Villa Doria | 4-Bedroom Villa in Turanj Sveti Filip i Jakov

Turanj sits quietly on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, positioned between Zadar and Šibenik where sixteen islands form an archipelago few tourists discover. This is where you’ll find Villa Doria—a luxury villa rental in Turanj that places you steps from the Adriatic Sea, with ten guests able to spread across four bedrooms and five bathrooms without anyone feeling cramped.

The sound of waves reaches the upper terraces here. That’s the kind of proximity to the waterfront that changes a holiday from memorable to transformative.

Inside Villa Doria

Villa Doria sleeps 10 guests across 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, designed with the kind of contemporary clarity that makes extended family stays feel effortless rather than logistically nightmarish.

The ground floor contains the social spine of the property: a kitchen configured in open-plan style with appliances that respond to serious cooking, flowing into a dining zone where a table serves double duty as both gathering space and pool table for evening competition. The lounge anchors this space with a statement fireplace and substantial seating, while floor-to-ceiling access to the terrace means the boundary between inside and outside dissolves entirely. A dedicated media room with substantial television and gaming setup gives teenagers and adults their own retreat—essential in multi-generational groups.

The bedrooms distribute across the upper levels. Two suites contain king-size beds with en-suite shower rooms; these are the primary retreats, offering unobstructed sea views that make waking here feel like opening a postcard. Two further bedrooms feature twin configuration single beds that convert easily to king-size arrangement, each paired with their own shower facilities. A fifth shower room services additional guests or provides backup capacity when the house reaches full occupancy. A sofa bed accommodates two further guests when the villa reaches its maximum ten-person configuration.

Throughout the interior, a restrained palette of natural tones with occasional accent colours creates visual rhythm without visual fatigue. Bathrooms carry exquisite tiling and fittings that signal investment in durability and aesthetics equally. Air conditioning runs throughout.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The garden descends from the villa toward the sea in deliberate stages. Upper terraces hold the swimming pool, surrounded by professional-grade sun loungers and parasols sufficient for every guest to find shade or sun according to preference. The pool itself serves as both recreation hub and cooling refuge during Dalmatian summer heat.

An outdoor lounge area positioned mid-garden offers a second gathering point, while a dedicated dining zone allows meals taken in salt air, watching light change across the Adriatic. The outdoor kitchen comprises a barbecue grill and substantial preparation surface—this is not decoration but functional workspace, where fish purchased directly from Turanj’s local fishermen can be grilled to order while guests watch the process.

An outdoor shower punctuates the journey from pool to sea, allowing salt rinsing before crossing the final garden boundary. Beyond the carefully planted borders—lavender and Mediterranean vegetation selected for both aesthetics and local appropriateness—a gate opens directly to the beach. Not a thirty-minute walk. Not a short drive. Steps.

The garden’s aspect faces south and southwest, meaning the terrace captures afternoon and evening light with particular intensity. Sunset here isn’t background scenery—it’s the day’s main event.

Location: Turanj and the Surrounding Area

Turanj derives its name from the medieval fortress whose tower, gatehouse and partial walls still occupy the town’s highest point. This is authentic Dalmatian settlement rather than manufactured resort, where tourism exists alongside functioning local life rather than replacing it.

Zadar, positioned approximately 30km south, represents the region’s cultural anchor. The city’s sunsets are documented phenomenon—so reliable and visually striking that a 22-metre solar-powered disc installation (the Monument to the Sun) was constructed on the waterfront specifically to amplify them through colored light projection as darkness falls. The Sea Organ—an art installation where underwater pipes convert wave action into musical tones—runs along the promenade, creating an involuntary soundtrack to waterfront walks. These aren’t tourist gimmicks but genuine artistic responses to Zadar’s specific geography and light conditions. Our comprehensive Zadar travel guide details both landmarks alongside regional history stretching back to Roman settlement.

For natural spectacle, two major national parks sit within straightforward reach. Kornati National Park encompasses the archipelago that surrounds Turanj itself—approximately 140 islands, reefs, headlands and coves accessible by boat hire from Turanj’s harbor. Snorkeling, fishing and island-hopping form the primary activities here, with overnight boat trips available for those seeking deeper exploration. Krka National Park, positioned 40km southeast near Šibenik, protects 73 kilometers of river gorge punctuated by major waterfalls: Skradinski Buk and Roski Slap are the most visited, but the entire river valley contains wooden promenade networks, swimming zones directly below cascades, and boat access to Visovac Monastery—an island religious establishment in improbable medieval setting.

