Planning a trip to Croatia? Wondering where to stay? Follow this step-by-step guide to THE BEST areas and boutique’s in Croatia’s hottest region – The Dalmatian Coast.
Where is the Dalmatian coast? The glimmering coastline of Dalmatia runs along Croatia’s western edge of the Adriatic sea – an area crammed full of charming towns, UNESCO sites, natural beauty and islands for day tripping – everything that springs to mind when you think of Croatia!
What’s more, Dalmatia is home to the postcard-perfect town of Dubrovnik, the vibrant city of Split with its impressive Riviera and ruins and five beautiful islands: Hvar, Brac, Mljet, Korkula and Vis, each with its own distinct look and vibe.
BUT where exactly do you stay along the Dalmatian Coast and which hotels are THE BEST? To save you hours of time: here’s a little run down of areas to visit and a cool selection of accommodation options – handpicked and ready to go!
8 WONDERFUL BOUTIQUES & APARTMENTS
The best places along the Dalmatian Coast start from ‘the jewel of Croatia’, Dubrovnik and run along the Adriatic sea to vibrant Split – the gateway to the Dalmatian Islands and perfect for a bit of self-guided island hopping! There’s lots of details below to help you plan your trip plus – further reading (at a glance) on the key towns and islands including glam Hvar and pretty Korcula.
PRICE GUIDE | £ = STANDARD | ££ = AFFORDABLE LUXURY | £££ = LUXURY | ££££ = SUPER LUXE
SPERONE HERITAGE HOTEL | SPLIT OLD TOWN
Looking for a pool with sun loungers or how about a Spa? Yep Sperone Heritage has both and offers boutique styled rooms with balconies in one of the most charming areas of Split: Veli Varos!
Sperone is a new boutique in the middle of Split’s oldest suburb with pretty winding streets and Roman builds. It has just 11 good sized rooms – all stylishly decorated in neutrals to blend in with the 16th century exposed stone walls.
One of the best (and rare) features of this hotel given the central location is without a doubt the little private pool and terrace – it’s perfect for unwinding while being just minutes from Split’s buzzing social scene! Looks like you can have your cake and eat it!
THE DETAILS
WHERE | Varos District Split
PRICE GUIDE | £
CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY | SPERONE BOUTIQUE
ADRIATIK LUX RIVA APARTMENT | SPLIT RIVIERA
You know the saying ‘location, location location’ well this luxury apartment has that in spades! The Adriatik is situated above the gorgeous terrace-filled Riviera – with probably THE best view in Split!
Inside, the rooms are newly and very tastefully renovated, it’s all lovely – and spacious too! There’s more than one sofa to lounge (I love the huge pastel pink over-sized chairs!!) and the rooms flow well – you will not be disappointed with a stay here! It’s perfect!
All the mod cons are available – as you would expect BUT the absolute star attraction has to be the sea view from the fantastic terrace! If this doesn’t swing it for you nothing will!
THE DETAILS
WHERE | Riviera, Split
PRICE GUIDE | ££
CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY | ADRIATIK LUX RIVA
READ: SPLIT TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO SEE DO & EAT
GUEST HOUSE FORTY FOUR | DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
Guest House Forty Four is everything you hoped to find in the middle of ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’ – a stylish boutique that has plenty of appeal, heritage features and even a romantic restaurant on site!
The design and details are really very impressive here, you will absolutely love the light and airy style with modern touches including the luxurious parquet flooring and there’s highly instagrammable traditional shutters and winding stairs for all the keen photographers! – the dream right?
At Forty Four the location couldn’t be bettered, you’re literally within the walls of Dubrovnik and all the bustle is right on the door step – as well as the hotel’s own terraces and highly rated restaurant to enjoy a glass of vino or two!
THE DETAILS
WHERE | Old Town, Dubrovnik
PRICE GUIDE | ££
CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY | GUEST HOUSE FORTY FOUR
SCALINI PALACE | DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
Housed in a 16th century Manor no less, Scalini Palace is a newly renovated heritage hotel with well-appointed suites, contemporary furnishings and balconies – could this place be any more ideal?
