Villa Velebit

Villa Velebit sits peacefully next to the canal in the ancient city of Nin in the north of Istria. There are plenty of churches to visit including the smallest cathedral in the world, Santa Croce, the Church of St James, the Church of St Nicholas and the Cathedral of St Anselm. Other notable landmarks include the remains of the Roman Temple, the monument dedicated to the Duke Branimir, the port city of Nin and its stone bridge, the Kraljevac Square with its well and the statue of the Bishop of Nin Grgur. There are various events held in Nin during the summer months and plenty of eateries. Villa Velebit is located 950m from the centre and 450m from the sandy beach.

Not far away, you will discover the beautiful town of Rovanjska, located in a bay at the very end of the Velebit channel, not far from Zadar and close to the stunning Velebit range. It is a fantastic location for those that are looking for tranquility and beauty and love the outdoors. The area enjoys fantastic cycling and hiking paths and breathtaking panorama. Visitors can enjoy thrilling sports at Maslenica, a village famous for the bora wind which offers bungee jumping. Rafting enthusiasts will adore the thrills of the Zrmanja River and its dramatic canyon. The Municipality of Jasenice consists of three villages, Maslenica, Rovanjska and Zaton Obrovacki as well as the small hamlet of Modric. The 24km road that stretches through the municipality, Podprag, Prag, Kraljicina vrata, Mali Alan and onto the Lika side of the mountain of Velebit to Sveti Rok is incredibly picturesque with breathtaking scenic views.

The dramatic, wild mountain range of Velebit is sensational with two national parks, the Northern Velebit National Park and the Paklenica National Park, a biosphere reserve, forests, deep canyons, caves, paths, cycle routes, botanical gardens and exciting wildlife including Balkam chamois, red deer, brown bears, wolf and lynx. In the foothills of Velebit, the Modric cave is an absolute gem. Velebit’s Church of Sv Juraj (St. George) in the heart of the town is a fantastic example of ancient Croatian architecture. Velebit is the largest, though not the highest, mountain range in Croatia, forming part of the Dinaric Alps. The popular spots are the peak of Vucjak above Zavizan, the botanical gardens and the caves.

Another heavenly excursion from Villa Velebit is a visit the Island of Pag. It is barren, rocky and sepia coloured with vast landscapes surrounded by the steely blue Adriatic. When the sky is stormy, the island looks incredibly dramatic with two mountain ranges looming. The island is famous for its long-standing traditions of cheese and winemaking. Pag cheese is one of Croatia’s most celebrated culinary exports. The island’s Pag lace decorates many walls in Croatia. Novalja has become a party town and Zrce Beach a summer nightlife hot spot.

The richly historic town of Zadar just south of Nin is stunning. Visitors enjoy the beautiful, crystal clear Adriatic sea and the brilliant Vrana Lake with its ornithological reserve. Zadar’s renowned sunsets are spectacular and to celebrate them, a ‘Monument to the Sun’ was built on the edge of the waterfront. It is an all day 22 metre disc which soaks up the solar rays ready to dazzle visitors with coloured light patterns as night falls. The Sea Organ is an art installation formed by cleverly cutting steps into the promenade. The underwater pipes make musical sounds as if each wave is sighing!

Two of the most famous national parks of Croatia are within easy reach of Villa Velebit. The breathtaking Kornati Archipelago National Park boasts reefs, headlands, islands and bays. You can take boat trips to explore the national park with plenty of opportunity to swim and snorkel. If you have rented your own yacht for the holiday, you can visit on your own. The famous Krka National Park boasts its stunning Skradinksi Buk and Roski Slap waterfalls. Extending along the 73km Krka River, the park runs from the Adriatic near Sibenik inland to the mountains of the Croatian interior. It is a magical place of gorges and waterfalls, with the river gushing through. Visitors take a boat ride to explore the park. Make sure you take your swimming costumes as you can swim below the waterfalls. Visitors also pass by the magnificent Visovac monastery, located on an island in a magical setting while on the boat ride.  

