Dalmatian Coast

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 places to stay in the Dalmatian Coast and all of which seem to have their best side facing out to sea, so one of the best ways to appreciate this area's beauty is from the deck of a yacht.

All our Dalmatian Coast Collections:

• Best Hotels on the Dalmatian Islands
• The Best Places to Stay in Dubrovnik
• The Best Places to Stay on Hvar
• The Best Places to Stay in Split

What not to Miss

• Island hopping, around what are really flooded peaks of the same alpine range, is certainly a good way to explore the region, but many spots along the coastline deserve more than a drop in. Some of the best places have good links to other local centres, making it easy to hop around from a land-base.
• 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. The 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.
• Northern Dalmatia is probably better known for the scenery, with some breathtakingly lovely National Parks and some of the least built up islands along the Dalmatian Coast. Pasman and Uglijan are examples of those less built up islands.
• Beautiful Pag has some of the region's best sandy beaches, as well as the famous party resort of Novalja.
• The most famous Dalmatian islands are in the centre of the region. Starting with Solta, just off the coast from Split and heading south you'll hit Brac, Hvar, Vis and Korcula. Solta is well developed and very visitor-friendly; Brac is lush with pines and figs and is known for clear waters; Hvar has the fertile vineyards, gorgeous beaches and medieval towns; Vis has more of those lovely, sandy bays and beaches, and Korcula, the largest, is loved by cyclists.
• The southerly part of the Dalmatian Coast is 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. This is also where you'll find Dubrovnik. A favourite of famous aesthete Elizabeth Taylor, Dubrovnik's sheltered, emerald harbour, 13th century walled town and its Stradun, said to be one of the world's most beautiful main streets, are endlessly enchanting. It sounds over the top, but you'll see...

If you're going to visit during the busy summer months, the best places to stay in the Dalmatian Coast will get booked up well in advance. So either get organised and plan ahead, or come in the quieter months when this beautiful region is far less crowded!

For the Coastline

• The 59 room Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel is strikingly stylish, with its glass façade and roof top bar. Situated in a prime position on the yacht harbour, it is a boutique spa hotel with echoes of South Beach Miami.
• 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.
• The Riva Yacht Harbour Hotel is on Hvar's promenade and boasts beautiful views of the harbour. It is a hip hotel and is very popular with young couples. Full of Hollywood glamour, it is a place to see and be seen.
• 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.
• The Lesic Dimitri Palace is a gorgeous collection of boutique apartments right on the Bay of Kor?ula. As well as having beautiful creamy decor and all the mod. cons., the Palace has a lovely Mediterranean style spa and offers wine tastings. Apartments sleep between two and nine.

For History Buffs

• Traditional and elegant, the Hotel Bastion is just a few minutes from Zadar's old town and built into the city's ramparts.
• 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.
• 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.
• If you do want to be in the heart of the old town, one of the best places to stay in Zadar is the Hotel Bastion. As well as being close to everything, this hotel is built right into the city ramparts. And with some of its traditionally elegant rooms sleeping up to four, this is also a great option for families.

For Romance

• The Villa Dubrovnik is certainly luxurious enough for Elizabeth Taylor. With private beach, private ocean view balconies, excellent Mediterranean restaurant and the possibility of having a jacuzzi on your balcony means it's probably luxurious enough for anyone!
• Glass fronted, state of the art Hotel Bellevue has fresh and neutral interiors with spectacular views and an excellent spa.
• 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.
• Pag’s Hotel Boskinac is a stunning, 11 room, stone house with wonderful balconies and views and a gourmet seafood restaurant. Extremely romantic and with its own wine cellars and tasting rooms.

For Families

• Martinis Marchi is on Solta, a boat ride from Split, and is an excellent Croatian castle conversion with huge suites sleeping between four and six - so, ideal for families. Especially when you consider how pretty and welcoming the island is!
• The Villa Dubrovnik is a beautiful five-star hotel built into the cliffs of Dubrovnik. The collection or rooms, suites and villas includes two six-sleepers and a number of rooms with private balconies and jacuzzis. There’s a pool, an excellent restaurant and a private beach too.
• The Strandun 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.
• If you’d prefer a villa holiday, consider the Villa Meneghello on Hvar. It has just two apartments overlooking the ocean, with white washed walls splashed with colour. There’s a dining terrace, and you can arrange a chef by request, plus there’s a pool, bikes, table tennis and the beach is basically on your doorstep.
• 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.

With a Private Beach

• Hvar’s 40 room Podstine Hotel is located in a beautiful bay surrounded by palms, cypress and hundred year old pines. It has a spa with outdoor pool, Finnish sauna and facilities for treatments, massages etc. There is an excellent seafood restaurant specialising in local wines – private tastings are available on request.

Best Guesthouses and B&Bs

• 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.

For Great Value

• 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.
• Kor?ula’s Tara’s Lodge is a modern, stylish hotel with 17 sleek, minimalist rooms, whitewashed walls and private balconies facing out onto a secluded, turquoise bay. Rooms start from around £85 per night.

For an Apartment or Villa

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

Travel Information

• Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar are the main gateways to the Dalmatian Coast. Dubrovnik airport is 20kilometres outside the city centre, or you can arrive by boat or cruise ship - of course. Zadar airport is eight kilometres from the centre of town and is in the middle of the Adriatic so is busier than you might imagine if you’ve never heard of Zadar. Split airport is popular with the low-cost airlines.
• If you want to hire a car - which we highly recommend 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 nicest 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.