This well-appointed, sea-view villa lies just 2km from the coastal town of Novigrad in Croatian Istria. With four bedrooms, Villa Nautica accommodates up to eight guests and features an impressively spacious terrace with outdoor pool.
As well as the pool, you can enjoy a luxurious hot tub on the upper deck, complemented by a sunbathing area and a fantastic sauna cabin. A spiral staircase leads down to the lower level where there is a covered terrace with seating, TV, barbecue and dining area. Beside the pool, you have plenty of sun loungers, lawn areas and more seating, as well as a shower.
Inside, you’ll find an open-plan living area with air conditioning, incorporating a lounge with sofa seating and a large, widescreen TV with satellite channels. The dining area enjoys views out to the pool area and lies conveniently close to a very stylish kitchen with dishwasher, coffee machine, microwave and a large fridge freezer.
Each with access to either the lower or upper terrace, four elegant bedrooms are equipped with a TV and an en suite bathroom with shower. One of the bedrooms offers direct access to the area where the hot tub and sauna are found.
The nearby town of Novigrad offers excellent restaurants and a pretty waterfront promenade. Novigrad is situated just a 5-minute drive from the popular Aqualand Istralandia water park and hosts an annual food festival among other special events. Also nearby, you can take a guided tour of the cave of Špilja Mramornica.
Down the coast you will find big-name Istrian destinations such as Poreč and Rovinj, while charming Umag and the border with Slovenia lie within driving distance to the north. From Novigrad, it’s also easy to reach local favourites such as Motovun and the stunning Učka Nature Park.
What Oliver loves...
This villa offers particularly good wellness facilities – as well as a sizeable outdoor pool, you have a hot tub and Finnish sauna cabin.
Villa Nautica’s comfy bedrooms all have access to the terraces and an impeccably styled shower room.
There’s lots to see in the local area – as well as laid-back Novigrad, you’re within reach of the lovely Umag and the busy resort of Poreč with its Roman Old Town and incredible caves.
What you should know
The pool can be heated if required – this will incur an additional charge.
Pets are welcome but a small daily charge applies.
The nearest airport is Pula, just over 70km away. Public transport is very limited in Istria, so the easiest way to reach Novigrad is by car.
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The Local Area
About the surrounding area of Villa Nautica
Rural Location
Outstanding Landscapes
Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
On the Istrian coast, Novigrad is one of the highlights of the north. Famed for its excellent restaurants and colourful waterfront, it’s quieter than the likes of Rovinj and Poreč, and makes a lovely place to take a break.
Notable for its streets being adorned with brightly hued umbrellas, the picturesque Old Town is surrounded by 14th-century town walls which provide one of Novigrad’s points of architectural interest. The Church of St Pelagius and St Maximus, with its tall bell tower, is another distinctive landmark. At the Lapidarium Museum you can find artefacts collected from the church.
You have a couple of family-friendly excursions nearby – the Špilja Mramornica caves and the big Aqualand Istralandia water park. During the year, Novigrad also hosts lots of cultural festivals and events.
The Gnam-Gnam Fest is one highlight, showcasing the area’s foodie credentials. You will find at least a couple of the town’s restaurants in the Michelin Guide, Marina and Damir & Ornella being the big names. There’s good dining to be found in many places around Novigrad, however, with plenty of seafood and local takes on pizza and pasta. Istrian wine is a discovery well worth making too – look out for the local Malvasia.
Head further north and you’ll come to pretty Umag shortly before you reach the Slovenian border. Another quieter alternative to the big resorts further south, this historic town has nice beaches and good Mediterranean-style eateries in its labyrinthine Old Town streets. A town museum and a local winery are among the sights you could explore, as well as the nearby Savudrija Lighthouse.
While one of the coast’s most touristy spots, Poreč is well worth a visit. The Roman Old Town, where the Zuccato Palace and Euphrasian Basilica can be found, is the main attraction – the latter, famed for its stunning mosaics, being Poreč’s big hitter. Boat trips out to the nearby island of Sveti Nikola are also popular.
Another Poreč highlight is the spectacular Baredine Cave, some 60m underground, which contains incredible rock and stalactite formations. During summer, you will find all sorts of concerts and festivals around town, including those devoted to jazz and classical music.
East of Novigrad, the town of Motovun lies high on a hilltop, surrounded by verdant countryside. This especially picturesque place hosts an annual International Film Festival each summer, but is a local favourite at any time of year. On the eastern side of the Istrian peninsula, the mountainous Učka Nature Park and glamorous resort of Opatija are more than worth the drive of just over an hour.
The Region
Nestled along Croatia’s enchanting Adriatic coastline, Istria welcomes visitors with open arms and a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be unraveled. Whether you're seeking adventure in nature, indulgence in culinary delights, a glimpse into history and culture, or simply a warm and inviting atmosphere, the peninsula of Istria has it all.
Istria's diverse and unspoiled landscapes will be the first thing to capture your attention! The region is renowned for its lush green hills, rolling vineyards, and enchanting coastline: the stunning scenery is a playground for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and beachgoers alike.
Offering a remarkable 445 kilometres of pristine coastline, including tranquil coves and sandy beaches, visitors can find plenty of secluded spots to soak up the sun. The clear, azure waters of the Adriatic are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy an active day of water sports.
Venture inland and you'll discover picturesque villages set amidst rolling hills and verdant forests. Istria is home to over 30 nature reserves - an absolute haven for hikers and cyclists, with an abundance of well-marked trails to explore. The Učka Nature Park, in particular, stands out as a hiking and nature lover's paradise, offering waterfalls, historic villages, and breathtaking panoramic views of Istria's outstanding scenery.
Istria's rich history is woven into the fabric of its towns and cities. An ever popular choice for tourists is the impressive port city of Pula, full of quaint town squares and local restaurants, and home to one of the most well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. This ancient arena, known as the Pula Arena, is a testament to Istria's Roman heritage and hosts numerous events, including concerts and film festivals.
The medieval towns of Rovinj and Motovun enchant visitors with their cobbled streets and historic charm. The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning example of early Christian art and architecture.
Istria's culinary scene is a treat for the taste buds: the region is famous for its truffles, particularly the elusive white truffle, and you can savour dishes infused with this prized delicacy in charming local restaurants across the region. Wine and olive oil lovers will find joy in Istria's vineyards and olive groves, offering tastings and insights into traditional production methods. Fresh seafood, often served with a Mediterranean twist, is a staple that you can enjoy at quaint waterfront eateries along the coastline.
One of the most enduring memories visitors take away from Istria is the warmth of its people. The locals are known for their friendly, welcoming nature and their willingness to share their traditions and stories with tourists. You'll find yourself immersed in the local way of life, whether you're exploring ancient towns or enjoying a meal in a family-run tavern.
Istria is easily accessible, with Pula Airport serving as a major gateway. Once you arrive, navigating the region is a breeze with well-maintained roads connecting major towns and villages. Language barriers are minimal, thanks to the widespread use of English, Italian, and German, alongside the local Croatian language.
Istria’s unique blend of pristine landscapes, rich traditions, and warm-hearted locals creates an experience that will linger in your memories long after you've returned home.