Yep! Not only is the interior very charming, but this beautiful boutique is situated along the edge of Dubrovnik’s old town walls you are really in one of the best locations for enjoying everything at your fingertips!
One of the absolute highlights is the terrace and private balcony – honestly is there a better way to start your day or even your trip than on a sunny balcony over-looking the orange roof tops of Dubrovnik?
THE DETAILS
WHERE | Old Town, Dubrovnik
PRICE GUIDE | £
CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY | SCALINI PALACE
NINON DESIGN BOUTIQUE HOTEL | DUBROVNIK
A hidden gem along the peninsula of Dubrovnik with stunning sea views out to the Elaphiti islands! – If you really want to experience Mediterranean luxury – this is it!
Ninon Design is set amongst lush olive groves and scattered stone houses. In fact – there’s a whole LOT of beautiful things here – from the sunbeds and cushions around the infinity pool to the well-designed rooms with very cool furnishings.
It’s just ideal if you want to be a short ride from the bustling old town walls of Dubrovnik (9 miles) but have a gorgeous retreat to come back too – and did I mention the whole place is adult only for maximum chill out vibes?
THE DETAILS
WHERE | Peninsula of Dubrovnik
PRICE GUIDE | £££
CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY | NINON DESIGN BOUTIQUE HOTEL
READ: 8 BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK
PALACE ELISABETH HOTEL | HVAR ISLAND
Hoping to live it up on Hvar Island? Palace Elisabeth Hotel dripping with 13th century Venetian architecture will more than do! It’s a dream hotel.
Set in glam Hvar Town this is the place to really really treat yourself. The building is rich in history and the lavish interior has all the 5 star modern luxuries – complete with exclusive pool and spa!
As if all that wasn’t enough there’s also the stellar location – right on the harbour front with enchanting island views from each and every balcony! Oh and did I mention the huge attractive Mediterranean terrace? I dream of breakfasting here!
TIP! Of course you can just dress up like your belong and sit on the terrace with a drink without staying at the hotel – a little tip for my solo travellers.
THE DETAILS
WHERE | Hvar Town (Harbour), Hvar Island
PRICE GUIDE | ££££
CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY | PALACE ELISABETH HERITAGE HOTEL
HVAR TOP VIEW APARTMENT | HVAR ISLAND
Beautifully designed apartment with an impressive view to match! If you fancy spending your time on the balcony with panoramic sea views then (living up to its name) Hvar Top View will certainly fulfil that dream!
The individual apartments are set in a quiet area full of huge white villas just on the fringes of Hvar Town, but still within walking distance. They each have large windows, balconies and attractive modern furniture – be sure to take lots insta pictures and make your friends jealous!
TIP! It may not be for you if you’re going to have a late night in the town every night, for this you may want to consider staying in the old part of town.
THE DETAILS
WHERE | Nr Hvar Town, Hvar Island
PRICE GUIDE | £
CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY | HVAR TOP VIEW APARTMENT
BELLEVUE SUITE APARTMENT | HVAR ISLAND
If you’re looking for a modern apartment in the heart of Hvar Old Town with all the action on the doorstep – Bellevue Suite might just be the ticket!
It’s located right next door to the vibrant harbour, but situated down a quiet cobbled path with quick access to all the cool cafes, bars and restaurants – not to mention the taxi boats!
The view from the cute stonewalled balcony across the water is stunning and equally the interior is just as lovely having undergone a recent high-end renovation. It has all the mod-cons, modern light and airy furnishings plus three bedrooms, which is perfect if you’re sharing with friends!
THE DETAILS
WHERE | Hvar Old Town, Hvar Island
PRICE GUIDE | ££
CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY | BELLEVUE SUITE
READ: HVAR TRAVEL GUIDE WHAT TO SEE DO & EAT
A trip to the Dalmatian Coast can be an experience of a lifetime especially with a little planning – I hope this guide has given you some great inspiration on where to go and stay! Be sure to check out my other Croatia Guides for more fantastic tips and suggestions in this wonderful country!
Ready to book accommodation along the Dalmatian Coast? Check prices and availability HERE.
