Our office is in the hills between Split and Omiš, and we have personally visited every villa we offer in all four areas. Here is the same comparison we share with guests:
The four places to stay in Croatia compared
Table No.1: Comparison of four main holiday destinations in Croatia
| Split | Trogir | Omiš | Makarska | |
| Best for | Culture, nightlife | Families, easy logistics | Beaches, adventure | Beaches, scenery |
| Beach type | Pebble, city beaches | Pebble coves | Sandy and pebble | Long pebble, dramatic |
| Airport transfer | 25-40 min | 10-20 min | 40-55 min | 80-95 min |
| Old town | Diocletian's Palace | UNESCO island town | Small pirate town | Seafront promenade |
| Nightlife | Strongest | Quiet | Moderate | Seasonal, lively |
| Day trip base | Excellent | Excellent | Very good | Good |
| Typical villa price per night | €290-1,100 | €260-900 | €280-960 | €250-900 |
| Car needed | Optional | Optional | Helpful | Helpful |
*The prices mentioned are based on the usual summer 2026 rates for our villas and the wider market. If you travel in the shoulder season, you will find much lower prices in every area.
Split: beaches within walking distance and nightlife
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city, making it a perfect base to explore. The old town sits inside a Roman palace, built by Roman emperor Diocletian. Within the old town, you will find everything - many bars and restaurants, souvenir stores mixed with a lot of history. Locals like to walk on the Riva promenade during summer nights. The city is lively all year round, especially in July and August.
Split is your perfect base if you want to walk to dinner, enjoy a city vibe after a day at the beach, or have people in your group who will love Bačvice and the Žnjan beach clubs at night. Villas in Podstrana, Stobreč, and the hills above the city offer private pools and accommodations for all budgets. Plus, they are just 15 to 25 minutes from the center. Split area is also the best base for exploring central Dalmatian islands like Hvar and Brac. Day trips from Split to Krka waterfalls, Trogir old town, and Omiš are all close by.
If you are looking for peace and empty beaches, Split may not be the best fit. It is a busy city, especially in summer, and quiet beachfront spots are expensiv e.
Take a look at our Split villa collection and check out our ultimate guide to renting villas in Split .
Kasjuni - one of the beaches in Split on Marjan
Trogir and Čiovo: old town and popular tourist destination
Trogir is the easiest place to reach on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Most villas are just 10 to 20 minutes from the airport, which is a big help if you are traveling with small children. The UNESCO-listed old town is small and charming, perfect for history lovers. It is connected by two bridges (accessible on foot) with Čiovo island, which has peaceful pebbly beaches and some of the cleanest swimming water in central Dalmatia.
Trogir is your choice if you are traveling with young kids, want the shortest transfer from the Split airport, or plan to go sailing. The water in Čiovo is shallow, clear, and calm. Life moves at a slower pace here than anywhere else on this list.
If you are looking for nightlife beyond a nice dinner by the water or want a lively beach scene, Trogir may not be for you. Evenings here are about strolling the waterfront, not dancing in clubs .
Check out our Trogir villa collection , and consider nearby Kaštela. Convenient, often at lower prices.
Trogir is conected with Čiovo by two bridges
Omiš: the active option
Omiš sits where the Cetina River canyon meets the sea, about 25 kilometers south of Split. Nowhere else in Dalmatia offers so much variety in such a small area. Sandy beaches at Duće, an old pirate town between cliffs, and the region’s adventure capital just behind, with rafting, zip lining, and canyoning in the canyon.
Choose Omiš if your group includes both beach lovers and adventure seekers, if you want sandy beaches for young kids, or if you are looking for great value near Split. The villages above the riviera - Naklice, Tugare, and the hills above Duće - offer some of the best value sea view villas, just ten minutes from the beach.
If you do not want to drive, Omiš might not be ideal. The best villas are in the hills, and renting a car makes your stay much better.
Begin by browsing our Omiš villa collection, and read our full Omiš guide for more details.
Omiš is popular among rock climbers
Makarska: beautiful beaches
The Makarska Riviera is the most photographed part of central Dalmatia. It stretches for 60 kilometers with pebble beaches backed by pine forests. The Biokovo mountain rises over 1,700 meters just behind. Towns like Brela, Baška Voda, Makarska, and Tučepi each have their own charm, and the Biokovo Skywalk above the coast is one of Croatia’s top viewpoints.
Makarska is your place to stay if the beach is your main reason for visiting. Nowhere else in the region matches its clear water, long beaches, and dramatic mountain backdrop. Makarska town has a lively summer nightlife, and the riviera is perfect for beach lovers, couples, and families with children.
If a long transfer is a concern, keep in mind that the drive from Split airport to Makarska takes about 80 to 95 minutes. Also, if you want to take lots of day trips, remember that you will need a car to get around, except to the beach. Makarska is a place to settle in and relax, not a base for exploring every day .
Take a look at our Makarska area villas and read our post on why Makarska is worth a visit. For a quieter option, consider the Imotski countryside. It is about 30 minutes inland from the Riviera. It offers large plots and the best prices in the region, which you can fin d in our Imotski villa collection .
Brela is a popular beach spot in Makarska Riviera
So, where to stay in Dalmatia?
For families with children, Trogir old town and Čiovo are great for calm, shallow water and a short transfer from the airport. The Duće is perfect for sandy beaches. Both options mean a short drive after your flight.
For groups of friends in their twenties and thirties, Split is the clear choice. You will find b each clubs, great places to eat, ferries to islands, and villas in Podstrana where you can relax after a night out.
For multi-generational groups, either the Split area or Omiš is best. Both have plenty of large villas with private pools. The mix of city, beach, and adventure means everyone will have a good time. Our biggest homes are in this area.
For couples looking for beautiful scenery, the coastal town of Makarska offers the most. Or choose a sea view villa in the hills above Omiš for the same Adriatic views with more privacy.
For active groups, Omiš is the place to be. You can go rafting before lunch, relax on the beach in the afternoon, and head to Split for dinner .
If you are looking for the best value, check out t he inland villages behind Omiš, Kaštela, and especially the Imotski countryside. Prices there start at about €150 a night in peak season.
Still torn? That is what our team is for. Tell us your group and your priorities, and we will tell you where we would put you and the best time to visit. Browse our villa collections for Split, Trogir, Omiš, and Makarska, or send us your dates, group size, and priorities. We have visited every villa ourselves and know which terrace suits which family.
