Villa Andele

A peaceful coastal getaway within reach of busy Šibenik, Rogoznica, makes for a laidback base for exploring Dalmatia. You will find quite a few restaurants and cafés down towards the waterfront and some useful amenities. One of the area's highlights is the Dragon's Eye Lake which gets hotter as the lake gets deeper. You should also check out Blue Bay, a beautiful spot with clear turquoise waters.

Marina Frapa is where yachting excursions, a nightclub, a diving centre and sporting facilities are found. There are plenty of beaches along the coast in both directions, while the town of Primošten is around 10 minute drive away. Another beautiful spot, this is a lovely place to spend some time, with the Old Town, beach and waterfront in one compact area. The town is at its busiest in summer, when you may find street entertainment and charming restaurant terraces at their fullest.

The largest cities in this region are easy to reach. Šibenik is around 35 minutes from Rogoznica and has several notable heritage sights. The city's main attraction is the World Heritage Site, St James' Cathedral. Made entirely of stone, the 15th-century cathedral is a fusion of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. On the back wall is a somewhat grotesque depiction of 71 faces, all based on real Šibenik citizens. Close to the cathedral, you'll find the Šibenik City Museum, housed in the Rector's Palace.

The city has some good family attractions, including the Aquarium Terrarium, with tropical fish, lobsters, an octopus, lizards and the like. In summer, you may catch the annual International Children's Festival, hosted in Šibenik for more than 60 years. Also, look out for the St Lawrence Monastery garden. Filled with herbs, fruit trees and colourful plants, local schoolchildren help to maintain this peaceful garden.

While you can reach Croatia's busy second city of Split in around 45 minutes, the lovely Trogir is only half as far. Often considered a quieter alternative to Split, it's just as stunning as its better-known counterpart. Historic sights like St Lawrence Cathedral and Kamerlengo Castle, and the chance to take cruises to nearby islands or the enchanting Blue Cave, are among the good reasons to pay a visit.

Finally, be sure to visit one of Croatia's glorious National Parks. Easily accessible from Šibenik, Krka has 17 dramatic waterfalls, biking and hiking trails and endless areas of countryside. Guided tours can show you highlights like Visovac Island and the impressive Roški Slap waterfall. If you are ready to travel further, dramatic Paklenica National Park, the Velebit Mountains, and the much-loved Plitvice Lakes lie to the north.