Croatia is the perfect location for a couples holiday, with beautiful beaches, plenty of sun, charming towns and cities, island hopping, plenty of activities, and loads of amazing accommodation to choose from.
But there’s no single answer to the best place to stay in Croatia for couples. Instead I’ve pulled together a list of 10 places that I think are great options for the best area to stay in Croatia for couples.
What qualifies me? I’ve lived in Croatia for over a year and my partner and I spent several months travelling around and we had taken regular weekend trips in Croatia. And these are our top choices for where to stay in Croatia for couples.
I’ve included a brief summary of each as well as my top activity in the area and my top hotel pick in the area - have an amazing trip to Croatia!
Croatia’s Adriatic Coast
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The top 10 best places for couples in Croatia
Rovinj
Colourful Rovinj
Famous for its Italianate style architecture, this charming town on the Istrian peninsula is reminiscent of Italy in its architecture, making it a perfect option for a couples trip to Croatia that’s more affordable than a lot of Italian towns. Although the famous city of Venice is just three hours away and reachable on a Venice day trip from Rovinj!
Rovinj has become famous as a filming location and recently appeared in The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard with Ryan Reynolds and Salma Hayek. But despite its recent fame, the town maintains a hidden gem vibe, located in the very north of Istria, Croatia’s most northern county.
On your Rovinj itinerary, spend time exploring the picturesque old town on the peninsula and the colourful streets. Climb the bell tower of the Church of St Euphemia for incredible views. Enjoy a day swimming in the clear turquoise waters at Lone Bay or Mulini Beach. Head out on the walking trails around the Golden Cape. Take a day trip to Lim Fjord and swim in Pirate Cave.
Nearest Airport: Pula Airport
Hotel recommendation: Grand Park Hotel or The Lone Hotel - both by the Maistra Collection
The Grand Hotel was featured in BBC show Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby and is one of the best hotels in Croatia for couples.
Top activity: a full day trip to Venice, Italy or a dolphin watching cruise.
Makarska
Aminess Khalani Beach Hotel in Makarska
The Makarska Riviera is the area of Croatia that locals don’t want you to know about. While tourists flock to Split or Dubrovnik, locals and other Europeans who return to Croatia every year, go to the Makarska Riviera.
The Makarska Riviera is made up of three towns close together - Brela, Baska Voda and Makarska. All are beautiful to stay in with charming old towns, stunning beaches, plenty of restaurants and bars, water activities and great day trip options along the coast and to some of the Croatian islands.
Don’t miss the chance to go beach hopping along the riviera and discover secluded beaches, take a day trip to Hvar or Brac or book a private sailing trip. Walk on the Biokovo Skywalk 1228m high jutting from the mountain side. Relax in Buba Beach Bar or one of the many beach front restaurants as you stroll along the Makarska Promenade.
Nearest Airport: Split Airport
Hotel recommendation: Aminess Khalani Beach hotel Makarska.
Aminess Khalani Beach Hotel
Trogir
Trogir Old Town
Despite its famous neighbouring city of Split, Trogir often gets overlooked or visited just as a day trip. However the beautiful cobbled streets of the old town, cheaper accommodation options, choice of more waterfront villas and plenty of beaches to choose from as you explore Ciovo Island makes this a great option for where to stay in Croatia for couples.
Trogir is actually located closest to Split Airport so it’s very easy to transfer to the town. Trogir itself is connected by a bridge to the island of Ciovo which has plenty of nature, beaches and walking trails, so you have the best of both with the city, water activities and nature to explore.
Explore Trogir old town and stroll along the promenade, visit the beaches on Ciovo, go wine tasting in Kastela or take a boat trip to one of the many islands off the coast - many of the best boat trips from Split also pick up in Trogir so you have plenty of island tours and boat trips to choose from!
Trogir is a great option for places to stay for couples in Croatia that would prefer an easy trip with close access to the airport, amenities and activities.
Nearest Airport: Split
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Vila Tina
Due to the proximity to Ciovo island where there’s a lot more space, you’ll also find a much greater selection of villas. Check out Villa Palace Al Nera for a stunning villa, infinity pool jacuzzi and incredible views.
