From seaside escapes on the Adriatic to peaceful countryside retreats, Croatia is packed with incredible places to stay. To make your search a little easier, we’ve rounded up five villas we’d book ourselves.
You’ll find everything from stylish coastal homes near Split and Dubrovnik to hidden gems in Istria, each offering something a little different. If you’re looking for the best villas for rent in Croatia in 2026, this is a great place to start.
Quick Answer
| Villa | Location | Max guests | Bedrooms | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Villa Don Giordano Excelsior | Istria | 8 | 4 | Wine country escapes & privacy |
| 2 | Villa Royal Excelsior | Split (Podstrana) | 14 | 5 | Large families & sea views |
| 3 | Villa Rivendell Excelsior | Split (Solin) | 8 | 4 | Entertainment & city views |
| 4 | Villa Eleven Excelsior | Dubrovnik (Zaton) | 10 | 5 | Wellness & beachfront luxury |
| 5 | Villa Cera Excelsior | Dalmatia (Cera) | 10 | 5 | Design lovers & total seclusion |
Below, we break down each villa in detail, the setting, the interiors, the amenities, and who each property suits best.
1. Villa Don Giordano Excelsior
If you’re picturing rolling vineyards, olive groves and golden hilltop views, Villa Don Giordano Excelsior delivers exactly that. Located in Vižinada, one of Istria’s most picturesque wine regions, this hilltop retreat blends authentic Tuscan-inspired architecture with the privacy of a fully gated estate, earning it a reputation as one of the most photogenic villas for rent in Croatia.
Highlights
- 550 m² of interior living space, including a cigar room, a games room, spacious lounges and an elegant dining area
- 4 bedrooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom and balcony, furnished with Italian pieces
- A striking blue-and-black tiled swimming pool with panoramic views over the Istrian hills
- Fully gated estate for complete privacy
- Recognized as an award-winning property, featured in Croatian design and lifestyle magazines, and part of the Airbnb Luxe and Plum Guide collections
Why guests love it
The villa has hosted a range of high-profile guests over the years, including sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, drawn by the estate’s privacy and low-key elegance. It’s also a popular choice for destination weddings, with the grounds easily transformed into a stunning ceremony venue.
Best for
Couples and small families looking for a quiet, design-led escape surrounded by nature, ideal for wine tasting, cycling through vineyards, and exploring nearby Roman landmarks like the Pula Colosseum.
Villa Royal Excelsior
Few villas for rent in Croatia come with a story quite like Villa Royal Excelsior. Built in the 18th century, around the same era Mozart was composing some of his most famous works, this building began life as a small schoolhouse in Podstrana, just outside Split. Today, it has been fully restored and transformed into a luxury villa with one of the best sea views on the Dalmatian coast.
Highlights
- Sits on a private 1,350 m² estate, sleeping up to 14 guests across 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms
- An infinity pool and sun terrace positioned to make the most of uninterrupted Adriatic views
- Private indoor jacuzzi and sauna with sea views
- An attic playroom for children, plus a landscaped garden and playground
- Open-plan kitchen, living and dining area combining stone, wood and modern design
Location
Just 15 minutes by car from central Split, the villa offers easy access to Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva waterfront, Marjan Forest Park, and day trips to Krka National Park or the islands of Brač and Hvar.
Best for
Large families or multi-generational groups who want space, history and a jaw-dropping view without sacrificing proximity to the city.
3. Villa Rivendell Excelsior
Perched above Split with sweeping views over the city, the islands and the Adriatic, Villa Rivendell Excelsior is built for guests who want the buzz of entertainment without leaving the property.
Highlights
- 8 guests, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, set on an elevated, private position above Split
- Private home cinema, a full arcade games room, a pool table and life-size games
- An infinity pool facing the coastline
- A private tennis court
- Multiple outdoor terraces designed for long breakfasts, poolside afternoons and evening gatherings
What makes it different
This is one of the few villas for rent in Croatia genuinely built around indoor entertainment as much as outdoor living, guests consistently mention the home cinema and arcade setup as a highlight for both kids and adults, making it easy to fill a rainy day or a lazy afternoon without ever leaving the villa.
