With a villa holiday in Croatia, you can spend blissful days enjoying the peace and tranquillity of your own private accommodation, while taking in the beautiful beaches, charming towns and mesmerising culture.

Take a dip in your villa's private pool for a morning swim and soak up the glorious sun in the garden, enveloped by the sweet smell of lavender.

Enjoy the flexibility of self-catering in Croatia – an amble through the Croatian markets will offer up some wonderful local specialities to create delicious family feasts, dining al fresco in the balmy evenings.

There are many fantastic villas to rent in Croatia and many more benefits to staying in a villa. Let us give you some inspiration...

Croatia enjoys a varied landscape of 20 different counties, over 20 regions and is surrounded by 300 beautiful islands glittering in the Adriatic Sea, giving you a wealth of options when exploring this captivating country.

The Dalmatian city of Split is much-loved because of its historic heritage, charming architecture and magnificent views. Many ferries travel to and from Split to the surrounding islands, with Hvar being one of the most popular because of the warm, crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.

In Istria you can journey to the many wonderful towns and cities, rich with history and culture. For a taste of the good life, head to the Istrian town of Rovinj, brimming with pastel-coloured houses, pretty parks, and fantastic harbour restaurants that serve delicious and fresh seafood dishes.

Between the months of May and September the Mediterranean weather is at its best. Not only do the summer months enjoy long, idyllic days of sunshine, there are also additional ferries available to sail you to the different islands.

Between June and September is the best time to take advantage of the idyllic weather, with temperatures reaching up to 30°c as you wander along the golden beaches and unwind beside your villa's private pool.

In the autumnal months, you can enjoy the picturesque parks of Istria, such as the Nature Park Škarline, when the lush forests will be at their best. Sightseeing in the big cities such as Dubrovnik and Zadar can be enjoyed all year round - you can still enjoy a dip into your villa’s private pool too, as many of them are heated free of charge.

For a real Croatian treat, visit Diocletian’s Palace in Split - a stunning piece of marble architecture that was built by the Roman emperor Diocletian as a place to enjoy his retirement. Nowadays, it is home to many shops and restaurants, and a great place to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

Take the ferry to Hvar and head to the town square - the largest and most impressive in Croatia. Meander along the rows of quaint restaurants and cafes, or take a tour of Venetian Renaissance-styled St Stephen’s Cathedral with its four-storey bell tower, which you can visit before and after Mass.

During your stay in Croatia, head to your local restaurant to enjoy a delicious traditional beef dish called Pašticada. The beef is marinated in red wine, garlic, rosemary and sage for 24-hours, and then cooked with dried plums, vegetables, cloves and nutmeg until the meat is covered in a rich dark sauce. Pašticada is normally served with homemade potato gnocchi, and enjoyed with a glass of red for a mouth-watering, indulgent experience.

• Enjoy a family bike ride up into the hills and take in the lush greenery, amazing views of the coast below and the sweet scent of lavender from the fields around you.
• Take a stroll around Croatia’s coastal wine region that runs from Istria to Dalmatia. Sample the dry white wines of Istria, and the robust reds of central and southern Dalmatia.
• Travel to the Plitvice Lakes National Park where you will be surrounded by cascading waterfalls, blue and emerald pools and a blossoming forest.
• Dig out your snorkelling gear and go swimming just off the beach near Split harbour, admiring the exotic fish darting in amongst the reefs of the Adriatic Sea.
• Walk the walls of Dubrovnik through amazing historic fortresses and allow yourself to take in the sights from all around this charming, ancient city.