South of Zadar is Sibenik, the city of fortresses with two UNESCO heritage sites, Game of Thrones locations, beautiful beaches, an excellent dining scene and a gorgeous old town. Sibenik was first mentioned in 1066 though most of it was built during the Venetian rule between 1412 and 1797. St James Cathedral is a beautiful masterpiece of Venetian art built in the 15th century. The town’s fortresses include St John’s Fortress, Fortress Barone, St Michael’s, the oldest and most famous and the scene of many summer performances and festivals and St Nicholas. St Nicholas,  another Game of Thrones location, is reached via an official boat tour from Riva which includes a boat ride through St Anthony’s channel.

Istria has so much to offer. To see everything you want to, you will definitely need at least a two week holiday. Other special excursions are to Novigrad, to go above the clouds at Motovun, to visit the village of artists, Groznjan, to visit Vrsar, the town of Casanova, to see the mummies in Vocnjan, to explore Rovinj, to explore the mines and art in Labin, to hit the beach in Rabac, to try the sardines in Fazana, to walk in the amphitheatre in Pula, to visit Porec, to eat oysters in Lim Fjord, to visit the Brijuni Islands and finally to visit the Porer and Kamenjak National Parks. It is quite a list!

Read more about Zadar

The Zadar region, anchored by the vibrant city of Zadar, boasts a rich history, breathtaking natural beauty, and a cultural tapestry that dates back millennia. Situated along Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coast, and shaped by the dramatic Velebit mountain range, Zadar is a unique destination offering a captivating array of experiences.

Zadar city is known for its ancient Roman ruins, white sand beach, and rugged coastline. Take a wander through the world of the Old Town's labyrinthine streets, which are a wonder to explore, brimming with historical treasures. Make sure to stop at the Church of St. Donatus, an architectural masterpiece and a prominent example of Byzantine construction and one of the most famous pre-Romanesque churches in Croatia.

Zadar's architectural prowess isn't limited to its historical buildings; it also embraces modern art installations. The Sea Organ, designed by architect Nikola Bašić, is an ingenious creation consisting of underwater pipes and chambers that produce hauntingly beautiful sounds as the waves of the Adriatic Sea wash over it. It's a serene place to watch the sunset, often accompanied by an equally impressive light show from the nearby Greeting to the Sun installation, which comes alive with vibrant colours after dusk.

The city's waterfront promenade, dotted with cafes, bars, and restaurants, provides the perfect setting for relaxed evenings. You can pass away the hours while savouring a leisurely meal and enjoying the sea views with watch boats sailing past. Don't forget to sample the local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, pasticada (a traditional beef stew), and the world-famous Pag cheese. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or rakija, a strong fruit brandy, to complete the culinary experience.

The Zadar region is renowned for its proximity to a collection of stunning islands, each with its own unique character. Ugljan, often referred to as the "Green Island," is known for its lush vegetation and charming fishing villages. The island offers a serene escape from the bustle of city life, with numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring unspoiled beaches.

Dugi Otok, or the "Long Island," is a true gem of unspoiled natural beauty. The island is known for its rugged coastline, pristine coves, and the famous Saharun Beach, with its white sands and crystalclear waters. It’s also home to Telascica Nature Park, a protected area that encompasses stunning cliffs, saltwater lakes, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Back on the mainland, and just a couple of hours out of the city you’ll find one of the most renowned natural attractions in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is a land of cascading waterfalls, interconnected emerald lakes, and lush forests, with a network of well-maintained trails that guide visitors through this natural wonder. Wooden boardwalks allow you to get up close to the waterfalls, making it a family-friendly destination.

The Zadar region offers more than just natural beauty. The local markets, such as Zadar's Green Market, provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in Croatian culture. Here, you can explore stalls filled with fresh produce, local crafts, and artisanal products, experiencing the flavours and craftsmanship of the region. Zadar is also home to a variety of unique traditions and cultural festivals. Local celebrations, like the annual regatta of traditional boats or performances of 'Klapa' a cappella singing are both integral parts of the region's cultural identity.

The Zadar region is a microcosm of Croatia's diverse and enchanting way of life, with something to offer everyone that visits. It's a place where history, nature, and culture converge to create a harmonious and multifaceted destination. Whether you're hiking through national parks, swimming near waterfalls, exploring ancient cities, or savouring traditional cuisine, the Zadar region promises an unforgettable experience for all. To visit Zadar is to step into the heart of Croatia and experience its multifaceted charm.