Best for
Groups of friends or families with teenagers who want a mix of relaxation and entertainment, with Split’s Old Town just a short drive away.
4. Villa Eleven Excelsior
For travelers heading to the south of Croatia, Villa Eleven Excelsior is a contemporary architectural statement just 10 minutes from Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Clean lines, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor space define this Zaton estate.
Highlights
- 10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, with the beach just 50 meters away
- Infinity pool with panoramic sea views
- Full wellness setup: private gym, sauna, and jacuzzi
- A private lift connecting all floors
- Can be combined with the neighboring Villa Atreeum to accommodate up to 19 guests as a private estate
Location
Set directly on the Dalmatian coast near Zaton, guests are minutes from Dubrovnik’s historic City Walls and can easily reach Lokrum Island for a day of exploring.
Best for
Guests who prioritize wellness and modern design, this villa is consistently praised for its architecture, its host’s hospitality, and its unbeatable proximity to both the beach and Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
5. Villa Cera Excelsior
Set among olive groves and vineyards in the village of Cera, Villa Cera Excelsior is one of the most awarded properties in our portfolio, recognized for its interior design and its sense of complete seclusion.
Highlights
- 10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, spread across 440 m²
- Award-winning interior design, blending old Dalmatian aristocratic style with modern comfort
- A private heated pool of 100 m² with jacuzzi
- A full sports and games setup: tennis court, basketball hoop, billiards, table tennis and foosball
- Just 10 minutes from Krka National Park and around 20 minutes from Split Airport
The atmosphere
This is the villa for guests who want to disconnect entirely, mornings by the pool, afternoons on the tennis court, evenings with Dalmatian wine under the stars. The countryside setting means a car is recommended, but the payoff is total privacy and quiet.
Best for
Groups seeking nature, tranquility and an interior worth the trip on its own, plus easy access to Krka’s waterfalls and Split’s historic center.
How to Choose the Right Villa for Rent in Croatia
With so many strong options, here’s a quick way to narrow it down:
- Want a wine-country escape? Choose Villa Don Giordano Excelsior in Istria.
- Traveling with a large family and want a story behind your stay? Villa Royal Excelsior’s schoolhouse history and sea views are hard to beat.
- Traveling with teens or friends who want entertainment on-site? Villa Rivendell Excelsior’s cinema and arcade room win here.
- Looking for wellness, modern design and beach access near Dubrovnik? Villa Eleven Excelsior is the clear choice.
- Want total seclusion and an award-winning interior? Villa Cera Excelsior delivers both.
All five villas include private pools, high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, private parking and fully equipped kitchens, and can be paired with Excelsior Villas’ concierge services, private chefs, yacht charters, wellness treatments and VIP transfers, to build a complete luxury holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best region in Croatia for a luxury villa rental? It depends on your priorities. Istria offers vineyards and a slower pace, Split combines city access with beaches and islands, and Dubrovnik pairs beachfront living with a UNESCO-listed Old Town. All three regions are represented in this Top 5 list.
How many guests can these villas accommodate? Individually, these five villas sleep between 8 and 14 guests. Villa Eleven Excelsior can be combined with the neighboring Villa Atreeum for groups of up to 19.
Do the villas come with private pools? Yes, every villa on this list has its own private pool, and several (Villa Royal Excelsior, Villa Rivendell Excelsior, Villa Eleven Excelsior) feature infinity pools with sea or city views.
Is a car necessary when renting a villa in Croatia? For countryside properties like Villa Don Giordano Excelsior and Villa Cera Excelsior, a car is recommended. Villas closer to Split and Dubrovnik, such as Villa Royal Excelsior and Villa Eleven Excelsior, are more accessible without one, though a car still helps for day trips.
What’s included when booking with Excelsior Villas? All bookings include VAT, tourist tax and the services listed on each villa’s page. Excelsior Villas also offers optional concierge services, including private chefs, yacht charters, wellness treatments and luxury transfers.