Architectural Digest has highlighted the most attractive Airbnb stays in Croatia, from a luxury villa with a private beach to a penthouse within Diocletian's Palace, with prices ranging from $173 to $3,462 per night.
The esteemed magazine Architectural Digest has published a list of the seven best Airbnb stays in Croatia, highlighting a diverse range of offerings from luxury villas in Istria to hidden apartments in the old towns of Split and Zadar. Croatia is described as "undiscovered Italy or Greece," with its turquoise sea, Roman ruins, and islands like Hvar, Vis, and Brač providing an ideal backdrop for exploration.
The most expensive stay on the list is a luxury villa in the Istrian hinterland, an area shaped by rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The interior blends raw concrete ceilings, 150-year-old furniture imported from India, and low Minotti sofas. Guests have access to a private chef, daily housekeeping, and a heated infinity pool surrounded by olive trees. The host can arrange truffle hunting or wine tasting, and breakfast with local eggs and fresh juices is included in the price. Poreč and Rovinj are about a 30-minute drive away, and a night starts at $1,447.
Villa Palma is set on over 11 hectares of land with a private stretch of beach, reached by descending through orange and olive trees. The 14-meter-long infinity pool is positioned so that the water appears to spill directly into the sea. Local fishermen haul in tuna and amberjack from the bay in front of the villa in May and June. Host Sanja can arrange a private chef, charter a boat for a full-day excursion, or book a table in Cavtat upon simple request. A night starts at $3,462.
The standout stone villa Zadar Legacy House offers four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and vaulted ceilings that enhance the sense of space. Instead of traditional windows, light enters through large sliding glass doors that connect the interior and exterior. The property includes a pool, jacuzzi, outdoor living room, and a basketball court. The beach is a five-minute walk away, and the local town is a 20-minute drive. The minimum stay is three nights, with prices starting at $1,197 for three nights.
In the very heart of Split, behind the stone arches of Diocletian's Palace, lies Palace Loft, a 48-square-meter space. It is reached by a steep two-story climb, and the space sits beneath centuries-old wooden beams with antique furniture. Mornings begin with coffee on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, and nearby is the local café-bar Parasol, which blends coffee and wine. Host Ela manages this property in Split, while her sister Katarina runs another property on Hvar. A night starts at $198.
On the island of Čiovo, in the settlement of Okrug Gornji near Trogir, there is a minimalist one-bedroom apartment on the top floor of a small building. The private rooftop terrace is larger than the apartment itself and offers views of the sea, Brač, and Hvar, perfect for an evening glass of gemšt. The space is deliberately quiet, whitewashed, and simple, suitable for solo travelers and couples. A car is necessary for getting around, and the sea is a short walk away. A night starts at $276.
In Zadar's old town, near the Church of St. Donatus and the Roman Forum, there is an apartment with a light beige interior that feels more like a Greek island than typical Dalmatian stone. The Sea Organ, an installation powered by waves, is a short walk away. The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and views of the city, with a night starting at $175.
The last on the list is a one-bedroom apartment on the third floor without an elevator, so guests are advised to pack light. Despite the climb, the location is priceless: the Golden Gate of Diocletian's Palace and the market are just a minute's walk away. Host Regina has worked in Split's tourism industry for 17 years and is happy to share recommendations on the best spots in the city. A night starts at $173.
