Villa Burgundija

Villa Burgundija enjoys an exclusive, hillside, beachfront location on the northern end of Brela. It is a fantastic position, close to shops and restaurants and brilliant beaches. You have every choice of entertainment within very easy reach! With many beautiful beaches offering fragrant pine backdrops, azure waters, delightful cafes and watersports, Brela is a brilliant location. Brela is a lovely resort to walk around. Every scene is pretty. The town enjoys an excellent nightlife with many bars open late. If you do not find what you need shopping wise, you can head down to Makarska. Brela’s most famous beach is Punta Rata, a gorgeous Blue Flag wonder. The town is beautiful with some wonderful historic buildings including the small Lady of Karmela Church which was built in 1715, St Juraj Church, St Ilija Church built in the 18th century and the St Roko Chapel. 

Surrounding Villa Burgundija and Brela, you will discover many idyllic, pretty villages, the wonderful, buzzy resort of Makarska, the Biokovo Nature Park and Omis and the Cetina River. The Biokovo Nature Park enjoys the second largest mountain range in the Adriatic with clear views over to the Italian coast on a good day. The park’s botanical garden is popular. Rock climbing, hiking, paragliding and cycling are all past times enjoyed by visitors. Huge investment, making the park even more attractive to tourists and visitors, includes the Skywalk. It is a horseshoe-shaped platform that has been cut out of the cliff with a glass walkway. It is a splendid visitor attraction. It has been built at an altitude of 1228 metres above sea level and is an spectacular lookout platform. The views are phenomenal.

Just north of the villa, the pretty village of Mimice boasts a pretty, ancient church, a charming minimarket, several quaint restaurants and several bars. The beach is a delight with shallow water and lovely scenery all around. It is very easy to relax in Mimice with its sleepy Dalmation atmosphere and its beautiful pine woods.

Omis is known as the City of Pirates, situated at the mouth of the Cetina River. It is 21km southeast of the largest Dalmatian town of Split. The town is home to many churches, the 13th century Fortress Mirabella and the 15th century Fortress Starigrad, excellent shops and a renowned selection of gourmet restaurants serving fresh, locally caught fish and speciality smoked ham. Other interesting buildings include the parish church of St Mihovil, the Franciscan convent, St Peter Church, Holy Ghost Church, the Illyrian seminary, the town museum and the old cemetery of Omis. The location of the town, as well as light and fast boats, enabled the locals to become infamous pirates and for two centuries they led attacks on the merchant ships of powerful Venice, Dubrovnik, Split and other towns. The Klapa Festival during the summer is a jolly event with capella singing in churches and squares in the old town.

Also on the Makarska Riviera, the historical village of Baska Voda is delightful with a port and a popular beach. Once a humble fishing village, its beach, pine woods and lovely setting have made it a favourite with families. Numerous souvenir shops, friendly cafes and cosy restaurants line the pretty promenade. The quaint villages of Bast and Topici are known for their artisanal cheese, prosciutto and bread. Visitors also enjoy Promajna and the little fisherman’s village of Bratus. Makarska itself is vibrant, attractive and offers much entertainment. You can take boat trips from the marina. 

The Cetina River is the ideal place for some water adventures. It is popular for canyoning with its cliff face reaching up to 180 metres and a warren of tunnels, waterfalls and lakes. Extreme canyoning with experienced instructors and professional alpine gear involves descending down the Gubavica Waterfall. It also boasts a thrilling zipline that crosses the canyon 150 metres off the ground. For something more sedate, you can paddle down the pretty river in canoes or kayaks enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery and perhaps a picnic by the side of the river. Just north of the village of Kucice, you can ride in giant inflatable donuts and descend down the small river rapids. Starting at Pensici and finishing at Radmanove Mlinice, families have a lot of fun white water rafting. You can also soar high above the river and town from Imber on a paragliding trip. It is also a very pretty picnic spot and young children just love splashing in the water and jumping off rocks.

Split enjoys stunning architecture where the buildings look as though they have just emerged from a fantasy novel. The town combines honeycombs of intricate, historical buildings with a cosmopolitan, palm-lined promenade offering tourists gourmet dining and excellent shopping. The atmospheric, narrow streets are brimming with ancient monuments, trendy restaurants, cafes, bars and a good variety of shops. 

Read more about Makarska

Makarska, perched between the Biokovo mountain range and the glistening waters of the Adriatic Sea, is a stunning destination where nature's grandeur takes centre stage. The imposing mountains rise dramatically behind the town, creating a striking backdrop for the entire region. With its distinct Mediterranean climate, visitors can expect warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal year-round destination.

The Riva - the town's seafront promenade - is a focal point of the community, where locals and visitors alike gather to soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere. Lined with palm trees and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, the Riva is the perfect place to unwind, take in the scenic views of the sea and settle into the Croatian pace of life. As the sun sets over the Adriatic, Makarska comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. The Riva transforms into a lively hub of entertainment, with street performers, live music, DJ sets, and a chance to mingle with locals and fellow travellers.

If you're a history enthusiast, Makarska's rich heritage and historic sites will surely pique your interest. The Church of St. Mark, built in the early 18th century, stands as a testament to the region's strong Catholic tradition. The Baroque architecture and stunning altarpieces make it a notable religious landmark.

For a deeper dive into the past, the Makarska Franciscan Monastery, founded in the 16th century, houses an impressive collection of artefacts including ancient manuscripts and artwork. The monastery's cloister and church are architectural marvels in their own right. Within the complex, the Malacological Museum showcases an extensive collection of seashells, a testament to the region's maritime heritage.

The Makarska Riviera boasts a series of blue-flag beaches and crystal-clear waters, ensuring a perfect setting for relaxation and water activities. The most famous is the Makarska Beach itself, stretching for almost 2 kilometres and offering a plethora of water sports, sunbathing spots, and beachfront cafes. While sunbathing and swimming are the primary draws, you can also indulge in snorkelling, paddle-boarding, and jet skiing to experience the vibrant underwater world of the Adriatic.

Heading north along the Makarska Riviera, you’ll come to the town of Brela, famed for its pristine beaches. One of the best, Punta Rata, is often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. The crystal-clear waters and the iconic Brela Rock jutting from the sea make it a picture-perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming.

The Biokovo Nature Park, often overshadowed by the coast, offers a different but equally wonderful experience. Here, the rugged mountain terrain allows for hiking, trekking, and adventure in the heart of nature. There are several well-marked trails that lead you through lush forests, up to the highest peak of Sveti Jure (St. George), providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic and the surrounding islands.

Day trips to nearby destinations are also a great way to explore the broader region. The islands of Hvar and Brač are easily accessible by ferry and make for fantastic day excursions. Hvar is known for its beautiful old town and lavender fields, while Brač is famous for the stunning Zlatni Rat beach.

This enchanting coastal region, characterised by its stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and vibrant atmosphere, is undoubtedly a place that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the diversity of the Dalmatian region. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or simply in search of a relaxing coastal escape, Makarska offers something for every traveller.