Villa Lana

Villa Lana enjoys a terrific location on the slopes of the dramatic Velebit mountain chain, right on the coast of Istria. Velebit is one of the most important natural areas in the Balkans. It hosts two national parks, a biosphere reserve, several ancient forests, deep canyons, ancient open lands and an exciting wildlife of Balkan chamois, red deer, brown bears, wild boar, wolves and lynx. You may also spot magnificent white-headed vultures with wingspans of 2.6 metres. Velebit’s southeastern slopes are the Paklenica National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a favourite hiking destination. Visitors who enjoy active outdoors holidays are very spoilt here with trekking, rafting down a magnificent river carved into the landscape and sea kayaking on the azure blue waters of the Zadar archipelago. The magnificent Mreznica River stretches for 64 kilometres and is known for its fantastic scenery and rich ecology. In the foothills of Velebit, the Modric cave is an absolute gem. Velebit’s Church of Sv Juraj (St. George) is a fantastic example of ancient Croatian architecture. Velebit is the largest, though not the highest, mountain range in Croatia, forming part of the Dinaric Alps. The popular spots are the peak of Vucjak above Zavizan, the botanical gardens and the caves.

Across the water from Villa Lana is the wonderful Rab Island, one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic with its pine forests. It enjoys quite a number of beautiful sandy beaches including the famous Paradise Beach. Rab Town enjoys many buildings from the 13th century and ancient town walls that are still visible in some places. Its central street is lined with some well preserved 15th century buildings, leading up to the town loggia that was built in 1509. You can climb the 26 metre high bell town for some fabulous sea views. Rab Island is 22km long and its highest peak is Kamenjak.

If you travel north from the villa, you will come to a city that is more than 3000 years old, Senj. It is located at the foot of the mountain of Kapela and Velebit and boasts the Fortress Nehaj which was built in 1558.

If you are heading for Zadar, you may want to stop at the beautiful town of Rovanjska, located in a bay at the very end of the Velebit channel. The Municipality of Jasenice consists of three villages, Maslenica, Rovanjska and Zaton Obrovacki as well as the small hamlet of Modric. The 24km road that stretches through the municipality, Podprag, Prag, Kraljicina vrata, Mali Alan and onto the Lika side of the mountain of Velebit to Sveti Rok is incredibly picturesque with breathtaking scenic views. Rovanjska enjoys breathtaking panorama. Visitors can enjoy thrilling sports including bungee jumping at Maslenica, a village famous for the bora wind. Rafting enthusiasts will adore the thrills of the Zrmanja River and its dramatic canyon.

Following the coast, the wonderful Nin, is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Croatia. It offers many churches including the smallest cathedral in the world, Santa Croce, the Church of St James, the Church of St Nicholas and the Cathedral of St Anselm. Other notable landmarks include the remains of the Roman Temple, the monument dedicated to the Duke Branimir, the port city of Nin and its stone bridge, the Kraljevac Square with its well and the statue of the Bishop of Nin Grgur. There are various events held in Nin during the summer months and plenty of eateries. Nin enjoys an incredible history. Seven Croatian rulers were crowned in Nin and before they were announced a ruler, they had to ride to St Nicolas, crawl on top of the church and point their sword to all corners of the world announcing what they planned to accomplish as a king. Nin has a new and old part with the old part being situated on a small artificial island with historic churches and a museum. The sandy beaches of Nin are beautiful.

The island of Pag is barren, rocky and sepia coloured with vast landscapes surrounded by the steely blue Adriatic. When the sky is stormy, the island looks incredibly dramatic with two mountain ranges looming. The island is famous for its long-standing traditions of cheese and winemaking. Pag cheese is one of Croatia’s most celebrated culinary exports. The island’s Pag lace decorates many walls in Croatia. Novalja has become a party town and Zrce Beach a summer nightlife hot spot.

The richly historic town of Zadar is stunning and a must visit. Visitors enjoy the beautiful, crystal clear Adriatic sea and the brilliant Vrana Lake with its ornithological reserve. Zadar’s renowned sunsets are spectacular and to celebrate them, a ‘Monument to the Sun’ was built on the edge of the waterfront. It is an all day 22 metre disc which soaks up the solar rays ready to dazzle visitors with coloured light patterns as night falls. The Sea Organ is an art installation formed by cleverly cutting steps into the promenade. The underwater pipes make musical sounds as if each wave is sighing!

