GETTING TO CROATIAThere are different ways of getting to Croatia, depending whether you decide to fly or drive, and how much time you have. For those who prefer to travel by car, the drive may take up to 20 hours, so it would require a night’s stopover (or two) on the way. For various routes, and practical information, check the Visit Croatia website.If you do have some spare time, we can recommend a stopover in Venice for several days en route, as we did this ourselves some years ago. If you take this option though, we would recommend staying in Venice for at least several days, for a truly worthwhile experience.
If you are a local member, and want get to Croatia by plane and without stopovers — from the UK, there are flights to Dubrovnik from London’s Gatwick and Stansted airports, as well as other regional airports, and to Split with Croatian Airlines also from Gatwick and Stansted and other airports, including Heathrow. For those who are unable to get a direct flight to Split or Dubrovnik, Zagreb is a good option as it has more flights from Europe generally, including the UK. From Zagreb, it is around a 3 ½ hour drive to Split, and 6 hours to Dubrovnik by car, and a bit less by train.If you are a U.S. member and need more information on entering the country — be sure to get in touch with us for more details.
OUR DESTINATIONSThe flight you decide to take will depend very much on which part of the coast or islands you are staying. We feature a tempting selection of villas in and around Dubrovnik, and an exceptional 8 bedroom villa on the coast at Orebic, situated approximately two hours’ drive north of DubrovnikA perfect example of the Orebic’s maritime history, Villa Korta Katerina 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, the villa also offers hotel facilities such as a fitness room, an indoor jacuzzi, sauna, and a steam room, and can accommodate up to 20 people in total.
Both Dubrovnik and Split offer ferry crossings to a choice of islands. From Dubrovnik, there are regular ferry crossings to the car-free island of Lopud in the Elaphiti Islands, where we have a show-stopping historic 5-bedroom property to rent.Situated on the northern tip of the island, Lopud 1483 is originally a monastery dating back to 1483, functioning as a cloistered sanctuary for quiet contemplation and healing. Over the last 20 years, the residence has been beautifully restored under the guidance of the famous art collector, Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza. With added luxury comforts, the property still retains its authenticity and historic charm. Over four generations, the Thyssen-Bornemisza family have amassed an impressive art collection, which includes original Renaissance and Gothic furniture, as well as decorative arts and paintings.
Further north, Orebic also has a regular daily car ferry to the island of Korcula, which takes just 15 minutes. Popular for its beautiful coves, olive groves and vineyards, Korcula is also one of the most densely wooded islands of the Adriatic, featuring an array of beautiful oak, pine trees, and cypresses. Claiming to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, you can also visit the Marco Polo Tower situated in main town of Korcula, which adjoins the building where the explorer was said to have been born in 1254 and is now a museum. The island of Korcula is home to several villa rentals, including the 5 bedroom Villa Korcula and the identical Twin Villas.Located just steps from a small pebble beach, the identical properties can be rented together or separately, with ample space for up 6 or 12 guests.
Split is the best destination if you are going to the islands of Hvar or Brac, as there are regular ferries running from the port here. On the island of Hvar, we are offering a stunning five-bedroom villa with garden and pool in the historic centre of the town, and just 20m from the waterfront. The owner here can arrange a boat and skipper, and also recommend special restaurants accessible by boat. If you’re travelling in a smaller groups, we have a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments, also located in the heart of the historic centre.
Brac is the largest of the central Dalmatian group of islands, with the majority of villas on the south-west of the island, set among the pine trees, close to the pretty village of Milna. The many activities available here include sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, diving and fishing. The island is popular for its crystal clear sea, and its cuisine with specialities such as Brac sheep cheese, extra virgin olive oil, red wine, Brac almond cake, homemade liqueurs and herbal grappas. It is also known for its limestone quarries which have been a source of stone for building decorative stonework for centuries, including the Diocletian Palace on Split and the White House in Washington.
The most recent of our selection of villas to rent on Brac is the very charming four-bedroom Villa Sumartin 2. Situated right on the edge of the sea, the property has been fully refurbished in a rustic chic style and features unique artefacts sourced from around the world. With direct sea access, the villa lends itself to many activities, including boats with skippers, yoga, hiking, massages, paddle boards, bikes and kayaks, which can all be arranged by the villa staff. Another new addition is the luxurious 6-bedroom Sumartin Bay, set on the waterfront with sweeping views over the sea and the traditional fishing village of Sumartin.
Further north in Croatia, is another island paradise, Losinj, off the Istrian coast and accessible by catamaran from Zadar and Pula, then across the island of Cres, which connects to Losinj by tiny bridge at Osor, or by a ferry service from Pula to Losinj 6 times a week. British Airways flies direct to Pula from Heathrow, and there are a number of other options as well. Due to its strategic location between the Croatian mainland and Italy, the island has a long history, from being under Venetian rule from 1000 to 1358, then the Croatian-Hungarian kingdom for around 60 years, then returned to the Venetian Empire, then the Austrian Empire until World War 1, then Italy and finally, Croatia, when it declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Losinj is home to two very special villas we feature, the five-bedroom Cikat Bay View and the ten-bedroom Villa Cikat Bay, both situated on the edge of the Adriatic Sea.Cikat Bay, known for its sandy and pebble beaches, fringed by pine trees, is just an 8 minute drive from the charming historic town, Mali Losinj with its imposing 19th-century sea-captains’ houses which line the seafront, as well as a good selection of restaurants and bars.