Our guide to self-catering in Croatia

For travellers seeking a mix of independence and comfort, our self-catering villas provide an ideal way to explore Croatia. Imagine waking up in a magnificent villa with panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, where you have the freedom to create your own meals using fresh, local ingredients sourced from nearby markets. Our blog will guide you through the benefits of choosing self-catering options in Croatia, highlighting the best villas and local tips to enhance your stay. 

Supermarkets

Split

Among the top choices, Konzum stands out for its widespread presence and diverse selection of products, ranging from fresh produce to local specialities. For those seeking organic and health-focused options, Bio&Bio provides an impressive range of natural and eco-friendly products. Lidl, known for its affordability and quality, is another popular option, offering a variety of international and Croatian goods. Lastly, Tommy, a well-established Croatian chain, is favoured for its comprehensive selection and convenient locations throughout the city.

Hvar

Plodine is a popular supermarket chain that offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and local specialties. Its welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff make it a favourite among shoppers. Just like Split, Lidl is also on hand in Hvar; with its affordable prices and diverse selection of groceries. For those looking for specialty products, Studenac provides a good mix of local and international items, along with a selection of household essentials. 

Brac

Pemo, a local favourite, is appreciated for its friendly staff and a good selection of both local and imported goods, making it a convenient stop for everyday essentials and speciality items. Diona is well-regarded for its cleanliness and organisation, offering a variety of groceries, including fresh produce, dairy, and meat products, which contributes to a pleasant shopping experience. Lastly, Mlinar, primarily known for its bakery, also provides a selection of grocery items, making it a perfect spot to pick up fresh bread and pastries along with basic supplies.

Dubrovnik

Metro caters to those looking for bulk purchases and a diverse range of products, ideal for larger families or groups. Additionally, Superkonzum provides a great mix of essentials and unique Croatian specialities, perfect for those wanting to explore local flavours. Again, Lidl is available, providing a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Food markets

Split

The Green Market (Pazar), is located just east of the Diocletian's Palace. It's a bustling hub where locals and tourists alike can explore a myriad of stalls selling fresh produce, local cheeses, olives, and homemade goods. The lively atmosphere and colourful displays make it a feast for the senses. For those interested in a more intimate shopping experience, the Fish Market (Peškarija) near Marmont Street is a must-visit. Here, early risers can witness the daily catch being brought in and choose from an assortment of fresh seafood.

Hvar

The Hvar Town Market, nestled in the heart of this picturesque island, is a must-visit. Here, you'll find an array of fresh produce, including the island's famous lavender products, local olive oils, and homemade honey. The market's lively atmosphere is enhanced by the friendly vendors, eager to share stories about their goods. For a taste of local life, venture to the Stari Grad Market, where you can explore stalls brimming with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and artisanal cheeses.

Brac

Among the most notable markets in Brac is the Supetar Green Market, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere while browsing stalls brimming with fresh produce, aromatic herbs, and handmade crafts. For those seeking a unique experience, the Pučišća Market is a must-visit, renowned for its exquisite local olive oils and traditional Dalmatian delicacies. Additionally, the Bol Fish Market is perfect for seafood enthusiasts, offering the freshest catch of the day, caught by local fishermen.

Dubrovnik

One of the must-visit markets is the Gruž Market, the largest one in Dubrovnik, where locals gather to buy fresh produce, seafood, and other delicacies straight from the Adriatic Sea. The market is a sensory delight, with the aroma of fresh herbs and spices filling the air and colourful stalls brimming with seasonal fruits and vegetables. For a more intimate experience, head to the Old Town Market, nestled within the historic city walls. Here, you can find an array of local products, including artisan cheeses, homemade olive oils, and traditional Croatian sweets.

Typical breakfasts in Croatia

In Croatia, breakfast is traditionally a simple and hearty meal, often showcasing the country's rich culinary heritage. A typical Croatian breakfast may include pašteta, a savoury liver pâté spread on fresh, crusty bread, accompanied by slices of cheese and cold cuts such as ham or salami. Dairy lovers might enjoy a bowl of kiselo mlijeko - a type of sour milk similar to yogurt; served with a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of honey. Pastry enthusiasts can savour burek, a flaky, savoury pastry filled with meat or cheese, often enjoyed hot from a local bakery. To wash it all down, a cup of strong Croatian coffee, known for its rich flavour and aroma.

Typical lunches in Croatia

A typical Croatian lunch often includes a warm, hearty dish that echoes the Mediterranean and Slavic influences prevalent in its cuisine. One popular choice is pašticada, a slow-cooked beef roast marinated in wine and spices, typically served with homemade gnocchi. Another common dish is ćevapi, small grilled sausages made from a mix of meats, often accompanied by fresh flatbread and a side of ajvar, a flavourful red pepper relish. Fresh seafood also plays a significant role in coastal regions, where dishes like grilled fish and blitva (Swiss chard with potatoes) are favoured. Lunch dishes in Croatia are often complemented by a simple salad of fresh seasonal vegetables and a glass of local wine, creating a meal that is both satisfying and deeply rooted in Croatian tradition.

Typical dinners in Croatia

A typical Croatian dinner often includes a hearty main dish, such as moussaka, a layered dish made with minced meat, eggplant, and béchamel sauce, usually served with a side salad. Coastal regions boast seafood specialities like grilled fish or crni rižot, a black risotto made with cuttlefish ink. Accompanying these main courses are fresh salads, often featuring ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar. Bread, an essential component of Croatian meals, is always present to soak up the delicious sauces. To finish, desserts like rožata, a caramel custard, or fritule, small fried doughnuts, provide a sweet conclusion.

Your starter shopping list

• Pašteta (liver pâté)
• Cheese
• Cold cuts (ham, salami)
• Kiselo mlijeko (sour milk similar to yogurt)
• Sugar and honey
• Burek (savory pastry filled with meat or cheese)
• Croatian coffee
• Beef for your Pašticada 
• Homemade gnocchi
• Ćevapi (grilled sausages)
• Fresh flatbread
• Ajvar (red pepper relish)
• Grilled fish
• Chard and potatoes
• Fresh seasonal vegetables
• Local wine
• Moussaka (layered dish with minced meat, eggplant, béchamel sauce)
• Side salad
• Fresh fish
• Risotto and cuttlefish ink
• Fresh salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, and vinegar
• Fresh bread
• Rožata
• Fritule (small fried doughnuts)

Our favourite self catering villas in Croatia

Villa Sunset is just a stone's throw away from Old Town Hvar and is a sleek and stylish property with a Jacuzzi, fitness area and outdoor kitchen. In addition to the outdoor kitchen, there is an incredibly charming al fresco area with views of the local church bell tower. 

Stylish, modern and effortlessly elegant, Villa Infinity is a magnificent property near Dubrovnik, beautifully designed with an infinity pool, direct beach access and extraordinary sea views. With an outdoor, sheltered al fresco area and a barbecue and sink, guests can enjoy home cooked meals with far reaching views.

With a wonderful water’s-edge setting on the island of Brac, Tourmaline offers excellent levels of comfort, service and facilities. Tourmaline offers an outdoor kitchen and barbecue for glorious lunches and dinners, whilst a quaint table and chairs can be found on a terrace overlooking the harbour, perfect for breakfast. 

Our Villa Specialists are happy to book a range of experiences for you. If you're feeling inspired by these experiences and would like to speak with one of our Specialists, make an enquiry or browse our Croatia collection today.