winter, and is included in the Dubrovnik Museums combined ticket.

My tip is to buy a single ticket up and walk down the zigzagging path that ends at the Buža Gate. It takes about an hour, and the view stays with you all the way. If you’re fit, you can walk both ways and save €30, but don’t do it in the middle of the day in July. Go up an hour before sunset and stay until the lights come on in the Old Town.

Book a sunset tour to the top of Srđ with a glass of wine here.

9. Lokrum

Lokrum lies 600 metres off the old harbour and is the easiest escape from the stone and the crowds of the Old Town. The island is a nature reserve with no hotels or cars, and from the jetty you walk through pine forest and a botanical garden to the 11th-century Benedictine monastery, where peacocks strut among the ruins. Archduke Maximilian of Austria used the island as a summer retreat and brought both peacocks and exotic plants here in the 19th century.

Boats leave the old harbour roughly every half hour from early morning, and the ticket including the return trip and entry to the reserve costs €30 (around £25) for adults and €5 (around £4) for children aged 7 to 18, while the youngest go free. The last boat back leaves in the late afternoon outside the high season and later in summer, so check the timetable at the ticket office, and expect the island to be closed in winter.

Take a swim in the Dead Sea, a small saltwater lake at the southern end that’s connected to the sea through the rock and stays completely calm even when there are waves outside. Then head up to Fort Royal at the top for views back towards the city, and find the replica of the Iron Throne in the monastery if you’re a Game of Thrones fan. Bring water shoes and water, and catch one of the first boats, because by midday the rocks by the harbour are packed.

Book a boat trip along the city walls to Lokrum and Betina Cave here.

10. Banje Beach and Sveti Jakov

Banje is the town beach, a five-minute walk east of the Ploče Gate, and it has a view few beaches can match: the city walls and St John’s Fortress to the right, Lokrum straight ahead. The beach is pebbly and public, so you can lay your towel down for free at one end, while the beach club at the other rents out sunloungers at prices I don’t think make sense. In the middle of the day in July and August it’s packed.

If you want some peace, carry on for 20 to 25 minutes along Vlaha Bukovca street past the villas to Sveti Jakov. Here a long flight of steps leads down to a small sand and pebble beach facing straight towards the Old Town and Lokrum, and in the late afternoon you get the sunset behind the city walls. There’s a small bar and few people, precisely because you have to climb back up the steps.

Both beaches belong to the Ploče district, which sits on the hill just outside the eastern city gate and has the town’s most expensive hotels and the best views. You can see hotels in Ploče here.

11. Kayaking beneath the city walls

The best way to see the walls is from below. Kayak tours set off from the little cove below the Pile Gate, right under Lovrijenac, and paddle along the whole south side of the Old Town, where the walls rise straight out of the water, then on around Lokrum and into Betina Cave, which can only be reached from the sea. Here you stop for a swim and some snorkelling before heading back past the old harbour.

A two- to three-hour guided tour typically costs 25 to 35 euros (around £20 to £30), and the sunset tours with a glass of wine on a beach are around 40 euros (around £35). You don’t need any experience, the kayaks are stable two-seaters, and the guides adjust the pace. Tours are cancelled in strong winds, so don’t book one on your only free day.

Choose an early morning tour if you want the sea to yourself, or the sunset tour if you want the most beautiful light on the walls. In the middle of the day the water is full of boats circling the island.

Book a kayak tour beneath the city walls with snorkelling in Betina Cave here.

12. The Game of Thrones locations

Dubrovnik was King’s Landing from season 2 onwards, and even if you’ve never watched the series, the locations are some of the best corners of the town. The bay below the Pile Gate was Blackwater Bay, Lovrijenac was the Red Keep, and the Minčeta Tower on the city walls was the House of the Undying in Qarth. The Jesuit Stairs up to the Church of St Ignatius were the setting for Cersei’s Walk of Shame, Gradac Park hosted the Purple Wedding, and Lokrum and Trsteno were used for Qarth and the gardens of the Red Keep.

The Jesuit Stairs from 1738 were modelled on the Spanish Steps in Rome and are lovely in their own right, and the baroque church at the top is free to enter. You can see all of it on your own without paying, and a route from Pile via the stairs to Gradac takes about an hour. If you want the stories from the filming and stills from the scenes to compare with, a guided tour makes sense, and most finish with a boat trip to Lokrum and the Iron Throne.

Walk the stairs early in the morning if you want them free of people. By midday there are several groups on them at once, and the shops around Gundulić Square below sell Game of Thrones souvenirs in quantities that are hard to take seriously.

Book a Game of Thrones tour with a boat trip to Lokrum and the Iron Throne here.

13. The Buža bars on the rocks

Buža means hole, and that’s exactly what you need to look for: two holes in the southern city wall that lead out to bars on the rocks with the Adriatic right beneath your feet. Follow the hand-painted “Cold drinks” sign from the square by the Church of St Ignatius and you’ll find one of them, then walk a little further east for the other. Both consist of plastic chairs and a few steps down to the water, and that’s exactly the charm.

You’re paying for the view, so expect prices well above the rest of town, and bring cash. The bars only open in season, and on evenings in high season you may have to wait for a chair. On the plus side, you can jump into the sea from the rocks, which the local youngsters do from spots I wouldn’t recommend.

My tip is to come in the morning with your swimwear, swim from the rocks and have a coffee while the place is still half empty. The sunset is better from Gradac Park, and there you won’t have to pay 8 euros (around £7) for a beer.

14. War Photo Limited

On a side street off Stradun, at Antuninska 6, is a small gallery that’s more relevant than most of the town’s museums. War Photo Limited shows war photography, with a permanent exhibition on the break-up of Yugoslavia and the wars in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo, shot by some of the best photojournalists who covered them. On top of that come changing exhibitions on conflicts elsewhere in the world.

Admission costs 10 euros (around £8) and 6 euros (around £5) for students, and the gallery is open daily from April to October, 10am to 10pm in the summer months and 10am to 5pm in April and October. It’s closed from November to March. Allow about an hour, and be aware that the images are powerful and not suitable for young children.

I think it makes most sense to visit the gallery on the same day as the Homeland War Museum on Srđ. One shows the bigger picture, the other shows what happened to this particular town when the shells fell on the roofs you’ve just walked around on the walls.

15. The Elaphiti Islands

Koločep, Lopud and Šipan lie in a row off the coast north-west of Dubrovnik, and they’re largely car-free, with small harbour villages, pine forests and summer houses from the republic’s golden age. Lopud is my favourite, because in 20 to 25 minutes you can walk across the island to Šunj, one of the few proper sandy beaches in the area, with shallow water stretching far out. Koločep is the smallest and closest, and Šipan the largest, with olive groves and vineyards.

The cheap option is the local ferry, Jadrolinija’s line 807 from the port in Gruž, which sails to Koločep in about half an hour and to Lopud in about an hour, and a ticket costs just a few euros each way. Departures are few, especially in winter, so check the timetable and plan your return before you get off. The alternative is a full-day boat trip with lunch and swimming stops on all three islands, which typically costs 40 to 65 euros (around £35 to £55).

If you want to catch an early ferry, it’s handy to stay in the harbour district of Gruž, which is also home to the bus station and the market, and where prices are lower than inside the walls. You can see hotels in Gruž here.

Book a full-day boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands with lunch and swimming stops here.

16. Cavtat

Cavtat is the small harbour town 20 kilometres south of Dubrovnik, right by the airport, and it’s the opposite of the Old Town: quiet, green and with room to breathe on the promenade. The town sits on a peninsula with two bays, a palm-lined waterfront full of restaurants and a path all the way around the headland, where you can swim off the rocks. Up on the hill by the cemetery stands the Račić Mausoleum, which the sculptor Ivan Meštrović built in the 1920s from white Brač stone, and the view from up there is worth the climb on its own.

The most enjoyable way to get there is by boat from the old harbour in Dubrovnik. The trip along the coast takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and the boats run from spring to autumn with several departures a day for about 15 euros (around £13) each way or about 20 euros (around £17) return. The cheap option is local bus 10, which runs from the bus station in Gruž in about half an hour. Boats are cancelled when the sea is rough, so check the weather.

My tip is to take the boat down in the morning, have lunch by the harbour, walk around the peninsula and catch the bus back. If you have an early flight the next day, Cavtat is also a great place to spend your last night.

17. Trsteno Arboretum and Ston

Head north along the coast road and after 20 kilometres you reach Trsteno, where the noble Gučetić family laid out the gardens around their summer residence between 1494 and 1502, and today the arboretum covers 28 hectares with a Renaissance garden, an aqueduct, a Baroque Neptune fountain and views over the sea. At the entrance stand two plane trees that are around 500 years old, with trunks measuring about 11 metres in circumference. Admission costs about 10 euros (around £8), and it’s open every day, with the longest hours in summer. The local buses from Gruž towards Trsteno and Slano get you here in around half an hour.

Carry on another 35 kilometres to Ston at the foot of the Pelješac peninsula, where from 1333 the republic built a wall almost seven kilometres long to protect its salt pans. Around 5.5 kilometres still stand, and you can walk the wall over the hill between Ston and Mali Ston in about an hour, passing 40 towers along the way. A ticket costs about 10 euros (around £8) from March to October and half that in winter, and the wall opens at 8am and closes between 5.30pm and 7.30pm depending on the month. In Mali Ston you can eat oysters that have been farmed in the bay since the days of the republic, served raw with lemon by the harbour for a couple of euros each, and wash them down with red wine from Pelješac.

Both places are easiest to reach by car, and a hire car for a day often costs less than two seats on an organised excursion. You can compare car hire prices in Dubrovnik here. Do Trsteno in the morning while it’s cool, and walk the wall in Ston late in the afternoon, before the oysters.

Book the extended Game of Thrones tour, which also visits Trsteno and Srđ, here.

18. Day trip to Kotor or Mostar

Dubrovnik sits so far south that two neighbouring countries are within reach in a day. Kotor in Montenegro is 90 kilometres away, and the journey takes two to two and a half hours including the border check, so remember your passport. The reward is the Bay of Kotor, which winds in between the mountains like a fjord, the town of Perast with the church island of Our Lady of the Rocks, and Kotor’s Old Town, where you can climb the 1,350 steps up to St John’s Fortress. If you want to stay longer than a day, I’ve written a guide to where to stay in Montenegro.

Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 140 kilometres away, roughly three hours each way, and the big draw here is the Ottoman bridge Stari Most from 1566. The bridge was shelled and destroyed in 1993 and rebuilt stone by stone in 2004, and in summer the locals dive the 24 metres into the Neretva river for tourists’ money. Most excursions also stop at the Kravica Waterfalls, where you can swim. Organised tours cost from around €30 (around £25) to Mostar and from around €50 (around £40) to Montenegro, but expect to be away from Dubrovnik for 11 to 12 hours.

My advice is to pick one of the trips, not both, unless you have a week. Choose Kotor if you want coastline and views, and Mostar if you want history and something that feels completely different from Croatia. In summer the border queue into Montenegro can take more than an hour, so tours that leave at 7am are better than those leaving at 9am.

Book a day trip to Kotor and Perast with a boat trip on the Bay of Kotor here, or book a day trip to Mostar and the Kravica Waterfalls here.

Practical travel tips for Dubrovnik

The Old Town is car-free, and you can walk anywhere inside the walls in ten minutes. For Lapad, Gruž and the beaches, use Libertas’ city buses, which converge at Pile Gate. A single ticket bought from the driver costs €2.50 (around £2), and a day pass costs around €5.30 (around £4.50) and is valid for 24 hours from first validation. If you stay in Lapad, the buses get you to Pile in a quarter of an hour, and you get a beach, a promenade and lower prices. You can see hotels in Lapad here.

The Dubrovnik Pass is one of the few city cards in Europe that actually pays off. It costs €40 (around £35) for one day, €50 (around £40) for three days and €60 (around £50) for seven days, and it covers the city walls, Lovrijenac, the Rector’s Palace, the Maritime Museum, the Franciscan Monastery museum and a string of other museums, plus the city buses. Since the city walls alone cost around €40, the one-day card effectively gives you the museums and buses for free. The card is activated on first use, and each museum can be visited once.

