Villas in Croatia

• Space and privacy: In Croatia, you'll find luxury villas for couples, families or groups, with private gardens, sun terraces and pools just a short stroll from the Adriatic.
• Where to base yourself: Istria and Dalmatia are the favourites, allowing you to split your time between historic cities such as Split and Dubrovnik along with island-dotted coastline and quiet coves.
• Guest favourites: Top-rated villas score above 9.0, with reviewers praising warm local hosts, spotless interiors and unbeatable sea views.
• Where to eat: From Michelin-starred tasting menus to cosy konobas, the Dalmatian coast is full of options for long, relaxed dinners of fresh fish and local wine.
• Things to do: Island-hopping, Plitvice Lakes, Diocletian's Palace and Zadar's famous sunsets fill an easy week of exploring.

Croatia's villas suit just about everyone, from couples in search of a quiet bolthole to large families and groups of friends sharing a summer by the sea. Expect spacious homes with private gardens, sun terraces and open-plan living, many within a short walk of the Adriatic. If a villa feels like more space than you need, you'll also find characterful apartments in Croatia and breezy beach houses along the coast, whilst spontaneous travellers can browse last-minute villa deals. Most villas come well equipped for a relaxed self-catering holiday. Whichever villa you choose, the most sought-after comforts tend to include:

• Private swimming pools, ideal for lazy afternoons in the sun
• Sea-view terraces for al fresco dining and memorable sunsets
• Air conditioning and wifi, essential for warm days and the odd bit of remote work
• Beachfront villas within walking distance of the shore
• Private parking, plus gardens and barbecues for long summer evenings

Pet-friendly villas are widely available too, so the family dog needn't miss out on the trip.

What are the best areas to stay in Croatia?

For first-time visitors, Dalmatia is hard to beat, combining island-dotted coastline with historic cities such as Split and Dubrovnik. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Holidu guests rate Croatia's villas and holiday homes very highly, with many properties scoring well above 9.0. Reviewers often single out the exceptionally warm welcomes from local hosts, the spotless interiors and those unbeatable sea views. Families love the private pools and child-friendly layouts, whilst couples mention how easy it is to reach a quiet beach on foot.

Here are some of our top-rated villas and holiday homes from the past year:

1. Villa Estera by Villas Guide - 9.5+: A roomy villa for ten in Žuljana on the Pelješac peninsula, loved for its private terrace, leafy garden and easy access to peaceful Adriatic coves.
2. Villa Cezar by Villas Guide - 9.4+: This relaxed seven-guest villa near Galizana in Istria wins praise for its sunny garden and sheltered terrace, and makes a handy base for exploring Pula and the coast.
3. Sea-view retreat in Pićan - 10.0: A spotless Istrian hideaway with its own pool, garden and terrace. Couples love the peace and quiet, the views and the warm local welcome.

With more than a thousand islands scattered just offshore in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is an explorer's paradise. Its historic cities have become popular tourist destinations, while its spectacular beaches and beautiful natural surroundings are ideal for getting away from it all.

🥗Where to eat in Croatia?

With its unique blend of Mediterranean and Central European flavours, Croatian food stands out from the crowd. In coastal regions, the cuisine is similar to Italian food; inland, it's inspired by Hungary. Here are some of our travel experts' favourite places to dine:

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Charlotte and Henry recommend Konoba Bajamonti in Croatia: they loved settling in for a long, relaxed dinner of locally caught fish and Pelješac wine after a lazy day by the villa pool.

1. Island-hop across the Adriatic
2. Watch the sunset in Zadar
3. Explore Dubrovnik's Old Town
4. Wander Diocletian's Palace in Split
5. Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park
6. Taste Dalmatian cuisine
7. Tour the Istrian peninsula

1. Island-hop across the Adriatic

   Croatia's islands are an essential part of any summer holiday. Sun-soaked Hvar offers lavender fields and lively beach clubs, whilst cultured Korčula, the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo, charms with its walled old town. Vis, a filming location in Mamma Mia 2, has a slower, more relaxed pace. Regular ferries make hopping between them straightforward, and a villa base on the mainland or an island itself puts you within easy reach of holiday rentals right across Croatia.

2. Watch the sunset in Zadar

   Alfred Hitchcock once called Zadar's sunset the finest in the world. Settle on the marble steps of the Sea Organ, which turns the lapping waves into gentle music, then watch the Greeting to the Sun light up as the daylight fades. The old town's Roman forum and the round church of St Donatus are a short stroll away, making early evening the loveliest time to wander before a late Dalmatian dinner.

3. Explore Dubrovnik's Old Town

   The walled city of Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved medieval centres in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the full circuit of the city walls for sweeping views over terracotta rooftops and the sea, ride the cable car up Mount Srđ at dusk, and follow a Game of Thrones trail past the King's Landing filming spots.

4. Wander Diocletian's Palace in Split

   Split dates back to Roman times, and is a city full of intriguing history. Explore Diocletian's Palace, rub the toe of the towering Grgur Ninski statue for luck, and squeeze along the famously narrow 'Let me pass' street. Afterwards, join locals on Bačvice beach, where the acrobatic ball game of picigin is played in the shallows.

5. Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park

   Inland, Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia's natural showpiece, a UNESCO-listed chain of sixteen terraced lakes linked by tumbling waterfalls. Wooden footbridges and boardwalks carry you right across the turquoise water, and a half-day of gentle walking takes in the most dramatic cascades. Nature lovers can extend the trip to Krka National Park too, and there are plenty of campsites near the national parks for those who fancy a night under canvas.

6. Taste Dalmatian cuisine

   Croatian cooking focuses on fresh fish, shellfish and sun-ripened local produce. Look out for peka, meat or octopus slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid, alongside squid ink risotto and hearty pasta dishes. Round things off with a creamy rožata custard or a slice of Stone Cake, washed down with a glass of Pelješac red.

7. Tour the Istrian peninsula

   In the north, Istria packs a remarkable amount into a compact corner. Marvel at the Roman amphitheatre in Pula, admire the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč and lose an afternoon among the hilltop towns of Motovun and Grožnjan. The region is famous for its truffles and excellent local wines, so it's a must for foodies