The Dalmatian Coast is best known for its climate: Mediterranean on the coastline, but quickly changing to alpine just inland in mountains which roll right down to the sea in a particularly picturesque way. There are a number of lovely towns and cities lining the coast, many containing the best hotels on the Dalmatian Coast, and all of which seem to have their best side facing out to sea.

Some of our Dalmatian Coast Collections:

• The 20 Best Hotels on the Dalmatian Coast
• The 10 Best Hotels on the Dalmatian Islands
• The Best Places to Stay in Dubrovnik
• The Best Places to Stay in Split
• The Best Places to stay in Zadar
• The Best Places to Stay on Korčula
• The Best Places to Stay in Trogir
• The Best Places to Stay on Pag
• The Best Places to Stay on Brač
• The Best Places to Stay on Hvar
• The Bets Places to Stay on Lopud

Which stretch of coast is for me?

Northern Dalmatia stretches from the Kvarner Riviera to Split, including Zadar and Trogir. Split is the largest city in the region, so makes an easy base, and its Old Town, built around a vast Roman palace, is exceptionally beautiful. Zadar is the other large town in the region, again with an impressive Old Town littered with Roman ruins, medieval churches and excellent museums. But Northern Dalmatia is probably better known for its scenery, with some breathtakingly lovely National Parks, and some of the least built up islands of the Dalmatian Group - Pasman and Uglijan are prime examples.

Central Dalmatia is also a place of alpine mountains - those ones which roll picturesquely down to the Mediterranean-feeling coastline - castles and unique cuisine, so it’s worth heading across to the mainland for a look. The most famous Dalmatian islands are in the centre of the region. Start with Solta, just off the coast from Split, and head south and you'll hit Brač, Hvar, Vis and Korčula.

The southerly part of the Dalmatian Coast and the southerly Dalmatian Islands are where you'll see palm trees and olive groves along the ribbon of Adriatic blue, but the grey cliffs and peaks are still right behind the coast, so it’s a beautiful sight to sail on by. And at the end you'll find Dubrovnik. A favourite of famous aesthete Elizabeth Taylor, Dubrovnik's sheltered, emerald harbour, its 13th century walled town and its Stradun, one of the world's most beautiful main streets, are endlessly enchanting. It sounds over the top, but you'll see...

The Best Places to Stay on The Dalmatian Coast

The Best Boutique Hotels on The Dalmatian Coast

• Almayer Art and Heritage Hotel is another historic property turned boutique hotel in the centre of town. This chic spot has just nine rooms which are up to the minute modern, and you've easy access to both sea and sights!

• Heritage Hotel 19 offers seven beautifully renovated rooms with plenty of original features, yet a fresh contemporary feel, right in the heart of the city.

The Best Places to Stay on the Dalmatian Coast for a Beach Break

• Traditional and elegant, the Hotel Bastion is just a few minutes from Zadar's old town and built into the city's ramparts. And with some of its traditionally elegant rooms sleeping up to four, this is also a great option for families.

• Once a castle holiday home, now a 13 room boutique hotel, the Boutique Hotel Kazbek is on the bay of Lapad and has stunning rooms and suites benefitting from the castle’s original features. There’s also a fantastic restaurant and pool.

• For a Dubrovnik property that's right on the sea, we'd recommend the Hotel Kompas. Slightly out of town, it's an ultra modern property with chic rooms, state of the art spa, plus choice of bars and restaurants.

• The Grand Villa Argentina is a stunning villa turned 127 room hotel positioned right on Dubrovnik’s waterfront. It’s has a private beach as well as a full service spa and three excellent restaurants, two pools and lush gardens.

The Best Places to Stay on the Dalmatian Coast for Sailors

• Glass fronted, state of the art Hotel Bellevue has fresh and neutral interiors with spectacular views and an excellent spa.

The Most Romantic Places to Stay on the Dalmatian Coast

• For a top notch stay on Trogir's waterfront, we recommend the Brown Beach House. Its 25 rooms and suites are light and bright, plus you'll find a huge pool and excellent Mediterranean restaurant.

