Croatia's Best Sustainable Hotels

Discover the Sustainable Side of Croatia

Croatia is a stunning country in Europe with a rich history and cultural heritage. Located on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia boasts a beautiful coastline, national parks, and charming towns. If you are a sustainably-oriented traveler, you will be delighted to know that Croatia is home to several sustainable hotels that make a positive impact on local communities, the environment, and diversity and inclusion. In this guide, we will explore the sustainable side of Croatia and discover some of the hotels that do good.

Hotels that Support Local Communities

One of the best ways to support local communities in Croatia is by staying at a hotel that reinvests profits or employs locals. By doing so, you contribute to the local economy and help create more job opportunities. Several sustainable hotels in Croatia are committed to this purpose category.

For example, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is a Croatian resort committed to people and the environment. This resort was built according to the highest ecological standards and sits on a 57,000 m2 plot which is home to many aromatic and blooming Mediterranean plants native to the area. Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is committed to sustainable practices such as onsite recycling, waste reduction, energy and water conservation, natural composting, and use of eco-friendly cleaning supplies. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals, giving guests an opportunity to explore the coast in an environmentally friendly way. Moreover, the hotel actively supports local communities by showcasing Croatian artists and offering scholarships for high school students.

Another hotel that contributes to the local community is Lyra Hotel Plitvice, located near Plitvice Lakes National Park. The hotel prides itself on being a catalyst for change, regenerating the economy and bringing together all ethnic communities. Lyra Hotel Plitvice sources its food locally, giving farmers and bakers from around the region the chance to offer their products to guests. The hotel also employs people from different communities, including from across the border in Bosnia. Moreover, the hotel actively supports local initiatives such as rebuilding damaged homes in the community and working with a local women’s foundation, Tara Cooperative.

Hotels that Support Sustainability & Environment

Croatia is home to several national parks and protected areas, which makes it a popular destination for eco-tourism. However, not all hotels in Croatia are committed to protecting the environment beyond greenwashing tactics. If you are a sustainably-oriented traveler, you should consider staying at a hotel that has implemented sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact.

Adriatic Collection's Hotel Bellevue in Dubrovnik is a hotel group that puts collaboration over competition when it comes to sustainability. The hotel team believes that guest participation plays a significant role in achieving their goal of preserving cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and indigenous species. As part of its commitment to environmental responsibility, the hotel has implemented several initiatives, such as efficient key card technology, LED lighting, and the use of certified natural and organic cosmetics. In addition, the hotel has switched to eco-friendly packaging and biodegradable alternatives to reduce waste. The hotel also emphasizes the well-being of its employees and support for the local community by providing information on local ecosystems, history, culture, and visitor etiquette to guests at all times.

Villa Dubrovnik is another sustainable hotel in Croatia that promotes local businesses and environmental consciousness. The hotel has partnered with Green Globe to become an environmentally conscious hotel, implementing waste, water, and energy management policies. The hotel also promotes female empowerment by having a higher ratio of women to men in executive positions than the EU average. Additionally, the hotel supports small local businesses by purchasing their products for use throughout the hotel, including Eva Maria Cosmetics at the hotel spa. Within the hotel, decorations are made by a nearby shop that uses dried local foliage such as lavender and immortelle, conserving water and revaluing waste as art. The hotel also follows the Tourist Board of Croatia's recommendations to offer authentically authorized Croatian souvenirs made by local artisans with an emphasis on traditional cultural aspects.

Hotel Slavija in Split is a small hotel that is under the protection of the Ministry of Culture and UNESCO, as it is located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. The hotel is committed to promoting the local economy and tourism opportunities by providing guests with local hiking and guide associations to get to know hidden spots both in the city and in nature. The hotel also provides a special discount to guests who are members of an association related to nature and its protection.

Hotels that Support Diversity & Inclusion

Croatia is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. However, not all hotels in Croatia are inclusive and welcoming to all guests. If you are a sustainably-oriented traveler who values diversity and inclusion, you should consider staying at a hotel that creates more diverse spaces with a focus on the LGBTQI+ and other disregarded communities.

At this time, we don't have specific hotel examples in Croatia to share in this category, but if you happen to find one we encourage you to let us know. By doing so, you contribute to creating a more inclusive and welcoming travel industry in Croatia.

Conclusion

Croatia is a beautiful country with much to offer for sustainably-oriented travelers. Whether you are interested in supporting local communities, protecting the environment, or promoting diversity and inclusion, there are several sustainable hotels in Croatia that align with your values. By staying at these hotels, you can make a positive impact on the local communities and the environment while enjoying a unique and authentic travel experience in Croatia.