Top accommodation options in Croatia, from rustic mountain huts to opulent villas

In Croatia, you'll find a diverse range of lodging options, from simple mountain huts to upscale self-catering villas. While hotels are plentiful in urban centers and tourist hotspots, the bulk of accommodations consists of tourist apartments typically owned and operated by locals.

The camping scene in Croatia is thriving, catering to many visitors who drive in from nearby European nations. In the countryside, you can discover private villas perfect for families with young children.

For those seeking adventure or hiking experiences, Croatia offers a network of mountain huts that provide overnight stays in breathtaking natural settings, making for an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation prices can vary greatly, spanning from budget-friendly to boutique options. Recently, the cost of tourist accommodations has surged, making it challenging to secure good-value options during the peak tourist months of July and August. If you're planning a summer getaway in Croatia, booking your stay in advance is crucial—those days of arriving without a reservation and easily finding a room are long gone.

Here’s a useful guide to accommodation options in Croatia, along with our top picks tailored to your travel preferences.

Apartments for urban explorers

Long before Airbnb popularized homestays worldwide, Croatia was already filled with local hosts offering tourist rooms and self-catering apartments, often serving as the sole lodging option in smaller towns.

Privately owned accommodations continue to dominate Croatia's tourism scene, and renting a furnished apartment provides a unique glimpse into the local lifestyle.

Top tourist apartments in Croatia: Divota Apartment Hotel (starting at €81) is a 'diffused hotel' featuring a collection of beautifully restored stone houses in the picturesque residential area of Veli Varoš, located in central Split. The studio apartments and guest rooms showcase all-white interiors adorned with vibrant artworks, many with access to sunny balconies or lush courtyards.

The enchanting Mediterranean-inspired interiors of SALT (starting from €100) in the historic city of Rovinj evoke a perfect seaside retreat. This charming two-story apartment is adorned with elegant decor, while exposed stone walls and wooden beams contribute to its rustic allure.

A White Cliffside Studio (starting from €105) on the island of Pag offers all the modern comforts for a cozy stay, yet guests will likely find themselves captivated by the breathtaking sea views from the outdoor terrace situated 30m (98ft) above the water.

Affordable accommodations for party enthusiasts

Hostels are becoming increasingly popular in Croatia’s cities and beachfront hotspots, catering to young travelers (or the young at heart!) on a budget. Most provide typical shared dorm accommodations in same-sex or mixed rooms, with many also offering private rooms perfect for couples or friends.

Several newer hostels boast a modern boutique ambiance in terms of decor and amenities, elevating the experience beyond basic lounge areas and communal kitchens. Expect vibrant on-site bars, along with organized city tours, bar-hopping outings, and trips to sought-after beaches and cultural attractions.

Top hostels in Croatia: The six-bed dorms and private rooms for two, three, or four at Tchaikovsky Hostel (starting from €15) in central Split are bright and spacious; some even come with work desks. Enjoy a complimentary cup of tea and mingle with fellow travelers in the common room that opens to a balcony overlooking the trees.

White Rabbit Hostel (starting from €32) is located right in the heart of Hvar Town and operates from April to August. It receives high praise for its spotless interiors, featuring mixed dorms and private rooms that sport a minimalist aesthetic accentuated by vibrant touches.

Stay at Hostel Angelina (starting from €44) in Dubrovnik’s historic old town, just steps away from the Stradun, the main cobblestone street. The mixed dorms and private rooms are spread across a centuries-old building and three annexes with attractive exposed stone walls and wooden floors. Join a walking tour of the old town or participate in organized trips to nearby islands.

Family-friendly rural villas

The picturesque rural areas, adorned with vineyards and olive groves, provide the ideal backdrop for a retreat. Here, you can discover private villas nestled in lush gardens, featuring shady terraces and often boasting luxurious amenities like pools, sun loungers, and hot tubs.

Rural villas are particularly favored by families traveling with children—who enjoy splashing in the pool when not out discovering local attractions. Many families opt to rent a private villa for a week or two, using it as a home base to explore the region.

