Seeing and Doing
One of my personal favorite hotels and properties in Croatia are Lopud 1483, Maslina Resort.
Also, just a wild card option – Palmižana is one of the many small islands of the Paklinski archipelago, located just off the coast of the town of Hvar and has a wonderful quirky hotel with villas called the Palmizana Meneghello. There are ferries from Hvar all day. If you decide to stay on Hvar, you can rent boats or take a water taxi for a day trip to Pakleni Islands, which would be highly recommended.
But I’d suggest Airbnb options in Vrboska, Jelsa or Stari Grad rather than staying in Hvar town (most of the good beaches are out of town anyway). Pokonji dol, Zarace or Dubovica, Milna, are all nice beaches.
Have you thought about doing some of the islands from Hvar? I highly suggest jumping on a boat and enjoying the smaller islands and peaceful bays in the main summer months, whether it’s via your own boat or a local ferry from Split or Zadar closer to Istria. Islands that are not as well-known are Lopud closer to Hvar & Dubrovnik/ Split, but also Vis is really nice and further north towards Istria are Dugi Otok and Losinj — these are all hidden gems. Each island offers a unique experience of natural beauty, rich history, and local culture. If the sound of island hopping appeals to you, I’d stick to the Dalmation coast, there are less islands in Istria.
The Trsteno Arboretum, where you can find giant plane trees, is the oldest arboretum on the Dalmatian coast. And yes, you might indeed recognise the gardens from the King’s Landing garden scenes in Game of Thrones.
Eating and Drinking
On the Dalmation coast by the way, the oyster farms in the Peljesac peninsula in southern Dalmatia — learning about and picking up oysters directly from the sea, while following the fantastic tasting experiences.
Where to Stay
Rent the whole Villa San Spirito fit for a classical goddess on the island of Lopud.
Lopud is part of the Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik, a car-free island known for its truly local and still unspoiled atmosphere where you can experience real island life (somewhere special to stay). Dugi Otok is an ideal spot for nature lovers. It offers stunning cliffs, coves, Telašćica Nature Park and many beautiful beaches, making the island a paradise for those seeking tranquility.
Losinj, called the “Island of Vitality,” is known for its clean air, vibrant landscapes and aromatic pine forests. The island is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking rejuvenation in luxury hotels and top luxury villas.
Also underrated, Šibenik and the archipelago comprising Zlarin, Prvic and Krapanj islands (most of these locations are also still not so popular because they lack luxury hotels. They offer a different kind of beauty—more natural, peaceful, and authentic). Šibenik is often bypassed for the more famous Dalmatian cities like Split and Zadar, but this medieval town is rich with history and charm and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has a more local, authentic atmosphere, rich cultural life, music concerts and smaller festivals.