• Just outside town the adults only Hotel Ola is a romantic treat with rejuvenating spa and epic sea views. Plus there's a good restaurant and activities aplenty.

• Split’s Hotel Marmont is close to both the seafront and the heart of the Old Town. It boasts contemporary chic rooms encased in a beautiful 15th century shell, plus outside terrace and busy cocktail bar.

• Hotel Vestibul Palace is situated in the heart of Split’s Diocletian Palace. Luxury combined with contemporary interiors located bang in the centre of the Old Town.

• Judita Palace is a gorgeous, romantic property near Diocletian's Mausoleum in Split's main square. Beautiful rooms have exposed stone walls and classic decor and some boast wonderful Old Town views.

• Historic townhouse, the Pucic Palace in Dubrovnik also has plenty of traditional charms. There's art on the walls, parquet underfoot and a beautifully frescoed bar and restaurant.

The Best Places to Stay on the Dalmatian Coast for Families

• Just outside Zadar is the family friendly Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera, a superb contemporary property with gorgeous ocean views, a state of the art spa and activities for all ages.

• The Stradun Apartments are a collection of boutique style apartments in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Light and airy, with contemporary decor, each apartment sleeps up to four, and offers all the mod. cons. plus the measure of staying in a 17th century townhouse.
• Split’s Divota Apartment Hotel is a stylish collection of rooms, apartments and a three bedroom house, it is perfectly situated for exploring the city.

The Best Places to Stay on the Dalmatian Coast to Escape

• The Byron is a stunning property situated right beside Dubrovnik Cathedral. Its four rooms offer chic minimal decor that effortlessly blend period and contemporary features. All also provide little kitchenettes for those who'd prefer to stay in!

• Villa Pattiera is a traditional property offering simple but spacious accommodation within walking distance of the beach.

• Grgur Ninski Rooms is a smart B&B situated inside Split's Diocletian Palace. Rooms are a lovely mix of period and contemporary features and breakfast is served at a cafe down the road.

The Best Value Places to Stay on the Dalmatian Coast

• The Villa Allure of Dubrovnik is a stunning little guesthouse hotel with nine contemporary rooms with elegant decor and wonderful sea views from sprawling terraces. There is a pool and you’re only a short walk from the beach.
• St Joseph's is a gorgeous property set within the walls of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Luxurious rooms ooze elegance and sophistication - perfect for a romantic break.

• The Amoret Apartments are a collection of traditional apartments located just five minutes walk from Buza Beach with wonderful views over Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Each apartment has a kitchenette, wi-fi and extra beds. From around £65 per night.
• Who says cheap accommodation has to be grotty? At Split’s Design Hostel Goli + Bosi you'll find a range of incredibly inexpensive yet stylish rooms. Plus a fantastic pizzeria! Prices start from just €20 per person if you're in one of the dorms.
• Split's Vida Boutique Hotel is also fantastic value. It offers a handful of individually designed rooms with prices starting from as little as €50 per night in low season.

Prefer an Apartment or Villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partnerBooking.com.

Travel Information

• Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar are the main gateways to the Dalmatian Coast. Dubrovnik airport is 20 km outside the city centre, or you can arrive by boat or cruise ship - of course. Zadar airport is eight km from the centre of town and Split airport is popular with the low-cost airlines.
• If you want to hire a car - which we strongly advise if you’re staying on the Dalmatian Coast and you don’t have a sailing boat - we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Summer has the best weather, but this is peak time for visiting the Dalmatian Coast and between the cruise ships and those restricted by school holidays, it’s pretty busy. So the best times for most of us to visit are May-June or September-October when the days are long and sunny, the sea is still warm enough to swim in, the attractions and restaurants are all open - but you don’t have to queue for them.

Still not sure?

• Consider our Gurus list of the Best Hotels on the Dalmatian Islands,
• Or their recommendations for the best places to stay in Dubrovnik,
• Or on Hvar…
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.