Impressions of Croatia, its verdant islands, azure sea and its stunning, historic, coastal cities and villages.

It is the end of June, the sun feels warm, and I cannot wait to start our summer holiday with my family in Croatia. It is my first time in Croatia, and I am excited to discover its charms. I have heard that the sea, islands, cities and scenery are stunning but I can’t wait to see everything for myself. I know that Croatia is too big to visit all the highlights in one trip, so we have picked out three places by the sea which we are curious to discover. We start our journey in Dubrovnik, then we head to the island of Korcula, and end our stay in Primosten. As always, my travel notes are all about the colours, places and feelings I experience in a new environment, unknown to me until now…

Week 1: The Pearl of the Adriatic

Our adventure begins in Dubrovnik, a mesmerising, historic city encircled by impressive ancient walls overlooking the crystal blue sea. I can see why it is known as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic.’ Dubrovnik’s Old Town is just gorgeous. I am not surprised that it has caught the eye of filmmakers as it is so picturesque. It feels like stepping back in time when you stroll through its narrow streets passing its beautifully preserved buildings. It seems familiar to me then I realise that I remember it as a film set in Star Wars Episode VIII and the Game of Thrones.

One morning we walked along the towering ancient city walls that surround the Old Town. On one side were superb views over the sea and on the other we admired the city from above, over its distinctive terracotta rooftops, its beautiful baroque palaces and elegant monasteries. It is truly breathtaking.

For the next few days our home is Villa Luka, a modern, designer holiday villa near the sea. Encircled by trees and green lawns, it feels like our own, private oasis.

The interiors are an elegant blend of coastal blues and sunny yellows with tall windows and colourful artworks adorning the walls. I just love it! This villa is perfect for my family because we enjoy both relaxation and sport when we’re together. Here we can swim in our outdoor pool or in the sea then unwind on sun loungers. Our private ball games court is such as treat too. Our family tournaments are the best, especially volleyball matches, my father’s favourite sport.

It is too tempting just to relax in the villa all day, but we wanted to discover more of Dubrovnik. On our second day, we were whisked off by car to the Old Town in no time as it is close to the villa. We ventured out onto the main street, Stradun, where we strolled around lots of lovely shops, cafes and galleries. I was not expecting to find a cable car here! We climbed in and it transported us up Mount Srđ in time for sunset, where we were rewarded with panoramic views of over the green mountains, down to the city and beyond to the blue Adriatic Sea. It is a sight I will never forget.

Our days are filled with kayaking, exploring hidden beach coves and indulging in local delights like Croatian pizza and tasty black risotto. Evenings at Villa Luka are just magical. We dine al fresco on the terrace, the breeze whispering through the trees. It is such a lovely spot to unwind and share stories of our day’s adventures.

Week 2: Enchanting island life

Our next destination is the enchanting island of Korcula. As we drive along the coast and across the Peljesac Peninsula to Orebic, my heart skips a beat as we cross to Korcula island by car ferry. The magnificent green mountains and wide expanse of sea is even more beautiful than I had imagined it would be.

Villa Oaza is where we are staying now. We are on the water’s edge with a boat mooring and gorgeous sea views over a secluded bay and the Paljasec Peninsula mountains. Our villa is very stylish, and we love the fitness equipment, sauna and health club.

The villa’s open-plan living space connects seamlessly with sea-view terraces, where we spend our days lounging by the pool or enjoying meals together. From our bedroom balconies we can gaze out to sea, making every morning feel like a dream.

Korcula Island itself is a treasure trove of beauty and history. Known for its medieval town, which is just a short drive from Villa Oaza, we spend our days wandering its narrow, car-free streets, discovering markets, cafes and restaurants. We take full advantage of the villa’s private boat, exploring hidden bays and smaller islands like Vrnik and Stupe which are part of the Korcula archipelago. Feeling like an explorer myself, I was amazed and delighted to be told that Korcula island is where Marco Polo, the famous world-traveller, writer and Venetian merchant, was born in 1234. We are quite literally following in his footsteps.

We while away our evenings indulging in delicious meals prepared by the villa’s catering team. One night, we charter the villa’s boat for a sunset cruise, a truly unforgettable sight of crimson reds and vibrant yellows melting into the water. The combination of Villa Oaza’s luxurious amenities and Korcula’s serene beauty makes for a perfect stay.

The beauty of Primosten

Our time on Korcula has come to an end sadly, but we are now on the final leg of our journey along Croatia’s coast. Heading back to the mainland, we take a ferry then drive north, passing Split and hillsides carpeted in vineyards and olive trees, then onto the picturesque village of Primosten. This charming place was once an island which was then linked to the mainland in the 16th century. It is a true gem.

We are now staying in Villa Danica. This stunning, waterfront villa offers an idyllic setting for our last few days in Croatia. It has a real ‘wow factor.’ Swimming in the infinity pool overlooking the sea is an experience I will never forget. To reach the water’s edge, we just have to follow a little path and we’re there!

We spend our days swimming, paddle boarding and exploring the scenic coast. The villa is set across three levels, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing stunning sea and mountain views, so it feels peaceful and connected to nature.

Primosten itself is a delight. A medieval fishing village, we wander through its winding streets, relax on gorgeous Raduca beach and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. One evening, we dine at a local restaurant, savouring fresh seafood while looking out to sea. The setting was heavenly.

As our holiday comes to an end, I reflect on the incredible experiences we have had. From the historic charm and colours of Dubrovnik to the serene beauty of Korcula and the coastal beauty of Primosten, Croatia has captured our hearts. Each villa we stayed in offered its own unique charm and luxury, making our family holiday truly unforgettable.

Until Next Time, Croatia

With a heavy heart, we bid farewell to this spellbinding country. I am already dreaming of our next adventure, but for now, I will treasure the memories of our Croatian holiday. From the rich blues of the sea to the warmth of the sun and the joy of discovering new places with my family, this trip has been a memorable chapter in our travel diary.

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