Villa Helena

Orasac is a fabulous destination on the Dalmatian coast. This small but mighty village enjoys a fascinating history, beautiful buildings and a wonderful, authentic atmosphere. You will discover a pretty beach at the foot of the village, an immaculately clean swathe of sand and pebble. With narrow, meandering streets full of pretty flowers and hilltops swathed in olive and orange groves, the village feels as though it is a place that time forgot. Its 15th century Our Lady of Orasac Church is very attractive, and its Arapovo Castle hangs above the Adriatic. There is a good line-up of mini-markets, restaurants and cafes. Surrounding the town are family farms where olive oil is still pressed traditionally. The Dubrovnik Sun Gardens are a ten-minute walk away from a private beach and a wonderful array of watersports.

The City of Dubrovnik is a twenty-minute drive from Villa Helena. It was dubbed as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' by George Bernard Shaw. Thick city walls enclose this characterful, atmospheric medieval town. Inside, you will discover the Stradun, the main thoroughfare, together with many churches, monasteries and palaces. Its picturesque shops, restaurants and historical sights are an absolute delight. There is a fantastic atmosphere if you can get a table for lunch or dinner in the
charming, bustling marina and port. Dubrovnik is an up-market destination enjoying huge popularity and a fantastic gastronomic scene. There are three entrances to the walled city, including Pile, the main gate, Ploca by the port, and Buze. Buze Gate will take you in via steep staircases. The market in Gundulic Square sells classic candied orange peels and figs. Visitors can take a ferry to Lokrum Island between May and September, brimming with fragrant pine trees, lush grassy picnic areas and hundreds of birds chirping away. If you leave the Old Town through the Ploca Gate, a lovely panoramic walk along Frana Supila Street is lovely. You will enjoy stunning views over Dubrovnik and the sea.

Just south of Orasac and before you get to Dubrovnik Old Town are the delightful resorts of Stikovica and Zaton, both of which are snuggled on the gorgeous Dalmatian coastline. They are beautiful, with breathtaking views over the shimmering blue waters and encased in greenery. A pretty promenade is brimming with buzzy bars and eateries and a shingle beach that is great for snorkelling. Zaton is located in the Bay of Zaton in the Zadar Channel. It is known for its typical Dalmatian architecture, unspoilt nature, rich cultural and historical heritage, and beautiful scenery. Remnants of life and culture in Zaton date from the beginning of the Bronze age. The town enjoys some fabulous buildings and remnants, including St Nicholas Church, built at the end of the 11th century. Venetians and Liburnian tombs and boats built the Kastelina tower at the end of the 16th century.

The amazing Arboretum Trsteno is within easy reach of the villa and is worth visiting. It is the oldest renaissance garden in Dalmatia. It developed from a park surrounding the summer residence of the Gucetic-Gozze family and existed as far back as 1492. The gardens are stunning with Japanese banana trees, bougainvillaea, evergreen magnolia, many types of cactus and other exotic plants. It also includes many old stone sculptures and has been used to film Game of Thrones.

Mount Srd can be reached by cable car, car or hiking from Dubrovnik. Mount Srd boasts amazing views. You might want to hike back if you take the cable car up. You can take a delightful path in Bosanka leading back to the Old Town.

The Peljesac Penisula is a premier wine region of Croatia. Visitors can tour the local vineyards and sample the local wines, stopping at the charming villages of Ston and Trstenik. It is a beautiful excursion, particularly if you are not driving!