Honeymoon in Croatia

Congratulations are clearly in order for the happy couple! You’re here because you’re likely planning for your impending nuptials and are now considering planning your wonderful honeymoon! (Or perhaps you’re married already and are now coming to plan your honeymoon.) There are obviously very many suitable destinations around the world for an unforgettable honeymoon, and we would definitely say that Croatia is one such destination. Here, we help you plan your honeymoon in Croatia.

Honeymoon in Croatia

Honeymoon in Croatia Destinations

Here are some of what we think are the best destinations for a romantic honeymoon in Croatia.

Dubrovnik

A true gem in Croatia, we’d say that Dubrovnik is probably one of the top choices for couples considering a honeymoon in Croatia. And that’s no surprise given the absolute delights you’ll find here, largely centred in and around the amazing and unique Old Town. There are also a number of fine dining restaurants here such as 360 Dubrovnik – perfect for some romantic evenings – as well as plenty of opportunities for experiences such as visiting the local islands (Lokrum, the Elafiti Islands, Mljet and Korcula would all be fine choices) or exploring the wineries on the Peljesac Peninsula. And the choice of accommodation here…? Amazing! Plenty of five-star, luxury choices, boutique hotels, hotels with pools, private apartments…anything your heart may desire. Our top choice would be the boutique and intimate Villa Orsula or the famed Hotel Excelsior with its excellent amenities and simply amazing views of the Old Town.

Photos of Dubrovnik
The Old Town harbour in Dubrovnik, one of its many romantic spots

Istria – Rovinj

We certainly think Rovinj is one of the most romantic places in Croatia! It’s charming, colourful Italianate cobbled streets teem with sights, sweet little shops, cafes, bars and interesting restaurants. The town is also home to a number of very smart luxury hotels such as the five-star Hotel Lone or Hotel Monte Mulini, both set by lush forest and with private beaches.

Spend your days lounging poolside at your hotel or venturing out to some of the secluded beaches by day, with some time for exploring the town too. Consider day trips (ask locally, or at your accommodation) to explore Istria’s pretty countryside; visit the amazing Roman sights in Pula or on tasting tours of local wineries.

Rovinj

The Islands

You must have heard about Croatia’s amazing islands – the stunning Croatian coastline features over 1,000 of them. (Okay, some of these are actually mere islets – but it still adds to the magic of the Adriatic!) Which island should you pick for your honeymoon in Croatia? Well, the most famous are Hvar and Brac, but we’d consider something a bit more peaceful than either of these for a laid-back Croatian honeymoon. How about the lovely Vis, the island that’s furthest away from the mainland and which would offer a tranquil and relaxing experience that’s perfect for the start of your married life together. Or Mljet, part of which is one of Croatia’s eight national parks? Spend your days enjoying the seclusion of the island, exploring some of the more off-the-beaten-track locations and hidden beaches, whilst also revelling in the national park, its lush forest and its inland lakes.

Photos of Vis - Komiza view from the hill
Komiza on the island of Vis

Luxury Hotels on the Islands – Perfect for a honeymoon in Croatia

For luxury stays on some of the other islands, consider the amazing Heritage Hotel Martinis Marchi on the island of Solta. Set in a 300-year-old former castle, the hotel has an amazing garden and pool and is set right on a secluded bay. The intimate Lesic Dimitri Palace is situated in a prime location right in the heart of Korcula Town with its own restaurant and spa centre.

If you make it over to chic Hvar (perhaps you do want a bit of buzz when in Croatia!), the newly renovated Palace Elizabeth is located in the perfect spot in Hvar Town, overlooking the main square and the harbour. Relax at the hotel’s excellent amenities, including a wellness centre, restaurant and cocktail bar. Or, if you’d rather avoid Hvar Town because of its popularity, the Maslina Resort near Stari Grad would be another amazing option – set in beautifully landscaped gardens with an outdoor pool (with some rooms even having a small private pool), every room has a sea view.

Maslina Resort Room
A room at the Maslina Resort

A wellness holiday on Losinj

The fragrant island of Losinj, one of the more northern Croatian islands, has long been associated as a destination for wellness and vitality. As well as taking in all the island has to offer in this respect, you could enjoy a spa-based break at the five-star Hotel Bellevue in Mali Losinj. There is a new spa clinic and two swimming pools, a private beach, as well as two restaurants serving Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine.

