Croatia has increased the amount of tourist facilities aimed at young people, almost doubling the number of youth hostels in the country.

There are now more than 40 budget hostels across the country, with another 30 expected to be added by 2012. Located in some of the most attractive tourist spots in Croatia such as Dubrovnik, Pula, Sibenik, Zadar, Rijeka, Veli Losinj and Zagreb, the hostels have a total capacity of around 900 beds and boast standards of quality and management totally in tune with those in other European countries.

All hostels are open all year round, with the exception of the hostel in Veli Losinj (the only accommodation of its type on the Croatian islands) which is open from early May to the end of October), notes the tourist board.

For more info on youth hostels in Croatia visit The Croatian Youth Hostel Association website www.hfhs.hr