Are you planning a trip to this beautiful country, but you’re not sure where to base yourself in Croatia? This can be a hard decision to make. Croatia is not a large country, and you can explore a lot of it in 7 or more days, but still, most visitors choose to visit and explore only one of the Croatian regions. And maybe it’s better that way since you can explore more of that part without feeling rushed.
The main goal of this article is to provide you with a few ideas about where to base yourself in Croatia and what you can expect out of each of these places, as well as some advantages and potential disadvantages of each place. The final decision will be according to your preferences and what you look to get out of your visit to Croatia – beach time, relaxation, adventure, island-hopping options…
So here’s our guide about the most usual places travelers choose to base themselves when visiting Croatia.
1. Dubrovnik: For History, Luxury, and Stunning Scenery We are starting this list with the most famous place in Croatia – Dubrovnik. Many people arrive in Dubrovnik before heading toward other parts of Croatia, or spend their whole vacation in this city. Dubrovnik is the southernmost city in Croatia, and it’s very famous for many things. It’s also the most famous historical city in Croatia. As one of the most visited places in Croatia, Dubrovnik is full of all kinds of opportunities and experiences.
Advantages:
Home to the famous Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Beautiful coast, nearby islands, and well-preserved medieval architecture.
Great day trip options to Lokrum Island , Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina , and Mljet National Park .
Wide choice of luxury hotels and fine dining.
Disadvantages:
Dubrovnik can get very crowded, especially during the summer.
It’s also a bit more expensive than other Croatian destinations.
Best for:
First-time visitors to Croatia.
History lovers.
Luxury travelers and couples visiting Croatia.
2. Split: For Vibrant City Life and Island Hopping Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city in the Dalmatia region, the most visited region of Croatia. Similarly to Dubrovnik, Split is also very famous for its history, but unlike Dubrovnik and its medieval architecture, Split has more Roman influence, so it has a quite different vibe than Dubrovnik. Split is often considered the most Mediterranean place in Croatia. It’s also the best location for island-hopping in Croatia, and some of the most famous islands like Hvar, Brač, and Vis are located near Split, and your journey toward them will most likely start in Split.
Advantages:
Central location on the Dalmatian coast.
Home to Diocletian’s Palace , one of the best preserved such palaces in the world, and a vibrant Old Town.
Major ferry hub for Hvar , Brač , Vis , and other nearby islands.
Famous for its nightlife, beaches, and urban vibe.
Disadvantages:
Just like Dubrovnik, Split can feel busy and touristy in high season.
Beaches near the center (like Bačivice) are a bit more urban and not as pristine as some more secluded beaches in Croatia.
Best for:
Active travelers who want to combine culture, beaches, and great excursions.
Anyone planning lots of island day trips.
3. Hvar Town (Hvar Island): For Glamour, Sun, and Beaches When it comes to where to base yourself in Croatia, we can’t exclude Hvar, one of the most famous islands in Croatia. Hvar is located near Split, and it’s one of the favorite island-hopping destinations in Croatia. We love all of the Croatian islands, and they are true beacons of tradition and authenticity. And the sea is as clear as it can be. Finally, Hvar is also the sunniest place in Croatia, so if you’re looking to enjoy many beach days, Hvar is a good place to base yourself in Croatia.
Advantages:
Over 2700 hours of sunshine per year.
Hvar is full of beach clubs, historic sites, and luxury resorts.
Easy access to the Pakleni Islands , the archipelago of small islands full of secluded bays and beaches.
Disadvantages:
Expensive, especially in July and August.
It can get very lively (and loud) during peak nightlife season. Although this is slowly changing over the past few years and Hvar is returning to its roots of luxury tourism.
Best for:
Couples, honeymooners, and nature lovers.
Anyone wanting to enjoy and experience the Croatian island life.
4. Korčula Town (Korčula Island): For Relaxed Island Charm Korčula is yet another famous island in Croatia, and a part of the southern islands group. Korčula Town is often referred to as ‘Little Dubrovnik’ because of somewhat similar medieval architecture, but on a much smaller scale. Korčula is also regarded as the birthplace of Marco Polo, the world’s famous explorer. Korčula is a bit more peaceful island, perfect for a relaxing island holiday in Croatia.
