B&Bs and Guesthouses in Croatia

Despite a surge in popularity over recent years, Croatia has retained its timeless charm. It is a country of bustling fishing villages, pine-fringed beaches, ancient Roman ruins and glistening seas, while the main cities offer a buzzing nightlife and a thriving cultural scene. The weather in Croatia is mostly Mediterranean, meaning it enjoys hot summers and mild winters. Join us as we journey north through Croatia starting in Dubrovnik and introduce you to some of the best B&Bs and private accommodation in Croatia.

Dubrovnik

A popular stopover for Mediterranean cruises is the city of Dubrovnik. Stretching out into the Adriatic Sea, the ancient city walls enclose a history which dates back to the eighth century. An earthquake in 1667 destroyed much of the architecture of Dubrovnik Old Town but a few Renaissance gems remain amid the red clay roof tiles of the traditional buildings.

Dubrovnik is Croatia’s cultural hub. The city boasts several beaches and an array of pristine islands which are being quickly snapped up by the rich and famous.

If you’re looking for Dubrovnik accommodation, have a look at Villa Flora, a charming guesthouse offering a range of cosy en-suite guestrooms, each equipped with satellite TV and air conditioning. The room on the top floor has a private balcony which looks out over the Old Town’s tangle of streets and alleyways.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre, try the Lapad Peninsula, home to Dubrovnik’s beaches, including the famous Copacabana beach. Located close by in a quiet residential area is Guesthouse Mary. The comfortable rooms are spotless and the friendly owners will do whatever they can to make you feel at home.

Book Dubrovnik B&Bs

Travel to/from Dubrovnik

By car:
Split: 4hrs 20mins/265kms
Zagreb: 7hrs 30mins/635kms
Plitvice Lakes: 6hrs 30mins/480kms
Zadar: 5hrs 20mins/385kms
Trogir: 4hrs 30mins/290kms

By ferry:
Korcula: 3hrs 15mins

Split

The key attraction in Split is the impressive Diocletian’s Palace, constructed as a retirement home by the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD and taken over by residents of nearby villages in the seventh century BC as they fled invading barbarians. The city of Split which built up around it still centres around the palaces’ labyrinth of alcoves and alleyways, where daily life is carried out to this day. After spending a few hours wandering the maze, tourists and locals alike head to one of the many cafés lining the Riva, a seafront promenade where most of Split’s socialising takes place.

Live like a local in one of Guesthouse Palma’s range of private apartments located at the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. From cosy studios to 3-bedroom family homes, the apartments are fully equipped and each has its own unique personality.

Book Split B&Bs

Travel to/from Split

By car:
Dubrovnik: 4hrs 20mins/265kms
Zagreb: 4hrs/410kms
Zadar: 1hr 45mins/160kms
Plitvice Lakes: 3hrs/260kms
Trogir: 30mins/30kms

By Ferry:
Hvar: 45mins
Korcula: 5hrs 40mins
Vis: 2hrs 20mins

Trogir

In 1997, the historic town of Trogir on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set on a tiny island less than a kilometre long, Trogir is packed with palaces, churches, towers and a fortress which provide a visual diary of the city’s fascinating heritage throughout two millennia. The dramatic fifteenth-century city walls also protect a well-preserved medieval castle and a whole host of other Renaissance, Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic architectural masterpieces.

For Trogir accommodation right in the heart of the old city, we recommend Carol Rooms. Set in a historic building, this attractive B&B is surrounded by fine restaurants, trendy bars and boutique shops. Facilities include en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite TV and free city-centre parking.

Book Trogir B&Bs

Travel to/from Trogir

By car:
Dubrovnik: 4hrs 30mins/290kms
Zagreb: 3hrs 45mins/380kms
Split: 30mins/30kms
Plitvice Lakes: 2hrs 40mins/230kms
Zadar: 1hr 30mins/130kms

Zadar

Historically isolated from the mainland on a peninsula just three hundred metres wide, Zadar boasts a Roman, Byzantine and Venetian heritage to rival any of Croatia’s better-known cities. In addition to the plethora of historic treasures, large parts of Zadar which were damaged during the Second World War have recently undergone renovation to contribute to a vibrant and culturally modern city. One of the most fascinating attractions of contemporary Zadar is the Sea Organ, a collection of thirty-five pipes concealed under a set of marble steps, which are played by the sea and the wind to provide a harmonious, if otherworldly, soundtrack.

Our choice of Zadar accommodation is the beachside Villa Triana at Borik. This elegant house has a range of comfortable studio apartments and private rooms, with features including satellite television, wireless internet access and unbroken sea views.

