Accommodation in Croatia

Overview of the Offer

As with most tourist destinations, accommodation in Croatia is plentiful and varied, including all types of hotels and guesthouses, all-inclusive options, numerous campsites along the coast, homestays and private accommodations (very common in the country), rural gîtes, and house or apartment rentals. There are also around a dozen lighthouses ready to welcome visitors. In short, there’s plenty of choice, with the coastal tourist areas naturally offering the greatest capacity and the widest price fluctuations depending on the season. In peak season, booking ahead is almost essential if you want to find something at a "reasonable rate" (and even then!) in the most popular spots or the capital.

Hotels

Hotels are quite numerous in the country, ranging from older establishments with basic facilities to large beachfront resorts catering to all-inclusive guests, as well as guesthouses and hotels better suited to independent travellers. As always, the best places book up quickly in season.

For prices, expect around 30 € for two at the lowest end outside of peak season or tourist hotspots, and closer to 50 € in popular areas or during the summer (where a surcharge may also apply for stays of fewer than 3 nights).

All-Inclusive

This option is very common along the coast and on the islands, traditionally attracting German, Austrian, British, Scandinavian, and quite a few French visitors. As always, if you’re only planning a relaxed beach holiday, it’s worth checking out these offers, especially if there are promotions. In some cases, the price of a flight + hotel package may even be almost the same as a standalone flight to the destination.

Youth Hostels

As in many countries, you’ll find official hostels run by the International Federation (which require a membership card) as well as private ones. They’re located in major cities and main tourist spots, offering dormitory beds (around 15 € on average) or often double rooms. Some, particularly private hostels, also organise activities, services, or excursions.

Camping

Very popular (see list), especially along the coast, and a favourite among visitors, campsites are a great accommodation option for exploring Croatia in the warmer months—provided you have your own transport (which is still preferable).

Most are open from May to October and generally offer good quality and value for money. Options range from small, basic sites with just a few pitches (naturally the cheapest) to 5-star campsites with extensive facilities (including bungalows and mobile homes) and all the amenities guests might expect—though prices can be quite high. Between these extremes, you can expect to pay around 20 € for a pitch for two. Note that wild camping is illegal and punishable by a fine in Croatia, including for motorhome users.

Naturist Campsites

Croatia (alongside France) is a major naturist destination. Around 15% of tourists visiting the country practise naturism, either in the twenty or so dedicated "resorts" (usually quite upscale) along the coast or on the many designated naturist beaches (marked "FKK"). Pula, Hvar, and Rab are the most popular naturist destinations in Croatia.

Homestays

A specialty of the country, homestays account for nearly half of all accommodation capacity. There are plenty of options for staying with locals across the country, and they’re easy to find, including through various specialised agencies. Expect around 20 €–25 for two at the lowest end outside of peak season or tourist hotspots, and closer to double that in popular areas or during the summer (where a surcharge may also apply for stays of fewer than 3 nights). That said, homestays remain a very affordable way to explore Croatia.

Other Options

Gîtes

Apartments and Villas

Lighthouses

This is a fairly unique option to consider more as an experience than a straightforward accommodation. Around a dozen lighthouses are available for visitors along the coast, typically rented by the week like gîtes.

Which Accommodation to Choose?

For independent travellers, homestays or camping (especially if you have a vehicle) are usually the best options, offering the best value for money overall.