Top activity: 5 islands day trip including the Blue Cave
Zadar
Cathedral in Zadar
Zadar is one of the largest cities on the Croatian coast after Split and yet it’s so often overlooked. In reality, there are so many things to do in Zadar and the incredible 3,000 year history of Zadar makes it one of the most fascinating historical cities to visit in Croatia and a great option as the best area in Croatia for couples who want a mix of history, adventure and relaxation.
Explore the old town and wander among the ruins of the Roman Forum, hear the song of the Sea Organ, see the spectacular sunset light display at the Greeting to the Sun monument. Experience traditional Croatian konobas for dinner and enjoy a sunset drink at Beach Bar Bamboo. Visit the famous Pag Island - famous for Pag cheese production or if you’re an outdoors and adventure couple, Paklenica National Park has some of the best hiking trails in Croatia. Or swim in the stunning bays of the Kornati archipelago on a boat day trip to Kornati National Park islands.
Nearest Airport: Zadar Airport
Hotel recommendation: Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik - beachfront, stunning outdoor pool, solarium and spa facilities, watersports and gym facilities
For somewhere closer to Zadar city centre, Bastion Heritage Hotel
Top activity: Kornati National Park full day sailing trip
Hvar
View of Hvar town from the Spanish Fortress
Hvar is famously known as the party island in Croatia, making it one of the most popular and best place to stay in Croatia for young couples. However there are also plenty of things to do on Hvar if you don’t want to party (I spent 3 days there without partying and loved it).
Explore Hvar Old Town, but also don’t miss the charming towns of Stari Grad and Jelsa. Hike up to the Spanish Fortress and the Napoleon Fortress for a challenging steep walk with incredible views. Explore the island's lesser visited beaches around Milna, Zarace and Jagodna. Go on a sailing trip around Hvar island or visit the Pakleni Islands by water taxi. If you visit in June or July, see the Hvar Lavender fields or go into hills above Hvar Town for a farm to table experience or a wine tasting experience.
If you’re considering the best islands in Croatia for a couples holiday, definitely consider Hvar!
Nearest Airport: Split Airport
Hotel recommendation: Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort
If you’d prefer to stay outside of Hvar town, check out Maslina Resort in Stari Grad, perfect for a more relaxed pace, the restaurant here was recently added to the Michelin Guide and the luxury boho style is stunning - definitely one of the best hotels for couples in Croatia!
Top activity: Take a water taxi from Hvar to the Pakleni Islands or a boat trip to the Blue Cave and Green Cave
Amfora Grand Beach Resort Hotel, Hvar
Omis
Kayaking on the Cetina River
Omis
Omis is the perfect place to stay in Croatia for couples who love outdoor activities, adventure and adrenaline sports. Thanks to its location close to the Cetina River Gorge, you’ll find plenty of activities such as white water rafting, river kayaking, zip lining, canyoning and more. Omis is THE adventure destination of Croatia.
Spending a day out on the river rapids white water rafting, or if you’d prefer a slower pace, a canoe safari or kayaking tour down the river for an afternoon is a great way to see more of the inland scenery in Croatia.
If you don’t have a fear of heights, ziplining across Cetina River Gorge or canyoning through rocky gorges and down waterfalls and rapids is a great way to spend your time in Omis.
Omis itself has a small and charming old town with plenty of amenities and there are several beaches along the surrounding coastline - plenty of time for some R&R too!
Nearest Airport: Split Airport
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Saint Hildegard - stunning beachfront access, an incredible infinite pool, super modern rooms and decor and on the coast just a short drive from Omis.
For something a little closer to Omis but still with beach access, modern facilities and a beautiful hotel, check out Hotel Plaza Duce
Top activity: white water rafting and cliff jumping
Zagreb
St Mark’s Cathedral, Zagreb at Christmas
Croatia’s inland towns often get overlooked in favour of the allure of the coast, but Croatia’s capital city of Zagreb has so much to offer and is the perfect destination in Croatia for couples to enjoy a city break.
Being Croatia’s largest city, it’s no surprise that Zagreb has the best to offer in terms of an incredible range of restaurants and bars, amazing attractions and history to explore, access to a range of events happening throughout the year and more.