Advantages:
Beautiful walled old town, often called a “Little Dubrovnik.”
Great local wines and food specialties.
Calmer and less touristy compared to Hvar.
Easy day trips to beaches, wineries, and nearby islands like Mljet.
Disadvantages:
Longer ferry connections compared to Hvar or Brač.
Best for:
Couples and families looking for a quieter island vacation.
Wine and food enthusiasts.
Nature lovers.
5. Rovinj (Istria): For Romance, Food, and Italian Vibe From southern Croatia, we move to the largest peninsula in Croatia – Istria. It’s the place we adore and travel to often for our work as Croatia elopement and wedding photographers. Istria is a bit different than Dalmatia, and it has had a very strong Italian influence over the past centuries. This is evident in both culture and architecture. This peninsula is also very famous for gastronomy, especially truffles and wines. We chose Rovinj as the base for Istria, and you can easily visit many other nearby places from it.
Advantages:
Stunning Venetian-style Old Town with colorful facades.
Outstanding food and wine culture (truffles, olive oil, seafood).
Rovinj is close to Pula , hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan , and the Istrian countryside.
A bit more relaxed and less crowded than the Dalmatian coast.
Disadvantages:
Far from Croatia’s southern islands and Split/Dubrovnik.
Cooler weather earlier and later in the season compared to Dalmatia.
Best for:
Couples looking for a getaway in one of the most romantic places in Croatia.
Food lovers and slow-paced travelers.
6. Zadar: For a Mix of History, Nature, and Affordability Zadar is one of our favorite cities in Croatia. It’s located on the northern border of the Dalmatia region, close to the mighty Velebit Mountain. Alfred Hitchcock said that Zadar has the most beautiful sunsets in the world, and we have to agree with him because all the sunsets we have observed from the Zadar Riva promenade were nothing less than magical. Zadar is also a great place for some of the best outdoor adventures in Croatia, such as Zrmanja River kayaking, Tulove Grede ATV adventures, or Paklenica National Park hiking and rock climbing.
Advantages:
Less touristy than Split and Dubrovnik but full of Roman ruins and medieval churches.
Easy access to Plitvice Lakes , Krka Waterfalls , and Pag Island .
Famous for beautiful sunsets and the unique Sea Organ .
More affordable than Split and Dubrovnik.
Disadvantages:
Even though it’s less touristy, it can get crowded in the summer months.
Best for:
Families, nature lovers, and budget travelers.
Those wanting to explore the national parks of Croatia.
7. Makarska Riviera: For Beaches, Day Trips, and Mountain Views We end this article with the place we’re based in Croatia, the beautiful Makarska Riviera. This part of Croatia is known for its beaches, which are regarded as the most beautiful beaches in all of Croatia. There are many different ones, some are secluded, some are located in tourist places scattered all across the Riviera. And then there is the Biokovo Mountain that rises from the Adriatic Sea and makes the Makarska Riviera one of the most stunning landscapes in Croatia.
Advantages:
Beautiful beaches of all kinds.
Located between the Biokovo Mountain and the Adriatic Sea.
Makarska is a great base for exploring Brela , Tučepi , and Biokovo Skywalk .
Easy access to day trips by boat to Hvar , Brač , and Blue Cave tours from Makarska.
Disadvantages:
It can also be very crowded in July and August.
Not as rich in historic landmarks as Split or Dubrovnik.
Best for:
Beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Couples and families looking to get a mix of relaxation and adventure.
So, Where Should You Base Yourself in Croatia? It’s up to you and your preferences. We presented the most common Croatian ‘bases’ that most people choose when visiting Croatia . Each of them is beautiful, but also good for different things. If you want many great island-hopping options, then Split is the best place for you. If you’re looking to enjoy gastronomy delights and drink great wines, Istria is among the top choices. Finally, if you want to have a relaxing island vacation, then Korčula is a great fit.
Croatia offers a lot, and wherever you choose to base yourself in Croatia, you’ll have plenty of experiences to enjoy. Thank you for being with us to the end of this article, and we hope it helped decide on where to stay in Croatia.
Enjoy your time in our beautiful country!
