Croatia, in the modern times, is often synonymous to Game of Thrones and Dubrovnik. Tourists are flocking the Dubrovnik and as an advent, the city has also become a recent prey to mass tourism.
But let me remind you that there are places that are as pristine as the famous Croatian cities, for instance, neighbourhoods like Zaton Mali – only offering quiet, less crowd and an opportunity to savour slow travel.
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When I visited Dubrovnik, I chose to beat the crowd. Instead of staying in an hotel in Dubrovnik, I chose to stay in a gorgeous AirBnB apartment in Zaton Mali.
Overlooking the shining Dubrovnik Riviera, perched on top of a steep hill, the airbnb was all that I wanted – a perfect concoction of home away from home.
Zaton Mali is located 8km north of Dubrovnik and is well connected by a frequent bus service, which took about 20 minutes to reach. Every single day during the week, I travelled to Dubrovnik without much hassle.
Additionally, it is possible to travel to all Tripadvisor recommendations in Dubrovnik, all while staying in Zaton Mali. So, I wanted to highly recommend staying in Zaton Mali, and also I have listed down my top recommendations on what to see and do in Zaton Mali.
Top 5 things to do in Zaton Mali
1. Swim in the pristine Zaton Bay
Zaton Bay can be accessed easily from both Zaton Mali or Zaton Veliki (little and Big Zatons). This picturesque horse shoe bay is super relaxing for swimming in the sea. With plenty of little coves, it’s hard to resist not to swim in the warm waters. With the local people. And another advantage is that there is absolutely no crowd, even on a peak summer season.
2. Walk along the coast
Zaton Bay is a well protected and scenic bay stretching for 3 kms. As you snake through the bay from one side to another, it leaves you mesmerised with beautiful views of the shores on other side and shimmering waters.
3. Try Water Sports
Beat the crowd, and hire a speed boat or jetski, or kayak in the calm waters of Zaton Bay. The tranquil waters and the breathtaking view are definitely worth the visit. Zaton Mali is close to pristine islands including the famous Eliphati islands, and they are easily reachable from Zaton Mali by a boat.
4. Hike to Mociljska cave
The region is surrounded by thick pine forest, and calls for a good hike. For a more challenging hike, take up the uphill hike of 4.5kms to the village of Pobrezje and visit Mociljska Cave. This is the longest stalactites and stalagmites cave in the Dubrovnik region.
5. Visit the beaches
The gorgeous horse shoe bay boasts of good sandy and rocky beaches along the coast that are perfect for any kind of travellers. Zaton Veliki beach is beautiful pebbled beach with basic amenities and a few restaurants around. The beach is also a good option for families with kids, as the waters are shallow and perfect for paddling.
Why stay in Zaton Mali
Obvious reason to choose Zaton Mali over Dubrovnik is to escape the crowd, and enjoy the quiet slow pace lifestyle, all while being close to Dubrovnik.
Zaton Mali is not a completely developed or touristy neighbourhood, so a lot of livelihood relies on their local business. Staying in Zaton Mali, you will actually be supporting local tourism and growing the destination.
Lastly, one of the easiest ways to fix the over tourism that Dubrovnik is facing, is by discovering and visiting lesser known places. And Zaton Mali fits the bill perfectly. Plus it is a lot pocket friendly than the city hotels and stays.
Zaton Mali used to be choice of local holiday for Dubrovnic aristocratic families. Gorgeous summer manors along the coast is the testimony for that. Zaton Mali is a perfect blend of gorgeous coast and dalmatian culture and is a perfect destination for exploring the Dubrovnik-Nerevta region. Primary source of income is tourism, fishing and olive oil.
There are about 15 seaside restaurants, a couple of supermarkets. The region does not boast of any huge hotel chains as such. But there are many private apartments, villas and AirbnBs that provide excellent alternative to accommodations. There are also family run campsites surrounding the bay.
Grass covered terrain, pristine waters, surrounded by thick pine woods is always enticing for adventurers. Dotted with rocky coves, beaches and tiny villages, Zaton Mali is a refreshing alternative to escape the city crowd, and soak in the awesome bay and pine clad hills.
Best tours to explore Dubrovnik and around
- Dubrovnik: The Ultimate Game of Thrones Tour
- Half-Day Cave and Beach Tour with Lunch
- 3-Hour Sea Kayaking Tour with Snack
- Full Day Elaphite Islands Tour incl. Lunch
- Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik City Walls Tour by Kayak
- Dubrovnik: Buggy Safari
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Jared James
Croatia is wonderful… I visited some of the small villages on my last trip and get a chance to stay, It was a lovely experience.
countryhoppingcouple
It was indeed. Given a chance again, I would love to re-visit, and perhaps see other coastal towns there.
Sankhamala
It seems a wonderful place. The view at the baton bay is very nice. Thanks for giving a glimpse of Croatia..
Sherrie
Croatia looks beautiful. I hope I get to visit one day.
countryhoppingcouple
It is such a beautiful country, and yes, definitely add it to your bucket list 🙂
Ashley
Oh wow it looks beautiful. Hopefully i will have the chance to go one day.
Lynn
This is so picturesque! What an absolutely beautiful place. Seems like you were in the center of everything!
countryhoppingcouple
Yes, being so close to Dubrovnik, it was easy to commute to the centre everyday without much hassle. I relied completely on public transport!
Jazmin
This sounds so relaxing! Guess I need to add this as another place on my bucket list!
Surabhi
Looks like a fun place. Would love to visit
Georgia!
Missed travelling so much! Such a beautiful country! added on bucket list😊
Marysa
These all sound like awesome things to check out. I have ancestors from Croatia, and would really love to visit some day.
countryhoppingcouple
All the more reasons to get to know more about Croatia 🙂
Cyndi Buchanan
I have heard wonderful things about Croatia. Loved reading and seeing your beautiful pictures.
Vanessa
This place is beautiful, I might have to add it to my bucket list ! I’ve never even heard of Zaton Mali.
Vanessa recently posted…Postpartum Health is Better with Paternity Leave (Research Proven)
Sarah
This looks like a wonderful trip. I’m definitely going to remember it.
Michelle
This all sounds so wonderful. We were supposed to be in Croatia this summer but had to cancel due to the pandemic. I can’t wait to reschedule it. I will save your post for future reference!
Sandra
Croatia is so on my list! Can’t wait to visit:) Thank you so much for sharing this:)
Lekha C
Beautiful city! Love your pictures..
Mikaela
Croatia is beautiful! Maybe someday I could do these things. Thank you for sharing!
Under flowery sky
Wow wonderful photos, I love the places around Dubrovnik
and should explore it more.. Cave sounds amazing..
Shelley
Pinned & saving this blog for later because I’ve never even heard of the Zaton Mali & it look absolutely gorgeous! Hoping to travel to Croatia (as soon as it’s safe!) & I’ll be using your blog as a guide to the Zaton Mali.
Kelsey
What a great post! We were supposed to be in Croatia this summer, this post makes me want to go even more now. Thanks for sharing.
cass
Would love the chance to explore Croatia. Looks so stunning and interesting.
Jerry
Croatia is a beautiful country. You definitely had a great trip, would love exploring this country some day
Jerry recently posted…Can Crabs Swim And Drown?
Ann
This is an incredible article. thank you so much