Discover Croatia And Its Hostels

What is HI Croatia?

HI Croatia is part of the Hostelling International network and you can benefit from the 10% discount at the hostels in Croatia with your HI membership card. The non-governmental and non-profit organisation was founded more than sixty years ago. It now has a lot of volunteers who help carry out projects and promote youth tourism as well as organise various seminars, training courses, and tourist and community work events. The name of the last major project was The Importance of Social Dialogue in Tourism Industry.

Where to find the best accommodation?

The organisation has twenty hostels all over Croatia and owns most of them, while some are owned by the organisation’s partners. HI Croatia has excellent and really cool hostels. Zagreb is home to the HI Hostel Zagreb, the city’s oldest and largest hostel. It has a great location in the city centre near public transport stations. It’s perfect for large groups. The other HI hostel in Zagreb, the HI Hostel AdriaticTrainHostel offers beds in railway carriages at the main train station. Some carriages even boast a balcony. When in Croatia, a hostel at the beach is a must. One such example is the HI Pula, located at the beach in a lovely bay. You can also sleep in a tent or a mobile home. The relaxation already begins on a huge terrace right next to the sea. In a remote location next to the sea is also where you’ll find the HI Hostel Zadar. It’s suitable for people with disabilities and school groups since it has two classrooms. An outdoor sports field will provide excellent opportunities for sports activities. And after you’re done with sports, there’ll be two bars and a large common area waiting for you. By the sea, in the fishing village of Kaštel Štafilić near Split, is the HI Sveti Križ where each room has its own television. There’s a tourist agency in the hostel that will organise interesting trips for you. On the island of Lošinj, in Veli Lošinj, there’s an 1889 Austro-Hungarian villa that is home to the HI Hostel Veli Lošinj. With its perfect location in the town centre, the hostel offers its guests bike rental and a large terrace for some relaxation.

What about discounts for groups?

HI Croatia offers discounts for large groups in some of its hostels. These, in turn, have been serving as homes for various organisations and school groups. There are large terraces, conference rooms, classrooms, fenced-in courtyard, restaurants and bars groups can use. There’s a special booking form available for large groups.

What is there to do in Croatia?

Croatia offers travellers a wide array of experiences. In northern Croatia lies the Istrian Peninsula, where dolphins often like to play in the coastal waters, especially at sunset. You can watch dolphins from a tourist boat that sails from Poreč. It’s definitely worth venturing inland in the peninsula and visit the walled villages sitting on top of green hills. Croatia’s largest island, Cres, is dominated by sheep and fig trees. You can see the most beautiful places with a tourist boat that will take you from the Istrian town of Rabac to the island’s main town and all the way to a blue cave underneath high cliffs. On board, you’ll also be served some delicious dinner. The Dalmatian region welcomes its guests with its charm and Mediterranean scents. You can go exploring national parks from Zadar. Sixteen beautiful Plitvice lakes, interlinked with crystal-clear rivers and enchanting waterfalls, are just waiting to be explored inland. For all those who love stand up paddling, a trip to the island of Molat and an SUP adventure day with a visit to the fishing villages is a must. The largest island group is the Kornati archipelago that draws in visitors from a distance. These islands are special because they’re almost barren, however, they full of thousands of secret coves and offers wonderful views from their hilltops. Visit them by sailing boat from Zadar and let the ocean currents carry you. Dalmatia’s largest city is Split or Diocletian’s city, where you can go sightseeing by bike. You can then sail from Split with a wooden tourist boat and visit the islands of Brač and Šolta. Great relaxation, swimming and charming fishing villages await you. The most famous town in Dalmatia, Dubrovnik served as a filming location for the Game of Thrones series and you can learn about all the places of the scenes in a guided tour. There are organised trips from Dubrovnik to the Pelješac Peninsula and the island of Korčula. It’s best to pick the one that includes wine and local treat tasting. Visit the Museum of Senses in Split where you can explore smells, create a storm and exercise your brain.

Which Lonely Planet books to choose?

There are plenty of various Lonely Planet guide books available for Croatia. Lonely Planet offers classic guide books for the entire country as well as guide books for various parts of Croatia. There are also special books that will help you learn Croatian.