Šibenik itself, 35km south, earned Game of Thrones filming recognition for its fortress collection (St. Michael’s, St. John’s, Fortress Barone, St. Nicholas) and Venetian-era architecture dating from the city’s construction during the 15th-17th centuries. St. James Cathedral represents peak Venetian Gothic stone carving. The old town contains functioning restaurants and cafes throughout the narrow street network.

Vodice, immediately south of Turanj, houses the area’s primary commercial services: restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and specialist shops. The Church of St. Cross (1746) and Church of Our Lady of Carmel represent local religious architecture. Browse our villas in Opcina Sveti Filip I Jakov for further regional options, or explore our broader luxury villa collection and properties throughout Croatia.

Seasonal timing matters here. June through September offer consistent sunshine and water temperatures suitable for swimming (22-26°C by August). July and August attract maximum crowds; June and September provide better crowd-to-weather ratio. May and October remain swimmable but require sun awareness. Winter (November-February) sees rainfall and reduced restaurant hours, though fewer tourists make it viable for solitude-seeking visitors.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended family groups—three generations under one roof—find Villa Doria’s four-bedroom, ten-person capacity perfectly calibrated. Parents with teenage children benefit from the dedicated media room, which provides autonomous space without geographic separation. Couples traveling with friends appreciate the distinct bedroom suites and dual entertaining zones (dining table and media room).

Families with young children gain substantially from the private pool, direct beach access, and self-catering kitchen eliminating restaurant logistics with toddlers. The sofa bed accommodates early childhood sleep requirements without requiring separate accommodation. High chairs are available for those with infants.

Groups requiring serious kitchen space—those planning to cook rather than dine out—find the outdoor grill and preparation area especially valuable, particularly given Turanj’s direct access to local fishermen selling daily catch.

Practical Information

Villa Doria accommodates 10 guests maximum: 4 bedrooms (two kings, two twins convertible to kings), plus one sofa bed for two additional guests. Five bathrooms (four shower rooms, one bath) distribute throughout.

Zadar Airport lies approximately 50km north (45-minute drive). Split Airport, Croatia’s largest, sits approximately 140km south (2-hour drive). Both receive international scheduled service. Airport transfers can be arranged; private car rental provides maximum flexibility for exploring Kornati and Krka National Parks.

Vodice Supermarket, 2km south, stocks general groceries, fresh produce and wine. Turanj’s harbor fishmongers operate daily morning hours. Local bakeries are walking distance from the villa.

Rental rates include Wi-Fi throughout, air conditioning, pool heating, initial welcome supplies, housekeeping (typically weekly), bed linens and bath towels. Check-in from 16:00, checkout 10:00, with flexibility negotiable for specific requests.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Doria

How many guests does Villa Doria sleep?

Villa Doria accommodates 10 guests: 4 bedrooms (two king-size suites, two twin bedrooms convertible to king configuration) plus one sofa bed sleeping two additional guests. This configuration suits extended families or friend groups requiring distinct bedroom spaces without cramping.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Doria in Turanj?

Zadar Airport, 50km south, provides the nearest international terminal with flight connections to major European hubs. Transfer time by car is approximately 45 minutes via coastal highway. Split Airport, 140km south, offers broader flight selection but requires 2-hour transfer. Both airports offer rental car and transfer services.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Doria?

June through September provides consistent sunshine and Mediterranean sea temperatures (22-26°C by August). June and September offer optimal weather with reduced crowds compared to July-August peak season. May and October remain viable for sun-tolerant guests. Winter (November-February) sees reduced restaurant availability and occasional rainfall, though appeals to those seeking solitude.

Is Villa Doria suitable for families with children?

Villa Doria functions exceptionally well for families with children: private pool eliminates public beach crowds for younger swimmers, direct beach gate access removes transportation logistics, four-bedroom configuration allows children and parents bedroom separation, the media room provides age-appropriate entertainment, and self-catering kitchen accommodates dietary requirements common with young children. High chairs are available for infants. The sofa bed provides additional sleeping arrangement for very young children requiring parental proximity.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Doria?

Rental rates include Wi-Fi throughout the villa, air conditioning, pool heating, initial welcome supplies (tea, coffee, basic pantry items), housekeeping services (typically weekly), bed linens, bath towels, and use of all furnishings and appliances. Utilities are included. Departure cleaning is included; optional interim cleaning can be arranged. Optional chef, personal assistant, or additional housekeeping services can be added.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Doria?

Vodice, 2km south, contains the primary concentration of restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. Konoba Tri Boca specializes in seafood; Konoba Mate offers traditional Dalmatian cuisine. Turanj’s harbor fishmongers operate mornings, selling directly-caught daily fish. Zadar’s old town (30km south) contains numerous restaurants and the daily central market (Jadranski Trg). Šibenik (35km south) offers fine dining options in historic fortress settings.