Turquoise sea, peaceful beaches, and unforgettable views – that’s Croatia, which attracts thousands of Czech tourists every year. In this guide I will share with you Croatia: 10 Best Places for Your Holiday. If you long for a seaside holiday without a travel agency, but don’t want to spend hours searching for the ideal accommodation, we’ve prepared a selection of the best that the Croatian coast has to offer.
From luxurious apartments to family resorts – in this article, you’ll find private seaside accommodation without a travel agency that will meet all your expectations.
TL;DR
Looking for the best accommodation in Croatia without a travel agency? Here’s a quick overview of our top 10 recommendations:
- Apartments Lucija Makarska – right on the beach with fantastic sea views
- Hotel Osejava – luxurious hotel with panoramic views in the center of Makarska
- Centinera Resort – peaceful resort just a short walk from the beach in Pula
- Maistra Select Amarin Resort – spacious apartments with an excellent location near Rovinj
- Apartments Aria – highly-rated apartment in Zadar with a terrace
- Apartment Seaside – cozy apartment in Šibenik with sea views
- Studio Apartmani Tucić – family apartments with private sea access
- Luxury Apartments Villa Stina – modern apartments with breathtaking views on the island of Krk
- Apartments Erica Lux – beachfront accommodation in Novigrad
- VDL Apartments – private apartments near the historic town of Poreč
Where to Go on Holiday in Croatia
Croatia offers an incredible diversity of locations – from lively resorts to quiet nooks where you’ll only meet locals. Among the most popular areas are:
- Istria – a green peninsula in the north (Pula, Rovinj, Novigrad, Poreč)
- Kvarner – an area including the island of Krk and other islands
- Dalmatia – the southern part of the coast with the most beautiful beaches (Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Makarska)
Each area has its charm. Istria offers a combination of historic towns and beautiful beaches, while Dalmatia is famous for its crystal-clear sea and white pebble beaches. In Kvarner, you’ll find stunning nature and a calmer atmosphere than in the busier resorts.
💡Read more HERE: Where to go on holiday in Croatia
Croatia: 10 Best Places for Your Holiday
Now let’s look at the specific accommodations we’ve carefully selected for you.
1) Apartments Lucija Makarska
Location: Makarska, Split-Dalmatia County
If you’re looking for accommodation with direct access to the sea, Apartments Lucija Makarska is the best choice. These apartments are located in the first row of houses by the sea, so you just need to take a few steps to swim in the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.
The apartments offer a terrace with breathtaking views and are fully equipped with everything you’ll need during your holiday. Nearby is Ratac beach, which is just a few steps from the accommodation.
Spacious and air-conditioned units feature a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom. After a day at the beach, you can relax on the terrace with sea views or head to the nearby historic center of Makarska.
Why choose this accommodation:
- Right by the sea with fantastic views
- Free private parking
- Quiet location, yet close to the center
- Fully equipped kitchen for preparing your own meals
- Air conditioning for hot summer days
2) Hotel Osejava
Location: Makarska, Split-Dalmatia County
Hotel Osejava is a brand new hotel with fantastic sea views, located right in the center of Makarska on the promenade, surrounded by three beautiful beaches.
After a full day of relaxing on the beach, you can enjoy your favorite drink on the balcony with sea views and watch the sunset behind the island of Brač. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway or a family stay.
Why choose this accommodation:
- Luxurious furnishings and design
- Fantastic breakfast included in the accommodation price
- Friendly and professional staff
- Wonderful views of the sea and harbor
- Excellent restaurant directly in the hotel
3) Centinera Resort
Location: Pula, Istria
Centinera Resort is located in the beautiful small village of Banjole, next to the beach and surrounded by an old pine forest. The resort offers accommodation in 4 buildings, all rooms are comfortable, air-conditioned, modernly furnished, and have sea views.
Czech guests who have stayed here particularly praise the cleanliness, quiet location, and excellent breakfasts. The resort offers a wide range of local Mediterranean specialties and drinks. The restaurant has a pleasant and calm atmosphere, and its terrace is located right by the sea.
For families with children, it’s an ideal place – the beach is very close, and there are many excursion options nearby, including the famous Roman amphitheater in Pula, which is only 7 km away.
Why choose this accommodation:
- Quiet location surrounded by nature
- Proximity to the beach (Centinera beach is only 1 meter from the resort)
- Great breakfasts
- Free parking directly on site
- Excellent accessibility to historical monuments
💡TIP: Kamenjak National Park
4) Maistra Select Amarin Resort
Location: Rovinj, Istria
Maistra Select Amarin Resort is located just a few minutes’ drive from the center of Rovinj and offers 2 outdoor pools and a beach. All rooms and apartments are air-conditioned, comfortably furnished, and have a balcony. Guests can enjoy a beautiful pebble, rocky, and paved beach.