The airport is 20 kilometres south of the city near Cavtat, and the shuttle bus runs to Pile and the bus station in Gruž in just under half an hour. All the options, including the city bus and taxis, are in my guide to getting from Dubrovnik Airport to the city centre.

July and August are hot, expensive and overcrowded, so I would travel in May, June, September or the first half of October, when the sea is still warm. Check the port’s cruise ship arrivals calendar, and plan the city walls and museums for the days with the fewest ships in port. In winter the city is almost empty and much cheaper, but the cable car, Lokrum, War Photo Limited and many restaurants are closed, and several of the museums have a fixed weekly closing day.

If you need the full selection, you can see all hotels in Dubrovnik on Booking.com. If you’re heading further up the coast, read my guides to where to stay in Split and where to stay on Hvar, or start with my overview of where to stay in Croatia.

The post 18 Things to Do in Dubrovnik: City Walls, Lokrum & Sunset from Srđ appeared first on Destination Well Known.

The 10 euro airport bus is the best choice for most people staying in the Old Town, Ploče, Pile or Lapad. If you’re staying in Cavtat, a taxi or a transfer is by far the easiest option, and if there are three or four of you, a taxi or Uber can be worth it. Here you’ll find all the options with prices and journey times, where to get off, and how to carry on to Split and Montenegro.

Quick overview

• Airport bus (Platanus): 10 euros (around £8), about 30 minutes to the Ploče Gate by the Old Town and about 35 minutes to the bus station in Gruž, leaving roughly 30 minutes after each landing from the first flight to the last.
• City bus (Libertas): routes 11, 27 and 38 pass the airport, but there are only a few departures a day, and none of them run on Sundays.
• Taxi: typically 35 to 50 euros (around £30 to £40) to the Old Town, 30 to 35 minutes without traffic and up to an hour in high season.
• Uber: typically 25 to 40 euros (around £20 to £35), and the price is shown in the app before you book.
• Private transfer: from about 58 euros (around £50) for up to three people to your hotel in Dubrovnik.
• To Cavtat: taxi typically 20 to 30 euros (around £15 to £25), about 15 minutes. The airport bus doesn’t go to Cavtat.

How to find transport at the airport

Dubrovnik Airport is small and easy to find your way around. Once you’ve collected your luggage, you come out into the arrivals hall in Terminal B. This is where you’ll find the Platanus ticket desk, and in the same area are the car hire companies, which have offices in the airport itself.

The airport bus stops just outside the arrivals hall, close to the main entrance. Look for a white post marked “Shuttle bus”, as that’s where the bus stops. The buses are clearly marked with the Platanus logo. Taxis also wait in front of Terminal B, and the taxi price list is on the noticeboard at the entrance to the arrivals hall. This is stated on the airport’s page about taxis and car hire.

If you book an Uber, the app shows you where to meet the driver. If you’ve booked a private transfer, the driver will usually wait in the arrivals hall with a name sign. The airport has gathered information on the airport bus, city buses and directions on its page about transport to and from the airport.

1. Airport bus to the Old Town and the bus station in Gruž

The airport’s official bus is run by the company Platanus. You may come across the name Atlas in older guides, as Atlas used to run the bus, but today the airport refers to Platanus. The bus doesn’t run to a fixed timetable. It leaves about 30 minutes after each landing, from the first flight in the morning to the last in the evening, including weekends and public holidays.

The route has only two stops in Dubrovnik. The first is at the Ploče Gate, one of the main entrances to the Old Town, and the journey there takes about 30 minutes. The bus then continues to the final stop at the bus station in Gruž, which you reach in about 35 minutes. In summer there’s a lot of traffic on the road into town, so allow a little longer in high season.

The bus doesn’t stop at the Pile Gate, even though some guides say it does. Platanus follows flight arrivals, so if your flight is late, you simply take the next bus. Arrival times and the bus’s expected departures are listed in the Platanus timetable, and they can change, especially in spring and autumn, when airlines change their schedules.

Prices and tickets

A single ticket costs 10 euros (around £8), and a return costs 15 euros (around £13), so you save 5 euros if you’re also taking the bus back. Children under 6 travel free. The price is fixed, with no supplements in the evening or in high season.

The ticket is valid on all departures on the day you travel, and one suitcase is included in the price. The staff put it in the luggage hold, so you don’t have to drag it onto the bus. For a solo traveller or a couple, it beats every other option on price.

Where to buy your ticket

You can’t buy a ticket on the bus. Buy it online from Platanus before you travel, or at the Platanus desk in the arrivals hall, where you can pay by card or in cash. Online you get a QR code to show on your phone when you board, so you don’t need to print anything.

In summer the buses fill up quickly, so Platanus recommends buying your ticket in advance in high season. If you’ve bought a return, you’ll also have your ticket ready when you head back to the airport.

Where should you get off?

Ploče Gate (Old Town): Get off at the first stop if you’re staying in the Old Town or in the Ploče area east of the city walls. From the stop, walk to the Ploče Gate and into the Old Town, and the main street, Stradun, leads you on towards the Pile Gate at the other end. Many hotels in the Old Town and Ploče are on steps, so pack light. If you’d like to stay close to the stop, you can see hotels in the Old Town here.

Pile: If you’re staying in Pile by the western entrance to the Old Town, you also get off at the Ploče Gate and walk about 10 minutes through the Old Town along Stradun to the Pile Gate. With a heavy suitcase, it may be easier to take a taxi for the last stretch. If you haven’t chosen a hotel yet, read my guide to where to stay in Dubrovnik, where I go through the Old Town, Ploče and Pile.

Bus station in Gruž: The final stop is by the harbour in Gruž, about 500 metres from the ferry terminal. Get off here if you’re carrying on by ferry or long-distance bus, or if you’re staying in Gruž or on the Lapad peninsula. From the bus station, Libertas city buses run to Lapad, Babin Kuk and Pile, and a ticket bought from the driver costs 2.50 euros (around £2). Departures are listed in the city bus timetable. Lapad has lots of hotels at lower prices than the Old Town, and you can see hotels in Lapad here.

2. City bus from the airport with Libertas

The city’s bus company, Libertas, also serves the airport. According to the airport, routes 11, 27 and 38 run to and from the airport. They’re suburban routes running between Dubrovnik and the villages of Konavle further south-east, namely Molunat, Vitaljina and Gruda, and the airport lies on the way.

The problem is that there are only a few departures a day on each route. Routes 11 and 27 don’t run on Sundays and public holidays, and route 38 only runs on weekdays, mainly to suit school times. The bus therefore rarely fits in with your flight, and it doesn’t stop close to the arrivals hall the way the airport bus does.

The fare from the airport isn’t shown in the Libertas price list, so ask the driver. For comparison, a single ticket on the suburban bus to Cavtat costs 4 euros (around £3.50), and you can see the fares in the Libertas price list. Departures are listed in the timetable for the eastbound routes, which changes between summer and winter.

The city bus is only worth it if you want to save a few euros and have time to wait. The 10 euro airport bus is almost always the best option, and it runs after every landing.

3. Taxi and Uber

Taxis wait in front of Terminal B by the arrivals hall and run for as long as the airport is open. The airport doesn’t publish fixed fares on its website, but the price list is on the noticeboard at the entrance to the arrivals hall. Typically, expect to pay 35 to 50 euros (around £30 to £40) to the Old Town, Ploče or Lapad, depending on the address and the time of day.

Agree the price before you set off and ask for a receipt. The driver is required to issue one, according to the airport. The journey takes 30 to 35 minutes without traffic, but in summer it can take up to an hour. The Old Town is car-free, so the taxi drops you at the Pile Gate or the Ploče Gate, and you walk the last bit from there.

Uber also operates in Dubrovnik. The app shows the price before you book and where to meet the driver. Typically, expect 25 to 40 euros (around £20 to £35) to the centre, but the price rises when demand is high. You can book the ride in advance in the app, as stated by Uber.

If there are three or four of you, four airport bus tickets come to 40 euros (around £35). An Uber or taxi isn’t much more expensive, and it takes you right to the nearest road by your hotel.

4. Private transfer to your hotel

A private transfer is the most convenient option if you land late, travel with children or have a lot of luggage. The driver tracks your flight and waits in the arrivals hall, and the price is agreed in advance, so you avoid queuing for taxis or haggling over the fare.

You can book a private transfer from Dubrovnik Airport to your hotel here. It costs from about 58 euros (around £50) for up to three people and is one of the most reviewed transfers from the airport. The journey takes about 35 minutes to hotels in Dubrovnik.

It’s more expensive than a taxi, but you know exactly what it costs, and you have a car waiting, even when you land in high season, when the taxi queue can be long. Book at least a day ahead, and remember to include your flight number in the booking so the driver can keep track if your flight is delayed.

Bear in mind that the driver can’t drive into the Old Town either. If you’re staying within the city walls, you’ll be dropped at the Pile Gate or the Ploče Gate. Ask your hotel which gate is closest and add it to the booking.

5. From the airport to Cavtat

Cavtat is much closer to the airport than Dubrovnik. The little harbour town is only about 15 minutes’ drive from the terminal, so many people choose to stay here and take the boat into Dubrovnik. The problem is that the Platanus airport bus doesn’t go to Cavtat, and the suburban buses passing the airport don’t go into the town either.

The easiest option is therefore a taxi, which typically costs 20 to 30 euros (around £15 to £25). The price list is at the entrance to the arrivals hall, so check it and agree the price before you set off. You can also book an Uber to Cavtat. If you’d like everything sorted before you leave home, you can book a private transfer from the airport to Cavtat here. It costs from about 39 euros (around £35) for up to four people.

When you’re staying in Cavtat, you can get to Dubrovnik on Libertas route 10, which runs between Dubrovnik and Cavtat roughly once an hour and a little less often on Sundays. A single ticket costs 4 euros (around £3.50). In summer, boats also sail from Cavtat harbour to the old harbour by the Old Town.

Cavtat is quieter and cheaper than Dubrovnik, and you have the beaches and the harbour promenade right on your doorstep. You can see hotels in Cavtat here.

Onward to Split and Montenegro straight from the airport

If you’re not staying in Dubrovnik but travelling on around Croatia, take the airport bus to the final stop at the bus station in Gruž. Long-distance buses to Split leave from here, and the journey usually takes 4 to 5 hours. Tickets typically cost 20 to 30 euros (around £15 to £25), and you can buy them at the bus station or online from the bus company. Bring your passport, as some routes pass through the short Bosnian stretch of coast at Neum.

In summer, catamarans also sail from Gruž harbour to Split, stopping at islands such as Korčula and Hvar. The crossing takes 4.5 to 6 hours and costs about 50 euros (around £40). Jadrolinija sails, among others, the Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hvar, Bol and Split route, and seasons and departures change from year to year, so check them before you travel. If you hire a car at the airport, the drive takes about 3 hours via the Pelješac Bridge and the motorway. Read my guide to where to stay in Split and my overview of the best places to stay in Croatia if you’re travelling around the country.

For Montenegro, the airport is actually a good starting point, as it’s close to the border. The Karasovići and Debeli Brijeg border crossing is south of the airport, and Herceg Novi is only about 30 kilometres away. Buses to Herceg Novi, Kotor and Budva leave from the bus station in Gruž and usually take 2 to 3 hours to Kotor, depending on the queue at the border.

In summer there can be long waits at the border, and Montenegro isn’t in the Schengen Area, so bring your passport. If you hire a car, you’ll need the rental company’s permission in advance to cross the border, and there’s usually a fee. Montenegro also uses the euro. If you’re staying on the other side of the border, read my guide to where to stay in Montenegro.

Getting back to the airport

The airport bus also runs the other way, with departures timed to flight departures from morning to evening. The bus starts at the bus station in Gruž, where it leaves from bay 8 near the entrance. It then stops at the Grawe stop and finally at the cable car stop above the Old Town, which is the stop closest to the Old Town.

From the bus station the journey takes about 35 minutes, from Grawe about 30 minutes and from the cable car stop about 25 minutes. Be at the stop at least 10 minutes before departure, and allow extra time in summer, when there’s heavy traffic out of town. Departures are listed on Platanus’ page about the airport bus.

