Istria with Children: What to Look for in a Villa with a Pool

A villa with a private pool is one of the easiest ways for a family with children to spend a holiday in Istria: no crowded beach, no waiting for a table, and the children have their own space. But a villa that suits a couple does not necessarily suit a family with small children. Here is what to check.

1. The pool and safety

For families with children the pool is both the best and the most dangerous thing on holiday, so give it the most attention. Ask whether the pool is fenced, how deep it is and whether it has a shallow area, because this differs from villa to villa. The pool in all our villas is private, which means you are the only people using it, but also that there is no lifeguard: small children always need an adult watching them. In our offer some villas have a salt-water pool, which is gentler on skin and eyes, and some have a heated pool, which is more pleasant in spring and autumn when the water is cooler.

2. Children's equipment

Most of our villas have a baby cot and a high chair, so you do not have to carry your own. Some villas also have a playground or a playroom. If you need something that is not listed on the villa page, such as a car seat or a stair gate, ask us before booking.

3. The layout

Look at where the children sleep in relation to the parents, and whether the villa has stairs, a gallery or an unfenced terrace. If the children are very small, a villa on one level helps; seven villas in our offer are entirely on the ground floor. For larger groups with children, each family needs its own room with a bathroom, so that everyone sleeps better.

4. Kitchen, air conditioning and laundry

A holiday with children means more cooking at home, more laundry and shade in the hottest hours. All our villas have air conditioning, a washing machine, a dishwasher, an oven and a fridge with a freezer. Each also has a private garden, and almost all have a terrace (some have a covered one), so the family lunch can be eaten outdoors.

5. Distance to the sea and shops

Istrian beaches are mostly pebble or rock, so children need water shoes. If a beach is on the schedule every day, choose a villa closer to the sea: in Medulin the villas are between 40 metres and a little over two kilometres from the sea, and inland about fifteen kilometres. Also check the distance to a shop and pharmacy, which are listed on each villa page.

6. Day trips for the whole family

Istria has plenty for children beyond the pool. Some ideas: Pula with its Arena and aquarium, the Aquacolors water park and Dinopark near Poreč, the Baredine cave, a boat to Brijuni from Fažana, or a bike ride along the Parenzana. Check opening hours and prices before you set off.

7. Practical tips

• Sun protection: hat, cream and shade in the hottest hours
• Water shoes for rocky beaches
• Plenty of water and ice cream, especially in July and August
• Agree the pool rules with the children on the first day

Browse the villas and filter by number of guests and amenities, and if you are not sure which suits your family, tell us the children's ages and your dates and we will suggest a few.