5 of the Best Resorts in Croatia for a Holiday to Remember

In recent years, Croatia has been spoken about in the same terms as more venerable tourist spots like Greece and Malta. No longer a wild card destination, discerning travellers are rewarded with an infectious, welcoming culture and exceptional natural surroundings up there with the best. Resorts in Croatia, similarly, do not disappoint – and here are five of the best.

Opatija

Thought to be the oldest resort in Croatia, this esteemed institution is nestled in a crook of the Adriatic where the coast moves from slanting north to south – and the Hapsburg-era villas are testament to its heritage. Fitting for a city comfortable with the finer things, with La Perla and Dior on the high street, Opatija specialises in chocolate – both in desserts, and, intriguingly, in massages. If your taste buds’ interests are piqued, there’s even a festival in December.

Island of Lopud

The best resorts in Croatia all offer something unique – and if you prefer a laid-back feel and restorative peace and quiet, then the unspoiled island of Lopud is for you. Arrival by ferry from Dubrovnik into the old-world harbour, with its pines and church spires, is an evocative experience. It feels like regressing several decades to a simpler time, where you can unplug, de-stress and enjoy world-class seafood, wine and relaxation.

Slano

Also in the Dubrovnik area, Slano appeals to the active traveller, with plenty of hiking, cycling and sporting opportunities in this mountainous maritime town. There’s a lot for the history buff too, with Roman remains, early Christian sarcophagi and various ruins and remnants strewn among the olive forests and orchards. Ideal for striking out to the wider (and much busier) Dubrovnik Riviera, Slano is a great location for adults looking for a rural retreat to explore and fall in love with.

Brtonigla

Croatia has a long history of viticulture introduced by Roman settlers, and Istria as one of the best resorts in Croatia for wine-tasting. Istrian wine is rightly prized, and complemented by the high-class food indigenous to the area, with mushroom and truffle festivals, and local producers of olive oil and honey.

There’s also a chocolate and wine festival in February, and even more to choose from in the summer including July’s Folk and Wine Festival. When you’re done eating and drinking, you can clear your head on the hiking and biking trails of the Mirna Valley, or amid the underground cool of the Mrarmornica Caves.

Krka

If nature is your thing, you’ll love Krka National Park. It’s strewn with turquoise waterfalls and untrammelled forests bristling around the Krka River, as well as hiking trails and cycling paths. As with the all of the best resorts in Croatia, Krka doesn’t stop at the natural attractions: Roman ruins scatter the landscape, and there’s a medieval monastery on the island of Visovac. And if you’re still looking for more natural beauty, additional falls can be found at Roški Slap, accessible by boat (recommended) or road.

Next time you’re in Croatia, consider staying at one of these fantastic resorts.

John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing holidays in the best resorts in Croatia, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Sicily and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.