Tickets can be bought online, at the office at the bus station or at the Platanus office by the cable car, but not on the bus. If you have a return ticket from your arrival, use that. If you’d rather take a taxi or an Uber, book it in good time in high season. If you’d like the car booked before you leave home, you can book a transfer from your hotel to the airport here. It costs from about 50 euros (around £40) for up to eight people.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s my recommendation based on where you’re staying:

Old Town and Ploče: Take the airport bus to the Ploče Gate. It costs 10 euros (around £8), runs after every landing and gets there in about 30 minutes.

Pile: Take the airport bus to the Ploče Gate and walk through the Old Town along Stradun. With a lot of luggage, I’d take a taxi or an Uber straight there.

Lapad and Gruž: Take the airport bus to the bus station in Gruž and change to a city bus towards Lapad or Babin Kuk.

Cavtat: Take a taxi or a private transfer. The journey only takes about 15 minutes.

If there are three or four of you: Four bus tickets cost 40 euros (around £35), so an Uber or taxi doesn’t cost much more and takes you to the door.

If you land late: The airport bus also runs after the last landing of the evening. If in doubt, book a private transfer so you have a car waiting.

If you’re travelling on: Take the airport bus to the bus station in Gruž, where the buses to Split and Montenegro leave from and the ferry port is right next door.

Practical tips for getting from Dubrovnik Airport to Old Town

Buy your bus ticket online in summer. Platanus recommends this itself, as the buses fill up quickly in high season. You can’t buy a ticket on the bus.

Expect traffic in summer. Everyone uses the same road between the airport and Dubrovnik, and in July and August the journey can take twice as long as usual. Leave plenty of time for your return journey.

Pack light for the Old Town. The Old Town is car-free, and many of the streets are steps. No car can take you right to the door, so a suitcase with good wheels makes a big difference.

Choose your hotel based on the connection. The airport bus only stops at the Ploče Gate and the bus station in Gruž. If you’re staying in the Old Town or Ploče, you’re almost there when you get off, and you can see hotels in Ploče here.

Should you hire a car? The car hire companies have offices at the airport, but parking in Dubrovnik is scarce and expensive. Only hire a car if you’re travelling further along the coast or to Montenegro.

The post Dubrovnik Airport to the Old Town – Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

That’s why your choice of area matters so much. It’s a good half-hour drive from Hvar Town to Jelsa, and each town has its own atmosphere and its own kind of visitor. Here are my recommendations for six areas and hotels in several price ranges.

The Best Areas on Hvar

• Hvar Town - best area for first-time visitors and nightlife
• West of Hvar Town - best area for a hotel with a pool and a beach
• Milna - best area for beaches and peace and quiet close to Hvar Town
• Stari Grad - best area for culture and the ferry
• Jelsa - best area for families with children
• Vrboska - best area for couples looking for peace and quiet

Below, I’ll take you through the areas one by one, with three hotels in each, from luxury to budget, so you can find the base on Hvar that suits your holiday and your wallet.

1. Hvar Town - best area for first-time visitors and nightlife

• Distance from the centre: You’ll be staying in the town itself. The three places below are between 200 metres and just under a kilometre from the square in front of the cathedral.
• Transport: The catamaran from Split docks right by the harbour. You can walk everywhere in town, and you take a water taxi to the Pakleni Islands.
• Time from Split Airport: First to the harbour in Split and then around an hour by catamaran. Allow half a day from door to door.
• Price range: €€ to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £85 to £265 a night when I searched for a weekend in June.
• Safety: Hvar Town is safe. In summer, the partying at the harbour goes on late into the night, so keep an eye on your things and choose a room away from the bars if you’re a light sleeper.

Hvar Town is the obvious choice if it’s your first time on the island and you’d like restaurants, bars and boat trips right outside the door. The town wraps around a small harbour full of yachts, and from the harbour you walk straight up to the big square in front of the cathedral.

According to the Hvar Town tourist board, the Pjaca is the largest square in Dalmatia, and the well in the middle of it dates from 1529. By the harbour stands the Arsenal, which houses the town’s theatre from 1612, and above the town sits the Fortica fortress. Walk up late in the afternoon when the heat has eased, and you’ll get the view over the harbour and the Pakleni Islands.

See hotels in Hvar Town here.

In summer, Hvar Town is famous for its nightlife, and the waterfront and the bars to the west in particular are packed until late into the night. That’s part of the charm if you’re on holiday with friends, but it’s also why you should check the location before you book if you need peace and quiet. The narrow streets up the hill behind the square are often quieter than the harbour.

You get here by catamaran from Split, and the tourist board’s overview of ferries and catamarans shows that there’s also a car ferry to Stari Grad, which is around 20 minutes’ drive from Hvar Town. If you’d like a night in Split before or after the island, I’ve written a guide to where to stay in Split.

The downside is the price. Hvar Town is one of the most expensive addresses on the coast in July and August, and there’s no sandy beach in the town itself. Most of the beaches are pebbles or rocks, so bring water shoes, or sail out to the bays on the Pakleni Islands.

Places to Stay in Hvar Town

Heritage Hotel Dea Hvar - best boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town

Dea is a small four-star hotel in an old house in the Old Town, only around 200 metres from the harbour. Breakfast is included, and the rooms have lots of lovely details. Guests mention that there are a lot of stairs, so it isn’t for you if you have trouble walking.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic location! Beautifully decorated rooms and lots of lovely details.”

See photos and book Heritage Hotel Dea Hvar here.

B&B Buzolic - best mid-range pick with a pool and breakfast

Buzolic is a bed and breakfast in a quiet residential area just under a kilometre east of the square, and it’s around a 15-minute walk to the harbour. There’s an outdoor pool, free parking and breakfast. I’d choose it for a couple who want peace and quiet at night and don’t mind a walk into town.

One guest highlights the whole package on Booking.com: “The breakfast, the view and the pool were all lovely extra bonuses to the stay.”

See photos and book B&B Buzolic here.

Apartments Frane - cheapest pick close to the water

Apartments Frane is in the western part of town, around 100 metres from the water and a couple of hundred metres from the harbour. It was the cheapest of my three picks in Hvar Town. There’s no breakfast, and some guests find the beds a little hard.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location and the view from the balcony are absolutely fantastic.”

See photos and book Apartments Frane here.

2. West of Hvar Town - best area for a hotel with a pool and a beach

• Distance from the centre: The hotels line the coast from around 650 metres to just over a kilometre west of the square in Hvar Town.
• Transport: You walk into town along the seafront promenade in 10 to 20 minutes. If you have a car, it’s handy that the hotels have parking.
• Time from Split Airport: The same as to Hvar Town, plus a short walk or taxi ride from the harbour. Allow half a day.
• Price range: €€€ to €€€€. The three hotels below cost roughly £175 to £680 a night when I searched for a weekend in June.
• Safety: A quiet hotel area. There are beach clubs along the promenade, so there can be music and noise in the evening.

West of Hvar Town, the island’s big hotels sit in a row along the coast with pools, beach areas and sea views. It’s the right choice if you’d like a classic holiday hotel and still want to be able to walk into the harbour and the restaurants in the evening.

The promenade from town leads past the Bonj beach club by the Amfora, which the tourist board describes as a historic bathing area from the early 1900s. Further out lies Podstine Bay, where it’s quieter and where the hotel of the same name sits right by the water.

The beaches are pebbles and rocks with bathing platforms, not sand. On the other hand, the water is clear, and several of the hotels have both sunloungers by the sea and a big pool, so it’s easy to switch between the two during the day.

See hotels west of Hvar Town here.

The area suits families well, because the hotels have space, pools and breakfast, and because you escape the noise from the bars at the harbour. It also suits couples who want to treat themselves to a spa and an infinity pool without staying far from town.

The downside is that you pay for the facilities. The hotels here are among the most expensive on the island in high season, and the feel is more resort than old Dalmatian town. If you’d rather stay in the narrow streets, Hvar Town is a better choice, and if you want something cheaper, you’ll need to head further along the island.

Places to Stay West of Hvar Town

Hotel Moeesy, Blue & Green Oasis - Adults Only - best adults-only luxury hotel

Moeesy is a five-star adults-only hotel around 30 metres from the water and a 15-minute walk from the harbour. There’s an infinity pool, an indoor pool and a spa, and breakfast is included. It was the most expensive of my three picks here, and some guests feel the beds could be more comfortable.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The best hotel on Hvar! The staff are fantastic.”

See photos and book Hotel Moeesy, Blue & Green Oasis - Adults Only here.

Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort - best family hotel with a big pool

Amfora is the island’s big beach hotel with a pool, a children’s pool, a water slide and a kids’ club, and it’s around 10 minutes’ walk to the harbour. It suits families who want everything in one place. The hotel is big and busy in high season, and one guest mentions stained carpets in their room.

One guest highlights the pool on Booking.com: “Lovely pool area and a small beach right outside the hotel with sunloungers and parasols.”

See photos and book Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort here.

Hotel Podstine - cheapest pick right by the water

Podstine is a four-star hotel right on the bay of the same name, just over a kilometre from the square, and it was the cheapest of my three picks here. There’s a pool, a spa, free parking and breakfast. Guests mention that the choice at the breakfast buffet is limited.

One guest describes the location on Booking.com: “Fantastic beach hotel, far enough away to be very quiet, but still within walking distance of the centre.”

See photos and book Hotel Podstine here.

3. Milna - best area for beaches and peace and quiet close to Hvar Town

• Distance from the centre: Milna is 4 kilometres east of Hvar Town.
• Transport: You’ll need a car, a scooter or a taxi to get into town. It’s too far and too hilly to walk every day.
• Time from Split Airport: Catamaran to Hvar Town and then a short drive. Allow half a day.
• Price range: €€ to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £130 to £185 a night when I searched for a weekend in June.
• Safety: Milna is a small, quiet beach village. Drive carefully on the narrow road to Hvar Town, especially in the evening.

Milna is a small beach village with two bays, restaurants by the water and a handful of hotels and apartments. It’s the best choice if you’d like to stay close to Hvar Town but would rather wake up by a beach than above a bar.

According to the tourist board’s overview of beaches, Milna is 4 kilometres east of Hvar Town, and there are two pebble beaches. The water is clear and good for snorkelling, and there are sunloungers and parasols to hire in season.

From Milna, you can spend a day in Hvar Town and be back at the beach in time for dinner. There’s not much going on in the evening apart from the restaurants by the water, so it’s the place for you if you want peace and quiet and don’t mind taking a taxi back from town.

See hotels in Milna here.

If you carry on further east along the coast road, you’ll come to more small bays, but the road is narrow and winding. Milna has the advantage that you’re still so close to Hvar Town that you can catch the catamaran to Split without a long drive in the morning.

The downside is that you depend on transport. Taxis on Hvar aren’t cheap, and in summer it can be hard to find parking in Hvar Town. If you hire a car or a scooter, though, you’ll have a good base for both the town and the beach.

Places to Stay in Milna

Hotel Fortuna - best hotel with a pool by the beach

Fortuna is a four-star hotel by the beach in Milna with a pool, a playground, a restaurant and free parking, and breakfast is included. It suits families and couples who want hotel service and a beach without paying Hvar Town prices. Guests mention the distance to Hvar Town as the biggest drawback.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A really lovely hotel in a fantastic, quiet location.”

See photos and book Hotel Fortuna here.

Villa ForTudor - best apartment close to the sea

Villa ForTudor has apartments with kitchens a few minutes’ walk from the water in Milna, and there’s free parking. There’s no breakfast, so it suits you if you’d like to cook some of your own meals. Some guests feel the kitchen equipment could be better.

One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “The location is good, close to the sea.”

See photos and book Villa ForTudor here.

B&B Zora Panoramic View - cheapest pick with breakfast and a view

Zora is a new bed and breakfast a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach, and it was the cheapest of my three picks in Milna. Breakfast is included, and there’s free parking. Guests mention that it’s too far to walk to the harbour in Hvar Town.

One guest answers briefly on Booking.com: “Everything. The place is beautiful, clean and brand new.”