Two of the most famous national parks of Croatia are within easy reach of Villa Lana. The breathtaking Kornati Archipelago National Park boasts reefs, headlands, islands and bays. You can take boat trips to explore the national park with plenty of opportunity to swim and snorkel. If you have rented your own yacht for the holiday, you can visit on your own. The famous Krka National Park boasts its stunning Skradinksi Buk and Roski Slap waterfalls. Extending along the 73km Krka River, the park runs from the Adriatic near Sibenik inland to the mountains of the Croatian interior. It is a magical place of gorges and waterfalls, with the river gushing through. Visitors take a boat ride to explore the park. Make sure you take your swimming costumes as you can swim below the waterfalls. Visitors also pass by the magnificent Visovac monastery, located on an island in a magical setting while on the boat ride.  

South of Zadar is Sibenik, the city of fortresses with two UNESCO heritage sites, Game of Thrones locations, beautiful beaches, an excellent dining scene and a gorgeous old town. Sibenik was first mentioned in 1066 though most of it was built during the Venetian rule between 1412 and 1797. St James Cathedral is a beautiful masterpiece of Venetian art built in the 15th century. The town’s fortresses include St John’s Fortress, Fortress Barone, St Michael’s, the oldest and most famous and the scene of many summer performances and festivals and St Nicholas. St Nicholas,  another Game of Thrones location, is reached via an official boat tour from Riva which includes a boat ride through St Anthony’s channel.

Istria has so much to offer. To see everything you want to, you will definitely need at least a two week holiday. Other special excursions are to Novigrad, to go above the clouds at Motovun, to visit the village of artists, Groznjan, to visit Vrsar, the town of Casanova, to see the mummies in Vocnjan, to explore Rovinj, to explore the mines and art in Labin, to hit the beach in Rabac, to try the sardines in Fazana, to walk in the amphitheatre in Pula, to visit Porec, to eat oysters in Lim Fjord, to visit the Brijuni Islands and finally to visit the Porer and Kamenjak National Parks. It is quite a list!

Read more about Kvarner

Sheltered by majestic mountains, the Kvarner Gulf region of Croatia is a coastal gem calling out to be explored. With its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and a seamless blend of Mediterranean and Central European influences, Kvarner has emerged as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic Croatian experience.

The region offers a stunning array of landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to tranquil coastal areas. The Velebit Mountains, which stretch along the eastern part of the region, are not just an incredible backdrop but also an absolute haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and mountain biking trails criss-cross the mountain range, offering spectacular vistas of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands.

The coastline of Kvarner is equally breathtaking, with numerous hidden coves, pebble beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The islands in the Kvarner Gulf, including Krk, Cres, and Lošinj, offer fantastic opportunities for beach-combing, swimming, and water sports. You can also embark on boat trips to explore the secluded beaches and hidden caves that dot the coastline.

Kvarner boasts a rich history that has shaped the region into what it is today, and one of the most notable historical sites in the region is the town of Krk on the island of the same name. Krk's Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets and picturesque squares, surrounded by medieval city walls and fortifications. A highlight of Krk is the Frankopan Castle, a well-preserved fortress with a rich history dating back to 1191.

On the mainland, the elegant resort town of Opatija, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a prime example of Kvarner's cultural appeal. It was a favoured destination for European aristocracy during the 19th century, with its historic grand hotels and lush parks. A stroll along the beautiful seaside promenade that trails along the coastline will give you great views over to the neighbouring islands. It’s a delightful town to explore and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era.

The Lopar peninsula on the island of Rab is a perfect spot for a family trip - the beautiful Paradise Beach (Rajska Plaža) features fine, golden sands and very shallow, crystal-clear waters that make it an ideal beach for young children. That and the beach entertainment - think fairground rides, boats, and beach volleyball - will keep little ones entertained all day.

The region is well-connected by road, making it easy to explore the coastal towns and venture into the mountains. Rijeka, the largest city in Kvarner, serves as a transport hub, with good rail and bus connections. Additionally, there are multiple airports in and around the region, including Rijeka Airport, which facilitates international travel.

Kvarner is truly a treasure trove of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural charm. The Mediterranean climate offers a year round destination, popular with beachgoers in the warm, sunny summer months, and providing pleasant weather for hiking and sightseeing in the spring, autumn and mild winters. This coastal region offers a range of activities and experiences for travellers of all interests - whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, a foodie, or simply seeking a peaceful seaside retreat, Kvarner has something special to offer.