When you’re travelling abroad and want to keep your costs in check, many travellers opt for hostel accommodation. Some travellers even prefer hostels for their social aspects, wanting to meet like-minded individuals or make friends…or at least a companion to share a meal or a few drinks with. However, hostels in Croatia aren’t as prevalent as in some other countries – no doubt in part because of the supply of cheaper private accommodation (rooms or apartments) that have existed in the country for decades. But more and more hostels are opening all the time, and these days there’s certainly a decent selection available.
Whether you’re a backpacker, an older traveller or even travelling together as a family, don’t discount hostels in Croatia! Sure, some are relatively basic affairs – offering bunkbeds and mixed dorms – but these days some can even be rather boutique offerings. And many offer private rooms with private bathrooms, so you don’t have to share your accommodation if you don’t want to!
You will also generally find that most hostels in Croatia exist in the larger cities and towns, and popular holiday destinations such as Hvar Town.
Hostels in Croatia – Highlights
Hostels in Zagreb
The Whole Wide World Hostel is located on Kaciceva ulica just off the main road Ilica, and a short walk from the main square, Trg ban Jelacic. You can’t get a better location! This is a true ultra-social backpackers type place, with friendly staff and guests and lots of fun and games – including drinking games and free pancake Tuesdays. If that’s not enough, the hostel organises the Unlimited Pub Crawl five nights a week. Private twin and double rooms are available, as well as dorm rooms sleeping 4 to 10 people, plus a six-person female-only dorm.
Hostels in Istria
If you want to experience a truly unique hostel, the Hostel Art & Joy in Pula is the place for you! The eclectic interior is like nothing you’ve ever seen before, but it’s the outdoor terraces that are the big draw – literally a joy during the warm summer nights! This hostel is a little walk away from the main sights of Pula – the area in and around the Arena – but seeing at the town is so walkable, that’s no problem. Accommodation is offered in triple/quadruple rooms or mixed dorms.
Hostels in Zadar
The Boutique Hostel Forum in Zadar is one of Visit Croatia’s favourites! You really can’t be better located as this hostel occupies a prime location right on the main thoroughfare in the Old Town, Siroka ulica. I mean, just look at the view from the hostel – you can even see the Adriatic! You are also mere steps away from some of Zadar’s main sights such as The Forum.
You can opt for a private room for two, or go for one of the dorm rooms – but seeing as these only sleep 4, you’re not sharing with many others! Each bunk bed actually feels like a private little pod that you can retire to after a hard day’s walking and exploring. Their breakfast offering is also delightful – served in a bag delivered to your room in the morning. Head out to enjoy it in the sunshine by the sea!
The Downtown Boutique Hostel is a chic offering that also has an excellent location in Zadar Old Town. As well as offering private double rooms – both standard and superior – there are shared dorm rooms that sleep 4-8 people, as well as a six-person female-only dorm. Their inventive bunk beds are a delight, and offer a little bit of privacy for all guests. The hostel also has an onsite restaurant, bar, shared lounge and garden.
Hostels in Split
The comfortable Hostel Dvor is located in a prime position in Dalmatia’s largest city, Split, within easy walking distance of the Diocletian’s Palace area. Housed in a quaint stone building, the hostel offers calming and meticulously clean rooms from private doubles to larger dorms. Breakfast is included in your stay.
Hostels in Central Dalmatia
We highlighted the Hostel Dalmatia before (see Hostel Dalmatia – where the mountains kiss the sea) and would you believe this is one of the top-rated hostels in the whole of Croatia?! Located in Marusici on the Omis Riviera, just 30 minutes south of Split – that means it’s an easy location both for exploring Split itself and for the active delights of Omis and the Cetina River region. But located in a quieter little village, you can benefit from some tranquillity! Not least by being just a few minutes’ walk away from beaches. The friendly hostel is sure to present you with a chance to make some like-minded fellow traveller friends, but the hosts themselves can also offer plenty of suggestions for things to see and do. Private rooms and dorm rooms are available.
Hostels on the Croatian islands
Despite its “chi-chi” reputation, Hvar does indeed have some hostel accommodation! One of the highest-rated is the White Rabbit Hostel, which has a top location in the centre of Hvar Town. Accommodation is offered in dorms of different sizes, and you might be lucky to get a room with a balcony! There’s a shared kitchen and lounge, and the hostel includes breakfast in its prices during high season.
If you’re looking to up your social game whilst in Hvar, the Hostel Villa Skansi is a must. How can you say no to free pizza and pub crawls every night?! The stylish and trendy private or dorm room accommodation is a big plus, as is the outdoor terrace with sea views.
If you’re attending any of the festivals on Zrce Beach, you might certainly be after some hostel accommodation in nearby Novalja. And the Hostel & Rooms Vagabundo will excite you because guess what – it has a pool! The double and triple rooms offered here are perhaps more on the basic end, but large and clean…and you’ll probably be spending most of your time outdoors anyway! The hostel is very well located for several beaches and local amenities and is about a 20-minute walk away from Zrce Beach.
Hostels in Dubrovnik
Any kind of accommodation in Dubrovnik’s Old Town is understandably limited, so if you find a hostel here, grab it with both hands! Being located in the Old Town also means that The Old Town Hostel (the clue’s in the name!) offers much of the charm of any of the other old traditional stone buildings that are situated in this part of Dubrovnik. There are private twin rooms and beds in dorms, and you can also enjoy the shared kitchen and lounge. You are mere steps away from Stradun and the restaurant located opposite the hostel – the Lucin Kantun – is highly recommended if you want to treat yourself to a special meal!
The modern Hostel Petra Marina is located near the port and bus station in Dubrovnik, meaning you’re well-sited if you’re planning on making day trips by bus or ferry. Or perhaps you just want a short walk to your accommodation when you arrive in Dubrovnik! Accommodation is offered in small dorm rooms – with only 4 or 6 beds (some rooms are female-only) but all rooms have sea views. How delightful! Your hostel hosts can also help you organise activities in Dubrovnik and the wider area. There’s a shared kitchen and a lovely outdoor terrace also overlooking the sea.
Hostels near the Plitvice Lakes
Given the abundance of private accommodation in the Plitvice Lakes region, hostels are few and far between here. However, one top choice is the Falling Lakes Hostel. Although actually located in Korenica, around 17 kilometres away from the National Park, there is a direct shuttle to it. The hostel is also in a prime location for outdoor activities to help you explore the lovely nature nearby, including hikes and cycle trips. A social hostel, you will certainly be able to mingle with your fellow guests and certainly so during the hostel’s evening entertainment such as quiz nights! Double rooms and beds in dorms are available here.
Hostels in Osijek
The Hostel OS is an excellent budget find for exploring the city of Osijek in eastern Croatia, mere steps from the Cathedral, the River Drava, museums and other sights. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes on your doorstep. Relax in one of the funky bunk beds in the dorms that offer plenty of privacy – although the private double room is a steal!