Villa Storja | 5-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Vabriga Tar

A luxury villa rental in Vabriga puts you 20 minutes on foot from the Adriatic’s crystalline shallows, yet surrounded by Istria’s forested interior—the kind of location that lets you swim before breakfast and hike through vineyards before lunch. Villa Storja is a five-bedroom, five-bathroom property sleeping ten guests, designed for those who want serious space without sacrificing sophistication or the chance to wake to sea air drifting across your pillow.

Inside Villa Storja

Villa Storja sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms spread across a main residence and a separate guesthouse. The architectural split gives families and travelling parties the flexibility to gather in a central hub or retreat to semi-private quarters—a layout that distinguishes this property from the standard monolithic villa.

Main Villa – Ground Floor. The kitchen anchors daily life here: fully equipped with a professional-grade stove, oven, dual refrigeration, dishwasher, Lavazza coffee machine (pods included), and the kind of counter space that makes cooking for ten a realistic proposition rather than a Tetris game. Adjacent sits the dining room, positioned to channel views toward the pool terrace. The living area hosts two generously scaled sofas facing a television—the spatial generosity matters when ten people need breathing room on a rainy afternoon. A ground-floor double bedroom with ensuite shower room provides accessibility for guests with mobility considerations or parents who prefer proximity to shared spaces. A guest toilet serves additional convenience.

Main Villa – First Floor. Two further double bedrooms occupy this level, each paired with its own ensuite bathroom: one with a walk-in shower, the second with shower room facilities. Both overlook gardens or terraces, framing natural light throughout the day.

Guesthouse. Positioned within the landscaped grounds, this annexe contains two double bedrooms, each with ensuite shower rooms. The physical separation makes this ideal for extended families wanting autonomy, or for groups where privacy between couples matters. Distance enough to feel independent; close enough that gathering for evening meals involves a short walk rather than a drive.

Throughout the property, beds are dressed with layered comfort—quality mattresses, substantial pillows, and throws that suggest warmth rather than bare functionality. Bathrooms prioritise space: generous tiles, good lighting, hair dryers, and shower configurations that accommodate more than one person without territorial dispute. Air conditioning runs throughout, essential during Istria’s July and August heat. Wi-Fi reaches all corners. A washing machine handles the practical realities of a week with ten people. Bicycles are provided for exploring the surrounding wine roads and olive groves.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The garden represents the property’s greatest asset. A private swimming pool—33 square metres, 1.3 metres deep—forms the visual and practical centrepiece. This is not a plunge pool but a genuine swimming space, lined and maintained year-round. An accompanying outdoor shower rinses chlorine and salt water efficiently. Sun loungers surround the perimeter; a substantial covered dining canopy provides shade for alfresco meals without surrendering views.

The terrace runs generously around the pool, finished in materials that stay cool underfoot. Immediately beyond lies a lawned area, primarily benefiting younger guests with space to run and play beyond the pool boundary. The roof terrace offers a second vantage point—ideal for morning coffee or evening aperitivos as light shifts across the countryside. A barbecue sits ready for grilling local seafood or meats sourced from Vabriga’s markets. The cumulative effect: outdoor living that extends from breakfast through sunset without feeling cramped or competing for space.

Location: Vabriga and the Surrounding Area

Vabriga sits in northern Istria, a region where Mediterranean coastline collides with Central European countryside. Villa Storja’s location bridges both worlds—20 minutes’ walk brings you to pebble and sand beaches offering Adriatic swimming; stepping out your gate in the opposite direction places you amid rolling vineyards and olive terraces.

Poreč, the nearest significant town (8km south), functions as Istria’s cultural and recreational hub. Its Euphrasian Basilica—a Byzantine monument ranked among the most important Western religious buildings outside Italy—stands in the old town centre alongside Venetian architecture and marble plazas. Poreč also hosts the region’s most developed restaurant scene, beach clubs, and summer festivals. For something older and more atmospheric, Rovinj (45km south) deserves a day trip: a hilltop Venetian town with cobbled streets, a working fishing harbour, and restaurants where locally caught scampi arrives still warm. Lim Bay, reachable from Rovinj, is a dramatic fjord-like inlet stretching kilometres inland, bordered by limestone cliffs and accessible by small boat or kayak.

The surrounding countryside defines Istria’s character. One-third of the peninsula is forested; the remainder comprises vineyards, olive groves, and pastures interrupted by medieval hilltop settlements. Motovun (30km inland) is Istria’s most photographed village—a walled town crowning a steep hill, surrounded by vine-covered slopes and the source of acclaimed local wines. Grožnjan (35km east), another fortified village, functions as an artist colony with galleries, studios, and restaurants. Both are accessible as half-day excursions; both reward wandering and sitting in small squares to absorb the landscape.

For active guests, Istria offers extensive cycling infrastructure. The Parenzana trail—a restored railway line running from Viznada to the Slovenian border—stretches approximately 30km and passes through vineyards and farmland. Mountain biking routes branch throughout the interior. Windsurfing operates from Medulin beach (50km south); scuba diving is available around Brijuni National Park (40km south), an archipelago protecting diverse marine ecosystems. Hiking trails crisscross the inland hills; the “seven waterfalls” walk near Buzet (45km northeast) covers 15km through a river valley and is doable as a strenuous half-day expedition.

Istrian gastronomy centres on truffles, wine, and seafood. White truffles appear in season (September–December) and are incorporated into pasta, risotto, and oils. Red wines from local varietals like Teran and white wines from Malvasia pair with grilled fish and scampi. Nearly every village maintains an olive oil specialist shop where varieties are tasted and purchased; quality varies widely and exploring them becomes an educational afternoon. Supermarkets in Poreč carry international products, but local markets stock fresher produce and seafood at better prices.

