Croatia has been one of my favourite countries for many years. Having spent a large part of my travel career working with and promoting the country, I have been fortunate enough to explore its historic cities, islands, beaches and lesser-known corners on numerous occasions.
It is a destination I never tire of. Most visitors tend to think first of hotels, apartments or perhaps a sailing holiday when planning a trip to Croatia, but there is another option that is particularly appealing if you are travelling with family or a group of friends – renting your own private villa.
And when you have a coastline as beautiful as Croatia’s, a villa with a terrace, a swimming pool and a view across the Adriatic can be a pretty special place to call home for a week.
Why Choose a Private Villa in Croatia?
For me, the greatest attraction of a villa holiday is the freedom it provides.
There are no breakfast times to worry about, no need to find a collection of sunbeds around a hotel pool and no particular timetable to follow. You can start the morning with coffee overlooking the sea, spend the afternoon exploring and return for a barbecue and a bottle of Croatian wine as the sun goes down.
For families and groups of friends, a villa can also provide considerably more space than traditional hotel accommodation.
Many of Croatia’s better villas come with private swimming pools, large terraces, outdoor dining areas and wonderful views. At the luxury end of the market you will also find properties with heated pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, gyms and even private access to the sea.
The choice extends across much of the country, from Istria in the north to Dubrovnik in the south and out across islands including Brač, Hvar and Korčula.
Villa Holiday Tip: Before booking, think carefully about location. A spectacular villa in the hills may have incredible views, but you could need a hire car for beaches, restaurants and shopping. Check those distances before being seduced by the swimming pool!
Orašac – A Quieter Side of Dubrovnik
One area that caught my attention is Orašac, a small village on the coast northwest of Dubrovnik.
This is the sort of location I particularly like in Croatia. You are close enough to Dubrovnik to enjoy one of Europe’s great historic cities, but far enough away to escape some of the crowds and enjoy a rather slower pace of life.
The surrounding countryside is typically Mediterranean, with olive trees, vineyards and views towards the Elafiti Islands.
Nearby is Trsteno Arboretum, a fascinating historic garden overlooking the Adriatic. With its Renaissance garden, exotic plants and beautiful coastal setting, it makes an enjoyable excursion if you want a change from the beach.
There are also beaches and small bays to discover along this stretch of coast, while Dubrovnik itself is close enough for a day or evening exploring the Old Town.
🌿 Don’t Miss: Trsteno Arboretum is one of those places that can easily be overlooked when planning a Dubrovnik holiday. If you enjoy gardens, photography or simply somewhere peaceful with a sense of history, it is well worth including.
Villa Queen Frida, Orašac
One property that originally inspired me to look more closely at villa holidays in Croatia was Villa Queen Frida in Orašac.
Set amongst olive groves and vineyards, it is a modern villa designed to make the most of its position overlooking the Adriatic.
The villa currently accommodates up to ten guests across five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. The design combines traditional Croatian stone with large areas of glass, allowing those sea views to become a major feature of the property.
Inside there is a contemporary open-plan living and dining area and a fully equipped kitchen, but inevitably it is outside where I suspect I would spend most of my time.
There is a large terrace, heated infinity swimming pool, sunbathing areas and outdoor dining space. Add a barbecue, Jacuzzi and sauna and it becomes the sort of property where staying at the villa for the day is every bit as appealing as heading out sightseeing.
And that is perhaps one of the biggest differences between choosing a villa like this and booking a conventional hotel.
The accommodation becomes part of the holiday rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
Exploring Dubrovnik from a Villa
Staying outside Dubrovnik also gives you the opportunity to combine relaxation with sightseeing.
Dubrovnik’s magnificent Old Town is the obvious attraction and deserves plenty of time, particularly if this is your first visit. Walk the famous city walls, explore the maze of streets inside them and allow yourself time simply to wander rather than trying to tick off every attraction.
However, I would not spend the entire holiday in Dubrovnik.
Take a boat trip, explore the coastline, find a quiet bay for a swim or head inland and discover some of the villages and countryside that many visitors miss.
One of Croatia’s great strengths is the variety it packs into a relatively small area. Historic towns, islands, mountains, vineyards, beaches and traditional villages can often all be experienced during the same trip.
Getting Around: If you are staying in a villa outside Dubrovnik, I would seriously consider hiring a car. It gives you far more freedom to explore the coast and means you are not dependent on taxis or organised excursions.
Where Else Should You Consider a Villa in Croatia?
Dubrovnik is only one possibility.
Istria is a wonderful choice if you enjoy food, wine and exploring picturesque hilltop towns. The landscape is very different from southern Dalmatia and there are some beautiful stone villas tucked away in the countryside.
Split and Central Dalmatia provide a good balance between beaches, historic towns and access to the islands.
Brač and Hvar are ideal if the island experience is important to you, with everything from traditional stone properties to some extraordinary contemporary villas overlooking the sea.
Korčula is another favourite of mine and combines beautiful scenery with vineyards, small villages, beaches and the gorgeous old town of Korčula itself.
The important thing is to choose the location before choosing the villa. It is very easy to fall in love with photographs of an infinity pool and then realise afterwards that the property is nowhere near the places you actually want to visit.
Booking a Private Villa in Croatia
As with any holiday accommodation, I would always book through an established company or recognised booking platform and check exactly what is included.
Look carefully at the cancellation conditions, payment arrangements, security deposits and check-in procedure. If you are travelling with a larger group, check the bedroom configuration rather than simply the maximum number of guests.
It is also worth asking about practical details such as air conditioning, pool heating, parking, Wi-Fi, washing facilities and the distance to the nearest supermarket and restaurants.
For luxury properties, additional services may also be available, including airport transfers, private chefs, boat trips, grocery deliveries and concierge services.
The company that originally introduced me to Villa Queen Frida, Private Villas of Croatia, remains a Croatia-based villa specialist with properties throughout destinations including Dubrovnik, Istria, Šibenik, Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Split.
Is a Croatian Villa Holiday Worth Considering?
Absolutely – particularly if you value privacy, space and the freedom to organise your holiday exactly as you want it.
I have always believed Croatia is at its best when you have the time and freedom to explore beyond the obvious tourist centres. A private villa can provide an excellent base for doing exactly that.
Spend a morning exploring Dubrovnik, discover a quiet beach during the afternoon and then return to your own terrace for dinner as the sun disappears over the Adriatic.
There are certainly worse ways to spend a Croatian summer.
Planning a trip to Croatia? Take a look at my Croatia Travel Guide for more ideas on where to stay, places to visit and some of my favourite experiences from many years of travelling around this wonderful country.
