Escape to the Adriatic

Pretty harbours, medieval streets, crystal-clear water – Croatia’s islands have it all. selects the best places to stay

there are plenty of outdoor spaces. There are 50 rooms and nine spa suites, most with sea views. Although the rooms are quite small, they have floor-to-ceiling windows admitting plenty of natural light and creating a feeling of spaciousness. High up on the roof, The Top bar serves cocktails and light snacks on a series of garden terraces with views across the harbour and out to sea. In a leafy hillside garden, overlooking the sea, Podstine lies on the coast one mile from Hvar Town. From the terraced garden, densely planted with palms, pines and fragrant shrubs, steps lead down to the beach area – in reality a concrete deck lined with sun beds, affording easy access into the sea. There are 54 rooms, all simple but comfortable, with tile floors, whitewashed walls, fabrics in blues or lilacs, and bathrooms with rain showers. In the restaurant, the à la carte menu focuses on seafood and there’s a decent wine list. In the garden, Cocktail Bar Amo and Smoothie Bar Amo are open-air summer venues. Set amid pines on the seafront promenade in Bol, a 10-minute walk from Zlatni Rat. Built during the Yugoslav era, this Seventies resort features airy communal spaces and excellent sports facilities. The hotel has an outdoor pool and whirlpool tub, and bikes for hire. There are 306 rooms and suites, with wooden floors, fabrics in emeralds and blues, and sliding glass doors opening on to balconies. Behind reception, the Ela Aperitif Bar does all-day drinks on a raised terrace. The hotel is in Stari Grad, Hvar’s oldest settlement and main ferry