Antiques Market, Zadar
Posted in: Activities Events Food and Wine Markets Must See Attractions Shopping

The beautiful coastal city of Zadar is home to an undeniably picturesque Old Town with little cobblestone streets and architectural gems from various periods throughout history. Perched on the Dalmatian Coast and lapped by the Adriatic, this pretty town with its cinematic looks also boasts some unique and interesting tourist attractions and art installations including the Sea Organ and the Monument to the Sun. Each evening, unbelievable sunsets that Hitchcock named the loveliest in the world take place over the water with an audience waiting along the seaside promenade to enjoy the show with drinks or just with people they love. Add to this that Zadar is known for having the most pleasant climate in the entire Adriatic, the excellent nearby beaches, and the range of natural wonders that are located close to the town and you have a perfect recipe for a truly relaxing seaside getaway in the prettiest of surroundings.


For those looking to unwind, take things slow, and enjoy the good life, a villa in Zadar really is just the thing! And, as you wander the historic streets, enjoy wholesome adventures exploring the area, and work up an appetite, you will discover and incredible culinary heritage that is just waiting for visitors to dive into! Of course, you can head to various family-owned traditional restaurants and the more slick and modern eateries that are dotted throughout the town but if you are staying in one of our wonderful vacation rentals in Zadar and want to make the most of having your own kitchen then you should head to the Trznica Zadar market to stock up on the freshest local ingredients.

Umag
Posted in: Activities Beaches Concerts & Festivals Events Food and Wine Hiking Tourist Attractions Travel Tips Water Sports

Umag is the kind of stylish and picturesque and perfectly lovely seaside resort that one might imagine when dreaming of going on a vacation in Croatia. Located along the coastline of Istria, it is the westernmost town in Croatia and is in a part of the country that is especially lush and green and home to some incredibly fertile vineyards. Featuring areas of forestry, stunningly crystal-clear and bluer than blue waters, pretty beaches, an Old Town with picturesque cobbled streets and ancient origins, some amazing tourist attractions and annual events, and much more besides, it is a place that has all that you could ask for in order to enjoy a pefectly relaxing getaway in Istria. Get browsing our range of charming villas in Umag and then come and start exploring it all for yourself!


While there are plenty of great things to see and do all throughout the area, if you have found your vacation rental in Umag, then these ten picks of attractions and events are some that you should make sure not miss out on during your time in this beautiful seaside gem in Croatia...

Rijeka City Market
Posted in: Events Food and Wine Markets Must See Attractions

Rijeka is a charming port city on Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic Sea that boasts endless character, authenticity, incredible seafood, stunning Austro-Hungarian architectural gems, a vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural heritage. With a proud working class background in shipping and ship-building that sees cranes adorn the same skyline as Hapsburg rooftops, this is an enduringly fascinating place that is quite removed from mass tourism. For those who want to find a vacation rental in Croatia but also want to experience a version of the country that is somewhat closer to the Croatia that locals know, then a holiday rental in Rijeka is just the thing. And, as the foodie culture is one of the city’s biggest selling points then be prepared to eat really, really well during your trip!


There are, of course, plenty of great places to eat while on vacation in Rijeka and plenty of places to shop for incredible local ingredients to bring back to a villa in Rijeka and prepare wonderful meals with your loved ones but a destination that combines both is the Rijeka City Market. A hotspot for locals who claim it the best place to eat since the 19th century, the main City Market is next to the shore and near the pier, leaving it mere footsteps from where fishermen deliver the freshest fish and shellfish you could imagine. 

Zadar
Posted in: Christmas December Events Markets November
Croatia may not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of a Christmas getaway and, yet, as a country with a population that is about 85% Catholic, it is actually a perfect spot to enjoy the Holidays abroad. Boasting lots of unique Christmas traditions to take part in, some delicious and hearty festive dishes to warm you up and leave you feeling satisfied, lots of Christmas markets to explore in cities across the country, and more besides, there is plenty to make Croatia a rather special place to spend the Holiday Season. In particular, if you’re looking for a destination that boasts mild winter weather, pretty sea views, charming surroundings, and that is a winter holiday hotspot then a vacation rental in Zadar for the Christmas holidays is just the thing!

Zadar is completely free of the tourist crowds that are so common throughout the summer come December but fills up instead with festive cheer with the dawning of Advent, leaving you plenty of space to kick back, relax, and enjoy it all. Lights twinkle in the streets, Christmas music floats out of shops, the scent of mulled wine and sweets hangs in the air, and all sorts of events and celebrations take place, transforming the city into a winter wonderland – minus the snow or serious cold!
Truffles
Posted in: Autumn Events Food and Wine Travel Tips
If you're looking to holiday in Croatia this fall and you really want to eat well while harvest season is in full swing and there is an even larger selection of culinary delights on offer, then a villa in Istria is just the thing! Pretty much the foodie destination of choice in Croatia, Istria has a rich culinary tradition that brings together Italian and Central European influences with local delicacies and specialties to produce a cuisine that is hearty, rich, flavourful, and comforting – just the things we all crave as the year begins to wind towards an end and temperatures begin to drop! Famously the area from which many of Croatia's most famous dishes come, Istria is an ideal destination for epicureans looking to vacation over the next couple of months. But once you get there, what should you look out for? Well, here are five classic Istrian dishes that you should definitely make a point of eating while exploring the region...