Croatia Villa Holidays

Welcome to the Villa Holidays guide to Croatia villa holidays and planning your villa holiday to Croatia.

Introduction to Croatia

Croatia is a crescent-shaped republic in the southeast of central Europe, on the eastern side of the north Adriatic. It is bounded by Bosnia to the south, Slovenia to the north and Hungary to the east. It has an extremely long coast line with excellent beaches, which provide ideal locations for Croatian villa holidays.

Overview of Croatia

Croatia, capital Zagreb, is a smallish country with a population of around 4.5million. The geography of the country is very diverse. The centre of the country, around the capital is a productive plain, but to the north and south are large areas of forested mountains.

The long coastline, which provides most of the Croatian villa holidays areas, has stunning views, very many inlets and bays and a view of many of the 1000 islands, which dot that part of the Adriatic.

The coastal area, particularly the Dalmatian coast in the south, is the site for the oldest cities in Croatia, most notably Dubrovnik and Split.

Climate of Croatia

Inland in Croatia, the climate is decidedly continental, with hot summers and cold winters. As one rises into the mountains, the general temperature becomes relatively cooler and more resembling of an alpine climate. Along the coast, however, the climate is Mediterranean – mild winters and long dry summers.

Best Areas for Villa Holidays in Croatia

The Dalmatian coast, in the south of the country, has long been a tourist haven. Since becoming independent, the country has developed this area with the provision of many Croatian holiday villas and the facilities for an excellent holiday.

There is a wide choice of villas, particularly in and around Dubrovnik. On the coast, Brela, Korcula and Omis are popular. Slightly north, nearer Split is Trogir. Alternatively, a short boat trip will take you to the Croatian holiday villas on the islands of Hvar and Brac.

At the northern end of the Croatian coast, there is the Istria peninsula, which is well developed for tourists. The villages of Rabac or Porec are just a sample of the wide range of available Croatian holiday villas sites.

Transport

There are three major airports in Croatia. Zagreb will give links to the central and northern areas. The Dalmatian coast and the south are served by airports at Dubrovnik and Split. Croatia Airlines, British Airways and Easyjet all provide a regular service and a number of smaller companies, such as Flybe and Jet 2 provide cheap flights to Croatia.

Links from the airports to the coast and major towns are especially good, thanks to a major programme of road building.

Rail links on the nationalised railway network is somewhat patchy. Although it covers most of the country, the service can be a little variable. The bus service, however, is excellent, covering all the country and Croatian holiday villas areas in particular.

There are many ferries to the populated islands for tourists to enjoy during the summer months (they run less frequently during the winter). To travel further a field, ferries run regularly to Venice and other ports in northern Italy and occasionally south to Greece.

Things to do in Croatia

  • Visit Dubrovnik, considered by many to be the most beautiful city of the Mediterranean.
  • Treat yourself to a day’s relaxation at the thermal spa at Istris (if staying in the north)
  • Visit one of the seven National Parks around the country.

For days on the beach, your best choices are Rabac and nearby Maschinica in the Istria peninsula; Banje near Dubrovnik is an ideal family beach; any Beach on the island of Hvar is also highly recommended.

Festivals and events in Croatia

Croatia is a mainly Catholic country and celebrates the major religious festivals, particularly Easter and Christmas.

National day is celebrated in June, with processions and events.

May Day (International Labour Day) has parades and parties.

The Day of National Gratitude is in August, when national culture is celebrated.

Typical cost of living in Croatia

Consumer goods are equal to or slightly more expensive than in the UK, as is car fuel. Local goods and food tend to be very much cheaper:

  • A basic meal (meat) 40-50 HRK (fish is much more expensive)
  • Pint of beer 12-15 HRK
  • Taxi (for about 6 miles) 50 HRK
  • Bus 20-30 HRK per mile
  • Bottle of wine 80 HRK (mostly imported)

As a rule of thumb, prices tend to be slightly higher in Dalmatia and the south than in the northern resorts. The exchange rate is approximately 8 HRK to £1

Useful tips when visiting Croatia

Croatian villa holidays resorts are not geared to the wild life. The pleasures are gentle and relaxing. For nightlife visit the major cities.

When eating, leave a small amount of food on your plate to show that you have finished. If eating in a private home, refuse second helpings when first offered. You will be asked again and can then accept.

Croatian Food and drink

Casseroles and stews form a major part of Croatian cuisine, which tends to be simple (peasant) food. There is a definite Italian (Venetian) influence, such as beef cooked in tomato sauce. Alternatively try the burek – a meat pie.

Grilled fish is a national delicacy. The method of grilling and the type of fish vary from region to region but all are delicious.

For the sweet tooth there are delicious deserts and cakes, such as chocolate or black cherry cakes or Bregovska pita (nine layer pie), which is rather like a strudel.

There are a number of local wines and beers (imported varieties are available but expensive) and Slivovic (plum “brandy”) rounds a meal off delightfully