Margherita

Senj is one of the prettiest historic towns in all of Croatia and is famously the only territory in the country that was never taken. Crowned by its impressive and iconic Nehaj Fortress, framed by the Velebit mountain range, with a wide and glittering bay on the Adriatic, and boasting a well-preserved old town, Senj has truly striking good looks. Those who book a vacation rental in Senj, therefore, will quickly discover that it is a perfect location for a dreamy seaside getaway. 

Located to the south of Kvarner Bay, the romantic and picturesque resort town of Senj is a lesser-known but idyllic holiday destination in Croatia. A pretty cluster of buildings spreading out from the medieval core of the town and fronted by beaches, Senj is overlooked by the imposing Nehaj Fortress and is both steeped in history and incredible natural surroundings. The oldest town in the upper Adriatic, the settlement at Senj dates back an astounding 3,000 years and though little but archaeological finds remains of this time, many other eras since then are represented as one walks through the historic centre. With lots of little winding streets, charming squares, and architectural gems all around, there are all sorts of delights to uncover as you wander around Senj including galleries and museums, cafes and ice-cream parlours and restaurants serving delicious meals and treats, independent boutiques and shops, the elegant harbour with its delightful array of houses in pastel shades, and, of course, the numerous beaches and coves just waiting to be explored in the surrounding area. It is, therefore, a brilliant spot for a relaxing holiday. And, if you’re looking for a perfect holiday rental in Senj, then our listing, Villa Gustav, is a brilliant choice!

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. 

When one imagines a vacation in Croatia and time spent enjoying the coastline, they tend to think of hot summer days, sprawled out on the beach or splashing around in the water. However, there is so much more to Croatia than just sun holidays. There is a wealth of incredible natural beauty from towering peaks to glittering lakes to fascinating swamps to lush valleys where all sorts of outdoor pursuits can be enjoyed from hiking to zip-lining, to rock-climbing to, even, skiing. Yes, skiing! Many don’t think of skiing when it comes to Croatia and, certainly, it is not a major ski destination by any stretch of the imagination but there are some mountains across the country that support ski holidays during the colder months. These same mountains are also excellent spots for other leisure activities throughout the rest of the year so even if you miss the ski season, they are still worth seeking out if you like to stay active and take in the great outdoors while on vacation.

If you head to Rijeka during the winter, for example, you can head to Platak, a charming ski resort that is ideal for intermediate skiiers and that boasts views over the coast from its snowy peaks. Then, during the spring, summer, and autumn, you can also head to Platak for a different sort of thrill by trying your hand at mountain biking or enjoying the many different hiking trails around the area that afford truly stunning panoramas over the surrounding countryside and coast. So, just find yourself a villa in Rijeka and then come to enjoy the adventure and natural bounty on offer in this part of Croatia, no matter the weather or when you happen plan your trip!