The resort is absolutely ideal for families with children – it offers a children’s playground and a rich entertainment program. The complex includes 3 restaurants serving Mediterranean and international cuisine, and several smaller bars.
Why choose this accommodation:
- Ideal for families with children
- Two outdoor saltwater pools
- Rich activity program
- Very good breakfast and dinner ratings
- Beautiful views of Rovinj and the sea
5) Apartments Aria
Location: Zadar, Zadar County
Apartments Aria is located 500 meters from the nearest beach and offers free Wi-Fi and self-catering accommodation with a flat-screen TV. The popular pedestrian bridge leading to the historic center of Zadar is 1 km away. On-site parking is free.
In the center of Zadar, you can visit the famous Sea Organ installation, the Greeting to the Sun, and the historic St. Donatus Cathedral and Roman Forum. For history lovers, Zadar is a true paradise.
Why choose this accommodation:
- Absolutely exceptional guest ratings
- Very welcoming and helpful hosts
- Strategic location between the beach and the historic center
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Quiet location with good access to all attractions
6) Apartment Seaside
Location: Šibenik, Šibenik-Knin County
Apartment Seaside is located in Šibenik, near attractions such as Šibenik Town Hall, and offers a garden, barbecue facilities, and a balcony with garden and city views. Free Wi-Fi is available here, and private parking is also provided on site.
This modern and fully equipped apartment, rated 9.2, offers everything you need for a perfect holiday.
Banj Beach is 1.1 km from the accommodation, and in the vicinity, you’ll find many historical monuments, including St. Michael’s Fortress and St. James Cathedral.
Why choose this accommodation:
- Modern and fully equipped apartment
- Terrace with beautiful views
- Free parking
- Very friendly and helpful owners
- Proximity to historical monuments and beaches
7) Studio Apartmani Tucić
Location: Celina, Split-Dalmatia County
Studio Apartmani Tucić boasts sea views and provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine. Čelina Beach is just 40 meters away.
The apartment has a private terrace with sea views, a fully equipped kitchen, and families will appreciate the private access to the sea, including a private pier with sun loungers and umbrellas.
Why choose this accommodation:
- Right by the sea with private access
- Incredibly friendly hosts
- Wonderful views of the sea and Brač island
- Private sun loungers and umbrellas by the sea
- Quiet location away from tourist crowds
8) VDL Apartments
Location: Krk, Krk Island
Luxury Apartments Villa Stina offers a garden, terrace, and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free Wi-Fi. Private parking is available on site, and Better Mocca Beach is 800 meters away.
Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, oven, coffee machine, and other modern amenities. From the terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
Why choose this accommodation:
- Luxurious modern amenities
- Breathtaking sea views
- Quiet location suitable for relaxation
- Very friendly and welcoming owners
- Spacious and comfortable apartments
9) Luxury Apartments Villa Stina
Location: Novigrad, Istria
Apartments Erica Lux boasts a beachfront location and offers guests a private bar with a terrace and elegantly furnished rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The center of Novigrad is 1.5 km away.
All apartments have a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a living room with a flat-screen satellite TV, and a bathroom with a shower and a washing machine.
Why choose this accommodation:
- Beachfront location
- Bar with terrace and sea views
- Free parking
- Bicycle rental available
- Quiet location amidst a pine forest
10) Apartments Erica Lux
Location: Poreč, Istria
VDL Apartments offers modern and spacious accommodation near the historic center of Poreč. All apartments have a private terrace or balcony, air conditioning, and a fully equipped kitchenette, making them an ideal choice for families or larger groups.
The apartments are located in a quiet residential area, yet they are just a short walk from the beach and the main attractions of the city.
Why choose this accommodation:
- Spacious and modern apartments
- Quiet location near the center
- Good value for money
- Proximity to historical monuments and beaches
- Ideal for families with children
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Croatia?
The ideal time for a holiday in Croatia is from June to September, when temperatures are highest and the sea is warmest. Peak season is in July and August, when air temperatures are between 25-35°C and sea temperatures are around 25°C. If you prefer smaller crowds and lower prices, consider June or September, when the weather is still pleasant but there are fewer tourists.
Do I need a passport to travel to Croatia?
For citizens of the Czech Republic, a valid ID card is sufficient for travel to Croatia, as Croatia is a member of the European Union. However, if traveling with children, it is more appropriate to have a passport, as children do not have a photo on their ID card.
How much does private accommodation in Croatia cost?
Accommodation prices vary by location, amenities, and date. In high season (July-August), apartment prices for 2-4 people range from 70 to 200 EUR per night. Outside of high season, you can find the same accommodation for half the price. More luxurious apartments or villas by the sea can cost over 300 EUR per night.
Is it necessary to book accommodation in advance?
For the high season (July-August), it is definitely recommended to book accommodation several months in advance, especially if you are interested in quality apartments right by the sea. The best accommodations are often booked half a year in advance. Outside of high season, the situation is more favorable, and accommodation can be found at the last minute.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