See photos and book B&B Zora Panoramic View here.

4. Stari Grad - best area for culture and the ferry

• Distance from Hvar Town: Around 20 minutes’ drive to Hvar Town on the western tip of the island.
• Transport: The car ferry from Split sails to Stari Grad. You can walk around town, and there are buses to the rest of the island.
• Time from Split Airport: To the ferry port in Split and then around two hours on the car ferry. Allow half a day.
• Price range: € to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £55 to £970 a night when I searched for a weekend in June.
• Safety: Stari Grad is a quiet and safe town. There’s very little nightlife, so it’s rarely noise that keeps you awake.

Stari Grad lies at the end of a long bay on the north side of the island, and it’s my first choice if you’d like history and atmosphere without Hvar Town’s partying and prices. The waterfront is lined with stone houses and palm trees, and the narrow streets behind it are some of the most beautiful on the island.

The town is one of the oldest in Croatia. According to Stari Grad Museum, Greek colonists from the island of Paros founded the town of Pharos here in 384 BC. In the middle of town stands Tvrdalj, which the Renaissance poet Petar Hektorović built with a fishpond, a dovecote and a garden.

Just outside town lies the Stari Grad Plain, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2008. The Greeks divided the plain into fields with stone walls, and vines and olives have been grown here for around 24 centuries. It makes a good bike ride when you need a break from the beach.

See hotels in Stari Grad here.

If you’re coming by car, Stari Grad is the most practical base, because the Jadrolinija car ferry from Split sails here, and because the town is in the middle of the island. From here, it’s a short trip to both Hvar Town to the west and Jelsa and Vrboska to the east.

The downside is the beaches. They’re mostly outside the town itself, often some way out along the bay, and there’s not much to do in the evening apart from the restaurants at the harbour. I’d choose Stari Grad for couples and for you if you’d like to see as much of the island as possible.

Places to Stay in Stari Grad

Maslina Resort - best luxury resort with a spa

Maslina is a five-star resort on Maslinica Bay around 2 kilometres west of Tvrdalj, with pools, a spa and its own beach area. It was the most expensive hotel in the whole guide and a place for a honeymoon or a special occasion. Guests mention that the breakfast isn’t quite up to the standard of the rest of the hotel.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A fantastic stay from start to finish. The pools, the beach area and the spa are simply beautiful.”

See photos and book Maslina Resort here.

Ancora Faros - best apartment on the waterfront

Ancora Faros has apartments right on the waterfront in Stari Grad, only around 200 metres from Tvrdalj. There’s no breakfast, but the cafés are right outside the door. Guests mention that it can be a bit of a walk to the parking.

One guest describes the location on Booking.com: “A beautiful apartment facing the water, right in the centre of Stari Grad.”

See photos and book Ancora Faros here.

Apartments Ivanković - cheapest pick in the whole guide

Apartments Ivanković is in a residential area around 500 metres from Tvrdalj and was the cheapest place in the whole guide when I searched. There’s a garden, a barbecue, a playground and free parking, so it suits families on a budget. There’s no breakfast, and the standard is simple.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Really good value for money and one of the cheapest places to stay on the island.”

See photos and book Apartments Ivanković here.

5. Jelsa - best area for families with children

• Distance from Hvar Town: Around 28 kilometres, and the ferry port at Stari Grad is 9 kilometres away.
• Transport: You can walk around town and to many of the beaches. For the rest of the island, a car is the easiest option.
• Time from Split Airport: The catamaran from Split to Jelsa via Bol takes around an hour and a half, or you can take the car ferry to Stari Grad and drive the last stretch.
• Price range: € to €€. The three places below cost roughly £75 to £190 a night when I searched for a weekend in June.
• Safety: Jelsa is a safe family town. Keep an eye on the children at the harbour, where the boats come and go.

Jelsa is a charming harbour town on the north side of the island and my pick for a family who want beaches, ice cream and a relaxed pace. The town is built around a wide harbour and a small square with cafés, and in the evening both families and locals gather by the water.

According to the Jelsa tourist board, the town has more beaches within walking distance than any other town on Hvar. That makes Jelsa easy with children, because you don’t have to pack the car every morning to get in the water.

The town park gives shade in the middle of the day, and above the town stands the old Tor watchtower, which makes a good short walk for the view. Jelsa is also known for its wine, and there are several wine producers in and around the town if the grown-ups fancy a tasting.

See hotels in Jelsa here.

Every year, on the night between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the Za Križen procession passes through the villages around Jelsa, and it’s on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. If you’re travelling at Easter, it’s a powerful experience, but book your accommodation well in advance.

Accommodation in Jelsa is mostly apartments and a couple of larger complexes with pools, and prices are lower than in Hvar Town. The downside is the distance to Hvar Town, which you can only reach by car or bus, and the nightlife is quiet. That suits most families just fine.

Places to Stay in Jelsa

Apartments Dobronic - best apartments right by the water

Dobronic has apartments right by the water in Vitarnja Bay, just over a kilometre from the harbour in Jelsa. There’s a sauna, a barbecue and free parking, and the apartments have a very high guest rating. Some guests mention that there aren’t many restaurants close by.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Very nice and well equipped, beautiful surroundings and close to everything you need.”

See photos and book Apartments Dobronic here.

Fontana Bayside Park - best mid-range pick with a children’s pool

Fontana Bayside Park is a four-star apartment complex close to the water, around 600 metres from the harbour. There’s a saltwater pool, a children’s pool, a tennis court and evening entertainment, so it’s ideal for families with children. Guests mention that the pool is small and can get crowded in high season.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Peace and quiet, a spacious apartment and really comfortable.”

See photos and book Fontana Bayside Park here.

Apartmani Štambuk - cheapest pick close to the beach

Apartmani Štambuk is around 50 metres from the beach and a couple of hundred metres from the centre of Jelsa, and it was the cheapest of my three picks here. There’s free parking and a kitchen in the apartments. A few guests mention that communication with the host could be better.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Perfect location. Very nice and tidy. Friendly and lovely host.”

See photos and book Apartmani Štambuk here.

6. Vrboska - best area for couples looking for peace and quiet

• Distance from Hvar Town: A good half-hour drive. It’s around 4 kilometres by road to Jelsa.
• Transport: You can walk around the village, but you’ll need a car for the rest of the island. From the coast by the Aminess resort, a promenade runs towards Jelsa.
• Time from Split Airport: Car ferry to Stari Grad and then around 15 minutes by car, or the catamaran to Jelsa. Allow half a day.
• Price range: € to €€. The three places below cost roughly £75 to £205 a night when I searched for a weekend in June.
• Safety: Vrboska is the smallest and quietest town on Hvar. Watch the edge along the canal if you have small children with you.

Vrboska is a small village at the end of a narrow inlet, and the Jelsa tourist board calls it Croatia’s little Venice. Stone bridges link the two halves of the village on either side of the water, and the fishing boats are moored right below the houses.

The village has a fishing museum from 1972 with old nets, lamps and tools, and the 15th-century Church of St Lawrence has paintings by well-known Renaissance and Baroque artists. The fortified Church of St Mary was built as a defence against Turkish attacks and is one of the village’s landmarks.

The beaches are mostly outside the village, including at Nova Poštica and Soline, and they’re pebbly. Out on the coast towards Jelsa lies the island’s big resort with a pool and a spa, if you’d rather have a hotel with everything in one place.

See hotels in Vrboska here.

I’d choose Vrboska for couples and for you if you’d like a quiet base with good food by the water and a short trip to both Jelsa and Stari Grad. In the evening, there are only a couple of restaurants by the canal, but the atmosphere is calm and cosy, and prices are lower than in Hvar Town.

The downside is that there’s not a lot going on. If you’re on Hvar to go out or want to do lots of boat trips from Hvar Town, you’ll end up driving back and forth a lot, and without a car Vrboska is too isolated for a whole holiday.

Places to Stay in Vrboska

Aminess Senses Hvar Resort - best resort with a pool and spa by the water

Aminess Senses is a four-star resort right by the water around 1.3 kilometres east of Vrboska. There’s a pool, a spa, a sauna, a kids’ club and entertainment, and breakfast is included. It suits both couples and families, but guests mention that it can be hard to find parking.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Excellent location with lovely evening walks along a lit promenade to the nearby town.”

See photos and book Aminess Senses Hvar Resort here.

B&B 366 - best bed and breakfast in the middle of the village

B&B 366 is in the middle of Vrboska close to the canal and has one of the highest guest ratings in the whole guide. Breakfast is included, and there’s free parking. It’s around a kilometre to the beach, and some guests feel the choice at breakfast is a little limited.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Clean, comfortable, central location and a beautiful view!”

See photos and book B&B 366 here.

Amphora Deluxe - cheapest pick by the beach

Amphora Deluxe is a set of apartments by the water at Nova Poštica, around a kilometre from the centre of Vrboska, and it was the cheapest of my three picks here. There’s free parking and a barbecue. Guests mention that the apartment is simple and that there aren’t many restaurants nearby.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Very friendly host, and everything was as described.”

See photos and book Amphora Deluxe here.

Where should you avoid staying on Hvar?

I wouldn’t stay in Sućuraj on the eastern tip of the island if you want to see Hvar Town. The ferry from Drvenik on the mainland sails there, but according to the tourist board it takes around an hour and a half to drive on to Hvar Town, so you’ll spend a lot of time in the car.

Also be careful with the small villages inland and on the south side if you don’t want to hire a car. Accommodation is often cheap, but the buses are infrequent, and the roads are narrow and winding.

If you’re a light sleeper, avoid rooms facing straight onto the waterfront and the bars in Hvar Town in summer. The partying goes on late into the night, and the sound carries across the water.

If it’s your first time on Hvar and you want town life, I’d stay in Hvar Town, or in one of the hotels west of town if you’d like a pool and a beach. Milna is a good compromise with a beach close to town, Stari Grad is the best base for culture and drivers, and families get the easiest holiday in Jelsa. If you want peace and quiet, Vrboska is hard to beat.

Many people combine Hvar with the mainland. Have a look at my guide to where to stay in Croatia if you’re planning a longer tour, and read where to stay in Dubrovnik if your trip continues south. If you’d like to go all the way across the border, I’ve also written about where to stay in Montenegro.

The post Where to Stay on Hvar? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Because the coast is so long, your choice of base matters a great deal. It’s many hours’ drive from one end to the other, and you’ll get more out of your holiday with one or two bases than by trying to see it all. Here are my seven picks, with good hotels in three price ranges in each.

The Best Areas in Croatia

• Dubrovnik - best city for first-time visitors and history
• Split - best city for city life, beaches and ferries to the islands
• Hvar - best island for island life, boat trips and evenings by the harbour
• Makarska Riviera - best area for a classic beach holiday beneath the mountains
• Zadar - best city for families with children and beaches with shallow water
• Rovinj - best town in Istria for good food and a slower pace
• Zagreb - best city for a city break and as the start of a trip around the country

Below, I’ll take you through the seven bases one by one, with a map, the nearest airport and three hotels in each: a luxury hotel, a mid-range one and a cheaper alternative. The transfer times are estimates unless I name the source, and ferry timetables change with the season, so always check them before you book.

1. Dubrovnik - best city for first-time visitors and history

• Distance from the centre: The hotels around Pile are a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town. From the nearest part of the Lapad peninsula, it’s just over 1.5 km to Pile Gate.
• Transport: The Old Town is closed to cars. The city buses run to Pile Gate, and you can cover the rest on foot.
• Time from the airport: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is 22.5 km from the city. Allow 30 to 35 minutes by car and up to an hour in summer.
• Price range: €€ to €€€€. Usually among the most expensive places in the country, especially in and around the Old Town.
• Safety: A safe city. Expect lots of steps and heavy crowds in the middle of the day in summer.

Dubrovnik is the obvious choice for a first trip to Croatia. Its Old Town sits behind high city walls right on the edge of the Adriatic and has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1979. Inside the walls, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains stand side by side, and you can see it all on foot.

The downside is the crowds. In summer, lots of day trippers arrive, and cruise ships often dock in the city. The atmosphere is at its best early in the morning and in the evening, when most of them have moved on. Prices follow the season, and you usually get more for your money in May, June and September.

