There’s nothing like the wind in your hair, the thrill of the road, and the exhilaration of free-wheeling around Dalmatian hairpins in your favourite car or motorcycle. After the lockdown, now is the perfect time to hit the road and stay at some of the most beautiful Mediterranean villas on these road trips that guarantee carefree summer joy.
Brač road trip
Experience the true Mediterranean in one of the most mystical landscapes of the island of Brač. A short ferry ride from the city of Split but a world away from its hectic hedonism, this island will seduce you with its elemental beauty, its cultural wonders, and its reassuring familiarity.
Drive through the numerous hairpin turns with stunning views and explore some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stop for a while and take a swim in the most praised Croatian beach Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) amid fragrant pine trees.
Visit small towns that overlook the Adriatic sea, but don’t forget to explore the hidden hamlets which will easily seduce you with its mystery and beauty.
As seductive a retreat as you could wish for, take a break from your road trip and set on a shore of the Selca town near the Sumartin Port. Here you will be able to enjoy a glamorous waterfront Villa Lypa which benefits from superb views over a large picturesque bay.
The seaside road in Makarska Riviera.
Makarska Riviera road trip
What could be more liberating than an adrenaline-fuel road trip criss-crossing along the Makarska Riviera? This epic route, that is a part of the Adriatic highway (called by the locals: “Jadranska magistrala”) is one of the most beautiful driving routes in the world.
The Adriatic Highway itself is a true 1006 km masterpiece which goes from Trieste in Italy and goes all the way to the town of Ulcinj in Montenegro. The largest route – 818 km goes through the Croatian coast.
With the views on the blue sea and the nearby islands, this 20 km long route will make every moment on your journey unforgettable.
To make this journey more interesting hole up at the perfect place to plot the most unforgettable, “get away from it all” adventure, the beautiful Villa Ivy on the island of Brač. From there you can get on board the ferry that will take you directly to the town of Makarska – the starting point of your road trip.
Some of the best months for undertaking the Makarska Riviera are the spring months of April and May – less traffic in the main summer months and coinciding with the rejuvenation of the countryside.
The Mountain road
Just a couple kilometers from Makarska there is the exciting road (D512 state road) that goes through the mountain of Biokovo. The 30.6 km road connects Makarska with the town of Vrgorac. It is great for a road trip with your favourite car or motorcycle since there is not so much traffic. This route also has magical views on the sea and the islands. The best part of this road trip is when you arrive at a left-hander after a small tunnel, after which you suddenly realize that you are only 2 km away from the sea and 800 m above the sea level at the same time.
Along the road, you can catch a break in one of many family-owned restaurants that serve the best of local Mediterranean cuisine. If you feel more adventurous you can visit the Nature Park Biokovo, one of the most preserved natural wonders in Croatia.
Villa Feodora on the island of Korčula.
Korčula road trip
Just a couple of minutes away from the Korčula old town, Villa Feodora is a fabulously restored Dalmatian Villa in the secluded Vrbovica Bay. The Vrbovica Bay is an excellent starting point for your road trip around Korčula. The rural roads will take you through the natural bliss with vineyards, olive groves, plenty of cultural landmarks to take in (including the UNESCO World Heritage town of Korčula with its sun-baked cathedrals, churches and the birth house of world-famous explorer Marco Polo.)
Stop and visit one of the Korčula’s main wine villages – Lumbarda and enjoy the glass of chilled Rosé, and taste the dry white Grk, made from a grape grown nowhere else in the world. If looking for a refreshment visit Korčula’s heavily indented southern coast which shelters gorgeous little pebbly beaches, including one at Žitna and a larger bay at Pupnatska Luka.