You are never far from the sea in Dalmatia. The region, one of 4 major regions in Croatia, is sandwiched tightly between the Dinaric Mountains in the east and the Adriatic Sea in the west. Zigzagging up the coast, around hundreds of inlets and islands, the Central Dalmatian Riviera is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, and the perfect place for a Croatian villa holiday. With so much Roman and Medieval history to enjoy, as well as beautiful beaches and towns, villa holidays in Croatia on the Dalmatian Riviera have a bit of everything and are sure to please the largest and smallest of parties.
The second largest city in Croatia, Split is a key centre for Croatian tourism and culture. Visitors find Split to be an intimate, accommodating city with so much to do and see. Renting accommodation in Split is the smart way to enjoy the attractions – chief among which is Diocletian’s Palace. This fortress, town and imperial residence contains over 220 buildings and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located by the city’s harbour, the winding streets and ringed walls of the palace are wonderful to explore. It's no surprise that the palace was a major filming location for the hit TV show Game of Thrones as the setting for the ancient city of Meereen.
Villas in Croatia are rarely far from the beach, particularly on the Central Dalmatian Riviera. Some of the most picturesque beaches in the Mediterranean can be found on this coastline’s hundreds of islands and around its many inlets. Zlatni beach, on the island of Brac, is one such postcard-perfect beach, jutting out confidently into the bay. Known as the golden cape, this gorgeous sandy beach is most suitable for sunbathing and lounging on quiet beach days and is backed by dense pine forest. Punta Rata Beach in Brela is another very picturesque beach and is often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The white pebble beach here turns to sand where it meets the crystal-clear water, and easily rivals the beaches of Kvarner Bay in Northern Croatia.
The Central Dalmatian Riviera has hundreds of islands dotted along it, with three larger islands – Hvar, Vis and Brac – attracting the most visitors. Hvar is one of the region’s major tourist destinations, and is said to be the sunniest place in Croatia. Villas on the island overlook dazzling scenery and have excellent access to Hvar Town. This 13th century town is a hub of activity, very popular with Italian tourists who regularly hop across the Adriatic to visit. The marbled streets are pedestrianised in the centre, allowing visitors to wander from gothic palaces to cute cafés unabated. The islands of Brac and Vis also host some magnificent Croatian villas and are quieter than their neighbour Hvar. Vis, a former Yugoslav military base, is particularly unspoiled and sits furthest away of the three islands from the mainland.
The medieval walled town of Trogir (named Trau by the Venetians) is a UNESCO world heritage site – recognised for its preserved ancient layout and multiple gothic structures. The town sits on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a number of narrow bridges (you can see why the Venetians liked it so much), and sparkles in the evening from the old-fashioned streetlamps which line its medieval streets. NOVASOL’s self-catering accommodation in Croatia doesn’t get more atmospheric than in Trogir, with the large seaside promenade, cafés a restaurants within easy walking distance. Rent an apartment in Trogir with NOVASOL and prepare to be enchanted.
The Croatian coast is heavily influenced by its Italian neighbour across the Adriatic. Conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century, and under the rule of the Venetians from 1420 to 1797, the coastline has adopted many Italian influences in its architecture and food. Expect plenty of pasta on a Croatian villa holiday as well as fresh seafood caught just off the coast. Squid is an extremely popular dish on the Central Dalmatian Riviera due to its abundant supply from the Adriatic, and a famous dish in the region is risotto coloured black with squid ink. It’s a real treat.
NOVASOL has a fantastic range of self-catering accommodation in Croatia. Villas on the Central Dalmatian Riviera are extremely high quality with private pools and large gardens making them perfect for families and large groups looking to relax on one of the most gorgeous coastlines in the Mediterranean. From your Croatian villa on the mainland or islands, the historic and natural wonders of the Riviera are at your fingertips.