See hotels in Dubrovnik here.

In this guide, Dubrovnik is a single base. If you want to choose between the Old Town, Ploče and Pile, I’ve written a separate guide to where to stay in Dubrovnik. In short, staying in and around the Old Town is the most expensive and the most central option. The hotels on the Lapad peninsula are usually cheaper and more often have a pool, and from there you take the bus to Pile Gate.

Dubrovnik Airport says it’s 22.5 km from the city. The drive takes 30 to 35 minutes on average, but the airport itself advises allowing up to an hour in the summer months. From the ferry port in Gruž, there are boat services to Split and to the Dalmatian islands.

Dubrovnik is right down in the south, far from the rest of the coast. That’s why the city works best as the start or the end of your trip, and not as a base for day trips north. Three nights is about right. That gives you time for the city walls and the lanes of the Old Town and a day by the water without it feeling rushed.

Places to Stay in Dubrovnik

Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik - five-star hotel a few minutes from Pile Gate

Hilton Imperial is my pick if you want to stay in style and still be able to walk everywhere. The hotel is just over 200 metres from Pile Gate, so you’re inside the Old Town in a few minutes. There’s an indoor pool, a sauna, a gym, a restaurant and a bar, and several of the room types have a sea view.

It suits couples and anyone who wants service and calm after a long day in the crowds. The pool is indoors, and parking in the hotel’s garage costs extra. One guest thinks the gym could be better equipped, given the price and the standard of the hotel.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel was wonderful, stunning. The rooms were bright, big and comfortable.”

See photos and book Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik here.

Hotel Lero - four-star hotel with a pool and spa on Lapad

Hotel Lero is on Lapad, just over 1.5 km from Pile Gate. You can walk to the Old Town in around 20 minutes, and there’s a bus stop close to the hotel. In return, you get an outdoor pool, a spa, a gym and a restaurant, and the breakfast buffet is included in the price.

Lero is for you if you want a pool and more for your money than you’d get by the walls. There are family rooms, and you can park for free outside if there’s space, or in the garage for a fee. One guest calls the pool very cold, and another thinks check-out at 10.30 am is too early.

One guest writes about the breakfast on Booking.com: “Breakfast was lovely, lots to choose from.”

See photos and book Hotel Lero here.

Guesthouse Libertas - guesthouse with free parking above Pile Gate

Guesthouse Libertas is my budget pick, around 400 metres from Pile Gate. It’s a small guesthouse with double rooms and a triple room with a view, all with a private bathroom. You can park for free at the house, which is rare this close to the Old Town.

I’d choose it if you’re arriving in a hire car and would rather spend your money on experiences than on hotel facilities. It’s a guesthouse, not a hotel, so the facilities are few. Expect steps on the way to and from the Old Town too, as is usual in this neighbourhood.

One guest points out on Booking.com: “Great location, wonderful helpful owners, very comfortable bed with lovely heavy cotton sheets.”

See photos and book Guesthouse Libertas here.

2. Split - best city for city life, beaches and ferries to the islands

• Distance from the centre: The Old Town is right down by the harbour. The hotels in this guide are no more than a kilometre from Diocletian’s Palace.
• Transport: You can cover the centre on foot, and the Old Town is car-free. Ferries and catamarans to the islands sail from the harbour right next to it.
• Time from the airport: Split Airport (SPU) is at Kaštela, west of the city. Allow a good half hour by car and more in summer traffic. That’s an estimate.
• Price range: €€ to €€€€. Most expensive inside the Old Town and often cheaper a few streets away.
• Safety: Split is a safe city. Keep an eye on your bag in the crowds in the lanes and by the ferries in summer.

Split is the base that does the most at once. In the middle of the city stands Diocletian’s Palace, which was built around the year 300 and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The palace isn’t a cordoned-off museum. It’s the city centre itself, and its lanes are full of cafés, restaurants and small shops.

Split is also the coast’s big ferry port. From the harbour next to the Old Town, Jadrolinija sails to Supetar on Brač, to Stari Grad and Hvar Town on Hvar and to Vis, among other places, and the catamarans from Krilo and TP Line connect the city with Hvar, Korčula and Dubrovnik. Timetables change with the season, so check the departures with the operator before you plan your route.

See hotels in Split here.

You don’t have to choose between city and beach. According to the city’s tourist board, Bačvice is a sandy beach in the heart of the city, close to the harbour, and this is where the locals play the ball game picigin in the shallows. If you want to choose between the Old Town, Bačvice and Meje by Marjan, you can read my separate guide to where to stay in Split.

Split is the right choice if you want to combine a couple of days in the city with an island. Stay close to the Old Town for the first few nights, then take the boat on to Hvar or Brač. Split is also the most practical place to start if you’re travelling without a car, because the bus station, the railway station and the ferries are all together down by the harbour.

Expect lots of people in the lanes in summer, especially in the middle of the day. With two or three nights, you’ll have time for the palace, a walk up Marjan and an afternoon on the beach before you sail on.

Places to Stay in Split

Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia - boutique hotel on the square in the middle of the Old Town

Santa Lucia is on Narodni trg square, just over 100 metres from Diocletian’s Palace, and it’s around 500 metres down to the ferries. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a lift to all floors, and you can choose anything from a single room to a family suite and a duplex suite.

Choose it if you want to stay in the middle of it all and walk everywhere. The Old Town is car-free, so the parking is some distance from the hotel and costs extra. The breakfast divides guests: one would skip it next time, and another calls it poor.

One guest sums it up on Booking.com: “I absolutely adored this hotel, from the welcome at the front desk to the room, breakfast and ambience of the hotel.”

See photos and book Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia here.

Hotel Agava Split - small hotel with a pool in the pedestrian quarter west of the Old Town

Hotel Agava is in a pedestrianised quarter just under 600 metres west of Diocletian’s Palace. What sets it apart is the outdoor pool with a pool bar and a sun terrace. There are double rooms in several categories, triple rooms and a family room.

It’s a good choice for couples and families who want a break from the city in the middle of the day. The hotel has no lift, and breakfast is served at a restaurant three or four minutes’ walk away. Look closely at the room type, because one guest describes their room as very small, with a tiny bathroom and no daylight.

One guest writes about their stay on Booking.com: “Excellent staff who were very friendly. Location was fantastic.”

See photos and book Hotel Agava Split here.

Guesthouse Villa Vice - guesthouse with its own parking near Bačvice

Villa Vice is the cheapest of my three suggestions in Split, in a quiet residential neighbourhood just under a kilometre east of Diocletian’s Palace. It’s just under 600 metres to Bačvice beach and less than a kilometre to the ferry port. All rooms have a private bathroom, and some have a balcony, a terrace or a sea view.

It’s an obvious choice if you’re arriving by car, because the guesthouse has its own parking spaces. There are only a few, and they cost extra, so reserve one in advance. The walls are thin, and one guest could hear the neighbours. Another was given two rooms in the basement that weren’t as good as the rest.

One guest writes about the host on Booking.com: “The lady working there was incredibly sweet, welcoming and helpful.”

See photos and book Guesthouse Villa Vice here.

3. Hvar - best island for island life, boat trips and evenings by the harbour

• Distance from the centre: Hvar Town is small. The hotels in this guide are no more than a kilometre from the square by the cathedral.
• Transport: A catamaran from Split to Hvar Town or a car ferry to Stari Grad, a 20-minute drive away. In town, you walk, and you’ll need a boat to get to the Pakleni Islands.
• Time from the airport: Fly to Split (SPU). From there, you need to get to the ferry port in Split and continue by boat, so allow half a day from door to door. That’s an estimate.
• Price range: €€ to €€€€. One of the coast’s pricier addresses in July and August.
• Safety: A safe island. There’s partying by the harbour in summer, so choose your hotel according to how lightly you sleep.

Hvar is the island for you if you want island life with a bit of pace. Hvar Town wraps around a small harbour full of yachts, with a large square in front of the cathedral and a fortress up on the hill, and in summer the waterfront stays lively until late in the evening.

It’s worth knowing about the beaches in advance. The town’s tourist board itself writes that most of them are rocky or pebbly. The largest town beach is Pokonji dol, a kilometre and a half from the centre. Many people sail out to the Pakleni Islands instead, just outside the harbour, and swim in the bays there.

See hotels on Hvar here.

You get here by boat. According to Hvar’s tourist board, a catamaran runs between Split and Hvar Town and a car ferry between Split and Stari Grad, and the ferry terminal near Stari Grad is a 20-minute drive from Hvar Town. The catamarans are for foot passengers only. The operators are Jadrolinija, Krilo and TP Line, and departures change with the season, so check the timetable before you book a hotel.

Close to Stari Grad is the Stari Grad Plain, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. According to UNESCO, this landscape of vines and olives has remained largely unchanged since Greek colonists first farmed it in the 4th century BC. It makes a good half-day trip when you need a break from the harbour.

I’d choose Hvar if you want three or four days of boat trips, swimming and good dinners and can live with high-season prices. Spend one of the days on a boat trip to the Pakleni Islands, and walk up to the fortress late in the afternoon, once the heat has eased. The island is a summer destination, and many hotels close for the winter. If you’d like more peace and quiet, come in May, June or September. You’ll find six areas on the island, from Hvar Town to Stari Grad, Jelsa and Vrboska, in my guide to where to stay on Hvar.

Places to Stay on Hvar

Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel - spa hotel with a rooftop pool by the harbour

Adriana is on the waterfront, around 200 metres from the square by the cathedral and a few minutes’ walk from the catamaran. The hotel has a spa with a sauna and a steam room, and the pool is on the roof. The breakfast buffet is included in the price.

It’s the hotel for couples who want to treat themselves and have the harbour right outside the door. There are suites with a terrace or a sea view if your budget stretches to it. One guest mentions that the pool’s sloping floor makes it hard to swim lengths, and another that the shower cubicle is see-through and the bathroom lacks shelf space.

Here’s how one guest describes the hotel on Booking.com: “Absolutely perfect location and lovely facilities.”

See photos and book Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel here.

Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel - hotel with a pool five minutes’ walk from the harbour

Pharos sits on a small hill just under 500 metres west of the square, and you can walk down to the harbour in around five minutes. The pool area is the heart of the hotel, and there’s a restaurant, a bar and a garden. The rooms come with a view of the park, the pool or the sea, and breakfast is included.

I’d choose it if you want a pool and a good location without paying for luxury. The biggest drawback is the noise. One guest describes walls so thin that you can hear everything from the room next door, and another writes that they hardly got any sleep. Bring earplugs, or choose Adriana if a good night’s sleep matters to you.

One guest keeps it short on Booking.com: “The pool area was lovely.”

See photos and book Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel here.

Rooms Hvar - simple rooms with shared bathrooms and free parking

Rooms Hvar is my budget pick, and it’s a guesthouse, not a hotel. It’s in a quiet residential neighbourhood just under a kilometre from the square and the harbour, and the rooms share bathrooms. You can choose between a single room, a twin room and a double room with a balcony.

It suits you if you travel light and would rather spend your money on boat trips and dinners. You can park for free, and guests praise the host for his helpfulness. The downside is the noise from the shared bathrooms at night, and one guest recommends earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

One guest’s verdict on Booking.com: “The rooms were basic but good value for money.”

See photos and book Rooms Hvar here.

4. Makarska Riviera - best area for a classic beach holiday beneath the mountains

• Distance from the centre: The resort towns are strung out along the coast. From Makarska, it’s 3-5 km to Tučepi and just under 9 km to Baška Voda.
• Transport: A car is the easiest option if you want to see several of the towns. In the towns themselves, you walk along the seafront promenade.
• Time from the airport: Split Airport (SPU) is the nearest major airport. Allow around an hour and a half by car to Makarska and more in high season. That’s an estimate.
• Price range: €€ to €€€€. Several of the big hotels are sold with half board, and cheap hotels with good reviews are few and far between.
• Safety: Quiet holiday towns. Keep an eye on the children by the water, and drive carefully on the coast road in summer.