The best months to visit Vabriga are May–June and September–October: warm enough for swimming without the July–August crowds and midday heat that can exceed 30°C. June brings longer daylight and established restaurant opening; May offers spring wildflowers and a quieter atmosphere. September maintains warm sea temperatures (still 23°C) while crowds thin. July and August are busiest; expect beach congestion and peak pricing but reliably warm, dry weather ideal for families.

Explore our villas in Opcina Tar Vabriga for additional properties in this area, browse our luxury villas across Europe, and consult our comprehensive Croatia travel guide for broader destination planning. For context on the wider region, review our full collection of Croatian properties.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families (three generations). The five separate bedrooms and two bathrooms-per-bedroom ratio eliminate bathroom conflicts. Grandparents benefit from the ground-floor bedroom; parents oversee children from first-floor quarters. The guesthouse offers autonomy for adult children or in-laws seeking privacy without social distance.

Travelling groups of friends (eight–ten people). The split between main villa and guesthouse mirrors natural social divisions—a common preference among friend groups where some couples want shared kitchen mornings while others prefer independence. The covered dining canopy and pool terrace support communal dining without feeling forced.

Multi-week stays. The space, amenities, and nearby villages support spending ten days without feeling you’ve exhausted the property or the region. Cycling, hiking, wine touring, and beach days occupy different days without repetition.

Guests seeking location flexibility. Twenty minutes from sea, minutes from vineyards and villages. Neither a pure beach house nor a pure countryside retreat; Villa Storja’s position allows both in a single day.

Families with children. The pool is safely dimensioned; the lawned area provides supervised play space; Poreč’s family beaches (Laguna, Zelena Laguna) are close enough for half-day outings. The property includes a cot and high chair (subject to terms).

Practical Information

Capacity. Villa Storja sleeps 10 guests: five double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, distributed between the main villa (three bedrooms, first and ground floors) and the guesthouse (two bedrooms). An additional cot is available for infants.

Nearest airports. Pula Airport (Istrian International Airport) lies 70km south, approximately 75 minutes’ drive. Rijeka Airport is 120km north, roughly two hours. Both airports are served by European carriers; Pula handles the majority of Istrian arrivals. Airport transfers are arranged on request.

Nearest supermarket. Vabriga town centre (2km) contains a small supermarket; Poreč (8km) offers a larger Konzum or Interspar for bulk shopping. Markets in both towns operate daily during summer, mornings only.

What is included. Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, utilities, bed linen, towels, pool maintenance, outdoor shower, barbecue, Lavazza coffee (pods supplied), television, parking, and bicycles for exploring local routes.

Services available on request. Maid service, chef/cook, concierge assistance, wine tastings, yoga instruction, spa treatments, and security staff can be arranged in advance. A pre-stocked fridge service prepares provisions before arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Storja

How many guests does Villa Storja sleep?

Villa Storja accommodates 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The main villa houses three double bedrooms (one on the ground floor with ensuite shower, two on the first floor with ensuite bathrooms). The detached guesthouse contains two further double bedrooms, each with ensuite shower room. A cot and high chair are available for infants upon request.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Storja in Vabriga?

Pula Airport (also known as Istrian International Airport) is the primary gateway, located 70km south of Vabriga—approximately 75 minutes by car. Rijeka Airport, 120km to the north, offers an alternative (approximately 2 hours’ drive). Both airports offer connections to major European cities. Airport transfers to Villa Storja are available through the property’s concierge service.

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

May through June and September through October offer ideal conditions: warm daytime temperatures (22–26°C), calm sea conditions, and manageable crowds. The swimming season runs May through October; sea temperatures peak in August (26°C) and remain comfortable (23°C) into September. July and August are busiest and warmest (often exceeding 30°C at midday), best suited to guests comfortable in peak season. Winter months (November–March) see reduced daylight, occasional rain, and many restaurants closed, though the property operates year-round for those seeking solitude.

Is Villa Storja suitable for families with children?

Yes. The 33-square-metre private pool with 1.3-metre depth accommodates confident swimmers while remaining shallow enough for supervised children. A lawned area adjacent to the guesthouse provides secure outdoor play space visible from terrace seating. Poreč’s family-friendly Laguna beach (8km away) features supervised swimming areas and shallow waters. The property supplies a cot and high chair. Ground-floor sleeping and bathroom facilities benefit families with very young children or limited mobility. Nearby villages are compact and walkable; beaches are accessible within 20 minutes. The quiet rural setting reduces traffic hazards.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Storja?

The rental price includes accommodation across all five bedrooms, air conditioning throughout, Wi-Fi connectivity, all utilities (electricity, water, heating), bed linen and towels, pool maintenance and access, outdoor shower and barbecue facilities, parking, and complimentary bicycles for exploring local routes. A Lavazza coffee machine with supplied pods is available for guests’ use. Services such as housekeeping, chef preparation, concierge assistance, spa treatments, and wine tastings are available for an additional cost and must be arranged in advance.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Storja?

Vabriga town centre (2km) contains a small supermarket, bakery, and modest restaurants. Poreč (8km) offers extensive dining: waterfront fish restaurants like Lanterna di Oro specialise in locally caught seafood; pizzerias and trattorias line the old town. Markets in Poreč operate daily (mornings best for fresh produce and fish). Supermarkets include Konzum and Interspar for provisions. Wine merchants and olive oil specialists operate throughout the town—worth visiting for tasting and purchasing. For something quieter, the villages of Sv. Lovreč (12km) and Tar (5km) have small restaurants and village shops. Rovinj (45km south) merits a day trip for acclaimed seafood dining; restaurants there require booking during peak season.