Immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty of Istria at Villa Saskia, an elegant four-bedroom property boasting an abundance of Mediterranean charm! This traditional stone villa features a sun-drenched terrace, a private swimming pool and a beautiful garden, offering a secluded holiday setting in the idyllic Istrian village of Čabrunići, just twenty-four kilometres away from the seaside town of Rovinj. With the green heart of Istria on your doorstep and a treasure trove of coastal gems to explore nearby, Villa Saskia is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating retreat with your loved ones whilst soaking up the warm Croatian sunshine.
Begin each day with a refreshing dip in the villa’s private swimming pool before sipping a freshly brewed cup of coffee on a poolside sun lounger with the sounds of the natural world around you. The expansive garden is ideal for family fun and games, while a covered outdoor seating area provides a shady spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or unwind with a good book. Later on, gather everyone together for a delicious barbecue at Villa Saskia’s covered outdoor dining area, featuring a summer kitchen with a traditional Croatian grill. The warm glow of the fire will accompany you as you sip a glass of Istrian wine at sunset and watch the stars appear.
The interior spaces of Villa Saskia have been thoughtfully designed to complement the property’s traditional stone façade and Mediterranean garden. An abundance of natural light flows into an open-plan living space, where guests will find a delightful lounge area with sumptuous sofas and a flat-screen TV. A charming kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances and a central island, while the dining area provides room for everyone to come together and discuss the day’s adventures over a home-cooked meal prepared with the fresh local produce you have discovered.
The villa offers four bright and airy bedrooms, each featuring a well-appointed en-suite bathroom with a shower. Three of the bedrooms are spacious double rooms with queen-size beds, while the fourth bedroom is a welcoming twin room. The relaxed, understated décor in each bedroom creates a warm and inviting ambience for guests, while air conditioning ensures that your nights are as restful as your days are relaxing.
Villa Saskia offers a dreamlike holiday setting in the stunning Croatian countryside, boasting modern facilities, a spectacular garden and a truly enchanting location.
What Oliver loves...
We loved spending time in Villa Saskia’s enchanting Mediterranean garden, from a refreshing morning dip in the swimming pool to a magical evening relaxing by the traditional grill and sipping wine at sunset.
We adored the sunny afternoon we spent discovering the untouched natural beauty of Brijuni National Park, a park made up of a string of stunning islands.
We highly recommend a day trip to the vibrant city of Pula, where we visited the Roman amphitheatre and wandered through lively summer markets.
The picturesque village of Čabrunići perfectly encapsulates Istria's rustic and romantic charm! Home to rolling olive groves and vineyards, the village is only twenty-five minutes away from the sparkling Adriatic coastline.
What you should know
Younger children should remain supervised by the villa’s private swimming pool.
Villa Saskia can accommodate up to ten guests in total.
A car is recommended for those who wish to easily access local amenities, nearby beaches and seaside towns.
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The Local Area
About the surrounding area of Villa Saskia
<1hr to Airport
Rural Location
Outstanding Landscapes
Villa Saskia is located in Čabrunići, a quaint countryside village in the green heart of Istria, only a twenty-five-minute drive from the sparkling waters and lively seaside towns of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline. The village perfectly encapsulates the region’s rustic Mediterranean charm, surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves. While Čabrunići is a quiet location, the village is very picturesque, dotted with traditional Istrian stone houses and a small selection of local bars and restaurants within a ten-minute drive of Villa Saskia.
Čabrunići provides the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Istrian peninsula. The white pebble shores and crystal-clear waters of Peroj are only sixteen kilometres away, while the beaches of nearby Barbariga are rugged and remote. A long and sunny promenade stretches from Peroj to Fažana, where there are plenty of convenient amenities such as beach bars and cafes and local businesses offering water sports facilities, including snorkelling gear and sea kayaks. For an exciting day trip across the water, the untouched natural beauty of Brijuni National Park is just a short boat journey away from the Fažana fishing port. Here, visitors can enjoy the fresh island air whilst playing a round of golf or taking to the sea to enjoy kayaking and scuba-diving adventures.
Just a half-hour drive from Čabrunići, Rovinj is one of the Istrian peninsula’s most iconic coastal gems. A seaside town with a labyrinth of narrow streets and colourful architecture, here you can relax by the turquoise waters of Lone Bay Beach or enjoy a variety of watersports on Mulini Beach. Later, wander through the enchanting old town before making your way to the hilltop Church of St. Euphemia, where you can take in panoramic views of the ocean and the cluster of tiny islands surrounding Rovinj.
Hiking and biking enthusiasts will be delighted by the scenic trails surrounding Villa Saskia, which lead out towards the coast or inland through Mediterranean woodland and olive groves. With five bikes available at the villa for guests’ use, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the Istrian countryside. Situated between Poreč and Pula, Vrsar is a small fishing village, home to several coastal trekking trails. Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water!
History buffs and those searching for a little more hustle and bustle will feel drawn to Pula, Istria’s largest city, located in a valley surrounded by seven green hills. Boasting spectacular views of the shimmering Adriatic Sea and the incredible Pula Arena, a Roman amphitheatre that dates back as far as 27 BC, the city is also home to lively summer festivals and local markets, beautiful beaches and traditional taverns showcasing some of the region’s finest cuisine.
Roughly an hour’s drive from Čabrunići, Cape Kamenjak is a gorgeous nature reserve and park at the southernmost tip of the Istrian peninsula. With dramatic landscapes and a coastline of hidden coves and caves to explore, this is the ideal place to spend the day reacquainting yourself with nature. Later on, head home to Villa Saskia in time for a sunset swim and a glass of Istrian wine on the terrace before a night spent relaxing under the stars.
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.