The Makarska Riviera is the place for a classic beach holiday: a string of resort towns along the coast with the Biokovo massif as a backdrop. Makarska is the main town, with a harbour and a promenade, and to the north and south of it are smaller towns such as Brela, Baška Voda and Tučepi.

The beaches are pebble, not sand. Brela’s tourist board describes the town’s beaches as natural pebble beaches, where old pine trees provide shade in most places, and calls Punta Rata beach the symbol of the town. The beaches by the hotels in Makarska and Tučepi are pebble beaches too, so bring water shoes for the children.

See hotels on the Makarska Riviera here.

The choice is between town life and peace and quiet. In Makarska, you have the most restaurants and the liveliest evenings, and in summer the promenade is packed. In the smaller towns, your stay is quieter and often closer to the beach, but there are fewer places to eat. Makarska suits a week with teenagers, and Tučepi or Baška Voda is better if it’s mostly about the beach and a good book.

The riviera works best as one fixed base for a week. There’s no major airport close by, so allow for a longer transfer from Split. If you want to see more, Jadrolinija sails between Makarska and Sumartin on the island of Brač, and Split is doable as a day trip. A car is also handy if you want to try a different beach each day.

The season is short. Many of the hotels only open for the summer half of the year, and July and August see the most pressure on both beaches and prices. I’d aim for June or September myself if you’re free to choose when you travel.

Places to Stay on the Makarska Riviera

Bluesun Hotel Jadran - five-star beach hotel with an infinity pool in Tučepi

Bluesun Hotel Jadran is right on the beach in Tučepi, around 3 km south-east of Makarska. The hotel has three outdoor pools, including an infinity pool with a sea view, as well as a spa, a sauna, a gym and a tennis court. The rooms have a balcony, and the most expensive junior suites have direct access to a pool.

Jadran is for couples and families who want a high level of comfort and the beach right outside the door. Breakfast is included, and you can choose half board. The food is what guests disagree on most. One praises it, another thinks the choice and quality don’t live up to five stars, and a third calls the evening buffet dull and repetitive.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Great location, amazing view, easy access to the beach, food was tasty and good variety.”

See photos and book Bluesun Hotel Jadran here.

Hotel Park Makarska - four-star hotel with a spa by the beach in Makarska

Hotel Park is by the beach in Makarska, just under 900 metres from the town’s main square, so you can walk to the harbour and the restaurants in around ten minutes. There’s an indoor and an outdoor pool, a spa, a sauna and a gym, and breakfast is included. The hot tub, the indoor pool and the gym are free for hotel guests, while treatments cost extra.

Hotel Park suits you if you want to combine the beach with town life and eat out every evening. The rooms range from an economy room to a suite with a sea view, so choose your category with care. One guest thinks the pool area is too small for the number of guests, and another was given a very small room with no view and poor soundproofing.

One guest describes the hotel on Booking.com: “The hotel was wonderful, very clean and modern with lots of natural lighting.”

See photos and book Hotel Park Makarska here.

Villa Verica - studios with a sea view by the beach in Baška Voda

Villa Verica is the cheapest of the three, on the seafront promenade in Baška Voda, just under 9 km north-west of Makarska. You stay in a studio or an apartment with a small kitchen, and several of them have a sea view. There’s a restaurant and a sauna, and guests have access to a pool.

It’s an obvious choice for families and for anyone who wants to make their own breakfast and lunch. The garage spaces are few and cost extra, so reserve in advance. Don’t expect much space. One guest calls their studio very small, and another is unhappy with both the breakfast and the restaurant’s food and prices.

One guest praises the view on Booking.com: “Fantastic sea view, staff very friendly.”

See photos and book Villa Verica here.

5. Zadar - best city for families with children and beaches with shallow water

• Distance from the centre: The hotels are spread out: by the Old Town, around Borik just over 2.5 km to the north, and on Punta Skala just under 11 km to the north-west as the crow flies.
• Transport: You can cover the Old Town on foot. Buses run to the hotels north of the centre, and you’ll need a car or a taxi for Punta Skala and Nin.
• Time from the airport: Zadar Airport (ZAD) is 8 km from the city. The airport bus takes around 20 minutes to the Old Town.
• Price range: € to €€€€. Often cheaper than Dubrovnik and Hvar, apart from the big family resorts.
• Safety: A quiet, manageable city. Shallow water isn’t the same as supervision, so keep an eye on the children at the beach.

Zadar is my pick for families with children who’d like sand or shallow water. There isn’t much of that in Croatia, where most beaches are pebble or rock, but the area around Zadar is one of the exceptions.

The city’s tourist board describes the beach at Borik as a pebble and sandy beach and writes that the coast at Petrčane has almost five kilometres of shallow water that’s suitable for children. Just over 15 km north of Zadar as the crow flies is Nin, whose tourist board highlights the bay’s sandy beaches. One of them is called Kraljičina plaža, Queen’s Beach.

See hotels in Zadar here.

Zadar itself is a good city to have next door to the beach. The Old Town sits on a peninsula and is small enough to walk around in an afternoon. Out by the water is the Sea Organ, where the waves and tides create the sound, right next to the Greeting to the Sun light installation.

There are three places to stay: by the Old Town, in the hotel area north of the centre, or at the Punta Skala resort near Petrčane, where you have everything in one place but need to drive to get into the city. Zadar Airport is only 8 km from the city, and according to the airport, the airport bus runs to the Old Town in around 20 minutes and costs 5 euros each way.

Zadar is halfway along the coast, which also makes it a good base for day trips. Inland is Plitvice Lakes National Park, and to the south is Šibenik, where the Cathedral of St James is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Both can be reached on a day trip by car. I’d set aside a week with children and four or five nights without.

Places to Stay in Zadar

Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora - five-star family hotel with a water slide on Punta Skala

Diadora is built for families with children. The hotel is on Punta Skala near Petrčane and has a kids’ club, a children’s pool, a water slide, a playground and an indoor play area. There’s both an indoor and an outdoor pool, a spa for the adults, mini golf and bowling.

The rooms are family rooms and family suites, and stays are typically sold with full board. It’s expensive, and there isn’t much else nearby, so expect to drive or take a taxi when you want to go into Zadar or up to Nin. One guest thinks the service doesn’t live up to five stars.

One guest sums up their stay on Booking.com: “Everything was great, especially food, sport facilities and location.”

See photos and book Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora here.

Hotel Kolovare - four-star beach hotel within walking distance of the Old Town

Hotel Kolovare is by the beach of the same name, just over a kilometre south-east of the Old Town, and one guest describes the walk into town as a quarter-of-an-hour stroll. The hotel has an outdoor saltwater pool, a children’s pool and a tennis court, the rooms have a balcony, and both breakfast and parking are included in the price.

It’s my suggestion if you want both beach and city without hiring a car. The beach in front of the hotel is a pebble beach. One guest criticises the food and also calls the staff dismissive, and another was puzzled by the smell in the corridors.

One guest praises the location on Booking.com: “Beautiful accommodation and next to the beach.”

See photos and book Hotel Kolovare here.

Hotel Mediteran - three-star hotel with a pool and free parking north of the centre

Hotel Mediteran is the cheapest of the three, around 2.5 km north of the Old Town. There’s an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a gym and a garden, and all rooms have a balcony. Breakfast is included, parking is free, and the nearest beach is around ten minutes’ walk away.

I’d choose it for a family with a hire car who want to spend their days on the beaches north of the city and only an evening or two in the Old Town. On foot, the trip into town takes 45 minutes according to one guest, but buses run nearby, and it’s easy to get a taxi. One guest thinks the shower cubicle is too small.

One guest praises the breakfast on Booking.com: “Breakfast had extensive choices, lovely food that set us up for the day.”

See photos and book Hotel Mediteran here.

6. Rovinj - best town in Istria for good food and a slower pace

• Distance from the centre: The Old Town is the centre. The big hotels are by the bay, around a kilometre to the south.
• Transport: The Old Town is car-free, so you park outside it and walk. You’ll need a car for the rest of Istria.
• Time from the airport: Pula Airport (PUY) is 40 km from Rovinj. Allow around 40 minutes by car. The drive time is an estimate.
• Price range: €€ to €€€€. Most expensive by the bay and in the Old Town, cheaper in the residential neighbourhoods behind the town.
• Safety: A peaceful town. The lanes in the Old Town are steep, and many buildings have stairs and no lift.

Rovinj is my choice in Istria, the peninsula in the far north, where the pace is slower and food plays a bigger part. The Old Town sits on a small peninsula, with houses right down to the water’s edge and the Church of St Euphemia at the top, and the lanes are car-free.

Istria is known for truffles, olive oil and wines such as Malvasia and Teran, and the region’s tourist board even has wine roads and olive oil roads you can follow by car. It’s the part of Croatia I’d choose for a holiday with a hire car, where the days are spent on small inland towns, long lunches and a dip late in the afternoon.

See hotels in Rovinj here.

There are two ways to stay: in the car-free lanes of the Old Town, where the atmosphere is right outside your door, or by the bay south of the town, where the big hotels with pools and spas are a short walk from the centre.

One of the places to swim is the Zlatni rt forest park south of the town, where the pine trees give shade right down to the water. North of Rovinj is Poreč, where the Euphrasian Basilica is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and to the south is Pula, with the airport. Rovinj’s tourist board says Pula Airport is 40 km from the town.

If you’re driving down from the north, Istria is the first part of Croatia you reach, and Rovinj is an obvious first or last stop on a road trip. The peninsula is far closer to Italy than to Dubrovnik, so it pairs better with northern Italy than with Dalmatia.

Skip Rovinj if you want to see Dubrovnik on the same trip, because the two are a full day’s drive apart. It’s better to give Istria four or five nights of its own and use the car for day trips.

Places to Stay in Rovinj

Grand Park Hotel Rovinj - five-star spa hotel with a view of the Old Town

Grand Park is by the bay, around a kilometre south of the church in the Old Town, and from the hotel you look across the water towards the town. There’s a spa with saunas and a steam room, an indoor and an outdoor pool, a gym, a restaurant and a kids’ club. The rooms have a view of the park, the sea or the marina, and the breakfast buffet is included in the price.

It’s the hotel for a special occasion. The price is high, and not everything is perfect. One guest writes about long waits for food, even though the staff were friendly, and another mentions a musty smell in the corridors.

One enthusiastic guest writes on Booking.com: “We loved everything! Spa, breakfast, view, staff…”

See photos and book Grand Park Hotel Rovinj here.

Angelo d’Oro Heritage Hotel - historic hotel with a garden in the middle of the Old Town

Angelo d’Oro is in one of the lanes of the Old Town, less than 100 metres from the Church of St Euphemia. The hotel has a garden, a bar and a sun terrace, and there are rooms with a sea view and a family room. Breakfast is included.

Because the lanes are car-free, you park around 600 metres away, and the hotel helps with your luggage in an electric golf cart. It’s charming, but not practical for everyone. Guests mention lots of stairs and noise from neighbouring rooms, which comes with an old building, and one guest calls the breakfast the hotel’s only disappointment.

One guest highlights two things on Booking.com: “Great central location and very helpful and friendly staff.”

See photos and book Angelo d’Oro Heritage Hotel here.

Villa B&B Marina - bed and breakfast with free parking and breakfast

Villa B&B Marina is my budget pick, in a residential neighbourhood just over 2 km south-east of the Old Town, so allow just under half an hour’s walk into town. In return, you park for free at the house, the breakfast buffet is included in the price, and several of the rooms have a terrace.

It’s a sensible choice if you’re driving around Istria during the day and just need a good bed. Don’t expect hotel standards. One guest calls it a nice bed and breakfast, nothing more and nothing less, and felt the room should have been cleaner.

One guest praises the host on Booking.com: “The lady in charge was very nice and helpful.”

See photos and book Villa B&B Marina here.

7. Zagreb - best city for a city break and as the start of a trip around the country

• Distance from the centre: Ban Jelačić Square is the heart of the city. From there, it’s just under a kilometre to the main railway station.
• Transport: Trams and your own two feet. The funicular links the Lower Town and the Upper Town.
• Time from the airport: Zagreb Airport (ZAG) is 17 km from the centre. Allow 20 to 25 minutes by car or taxi and 35 to 40 minutes on the airport bus to the main bus station.
• Price range: € to €€€. Usually cheaper than the coast in the summer months.
• Safety: A safe capital. Use ordinary big-city common sense, and keep an eye on your bag on the tram.

