Villa Nicka is located just 11 km from Dubrovnik and just under 2 km from the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dubrovnik region has a fascinating and complex history. For years the city was an extremely powerful trading republic that rivalled Venice until the Italian city took control. Part of the former Republic of Yugoslavia, Croatia achieved independence after the 1991 war during which it was badly damaged. Now it is fully restored and welcomes thousands of visitors every year.
The idyllic fishing village of Mlini is around 5 km from Villa Nicka, and is a delightful little spot to relax and unwind, with a pretty harbour. There is a small collection of low-key restaurants and bars, and the crystal clear blue bay is fringed by a beautiful beach. The pretty pastel-painted houses, abundance of natural springs and lush woodland create a magical place.
Take a boat trip to Cavtat, 21 km from the border with Montenegro. Set on a natural harbour with two small peninsulas either side, this picture-perfect village is ideal for a day trip. Surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful scenery, with turquoise water, distant mountains and lush trees, the Old Town is a delight. Explore the pretty streets filled with terracotta-roofed houses, and enjoy a spot of shopping before a lazy lunch in one of the many good restaurants before catching the boat back to Mlini.
A visit to the cultural gem that is the beautiful city of Dubrovnik is unmissable. Although it is just a short drive away, as parking can be a problem, taking a cool ride on a water taxi is a more pleasant way to arrive. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik has a chequered past. It is famed for its impressive city walls, which date back to the 13th century, and their impressive fortresses. Enter the city through the 14th-century Pile Gate (main city entrance), and you will find yourself on the Stradun, the sublimely elegant main street in the city. Enjoy a delicious ice cream, a coffee or a leisurely lunch on this beautiful marbled boulevard to the sound of water splashing in the famous Onofrio fountain.