Book Zadar B&Bs

Travel to/from Zadar

By car:
Dubrovnik: 5hrs 20mins/385kms
Zagreb: 3hrs/285kms
Split: 1hr 45mins/160kms
Plitvice Lakes: 2hrs/135kms
Trogir: 1hr 30mins/130kms

Zagreb

Zagreb is both Croatia’s capital and the largest city. Like many of Europe’s finest cities, its architecture is a mix of old and new, blending elegant, classical buildings with challenging contemporary structures. Often overlooked by tourists heading straight to the Croatia’s coast, Zagreb has plenty to offer the visitor. It is a vibrant city from the concert halls to the underground clubs, and there are any number of galleries, museums, boutiques, restaurants and traditional pubs to keep you entertained.

Grahor is a cosy B&B offering comfortable accommodation in Zagreb city centre. The house, which is a good example of Zagreb’s nineteenth-century architecture, offers a number of well-equipped guestrooms and the location, close to shops, restaurants, museums and the Croatian National Theatre, cannot be beaten.

Book Zagreb B&Bs

Travel to/from Zagreb

By car:
Dubrovnik: 7hrs 30mins/635kms
Trogir: 3hrs 45mins/380kms
Split: 4hrs/410kms
Plitvice Lakes: 2hrs/135kms
Zadar: 3hrs/285kms

Plitvice Lakes

Close to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, amid stunning mountain scenery, is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The area has been one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations since the nineteenth century, but still manages to retain its air of unspoilt tranquillity. Navigable by boat or on foot, the sixteen lakes are connected by waterfalls and surrounded by a dense forest which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the brown bear, the eagle, the wild cat and the wolf.

Villa Katja provides homely Plitvice Lakes accommodation just 1km away from the national park entrance. A picturesque country lodge, the B&B has a range of guestrooms and private apartments and a large back garden with a patio and BBQ area. The breakfast here is highly recommended!

Book Plitvice Lakes B&Bs

Travel to/from Plitvice Lakes

By car:
Dubrovnik: 6hrs 30mins/680kms
Zagreb: 2hrs/135kms
Zadar: 2hrs/135kms
Split: 3hrs/260kms
Trogir: 2hrs 40mins/230kms

The Croatian Islands

Croatia is catching up with Greece as a destination for island-hopping. There are over a thousand to choose from, offering everything from sandy beaches to rocky coves, pine-covered mountains to low-lying olive groves, and wild nights out to total solitude.

Hvar

One of the most beautiful islands on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, Hvar has two distinct personalities, both of which reflect the welcoming, laidback attitude of the islanders. The first is that of a charming island of lavender fields, olive groves and vineyards, with small inns serving up local delicacies. The second is that of the fashionable party capital of Croatia. Come nightfall, the picturesque Hvar Town opens its doors to scores of revellers and provides some of the best beach parties around.

We have some gorgeous Hvar accommodation available, including Villa Perka, an elegant stone house surrounded by pine woods, olive groves and gardens. The family-run property has 3 fully-equipped apartments with private entrances and terraces overlooking the sea from a privileged position at the foot of St. Nicholas, Hvar’s highest peak.

Book Hvar B&Bs

Travel to/from Hvar

By Ferry:
Vis: 35mins
Split: 1hr

Korcula

Claimed by locals to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula is one of Croatia’s most tranquil and romantic islands. Thanks to forests of pine, cypress and oak, it is one of the most verdant as well, and even has some sandy beaches at its eastern tip, a rarity among the Croatian islands. Also at this end of the island is Korcula Town, a small fortress of honey-coloured walls enclosing cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and any number of architectural treasures.

Located at the centre of the old walled town is Maria’s Place, a friendly, traditional guesthouse which has been in operation for over thirty years. With just three clean and cosy rooms (all en-suite) you are guaranteed personalised service, and Maria offer you all the information you need about the sights that can be found right outside the front door.

If you’re looking for a beach B&B, the same owners also operate Dragan’s Den, a well-appointed property with a swimming pool, just a short walk from the sea.

Book Korcula B&Bs

Travel to/from Korcula

By Ferry:
Dubrovnik: 3hrs 15mins
Split: 5hrs 40mins

Vis

Vis is the furthest island away from Croatia’s coast. It is a land of fishermen and winegrowers, and is said to be the site of the first grapevine to be grown in Dalmatia. The terrain of Vis includes three mountains looking down on the hidden beaches and crystal clear waters which make all of the Croatian islands a popular holiday destination for visitors from all over the world. Offering a true escape from the busy cities of the mainland, there are just two towns on the island. Points of interest include various forts from throughout history as well as the remains of the ancient Greek colony of Issa.

Receiving consistently high reviews from bookers is the Provita Guesthouse. Set just 50m from the seashore in the picturesque village of Komiza, this traditional stone house has been recently renovated to offer a series of light and airy guestrooms. Close by is the island of Bisevo, home of the impressive ‘Blue Cave’.

Book Vis B&Bs

Travel to/from Vis

By Ferry:
Hvar: 35mins
Split: 2hrs 20mins

Do you have a B&B or guesthouse in one of the destinations featured? Visit our sign up page to list your property with BedandBreakfastworld.com.

By: Eleanor Brown

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