The best time of year for a honeymoon in Croatia

Summer weddings are understandably popular, and so it follows that summer honeymoons are too! However, everyone else is on holiday in the summer months…right?

Certainly, in the case of Croatia, July and August are peak season months for visitors so destinations, accommodation, sights and more tend to be booked up (perhaps even booked out entirely!) or busy during these two months. You’ll likely be planning your honeymoon for many months (years?) in advance so be able to book exactly where you want to go but…you’ll encounter many other holidaymakers too. Not exactly the most private of trips!

To encounter fewer fellow holidaymakers – although still make the most of everything Croatia has to offer, including glorious weather, we’d suggest visiting in June or September – slightly out of season.

Special Activities for a Honeymoon in Croatia

If you want to make your honeymoon extra, extra special, here are some activities and romantic places in Croatia for you to make your trip truly memorable.

Cable car up to Mount Srd/Dinner at sunset

If you’re in Dubrovnik, we’d always recommend taking the cable car up the the top of Mount Srd whether you’re on honeymoon here or not! A quick and modern way of getting up to this amazing viewpoint (there are gorgeous views over the Old Town, over the rest of Dubrovnik and out to the local islands), we would recommend timing your journey in the cable car just before that day’s sunset. Or travel up late in the daylight hours, and then dine at the Panorama Restaurant as the sun goes down.

Spa day

We’ve mentioned the Hotel Bellevue on Losinj above as an excellent choice for a spa and wellness-based honeymoon in Croatia. But many of Croatia’s hotels have spa facilities, and a day taking in as many treatments as you desire (whether for the both of you or just one!) would be ideal!

Private sailing trip

One of the best ways of exploring the Croatian islands is on a sailing holiday – and if you have the means to rent your own yacht for just the two of you for a week or more, go for it! If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to that, a private boat day trip for two is a more manageable option. Boat trips can be organised practically all along the coast – ask at a local agency where you are staying, or even at your hotel to see if they can help to organise a special trip out on the Adriatic for you. If you’re in the Zadar/North Dalmatia region, for the ultimate ‘love’ experience, why not visit heart-shaped island Galesnjak? This small, uninhabited island (pictured below) has little on it which means it is up to you to plan a romantic day out! Zadar-based Sailing Croatia offers private day trips to Galesnjak.

Honeymoon in Croatia - Galesnjak island
Galesnjak island

Old school luxury at the Esplanade Hotel

The Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb was opened in 1925 as a stop for passengers travelling on the Orient Express. The architecturally stunning hotel has long brought a bit of glamour and luxury to Zagreb, and has hosted numerous dignitaries and celebrities over the decades. With several smart accommodation options – right up to suites, should that take your fancy – the Hotel is also home to Zinfandel’s and Le Bistro, two of the best restaurants in the city. (And not forgetting Esplanade 1925 cocktail bar for some pre- and post-dinner drinks!)

Sunsets in Zadar

The sunsets in Zadar are often referred to as one of the most beautiful in the world – believe me, it really is worth viewing them! Most travellers to Zadar simply sit themselves down on the seaside promenade next to the Sea Organ (which provides a calming musical backdrop) to view the sun going down – you can do the same but you’ll be in with the masses! You may instead like to indulge in a private sunset sailing tour.

Sunset in Zadar
The gorgeous sunset in Zadar

Two-Country Honeymoon

If you’re travelling to Europe from far away, you may want to visit two or more countries during your honeymoon! Certainly, we’ve had plenty of reports from couples wanting to combine a honeymoon in Croatia with visiting Italy as well. This is easily done – you can travel between the two countries by ferry, by air or by bus. (Travelling by train is obviously very romantic and is technically possible, although not the best option.)

Consider combining a stay in Venice with Istria and travelling over by catamaran, or with Dubrovnik and flying between the two. Rome could be combined with somewhere in the Split or Dubrovnik regions, again by flying between the two places.

Wherever you decide to go, we hope you enjoy your honeymoon and the start of married life!