20 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT CROATIA
THE DALMATIAN COAST | AT A GLANCE
DUBROVNIK | The jewel of Croatia! Dubrovnik is best known for the picture perfect and very busy old town with stunning harbour, scenic wall walk, mountain backdrop and endless Adriatic views! Explore top class restaurants, hidden sunset bars the neighbouring islands and pretty towns.
KORCULA ISLAND | Korcula Old Town is the big draw here on this sprawling island – it’s known as the “mini Dubrovnik” due to the striking historical similarities. Korcula is a gem of an island with secluded beaches, natural beauty – jaw dropping rugged mountain scenery and picturesque white stone villages.
HVAR ISLAND | Glitzy island and charming old town known for it’s jet-set appeal, high end beach clubs, rugged interior, scattered islands, seductive beach coves and focal point: the Spanish fort viewpoint. If you only go to one island make it Hvar!
BRAC ISLAND | A low-key island with long white pebble beaches, vineyards an attractive tree-lined walk to the iconic beach ‘Goldern Horn’. Stay in a stone house in the popular small town of Bol to make the most of this island’s attractions.
SPLIT | The island transit hub of the Dalmatian Coast with a bustling vibe and attractive cobble lanes. Wander the huge Roman Palace and the stunning Rivieria on the other side of the ancient wall with numerous restaurant terraces. Split is definitely worth a few days stay!
TROGIR | Tiny medieval walled island with a connecting bridge to the mainland, Roman old town with narrow twisting lanes and squares. There’s a bell tower look out over the orange roof tops and attractive Riviera similar to Split’s – it’s also great as a day trip!
READ: 8 BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK | SPLIT TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO SEE, DO & EAT
DALMATIAN COAST TRAVEL GUIDE | THE ESSENTIALS
WHEN TO VISIT DALMATIA
Summer time is a must when visiting this region of Croatia! You’ll want to swim in the sea, dine alfresco and enjoy long balmy nights on the terrace! The best months to travel are June and September when the weather is still delightfully hot, the vibe lively, but not overbearingly so and the prices a little lower!
HOW LONG TO STAY ON THE DALMATIAN COAST?
If it’s your first visit to the stunning Dalmatian Coastline you may want to visit more than one amazing location – and I don’t blame you! I stopped in four spots in my first two-week trip and explored many more areas as day trips – it’s all so irresistible! Dubrovnik – the queen of Croatia is always a good place to start, then providing you have the time (12 days or more) why not stay on one or two islands as you make your way down the coast to Split?
HOW TO TRAVEL IN DALMATIA INDEPENDENTLY?
Travel around Croatia in some respects is a little tricky, but with a bit of forward planning and armed with the right details, it should be an easy and fun adventure!
First thing to know, trains are pretty much non-existent! You will be travelling via bus or using the ferry services. The bus is useful for smaller day trips out to the bays and villages of Dubrovnik for example, but further afield you will want to travel across the sea – after all, it’s Croatia!
Booking the catamarans and ferry’s are fairly easy and even easier now that you can book on-line in advance with a simple phone scan for check-in (they are in high demand come the summer months!) The most common service is the Jardolinija, it a nice ride and covers all the major routes and islands from Dubrovnik to Split, including those mentioned in this article: Korkula, Hvar, Brac. You may want to READ THIS GUIDE for more island hopping tips and information for independent travellers.
Planning a trip soon? Read more about Croatia HERE
GOOD TO KNOW
There are many great reasons to visit the Dalmatian shores in summer: the culture, the dazzling blue sea, the alfresco dining, the adorable heritage towns – if you’re heading that way, be sure to book your accommodation as early as possible to maximize availability and keep the costs reasonable.
Croatia is fast becoming one of the most expensive spots in the Mediterranean, which means you’ll be paying premium if you’re travelling to the Dalmatian Coast in July/August compared to June or September, but the good news is the accommodation standards have also risen significantly!
Final words…
I hope this list and travel guide helped you find some new places to stay for your next trip to Dalmatia, Croatia! The Dalmatian Coast is one of my most favourite travel destinations in the world and with so many cool boutique’s and areas to discover who blame anyone for wanting to return again and again!
What is your favourite area of the Dalmatian Coast? Let me know in the comments below!
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