Destinations
Croatia's luxuryvilla destinations
A curated map of the Croatian coast, region by region and island by island. Written for travellers who want to choose the setting first and the villa second.
Where to begin
Croatia is not one holiday. It is a coastline of 1,777 kilometres, seven distinct regions and more than a thousand islands, each with its own temperament, cuisine and rhythm.
The Istrian hinterland has more in common with Tuscany than with Dubrovnik. Hvar in July is another country to Hvar in October. The right destination decides your entire week before the villa ever does.
This is our editorial map of the country, written by the same team that arranges the villas. Read the destination that interests you, or write to us and we will suggest a shortlist that fits how you actually want to travel.
- 7
- Regions covered
- 12
- Destination guides
- 150+
- Private villas
- 10 yrs
- On-the-ground experience
The mainland
Istria, Kvarnerand the Dalmatian coast
The mainland stretches from the Italian border down to Dubrovnik. Istria in the north is truffle country and coastal medieval hill towns. Kvarner is belle-époque villas and the Ucka mountain. Zadar and Šibenik guard the entrance to the Kornati archipelago. Split is the Dalmatian capital and the natural launchpad for the islands. Makarska sits below the Biokovo massif with the coast's most dramatic backdrop. Dubrovnik closes the country with a walled city built on sea.
Each region has its own airport and its own weather system. A first trip usually settles on one; a second trip strings two together with a private transfer between them.
Istria
Truffles, olive oil, medieval hill towns. Fly to Pula. The gastronomic north.
Kvarner
Opatija's belle-époque coast and quiet Cres, Losinj, Rab. Fly to Rijeka.
Zadar & Šibenik
UNESCO cathedrals and the gateway to Kornati National Park. Fly to Zadar or Split.
Split
Diocletian's Palace, the ferry hub, doorway to central Dalmatia. Fly to Split.
Makarska
Pine-shaded pebble beaches beneath the Biokovo cliffs. Fly to Split.
Dubrovnik
The walled city and the Elaphiti islands. Fly to Dubrovnik.
The islands
From Hvar and Bračto Korčula and the archipelagos
Croatia has 1,244 islands. Fifty are inhabited. Six or seven appear on every serious itinerary. Hvar for lavender, sunshine and social evenings. Brač for the great white beach at Zlatni Rat and quiet stone villages. Korčula for vineyards, olive groves and a walled town in miniature.
The lesser-known ones (Vis, Solta, Mljet, the Elaphitis, Cres and Losinj in the north) reward slower travellers. Our island guides cover the shape of each, and the crossings between them.
Hvar
The lavender island. Sun, wine, and the social evening on the Adriatic.
Brač
White stone, pine forests, and Zlatni Rat, the coast's most famous beach.
Korčula
Vineyards, olive groves, and a Venetian old town on a peninsula.
Croatian islands
The overview: how the archipelagos fit together and which to combine.
How to choose
Match the destinationto the trip
A quick sorting by the kind of holiday you have in mind. Every destination below is covered in more detail on its own page.
First visit to Croatia
Split or Dubrovnik as a base, with a two- or three-night island add-on. You will leave knowing what to return for.
Family with children
Istria for shaded coves and short driving distances. Brač and Korčula for gentler beaches than Hvar. Villas with enclosed pools throughout.
Couples and honeymoons
Hvar for sun and social nights. Korčula for quiet and wine. Dubrovnik for the grand evening.
Groups and celebrations
Istria and Dubrovnik have the largest estates. Hvar and Brač add private tenders and sunset boat dinners.
Sailing itineraries
Split, Šibenik and Hvar are the natural bases. We coordinate crewed charters, provisioning and berth reservations.
Off-season travel
Istria and Dubrovnik hold their character into November. May and October are the connoisseur's months everywhere on the coast.
Choosing a destination
Questions we hearbefore every booking
Luxury concierge
Not sure whichdestination fits?
Write to us with your dates and the shape of the trip you want. A destination specialist will reply within four hours with a shortlist of two or three options, honestly compared.
Luxe Villas Collection
Or browse villasacross every region
More than 150 private villas across the Croatian coast and islands, each personally verified. Filter by destination, size, or the way you want to spend the days.
Explore each destination