As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to take a closer look at one of our favourite European destinations: Croatia. One of Oliver’s luxury villas in Croatia is the perfect base from which to explore the medieval towns of Dubrovnik or Split, or just relax on a beach in gorgeous Istria, so we’ve handpicked six must-do activities and attractions in the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’.
1. The Mummies of Vodnjan
This quiet hamlet is a magnet for pilgrims, who come to see the preserved mummies of several saints at the church of St Blaise. The basilica also houses hundreds of priceless relics, including a thorn from Jesus’ crucifixion crown. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the quiet beauty of this place, with the church’s stunning Baroque architecture a particular highlight.
2. Truffle Hunting
If you’ve a nose for these precious culinary commodities, head to the town of Buzet between late September and November and join an organised truffle hunt around the haunting Motovun Forest.
3. Zadar’s Sea Organ
A truly unique experimental instrument, the sea organ is a promenade of marble and stone steps that sits on the edge of this Roman town. Underneath the steps sit dozens of pipes, so that when the wind and water rush through the holes, the organ ‘plays’ music. Magical.
4. Cave Drinking in Dubrovnik
Once you’ve spent some time strolling through the cobbled streets of this beautiful walled city, head to the nearby village of Lapad and the subterranean Cave Bar at the Hotel More. Sipping a glass of lemon beer as soft music pipes through the stone walls is an enchantingly otherworldly experience.
5. Aqua Golf in Poreč
Not many golf clubs encourage players to hit balls into the water, but that’s exactly the point of Aqua Golf in Poreč. You don’t need experience: simply stand by the tee, gaze across the stunning harbour and aim for the Euphrasian Basilica on the other side of the water.
6. Skydiving Over Vrsar
The best way to see any country is from the air. Book a tandem skydiving tour over Vrsar’s green fields and picturesque houses, free-falling at speeds of up to 200km/h before pulling the cord and floating back to earth. On your way, watch out for the Koversada Naturist Campground and a beautiful Adriatic archipelago of unpopulated islands.
Enjoy your holiday in one of our luxury villas in Croatia! We’ve got a large range of luxury villas to choose from! To busy? Just contact our concierge team & they’ll help you to find the perfect holiday villa.
(Photo Credits: Lead Image via Mike Mcholm, St Blaise picture via Son of Groucho, Sea Organ picture via Mike Reger, Lemon beer via Maelick, Vrasar picture via honigbrotpause)