Explore the old town centre and the colourful streets, take the funicular up to Strossmayer Promenade and enjoy the views across the city. See the colourful rooftop of St Mark’s Church and visit the fascinating Museum of Broken Relationships. Enjoy dinner at Kai Street Food and evening drinks with a view at OUT Rooftop bar.
A day trip to the spectacular Plitvice National Park is a must do while you’re in Zagreb. If you visit in winter, don’t miss the Zagreb Christmas Market and you could even see Plitvice Lakes in the snow!
Nearest Airport: Zagreb Airport
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Dubrovnik or Hotel Jagerhorn
Top activity: Day trip to Plitvice National Park
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Probably the most famous city in Croatia although you might be surprised to know it’s one of the smallest too! Thanks to the popularity of Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik has really been put on the map. But thanks to its small size, it’s a great place to explore on a romantic trip to Croatia for couples.
Walk the city walls and enjoy views across the terracotta rooftop, see sunset from the top of Mount Srd after you take the cable car up to the top. Take the water taxi to Lokrum Island for the day and enjoy the walking trails there before floating in the Dead Sea lake. Spent time exploring the famous old town, aka King’s Landing, see the Lovrijenac Fortress and take a dip in one of the small bays and beaches around the city.
A day trip to Kotor, Montenegro or to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina are also possible if you’re looking for Dubrovnik activities for couples and you fancy adventuring further afield! Or take a boat trip out to the Elafiti Islands for a day of exploring, snorkelling and swimming in the turquoise blue bays.
Enjoy sunset drinks at Buza Bar and fresh seafood at Barba. Or head to Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant for a romantic dinner for two in Dubrovnik.
There’s so much to do in Dubrovnik, it’s without a doubt the best area to stay in Croatia for couples who want to have a mix of relaxing and exploring.
Nearest Airport: Dubrovnik Airport
Hotel recommendation: There are countless options for places to stay in Dubrovnik but due to its small size, most hotels are a bit further out - check out my Dubrovnik accommodation guide to help you decide on the best hotels in Dubrovnik for couples.
If you’d prefer to stay close to the Old Town, check out Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik.
Top activity: A day trip to Mljet National Park and islands tour.
Cavtat
Cavtat waterfront
Perhaps a better option for the best place to stay in Croatia for older couples or those who prefer more peace and quiet. Cavtat sits across the bay from Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik can easily be reached by water taxi, bus or car.
However Cavtat itself is a charming small coastal town with a beautiful old town, picturesque promenade, walking trails on the peninsula, sea views and beaches, and a slower pace to live with fewer crowds than Dubrovnik!
Nearest Airport: Dubrovnik Airport
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Croatia.
Top activity: Boat cruise to Kotor Bay, Montenegro
Korcula
Korcula Old Town
The island of Korcula is the second most populated on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast after Krk Island. But with still only 15,000 inhabitants, you can guarantee a slower and more relaxed pace of island life that’s perfect for your couples trip to Croatia.
Korcula town on the island is a charming fortified town with a beautiful old town to explore which many people call “Little Dubrovnik” thanks to its similarities.
Korcula offers a great mix of charming towns, outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, swimming or biking and also a chance to enjoy a wine tasting tour to try the famous Korcula white wine - one of the first to be protected by Croatian law.
See St Mark’s Cathedral, explore the famous pine forests of the island, visit the oldest stone settlement of Lumbarda, go olive oil tasting at one of the olive groves on the island, take boat trips to the stunning Proizd island or explore the island's beaches.
Nearest Airport: Dubrovnik Airport or Split airport - there are ferries from both to Korcula
Hotel recommendation: For staying close to Korcula town centre - Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel
Alternatively, Aminess Port 9 Resort for beachfront access and wellness facilities.
Top activity: Water taxi from Vela Luka to Proizd Island or a romantic sunset kayak tour with wine and canapes.
Summary: best place for couples in Croatia
If you’ve been trying to decide where is best in Croatia for couples, hopefully this guide to Croatia for couples will give you plenty of inspiration for your trip.
The top destinations for couples in Croatia all offer something different, whether you’re a couple that prefers adrenaline activities and adventure, or if you’d prefer a slower beach trip with a great pool and space facilities. Even a city break to Zagreb is a great option that many overlook.
Hopefully this guide has helped you decide the best place to stay in Croatia for your couples trip.
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