How to Choose a Villa with a Pool in Istria: a 7-Step Guide

Istria is one of the most popular areas in Croatia for renting a villa with a private pool, and the choice is wide. Our offer alone covers a large number of villas, and every one of them has a private pool. The differences are still big: from a stone house among olive groves to a modern villa with a wellness area, from four to twenty guests. These seven steps will help you narrow it down.

1. Decide: sea or countryside

The first question is how close you want to be to the sea. Villas in Medulin, Pula and on the Rovinj coast are often just a few hundred metres to a few kilometres from the water, while villas inland, around Motovun or in central Istria, are fifteen kilometres from the sea or more. Some villas are less than two kilometres from the sea and many less than five. The countryside gives you peace, greenery and konobas serving truffles in return. We write about this difference in a separate guide to coast and countryside in Istria.

2. Work out the size: how many of you are travelling

The most common villas sleep six and eight, and they range from four to twenty beds. Do not look only at the number of guests but at bedrooms and bathrooms: eight adults in four bedrooms with two bathrooms is a different experience from eight adults with three. If several families are travelling together, look for a villa where each family has its own room with a bathroom.

3. Look at the pool

The pool is the reason most people choose a villa, so the details are worth a look. In our offer some villas have a heated pool, some a salt-water pool and a few an infinity pool. A heated pool extends the season in spring and autumn. Salt water is gentler on skin and eyes, which families with children appreciate. If you are travelling with small children, ask about the fencing and the depth, because they are not the same in every villa.

4. Check the amenities

Air conditioning, WiFi, a washing machine, a dishwasher, bed linen and towels are provided in all our villas. The differences are in the extras: almost all have a barbecue, but only some have a private sauna, a jacuzzi or sun loungers by the pool. Decide what matters to you and filter your search accordingly.

5. Pets and children

Pets are not allowed in every villa, so filter for it in advance. If you are travelling with a dog, make that the first filter, not something you check at booking. For children, most villas have a baby cot and a high chair, and some have a playground or playroom.

6. Look at the location on the map

A description says "close to the centre", while the map shows the real picture. Check how far it is to the nearest shop, restaurant and beach. Each villa page lists the distances to the sea, beach, shop, restaurant and airport.

7. Read the terms before you book

The price per night depends on the villa and the dates, but next to it you should check what is included: final cleaning, tourist tax, deposit and cancellation terms. Answers to the most common questions are on our FAQ page.

A short checklist

• Region: sea or countryside?
• Number of guests, bedrooms and bathrooms
• Pool type: heated, salt water, infinity, fencing
• Air conditioning, parking, WiFi and extras
• Pets and equipment for children
• Distance to the sea, shop and restaurants
• Terms: cleaning, tax, deposit, cancellation

Once you have narrowed it down, browse the full villa offer and filter by region, number of guests and amenities. If you need help, get in touch: we will recommend a villa to suit your group and dates.