Zagreb is Croatia’s capital and a completely different experience from the coast. There’s no beach here, but there are cafés, markets and museums and a city centre in two parts: the Upper Town, Gornji grad, with narrow streets around St Mark’s Church, and the Lower Town, Donji grad, with squares, parks and most of the hotels.

You can cover most things on foot from Ban Jelačić Square and the rest by tram. According to the city’s tourist board, the funicular up to the Upper Town is Zagreb’s oldest means of public transport. From Ban Jelačić, it’s just under a kilometre down to the main railway station, so the hotels by the station are within walking distance of everything too.

See hotels in Zagreb here.

Zagreb works well for a long weekend or as the first two nights of a trip around the country. The airport is 17 km from the centre, and according to the tourist board the journey takes 20 to 25 minutes by car or taxi and 35 to 40 minutes on the airport bus to the main bus station.

The city is also a natural place to start if you want to see the Plitvice Lakes on your way out to the coast. The national park is inland between Zagreb and Zadar and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Pick up your hire car when you leave Zagreb, because you won’t need it in the city itself. Two nights is enough for most people, and a third gives you time for the museums.

Hotels are usually cheaper here than on the coast in summer, and the capital works all year round, even when the resort towns have shut down. In December, the Christmas market draws lots of visitors, so book early if you’re coming during Advent. Stay close to Ban Jelačić if you want to walk everywhere, or by the main railway station if you’re arriving by train and want the tram right outside the door.

Places to Stay in Zagreb

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel - five-star hotel by the main railway station

Esplanade is right by the main railway station and just over 800 metres from Ban Jelačić Square. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a sauna and a gym, and you can choose anything from a Superior Room to a suite.

It’s my suggestion if you want to stay in style and have trains and trams right outside the door. Parking costs extra and can’t be reserved in advance. Ask for a room with a view, because one guest was given a dark room with no view, and another calls the lobby busy and noisy.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Lovely hotel. Room was spacious as was the bathroom. Very comfortable bed.”

See photos and book Esplanade Zagreb Hotel here.

Hotel Jägerhorn - small hotel with a garden a few steps from Ban Jelačić

Hotel Jägerhorn is in the pedestrian zone by Ilica, less than 300 metres from Ban Jelačić Square. It’s a small hotel with single rooms, 20 m² double rooms and a suite for four, and there’s a garden and a terrace. Breakfast is included, and you park for free in the hotel’s car park around 300 metres away.

The location and the price are the two good reasons to choose it. There’s no lift, but the building only has two floors. The heat is what guests complain about. One writes that the air conditioning was too weak to sleep properly, and another couldn’t adjust the thermostat in the room.

Here’s how one guest sums it up on Booking.com: “Very nice hotel. Pleasant staff, great location and excellent value for money.”

See photos and book Hotel Jägerhorn here.

Hotel Central - three-star hotel opposite the main railway station

Hotel Central is directly opposite the main railway station and just under 900 metres from Ban Jelačić Square, which you can reach in ten minutes on foot or by tram. There’s a lift and a bar, and the breakfast buffet is included in the price. The rooms come in several categories and sleep up to four.

It’s the cheapest of my three suggestions and practical if you’re arriving by train. The hotel is an older one, and two guests mention that the rooms are small. Parking is on the street or in a nearby multi-storey car park for a fee.

One guest writes about their stay on Booking.com: “The hotel is very well located, is very clean and all the staff is very kind.”

See photos and book Hotel Central here.

Where should you avoid staying in Croatia?

I wouldn’t book a hotel on price alone. All along the coast, there are cheap hotels and apartments far from both town and beach, and then your holiday is spent driving and looking for parking. Always check the distance to the water and to the town where you want to eat in the evening.

I wouldn’t plan too many stops either. The coast is long, and Rovinj and Dubrovnik are a full day’s drive apart. Choose one base for a week and no more than two for two weeks. And don’t book Hvar or the Makarska Riviera out of season in the belief that everything’s open. Many hotels close for the winter, and then Split, Zadar and Zagreb are safer choices.

If I had to pick one base for a first trip, it’d be Dubrovnik or Split. Dubrovnik is the most beautiful city, and Split has the easiest logistics and the boats to the islands. If you have a week, you can divide it between Split and three nights on Hvar.

If you’re travelling with children, Zadar and the Makarska Riviera are the obvious choices. Zadar has the shallow water and the sandy beaches nearby, while the Makarska Riviera has the classic beach hotels by the pebble beaches. If you’d rather eat well and drive around between small towns, it’s Rovinj and Istria, and Zagreb is best for a city break or as the start of a trip around the country.

Croatia is also easy to combine with its neighbours. From Dubrovnik, you can continue south into Montenegro and on to Albania. In that case, read about where to stay in Montenegro. If you’re coming to Istria through northern Italy, you can add a couple of days along the way and read my guide to where to stay in Venice.

Book your hotel and ferry well in advance if you’re travelling in July or August. That gives you the widest choice, and you can plan your route around the timetable and not the other way round.

The post Where to Stay in Croatia? The 7 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Dubrovnik is simply magical with its medieval city walls and turquoise blue waters, but also incredibly busy.

In this guide, I will tell you about the best areas to stay in, whether you are looking for historical experiences within the city walls, luxurious beach hotels or an authentic Croatian atmosphere.

Let’s get started: where to stay in Dubrovnik?

Best Areas in Dubrovnik

Here’s a quick overview of the top areas to stay:

• Old Town – Best Area for First-Time Visitors ⭐️
• Ploče – A luxurious beachside area with stunning views 💎
• Pile – A perfect mix of history and peace and quiet 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Click the neighbourhood name to see the best hotels in each area.

1. Old Town – Best Area for First-Time Visitors ⭐️

Old Town is the very heart of Dubrovnik – a living medieval city surrounded by UNESCO-protected walls, where Game of Thrones meets authentic Croatian history.

Picture yourself staying inside a perfectly preserved medieval town, where every cobbled lane tells stories going back centuries. That’s exactly what you get in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

When you wake up here, you’re literally surrounded by 15th-century architecture – but with modern comforts like WiFi and air con, naturally.

See the top hotels in the Old Town here.

Stradun, the main street, is like a living postcard. You’ll find everything from charming cafés tucked into historic buildings to fine dining restaurants with Michelin recognition.

Restaurant 360 is a must for foodies, while Buzz Bar is perfect for post-sightseeing drinks.

And of course, there are all the Game of Thrones locations – it’s pretty surreal walking the same steps as Cersei Lannister.

Check out these Game of Thrones tours and attractions in Dubrovnik.

Getting around is a breeze – you can walk to all the top sights.

The city walls are right outside, the harbour’s a five-minute stroll away, and buses to other parts of town stop just by Pile Gate. Banje Beach is only a 10-minute walk.

It really is the best place to stay if you want to be close to it all.

The one big drawback? The crowds. Especially when cruise ships dock, it can feel a bit much.

And yes, prices are higher than elsewhere in the city. But believe me – the evening atmosphere, once the day-trippers have left, is nothing short of magical.

Hotels in the Old Town

Let’s take a look at three brilliant places to stay inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town:

Boutique Hotel Stari Grad ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A lovingly restored 16th-century aristocratic residence with just nine unique rooms in the heart of Old Town. The hotel’s Above 5 rooftop restaurant – the only one in the Old Town – offers jaw-dropping views over the Adriatic and those iconic red rooftops.

Past guests rave: “Modern design blended perfectly with the building’s age, breakfast on the roof was exceptional!”

See more photos and book here.

Scalini Palace Heritage Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An exclusive boutique hotel in a fully renovated 16th-century palace that once belonged to famed Croatian scientist and diplomat Ruđer Bošković.

The hotel blends authentic baroque architecture with modern luxury. The eight elegant suites feature exposed stone walls, wooden floors and lofty ceilings that whisper of centuries past.

Each suite has a well-equipped kitchenette with hob, microwave and dining area. Some also boast a furnished balcony overlooking the Stradun promenade.

Highlights from guests: “Brilliant location right in the Old Town, room was clean and comfy with a stunning original stone wall” and “Super central, spacious room cleaned daily!”

This is Dubrovnik’s most authentic boutique hotel – ideal if you want to treat yourself to a mix of history, luxury and unforgettable charm.

See more photos and book here.

City Walls Hostel ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A clean and modern hostel in the heart of the Old Town, perfect for younger travellers looking to enjoy the nightlife.

Close to all the bars and restaurants, and the staff are happy to help organise tours and excursions.

Guests love: “Fantastic location for exploring the Old Town and great for meeting other travellers!”

See more photos and book here.

Are you planning to travel around Croatia? Also, read my big guide to where to stay in Split.

2. Ploče – Perfect for Luxury Travellers and Beach Lovers 💎

Ploče is Dubrovnik’s most exclusive neighbourhood. Situated just east of the Old Town, it has luxury hotels, direct access to Banje Beach and spectacular views over Lokrum Island.

If you’re dreaming of waking up to panoramic views of the turquoise Adriatic with Lokrum in the background, Ploče is the place to stay.

It’s Dubrovnik’s answer to the French Riviera – posh, picturesque and home to the best hotels in the city.

See the top hotels in Ploče here.

Ploče is just east of Ploče Gate, a mere five-minute walk from the Old Town, yet blissfully removed from the crowds and noise.

• It reminds me a bit of Nice, but with unmistakable Croatian charm.

Prices are the steepest in Dubrovnik, but you absolutely get what you pay for.

If you’re looking to splash out and have the budget for it, Ploče is spot on.

You get the best of both worlds – five-star comfort and easy access to the city’s historic sights.

Hotels in Ploče

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An iconic luxury hotel dating back to 1913, housed in a former royal villa with a modern wing. Right on the waterfront, with views across to the Old Town and Lokrum Island.

Features include a spa, indoor pool, private beaches and three restaurants, including the renowned Prora.

Guests love: “Brilliant location by the sea and city walls, close to town but far from the noise!”

See more photos and book here.

Villa Dubrovnik ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A sleek modern luxury hotel built into the cliffside with tiered terraces, infinity pool and a top-class spa. Rooms are styled in soft whites and creams with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces.

The hotel restaurant has a Michelin recommendation.

A recent guest said: “Zen-like atmosphere with beautifully styled rooms and the most incredible view!”

See more photos and book here.

Hotel More ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A charming boutique hotel with sea views and modern facilities. Perched above Banje Beach, offering easy access to both the beach and Old Town. Rooms come with balconies or terraces overlooking the sea or city.

Guest favourites include: “Perfect location, amazing breakfast and super helpful staff!”

See more photos and book here.

3. Pile – Best Place to Stay for Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Pile is the ideal middle ground – just to the left of Pile Gate when looking at a map, with easy access to the Old Town, but much quieter, with parking and family-friendly options.

It’s my top pick for families or those wanting the best of both worlds. You’re only two minutes from the Old Town, but without the endless stream of tourists and the noise.

One big perk: many hotels in Pile have parking – something nearly impossible inside the city walls.

See the top hotels in Pile here.

The area sits just outside the western entrance to the city and overlooks majestic Fort Lovrijenac – one of my absolute favourite Game of Thrones spots.

There are a few small beaches dotted along the coast, and the seaside promenade is ideal for evening strolls. Prices are lower than in the Old Town or Ploče, but you still get an authentic Dubrovnik experience.

For families, it’s spot on – the terrain is flatter than other areas, and there are bus links to the rest of the city if your legs need a break.

The locals actually live here too, so you get a more genuine feel of everyday Dubrovnik.

The only downside? Upper Pile can be quite steep. So if you’ve got mobility issues or you’re travelling with a pram, book a hotel closer to the main road.

Otherwise, it’s honestly just a brilliant place to stay in Dubrovnik.

Hotels in Pile

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A large resort-style hotel with pools, spa and direct beach access. Great for families with kids – it has a kids’ club, family rooms and lots of activities. The location gives easy access to both the beach and Old Town.

