You’ve been to the Croatia villa holiday hotspot of fabulous Dubrovnik, so where next?
By Idyllic Croatia, 25th March 2026
Photo Credits: 1 & 4- Pula © Renco Kosinozic via Croatian National Tourist Board / 14 – Pula © Ivo Biocina via Croatian National-Tourist-Board / Other Photos – Pula © Istrian Tourist Board. Other Croatia villa & location images: Croatia Gems Ltd.
Where to go for that Croatia villa holiday? Are the most obvious Croatia resorts the best place to book a Croatia villa? Or should you look for somewhere less well known? The answer is that the big-hitters like Dubrovnik Old Town are only gaining in popularity and they are absolutely wonderful. Flights to Croatia are increasing all time time. Of course, these sorts of Croatian holiday locations are busier in the peak summer season. In an article by CNN Travel, it is reported that Dubrovnik old town welcomed over 3m visitors in perhaps the last ‘normal’ pre-pandemic year. Visitor numbers are rising year-on-year, with the city recording a record 4.28 million overnight stays in 2025. Don’t let that put you off, as they won’t all be there at the same time as you!
When to Travel to Croatia?
Locals and seasoned Dubrovnik villa visitors’ know to avoid peak-visitor hours to enjoy Dubrovnik old town at its sublime best. But one option, if you can, is to travel in the beautifully clement ‘shoulder seasons’ like May, June, September, October. Even November was lovely in Dubrovnik last year and tourists had wonderful holidays, some even swimming in the sea! Frequent, new Croatia flights have recently also been announced for the winter, spring and autumn seasons for Dubrovnik, including direct flights from the USA, and the airport has been enlarged to cater for them. Despite its popularity, somewhere like Dubrovnik is still utterly enchanting and authentic compared to many European destinations and well worth visiting if you haven’t been before. It should certainly be on your ‘bucket list’!
If you have already seen the likes of Dubrovnik Old Town, why not think beyond it for your next Croatia villa holiday? There are many fascinating places to visit for a Croatia villa holiday which you will enjoy as much as Dubrovnik, and for a variety of reasons. All these places have equally lovely Croatia villas, to charm you and draw you back time again.
CNN alternative Croatia Villa Locations
CNN suggests a selection of Croatia locations to tempt you away from villas in Dubrovnik Croatia, and we think these are excellent alternatives:
Ston – Salt Flats, Oysters & Great Wall
Ston is within easy reach of Dubrovnik – just an hour’s drive up the coast and arguably one of Dalmatia’s best-kept secrets. This seaside town is rich in history going back to the ancient Illyrians. It is famous for its stone walls, salt production and incredible seafood, and in particular, the Ston oysters. The much extolled Kapetanova Kuca Restaurant (Captain’s House) is well worth a stop and especially if you are passing. The food is delicious.
Often said to be a Croatian version of the Great Wall of China, the 14th-century battlements are perched up and over a mountain behind the town. Consequently do make sure to leave quite a few hours if you decide to trek the 5.5km wall. It is Europe’s longest fortified structure, which for hardy souls’ forms part of the Annual Ston Walls Marathon!
The old town itself is lovely, with pedestrianised streets peppered with outdoor cafes serving seafood specialties. Accordingly, do make sure you enjoy a seafood meal to taste such delights as Adriatic oysters, black cuttlefish risotto and ‘mussels buzara’.
Ston is the gateway to the Peljesac peninsula famous for vineyards, seafood, water sports and Korcula island. Search Peljesac villas here.
Trogir
Often likened to a mini-Dubrovnik, Trogir old town is on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a little bridge. Just a half-hour drive or water taxi ride up the coast from Split, it retains the influence of almost four centuries of Venetian rule and totally unspoilt. It is surrounded by water, largely now filled by stunning yachts and pleasure craft, consequently car-free Trogir has something of a feel of Venice. The area around Trogir has some of the best Croatia villa locations so is the first place to look if you are planning a trip to this area.
Recognising an excellent example of a medieval town, UNESCO awarded Trogir World Heritage Site status in the late 1990s. Town elders had conserved its original urban fabric despite adapting in part to modern needs. Consequently expect narrow winding streets, flower festooned Juliette balconies, surprise doors in high walls giving way to lovely courtyard restaurants and cafes. Certainly you will enjoy the palm-lined waterfront promenades with many opportunities to people-watch from the cafes lining them.
Visitors are spoilt for choice with some lovely Split villas Croatia, with private pools, to retreat to after a day’s sightseeing in Trogir. From this area you have access to National Parks and nature conservation areas.
Primosten
Continue past Trogir and proceed up the coast to find Primosten. This would have been another ancient island town, however in the Renaissance, the people built a narrow causeway to connect the town to the mainland.
Again, featuring narrow lanes which host an intriguing mix of shops, boutiques, and traditional restaurants. Make sure not to miss the view from St. George’s Church which dominates a hill with spectacular Adriatic views. Head back to the mainland to find sandy Croatia beaches and beyond to vineyards producing some of Croatia’s finest wines.
Biograd Na Moru
The location of Croatia’s largest boat show, the town draws boating enthusiasts from around the Adriatic. The town has become a nautical hub around the large marina. The original old town is focussed on a small compact promontory, again with Venetian influences.
Perhaps the major benefit of spending time here is the close proximity to the Kornati National Park. Not unsurprisingly, superb scuba and snorkelling opportunities are offered by the many islands. Also within striking distance are the spectacular Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks with their walks above the waterfalls.
Zadar
Zadar isn’t far from Biograd and with its own regional airport, gives excellent direct access by air. The increasing flights scheduled to the airport recognises the attractiveness of the area for Croatia holidays.
The old town is a mix of the cultural influences from previous ruling empires. Consequently the town rivals lovely Trogir and Dubrovnik. However Zadar doesn’t rely on the past to attract visitors, therefor do make sure you visit the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation for some ‘musical’ fun. It hopefully goes without saying that Trogir and Krka National Park are both easy excursions not to be missed. The recently announced Croatia Yacht Show at Zadar Cruise Port aims to attract the yachting community in an annual event.
Split
Most international airlines fly into Split, which has as its core, the amazing Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. As Lonely Planet says, “Don’t expect a palace though, nor a museum – this is the city’s living heart, its labyrinthine streets packed with people, bars, shops and restaurants”. Indeed it’s fascinating to see how locals have occupied nooks in the rambling palace fabric to make their homes – it’s a true neighbourhood, and lovely for it.
Split is the gateway to the islands of Solta, Hvar and Brac, with the latter being the closest, at just a 50-minute ferry hop. There are a wealth of Split villas with private pools to choose from if you are tempted to stay in the Split Riviera region.
Pula
Pula is one of the jewels in the crown of the Istria region, a bustling city just over the Adriatic from Venice. As with most of the Croatian coastal settlements, Pula’s architecture has been influenced by invading regimes. But the premier sight is the well preserved Roman-built Pula Arena at the heart of the city. Therefore ensure you book tickets for a play or concert there to be to be swept back into history in a fantastic venue.
Pula is also the gateway to the islands of the Brijuni National Park with its beaches, hiking trails, golf course and safari park. Together with a direct ferry link to Venice, Pula makes a cracking place for an Istria villa rental. Be warned though, that Istria is very accessible to the continental Europeans who can drive there. Consequently, Istria is very popular and books up early.
Finally…
If you know where you would like to visit, have a look at these villas by location, or you can also do a general search of Croatia villas by size. Alternatively, email us what you are looking for and we can make some recommendations for your dates.
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