Top rural villas in Croatia: For those wanting to unwind, Olive Garden Paljka (starting from €100) is a cozy, eco-friendly stone house surrounded by olive trees and lavender fields, located 23km (14.2 miles) south of Zadar. It features eco-friendly amenities like solar panels, LED lighting, and rainwater harvesting tanks. The spacious flagstone terrace is perfect for outdoor dining and stargazing at night.

Villa Rustica (starting from €150) is a charming wooden cabin situated in the Karlovac region, ideal for those seeking a nature-infused escape. This bright and airy villa, equipped with central heating and an open fireplace, offers a cozy haven during the winter months.

Villa Veli Dvor (starting from €200) on Lošinj Island provides tranquility and seclusion in a charming 19th-century stone house adorned with bright blue shutters, set within a sprawling garden filled with the fragrances of rosemary, oregano, and laurel. The architecturally designed interiors blend stone, wood, and metal elements to create a relaxed, earthy atmosphere.

Beachside campgrounds

Croatia boasts numerous camping grounds along its picturesque coastline, popular among European road travelers. Often situated in scenic beach locations, these camps cater to caravans and camper vans, with many also providing spaces for those who prefer to set up tents.

Amenities range from basic to luxurious: you can anticipate at least toilet and shower facilities, while some campgrounds also provide kitchens or barbecue areas. Higher-end options include camps featuring swimming pools to cool off, as well as on-site dining and bars for meals or evening drinks.

At the premium level, glamping resorts offer a taste of luxury with air-conditioned tents or wooden cabins complete with private decks, plus five-star amenities like plunge pools, spas, and lounge bars.

Top camping sites in Croatia: Lavanda Camping (starting from €15.50) boasts a stunning location on a beautiful pebbly beach along the northwest coast of the Pelješac peninsula. It welcomes motorhomes and tents, while mobile homes and a four-bedroom villa with its own infinity pool are also available for rent. Children can enjoy the playground while parents relax at the beach bar or dine at the restaurant.

Camping Stobreč Split (starting from €23) is situated on a lush peninsula east of Split, where the Žrnovnica River meets the sparkling Adriatic Sea. The site features camping pitches and air-conditioned mobile homes under tall umbrella pines, three swimming pools, a beach bar, a wellness spa, and even a dog park for your pets.

For a glamorous camping experience, consider Arena One 99 Glamping (starting from €130) at the southern tip of Istria. These luxurious sea-view tents are equipped with full-size beds, air-conditioning, espresso makers, LCD TVs, and kitchenettes. Enjoy a spa nestled among the pines, participate in morning yoga classes, or relax in an open-air hot tub.

Mountain huts for nature enthusiasts

Hiking and walking fans can explore Croatia’s extensive network of over 150 huts and lodges nestled on secluded mountaintops. Positioned along key hiking routes, these serve as overnight stops where long-distance trekkers and climbers can rest for free.

These overnight accommodations are divided into three types: Planinarski domovi, or mountain lodges, provide meals and dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and remain open year-round; Planinarske kuće are mountain houses that operate only on weekends and holidays. Reservations for these two types are necessary and should be made in advance via phone or email. The third type, Planinarska skloništa, or mountaineering shelters, are very basic and typically left unlocked.

Top mountain huts in Croatia: Situated at 1174m (3851ft), the Ratkovo mountaineering shelter is a charming 12-bed log cabin nestled into a rocky alcove on a mountain in Gorski Kotor.

Zavižan mountain lodge, located in the towering Velebit mountains, is Croatia’s highest mountaineering house at 1594m (5230ft). This striking brick structure accommodates 29 guests and features two dining rooms, a kitchen, and bathrooms. It also hosts a significant meteorological station.

The architecturally striking Ždrilo mountaineering shelter is nestled among rugged rocks along the Velebit mountain trail and is notable for its modern design. This compact one-room shelter accommodates six guests, offering basic lodging but breathtaking views from an elevation of 1040m (3412ft).

Airbnb options in Croatia

Unlike many European nations that have enforced strict regulations on Airbnb rentals, Croatia remains free of such restrictions. Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com have gained popularity among locals looking to market their tourist accommodations and simplify the booking process.

In the days before Airbnb, it was common to see elderly women at bus stations welcoming arriving travelers with signs that read: Sobe/Rooms/Zimmer. Nowadays, most tourist accommodation bookings in Croatia are made online in advance.