As well as a stunning coastline to explore, Croatia offers many beautiful islands. In fact, if you include the very small uninhabited islands, there are apparently over 1000 islands dotted between the island of Krk in the northern Adriatic Sea, down to Kolocep, just off Dubrovnik.
Over the past few years we have been working with some wonderful holiday villas on the coast in and around Dubrovnik, and the Croatian islands of Hvar and Brac. More recently we have discovered Orebic on the Pejesac Peninsula, around two hour’s drive north of Dubrovnik. From here, the beautiful island of Korcula—another of our more recent destinations—can be reached by a regular daily car ferry with a journey time of mere 20 minutes. Further north, our most recent discovery is the island of Losinj, home to two stunning villas at Cikat Bay, just outside the main town of Mali Losinj.
Famed for its naval history in the 19th century, Orebic is now a picturesque seaside town and beach resort with lovely sandy beaches. The maritime history of the town is evident in its mansions and villas, originally constructed by the sea captains who settled here.
Villa Korta Katerina 16 – 20 Guests | 6 Bedrooms
A perfect example of the town’s maritime history, this spectacular villa benefits from sea views and comes with a small pebble beach right in front of the property. With eight individually designed suites, each with sea views, it can accommodate up to 20 people in total. Offering hotel facilities, with a lobby bar, library and wine cellar, this very special property also has a fitness room, an indoor jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and an outdoor swimming pool with ‘waterfall’ jacuzzi.
Korcula is one of the most densely wooded islands of the Adriatic, with its oak, pine trees and cypresses, as well as olive groves and vineyards.
It is reachable by passenger ferry from Dubrovnik, or a car ferry crossing from the coast at Orebic. The main town of Korcula, sitting on a small medieval-walled peninsula, is a delight to explore with its cobbled streets, stone stairways, palazzi, and 15th century monasteries, boutiques and restaurants. Its most impressive building—St Mark’s Cathedral—features a 15th century tower and cupola, from where you can enjoy views of the Adriatic and surrounding islands. Claiming to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, you can also visit the Marco Polo Tower which adjoins the building where the explorer was said to have been born in 1254, and where there is now a Marco Polo Museum.
Korcula Twin Views 6 – 12 Guests | 3 – 6 Bedrooms
Two identical three-bedroom villas which can be rented either together or separately, the properties are located just steps from a small pebble beach featuring crystal clear sea and are a mere 10-minute drive from the main town of Korcula.
The rooftop terraces each have a heated pool with hydro-massage, and a spacious sundeck to enjoy the sea views. Both villas have a sauna and gym on ground floor, and jacuzzi outside on first floor in front of the bedrooms.
Korcula is also well known for its thriving wine industry, in particular its crisp white wine made from the Posip grape. As well as arranging wine tours, we also recommend experiencing a performance of the Moreska Sword Dance. This is a famous tradition on Korcula, which is a danced version of a sword battle which tells the story of an abducted princess.
For any bookings at either, or both, these villas for minimum two weeks, we are offering the choice of a complimentary wine tour, or a traditional Moreska Sword Dance performance.
The island of Losinj is popular for its lovely unspoilt bays, beaches, and lush green vegetation and, with many walking trails and cycling paths, it offers plenty of scope for outdoor enthusiasts. The island is also known for its abundance of herbs, many with therapeutic aromatherapy properties. Evidence of its long and fascinating history can be seen in the historic quarter in Mali Losinj with its museums and 15th and 18th century churches.
Mali Lošinj, also known for its naval history, is now home to yachts and excursion boats overlooked by beautiful 19th-century villas.
Villa Cikat Bay 20 – 23 Guests | 10 Bedrooms
An example of the latter is the stunning Villa Cikat Bay, overlooking the sea, with a private beach in front, and a landscaped garden with a heated seawater swimming pool. With 10 bedrooms, the property is suitable as a holiday base for a group of friends or extended family, or a special event.
The largest of the central Dalmatian group of islands, Brac is home to several villas to rent on the coast in the south-west of the island, close to the pretty fishing village of Sumartin.
The larger village of Selca with small shops, cafes, and restaurants is five minutes away. The island boasts a rich cultural and historic heritage that dates back to pre-historic times, plus beautiful beaches and gastronomy. The latter includes fresh fish, seafood, excellent wine and extra virgin olive oil, as well as roasted lamb and the famed Brač sheep cheese. Brac is also known for its limestone stone – used for local villas, as well as for the construction of the White House in Washington and the Palace of Diocletian in Split.
Villa Bliss 10 Guests | 5 Bedrooms
Situated right on the edge of the Adriatic sea, with stunning views, in a quiet bay with just eight villas in total, you will be only a 5-minute drive from the nearest fishing village of Sumartin, and also the larger village of Selca with a wider choice of small shops, cafes and restaurants. Villa Bliss, with five bedrooms, can also be rented with Villa Sumartin, and Villa Sumartin 2, for larger groups.
Constructed from the island’s limestone, the accommodation features a Media Room, football table, infrared sauna, Jacuzzi with private outdoor shower, and a full private gym. The infinity outdoor pool overlooks the Adriatic, and there is direct access to the sea where the owner’s resident boat and skipper can take guests to many local destinations for sightseeing and meals.
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