Guests say: “Fantastic for families, big pool and beach bar, easy access to Old Town!”

See more photos and book here.

Hotel Bellevue ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A stylish cliffside hotel with jaw-dropping sea views and its own private beach. Modern design with Croatian touches, spa facilities and a gourmet restaurant. Built dramatically into the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic.

One guest noted: “Gorgeous design hotel with stunning views and an amazing restaurant!”

See more photos and book here.

Villa Klaic ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A family-run guest house with personal service and homemade breakfast. Simple but spotless rooms with air con and WiFi. In a quiet part of town with easy access to Old Town and a local vibe.

Guests love: “Wonderfully friendly hosts who treat you like family, lovely breakfast!”

See more photos and book here.

Where Not to Stay in Dubrovnik

While Dubrovnik is generally safe and lovely, there are a few areas I’d steer clear of if you want the full experience.

Gruž, near the harbour, may seem appealing thanks to the lower prices and local feel, but you’ll spend a lot of time on transport – it’s a 30-minute walk or a bus ride to the Old Town.

Unless you’re keen to stay far from the action and dodge Old Town prices, you’re better off staying closer in.

Babin Kuk, out on the Lapad peninsula, has some nice resort hotels, but it feels more like a purpose-built tourist zone than the real Dubrovnik.

A bit like staying on a cruise ship – pleasant enough, but you miss the connection to the city.

Kupari might tempt you with its abandoned hotels and haunting ruins, but there are no tourist facilities and the vibe can be a bit grim.

If you’re after a peaceful alternative, consider Cavtat instead – it has beaches and tranquillity without the eerie atmosphere.

In general: if a hotel price seems too good to be true compared to the Old Town, there’s probably a reason. It’s usually either distance or a lack of atmosphere.

Still Not Sure Where to Stay in Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is one of those cities where your choice of area can really make or break your experience, so choose wisely.

Go for:

Old Town if it’s your first visit and you value history and atmosphere over peace and quiet.

Ploče if you want luxury and beach life without sacrificing access to the city’s sights.

Pile for a well-balanced option that suits families and practical travellers.

Keep in mind that June to August is peak season – expect huge crowds and sky-high prices. Book at least six months in advance.

April to May and September to October offer lovely weather, fewer crowds and much better prices.

For a longer trip along the Adriatic, you can also cross the border into Montenegro. My guide to where to stay in Montenegro compares Kotor, Perast and the coastal towns, including their hotels and transport connections. Looking for a second base within Croatia, or still deciding which part of the country to stay in? Start with where to stay in Croatia, which covers seven bases from Split and Hvar to Istria and Zagreb.

Getting between areas is easy with buses (just a few quid per ride), taxis or water taxis. Dubrovnik is compact enough that you can easily explore different neighbourhoods during your stay.

One last practical tip: Dubrovnik is steep, with loads of stairs. Pack light and consider your physical fitness when picking a location. The Old Town is particularly stair-heavy.

Whatever you choose, be ready to be completely blown away by this incredible city.

Dubrovnik has that rare mix of authentic history and jaw-dropping beauty – it’s a place you’ll never forget.

The post Where to stay in Dubrovnik? 3 Best Areas & Places to Stay (+ Where to Avoid!) appeared first on Destination Well Known.

In this guide, you’ll find an overview of the best areas to stay in, whether you’re interested in historical experiences, beach life, or authentic Croatian culture.

Let’s get started with the guide: where to stay in Split?

Best areas in Split

Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Split:

• Old Town – Historic heart with UNESCO charm ⭐️
• Bačvice – Popular beach area with nightlife 🏖️
• Meje/Marjan Hill – Quiet and exclusive with sea views 💎

Click on the area’s name to see the best hotels in the area.

1. Old Town – best area for first-time visitors ⭐️

The Old Town is the perfect base for your first Split experience, where 1,700-year-old Roman architecture meets modern Croatian life in a unique blend.

Imagine waking up inside living ruins from the Roman Empire! Split’s Old Town isn’t just a museum – it’s a buzzing quarter where people live, work and go about their daily lives between walls that have stood since 305 AD.

Diocletian’s Palace, which forms the heart of the area, is simply magical. You can walk from your hotel lobby straight onto Peristyle Square, where Emperor Diocletian once held court.

See the best hotels in the Old Town here.

The area is completely car-free, so you can wander about the narrow cobbled streets without worrying about traffic. Here you’ll find everything from trendy wine bars tucked away in vaulted cellars to exclusive shops in ancient Roman buildings.

The restaurant scene is phenomenal – I’m particularly fond of the small family restaurants hidden away within the palace complex, where you can get authentic Dalmatian food.

Transport-wise, it couldn’t be better. You’re only a 5-minute walk from the main railway station and bus station, and the ferry terminal to the islands is right next door.

Bačvice beach is a 10-minute walk away, and Marjan Hill is just outside the northern gate. The area reminds me a bit of Gamla Stan in Stockholm, the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona or Edinburgh’s Old Town – just with much better weather and Roman history!

• The only downside? It can get rather busy in high season, especially when cruise ships are in port. But there are so many hidden corners and smaller streets that you can always find a quiet spot.

Places to stay in the Old Town

Judita Palace Heritage Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is Split at its absolute finest – a renovated Renaissance palace from the 1500s with only 8 unique rooms on the main square. You’re literally staying inside history with original stone walls and views of the lively square. Breakfast is served in the charming courtyard or on the terrace.

Previous guests particularly highlight: “The staff are wonderfully friendly and helpful, the location is perfect and breakfast is excellent!”

See more photos and book here.

Cornaro Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A modern boutique hotel just outside the palace walls with a roof terrace and rooftop pool. The rooms are spacious and elegant with flat-screen TVs and minibars. The hotel’s restaurant and rooftop bar are popular with both guests and locals.

If you’re looking for a hotel in central Split with a rooftop pool, this is the place to stay.

One guest recently wrote: “Fantastic service, clean and peaceful atmosphere, and the rooms are comfortable and spacious.”

See more photos and book here.

Heritage Hotel Fermai ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A charming smaller property in the heart of the Old Town with personal service and authentic atmosphere. The rooms have retained their historic charm whilst offering modern facilities.

Perfect place to stay if you want to experience Split like the locals do.

Guests particularly love: “The personal service and the feeling of staying in a genuine Croatian home right in the midst of history.”

See more photos and book here.

2. Bačvice – best place to stay for beach lovers and party-goers 🏖️

Bačvice is Split at its most lively – here the city’s beautiful sandy beach meets some of Croatia‘s best beach bars and nightlife.

Bačvice is simply the place to stay in Split if you want to combine city experiences with proper beach life.

The beach here is Croatia’s most famous – a gorgeous, golden-sandy beach where both locals and tourists gather to play the traditional game of Picigin in the shallow waters.

But the brilliant thing about staying in Bačvice is that it’s not just a beach – it’s an entire quarter dedicated to having a good time.

See the best hotels in Bačvice here.

During the day you’re lounging on the beach with views of Split’s old town on one side and open sea on the other.

The beach bars serve cold beer and fresh cocktails right down to the water’s edge. In the evening the area transforms into Split’s absolute party headquarters with everything from chilled beach bars to pulsing nightclubs.

You’re only a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, so you can easily hop between historic sightseeing and beach life.

The area also has good bus connections to the rest of the city. Price-wise it’s a bit higher than other parts of Split, but you’re paying for that unique combination of beach and city life.

If you love being where the action is, and aren’t afraid of a bit of noise and music until late in the evening, then Bačvice is perfect.

It reminds me a bit of South Beach in Miami – just with Croatian charm and better food!

Places to stay in Bačvice

Hotel Park Split ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Split’s most prestigious beach hotel since 1921.

This traditional luxury hotel sits right by Bačvice beach with an outdoor pool, elegant restaurant and spa facilities. The rooms are classically furnished with modern amenities and some with sea views.

Previous guests particularly highlight: “Fantastic location by the beach, exceptional service and the most beautiful pool in Split!”

See more photos and book here.

Hotel Villa Harmony ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An intimate boutique beach hotel just steps from Bačvice beach. Modern rooms with elegant details, some with balconies and outdoor jacuzzis. The hotel’s spa and wellness area is perfect after a day on the beach.

One guest recently wrote: “Luxurious beachfront hotel with beautiful rooms and fantastic breakfast.”

See more photos and book here.

3. Meje – perfect for luxury travellers, families and nature lovers 💎

Meje is Split at its most sophisticated – a quiet quarter between Marjan Hill and the sea with spectacular views and some of the city’s best beaches.

If you dream of waking up to panoramic views over the Adriatic Sea whilst being close to Split’s best cultural experiences, then Meje is your place to stay.

This quarter sits like a pearl between the green Marjan Hill and the blue sea, and here you get the feeling of being on holiday at an exclusive resort – even though you’re only a 20-minute walk from Split’s centre.

See the best hotels in Meje here.

Meje is home to the Meštrović Gallery, where you can see masterpieces by Croatia’s most famous sculptor.

The area also has some of Split’s best beaches – Jezinac and Kasjuni – which are less crowded than Bačvice but equally beautiful.

• Kasjuni beach is particularly popular amongst young Croatians, and the atmosphere is relaxed and authentic.

For families, the area is also a good place to book a hotel – quiet, safe and with plenty of green spaces on Marjan Hill for picnics and walks.

Places to stay in Meje/Marjan Hill

Hotel Ambasador ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A stylish boutique hotel on Split’s western promenade with fantastic sea views and chic atmosphere. The hotel’s restaurant serves Dalmatian food with international touches, and the wellness area has dry floatation beds for total relaxation.

Previous guests particularly highlight: “Spectacular views over the Adriatic Sea, modern design and incredibly peaceful location!”

See more photos and book here.

Marjan apartment & rooms ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A family-run accommodation with personal service and authentic atmosphere. Simple but clean rooms with air conditioning and WiFi. The location at the foot of Marjan Hill makes it perfect for nature lovers on a budget.

See more photos and book here.

Where not to stay in Split?

Although Split is generally a safe city, there are some areas where I’d recommend you choose somewhere else to stay to get the best experience.

The Poljud area north of the centre might seem attractive because of lower prices, but you’ll end up spending loads of time and money on transport into the centre and beaches.

Unless you’re specifically coming to see a Hajduk Split football match at Poljud Stadium, you’d be better off booking somewhere closer to the centre.

The area around Split airport might tempt you with quick transit, but there are virtually no tourist facilities, restaurants or attractions.

You’ll get a better experience staying in the centre and taking a taxi or bus to the airport.

The Kaštela area between Split and Trogir has some decent hotels, but you end up in no-man’s land between two destinations without getting the best from either of them.

If you’re considering this area, you’d be better off booking in either Split centre or Trogir town.

Generally speaking, if the price seems too good to be true compared to centre hotels, ask yourself why. It’s almost always transport distance or lack of facilities that’s the reason.

Still unsure where to stay in Split?

Split is one of the few cities where you really can’t go wrong, whatever area you choose from my recommendations!

The Old Town is the perfect area to stay if it’s your first time in Split and you want everything right on your doorstep – history, restaurants, nightlife and easy transport.

Bačvice is the place to stay if the beach and lively nightlife are just as important as sightseeing.

Meje/Marjan Hill is what you choose if you want luxury, peace and beautiful natural surroundings without sacrificing the connection to the city.

Remember that June to September is high season, so book your hotel well in advance and expect higher prices. April and May, as well as September and October, offer the best weather without the crowds, and much better hotel prices.

Split is compact, so you can easily explore several areas during your trip to this Croatian holiday city. Still weighing up which part of the country to stay in, or planning a second base after Split? My guide to where to stay in Croatia covers seven bases, from Dubrovnik and Hvar to Zadar, Istria and Zagreb. If you’re taking the boat on to Hvar, have a look at my guide to where to stay on Hvar as well.

Whatever you choose, look forward to a fantastic experience in Split. The city has that rare ability to feel both cosmopolitan and authentic at the same time.

Enjoy the planning – and especially the trip to Split itself.

The post Where to stay in Split? 3 Best Areas + Places to Stay (+ Avoid!) 🇭🇷 appeared first on Destination Well Known.