Situated in the village of Mlini, around 12km from central Dubrovnik, the idyllic Villa Poltaj offers charming accommodation in a stunning location. With panoramic sea views and surrounded by mountains and areas of forest, this 4-bedroom property sits in a garden of olive trees and fragrant herbs – and all this is within a 5-minute drive of the nearest beaches.

Featuring an outdoor pool and beautiful terraces, this rustic stone villa is a dream holiday property. Up to eight guests can enjoy its seclusion and tranquillity, while still being just a few minutes from one of Croatia’s must-see cities. Sun loungers and outdoor seating areas allow you to make the most of the warm weather in real comfort, while a covered dining terrace encourages a social vibe and has a lovely garden view.

Inside, there is a cosy living area equipped with a TV, and a kitchen with wooden beams which has everything from a dishwasher to a large fridge freezer. Upstairs, you will find another living area with a PlayStation and TV, ideal for children to relax in.

A wooden staircase takes you up to the four bedrooms. Each has a double bed, and two of them have an en-suite bathroom. Impressive modern styling and antique touches lend their charm to all of these rooms. A large terrace can also be found on the upper level, offering a sea view and a quiet space with seating.

A selection of shops, restaurants and bars can be found in Mlini village, around 3km from Villa Poltaj, and at just 15km from Dubrovnik Airport, it’s easy to reach as well. Your excursions into the city will be rewarding, whether you go for its excellent museums, endless heritage buildings or a ride in a cable car. Within a similar distance, you also have pretty Cavtat, where you can enjoy a meal overlooking the gorgeous marina or visit the fascinating 14th-century Rector’s Palace.

Known for its impressively preserved Old Town, Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s unmissable destinations. Its many palaces and churches are architecturally rich, showcasing baroque, gothic and renaissance styles, and share space with all the bars, restaurants and shops you would expect to find in a modern city.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival brings music, dance and theatre to the streets in July and August, while a host of museums and heritage buildings are ideal for visiting throughout the year. The Museum of the Croatian War of Independence, the Rector’s Palace and the City Walls are just some of the highlights, but there are many more. Dubrovnik gets plenty of visitors to show itself off to, so it has developed a good range of attractions. The cable cars, which give you an unforgettable view of this unesco World Heritage city, are just one example.

The nearby coast is just as rewarding as the city. To the north, past the quiet bays of Zaton and Orašac, lies the Trsteno Arboretum, which featured heavily in ‘Game of Thrones’. A little further, peaceful Brsečine is notable as the former home of great Croatian poetess and early feminist, Cvijeta Zuzorić, and is the location of a lovely beach.

South of Dubrovnik, Cavtat’s pretty marina and accompanying restaurants look out on scenic mountains. Cavtat has a rich history and some interesting sights, including its own Rector’s Palace and the House of Vlaho Bukovac, now housing a museum dedicated to a notable local artist.

Past Dubrovnik Airport, around 50 minutes’ drive from the city, Molunat is likely to be the southernmost destination you will come across in Croatia. Sandy beaches, fragrant pine woods and some highly recommended restaurants make it well worth the trip.

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