As a sun holiday destination Croatia, and particularly Dubrovnik has become increasingly popular over the last few years. While its beaches are pebbly rather than sandy, its crystal clear waters, Mediterranean-style weather and great food are attracting more and more holiday-makers each season.

Click&Go’s Bettina Haltmayer recently visited Croatia checking out some hotels in Dubrovnik, Cavtat and Mlini. If you’re thinking of going on holidays to Croatia, see what she had to say here…

When to go to Croatia

The Croatian holiday season runs from April to October with direct Aer Lingus flights to Dubrovnik from Dublin 5 days a week.  As with most holiday destinations, the best value is to be had towards the beginning and end of the season. June, July and August tend to be more expensive and busier (those damned tourists getting in the way again). Note that Croatia joined the EU in July 2013 meaning an end to duty-free shopping. They have not yet adopted the euro and continue to use the kuna as their currency.

Lay of the land

Holidays to Croatia - Dudrovnik's old townHeading north along the coast from Dubrovnik Airport, the town of Cavtat (pronounced “Savtat”) is a 15-minute drive away. A further 10 minutes will find you in Mlini and another 10 minutes in Dubrovnik city. Cavtat and Mlini are both small, quiet towns, ideal if you’re looking for some rest and relaxation, but still want to be within striking distance of the bars, restaurants and nightlife on offer in a larger, vibrant city. Dubrovnik, Cavtat and Mlini all have a range of hotels perfectly located along the coastline.

The UNESCO-protected old town of Dubrovnik is where you’ll find all the bars restaurants while most of the hotels are located on the lush Lapad peninsula, just west of the city.

Can’t see the sea for the trees

Note that where “sea view” rooms are available they are well worth any additional expense as they generally offer stunning panoramic views over the Adriatic. Also note however that if your room is described as “seaside” you may not actually be able to see the sea. Many hotels on Dubrovnik’s Lapad peninsula are surrounded by lush foliage and their lower floors offer wonderful tree views, but not so great sea views!

Mlini and Cavtat

The Croatia Hotel in CavtatIn Mlini, you’ll find the 3* Astarea Hotel and the smaller 2* Hotel Mlini, both offering comfortable, good value accommodation.  In Cavtat, you’ll find the recently refurbished 3* Cavtat Hotel and the secluded 5* Croatia Hotel. While the Croatia Hotel is a great 5-star property complete with a luxurious wellness spa, I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with limited mobility as it is located on a small cliff and is a 15 minute, uphill walk from Cavtat town. On the plus side, the walk into town is mostly downhill.

A little luxury in Croatia

The Hotel More in DubrovnikIf you’re looking to spoil yourself (or someone else) you should definitely have a look at the Hotel More in Dubrovnik (that’s More as in “door” not More as it “door-ay”). Unlike a lot of other hotels in Croatia, this is a smaller, more intimate boutique hotel. It is a true five-star hotel, with a great coastline location, luxury spa and a unique cave bar. During their stay, guests are also given use of a mobile phone that they can use to call the hotel to be picked up from wherever they find themselves in the city. If you’re looking for some pampering, this is the place to go.

Self-catering apartments in Croatia

If you don’t want to blow your budget on your hotel but still want nice comfortable accommodation during your holiday in Croatia, you should check out the network of independently owned local apartments in Dubrovnik. These are ideal if you’re going to be out and about most of the day and are also great for groups travelling together. These apartments are of a high standard (generally including cooking and washing facilities, fresh towels, etc.) and enable guests to experience the less touristy side of the city.

Food in Croatia

While there’s a huge selection of restaurants in and around Dubrovnik (the pricier ones being in the city’s old town), two worth particular mention are Restaurant Leut in Cavtat and the Kapetanova Kuca Restaurant in the town of Ston. Established in 1971, Leut (according to its own website) is “considered to be the family restaurant with the longest gastronomic tradition on the Adriatic”. If you want a taste of real Dalmatian food, Leut is the place to go.

Ston is a small fortified town about 50km from Dubrovnik, renowned for its oysters. The Kapetanova Kuca Restaurant specialises in local delicacies and is heaven for seafood lovers (particularly those who like their oysters). If you don’t want to make the trip from Dubrovnik by yourself, there are daily excursions organised from many of the city’s hotels.

On the subject of food, it’s worth noting that many hotels in Croatia offer great rates on upgrades to half board that work out super value for money even if you don’t avail of all the meals available.

And if I get bored…?

The crystal clear waters off the coast of Croatia (Picture from the Love Croatia Facebook page)If you tire of the sunshine and swimming in crystal clear waters there are plenty of distractions and excursions available to keep you occupied. These include (in no particular order) sailing, walking tours of the old city, island-hopping cruises and day trips across the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina. For more ideas have a look at what the Lonely Planet guide suggests here.

Anything else to know about Croatia?

As an up and coming holiday destination, Croatians are very eager to please. The service I experienced was great and a lot of properties have been or are being upgraded.  As an alternative to the more traditional sun holiday destinations like Spain and the Canaries, Croatia is definitely worth checking out!

Find your Package Holiday to Croatia here.