Villa Mariella

The villa

The stunning 5-bedroom Villa Mariella is located on the Croatian island of Prvic, close to the coastal towns of Vodice and Šibenik. It enjoys beautiful views of the bay at Prvic Luka, on the southern edge of the island, and is less than 1km from the mainland, ensuring you can easily explore these great towns too.

Villa Mariella features a variety of terraces on two levels, as well as an enticing private swimming pool. There is a dining area on the upper terrace overlooking the pool, and where sun loungers are available too. The surrounding Mediterranean gardens add even more charm to the property.

The peaceful location is enhanced further by the fact that the island is car-free, and is usually only home to a few hundred people. Despite this small population, it has the facilities you will be looking for, including a grocery shop, post office and a handful of restaurants, many looking out over the water.

There is also a daily market offering fresh fish and vegetables.

Large windows give the interior both fine views and a light, airy feel. You have a contemporary lounge with ample seating and TV, and a dining area and kitchen form part of the same open-plan space. All you need, including an electric oven, microwave and coffee machine, is provided. The five bedrooms exude the same chic style, and each one has its own gorgeous bathroom and a balcony.

The wonderful Dalmatian island of Prvic is a real get-away-from-it-all destination, with just two villages in an area just over 3km wide. A ferry service connects it to both Vodice and Šibenik, with the port around 10 minutes’ walk from the villa. In Šibenik, explore the medieval centre, St James’ Cathedral and St Michael’s Fortress, and in Vodice, the marina, excellent beaches and great nightlife and restaurants. Both towns are also within easy reach of the breathtaking Krka National Park.

On Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, the town of Vodice is popular with visitors and provides plenty to entertain them. Excellent beaches, bars and restaurants, nightlife at the Hacienda Club and Hookah Bar, and annual summer music festivals showcasing regional and international talents mean there’s something for all tastes.

Another of Vodice’s advantages is its proximity to the Krka National Park, where the famous waterfalls are the big attraction. The park is little more than 20 minutes’ drive from the town, and certainly a must-see when you’re in the area.

The Kornati National Park is a little different, covering 89 islands off the coast of Vodice, with regular tours available.

Around 14km from Vodice is the larger town of Šibenik, with some noteworthy historic sights. The best known, the elaborate St James’ Cathedral, holds World Heritage Site status and was constructed entirely from stone sourced from nearby islands such as Brač and Korčula. Worth a visit too are the Mediterranean Monastery Gardens, a fun aquarium and the Šibenik City Museum. In summer, the town hosts some great festivals, including the International Children’s Festival, which brings music, dance, children’s theatre and film to Šibenik.

Šibenik lies roughly halfway between Split and Zadar, both of which are just over an hour’s drive away. Split, Croatia’s second city, is the home of the majestic Diocletian’s Palace, enchanting squares and a glamorous waterfront.

Meanwhile, Zadar offers imaginative attractions like the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, hosts the atmospheric Full Moon Festival each July, and contemporary theatre-fest Zadar Dreams each August.