Villa Gelice | 3-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Rasa Trget

The Istrian coast near Raša reveals itself slowly as you wind through pine-covered hillsides toward Villa Gelice, a stone residence perched above the Adriatic with unobstructed sightlines toward Trget Bay. This luxury villa rental in Raša Croatia sits elevated on a quiet rural slope, far enough from crowds yet close enough to reach the pebble beaches and fishing restaurants of the coast within minutes. Villa Gelice sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, occupying two levels of thoughtfully renovated space where reclaimed stone walls and hand-hewn oak beams create the unmistakable character of an Istrian country home.

Inside Villa Gelice

Ground floor living centers on a fully equipped kitchen with integrated dining zone—the kind of preparation space that encourages you to shop the local markets and cook. Adjacent sits a sitting room outfitted with satellite television, DVD and CD players for evening entertainment. A utility area and shower bathroom complete this level, providing practical everyday functionality. The ground floor feels purposefully open, allowing natural light and views to dominate the space.

Ascending to the first floor reveals the sleeping quarters. Bedroom 1 features a double bed with individual air-conditioning control and ensuite shower bathroom with jacuzzi bath and overhead shower—the primary suite for guests seeking maximum privacy and comfort. Bedroom 2 accommodates two guests with twin beds and dedicated air-conditioning. Bedroom 3 offers another double bed configuration with air-conditioning. An additional full bathroom with jacuzzi bath serves the secondary bedrooms, ensuring multiple guests never queue for facilities. Climate control throughout the upper level responds to individual room preferences rather than forcing uniform temperature.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The true revelation at Villa Gelice emerges beyond the walls. A private heated swimming pool measuring 26 square meters invites year-round use, its warmth extending the swimming season well into autumn and early spring when the Adriatic itself remains cool. Multiple sun loungers face south across the expansive lawn garden, providing genuine choice between sun exposure and dappled shade. The covered dining terrace becomes the villa’s social hub—a space where breakfast tastes different when consumed overlooking the coast, where evening meals stretch across hours as the light shifts from gold to amber to deep blue.

Children discover a dedicated playground featuring a slide, two swings, a sandpit, climbing structure and playhouse—genuine recreational infrastructure rather than token additions. A built-in barbecue anchors the outdoor kitchen zone, allowing cooks to prepare meals while remaining part of conversations. Two bicycles stand ready for exploring the quieter lanes radiating from the villa’s position, where cycling proves more practical than driving through narrow Istrian roads.

Location: Raša and the Surrounding Area

Villa Gelice occupies the sweet spot between rural tranquility and coastal accessibility. The immediate vicinity includes Trget Bay, a modest cove offering a traditional Croatian restaurant and local supplies—the kind of place where fishermen still unload morning catches. The village of Raša itself clusters 3km downslope, providing essential services without encroaching on the villa’s peaceful setting.

Labin sits 12km inland, a medieval hilltop town where winding cobblestone streets reveal Venetian architecture, local galleries and a working fishing port heritage. The old town climbs steeply upward, rewarding the walk with panoramic views across the Kvarner Gulf. Labin’s narrow lanes host family-run restaurants serving Istrian specialties: handmade pasta with local truffle, fresh seafood, aged prosciutto from inland farms. The town hosts regular cultural events and maintains a small museum dedicated to regional history.

Rabac, 16km south, presents an entirely different character—a converted fishing village where pastel-painted houses cascade down steep hillsides toward pebble beaches. Girandella Beach offers the cleanest swimming in the region, with facilities for windsurfing, diving, water skiing and banana boat rides. Rabac attracts families seeking organized beach amenities, restaurants facing the water and evening promenade walks. The town comes alive in June during the Rabac Summer Carnival, when street performances and festivities transform the waterfront. Year-round, Rabac functions as the primary resort hub for the immediate region, with supermarkets, pharmacies, rental companies and diverse dining options.

For active exploration, hiking paths connect Rabac to Labin through pine forests and rocky terrain—a 6km walk lasting roughly 2 hours at moderate pace, rewarding walkers with coastal views and inland wildflower meadows. The broader region opens possibilities: Motovun, 35km northeast, represents Istria’s most photographed village, perched on a dramatic hilltop surrounded by vineyards and truffle forests. Wine routes thread through the interior, connecting family wineries producing indigenous Malvazija and Teran varieties. The Mirna River valley offers kayaking opportunities among limestone cliffs and archaeological Roman sites.

Plitvice Lakes National Park lies approximately 90km inland—a UNESCO site featuring 16 interconnected lakes with cascading waterfalls and forested pathways, achievable as a full-day excursion from Villa Gelice. Rovinj, 40km south, functions as Istria’s most cosmopolitan coastal town, with Venetian architecture, working fishing harbor and sophisticated restaurants alongside tourist infrastructure.

Rijeka International Airport sits 70km south, approximately 90 minutes by car via the coastal highway. The drive follows the Adriatic, passing through Opatija (a Belle Époque resort town 60km away) and offering multiple scenic stopping points. Summer months (June-September) bring predictable sunshine, calm seas and peak beach conditions, though accommodation demand rises accordingly. May and early June offer optimal conditions—warm days, fewer crowds and sea temperatures reaching 20°C. April and October provide shoulder-season advantages: mild weather, empty beaches and lower prices, though some restaurants close for winter. The best time to rent luxury villas in Raša aligns with May through September, with peak July-August reserved for guests prioritizing guaranteed sunshine over solitude.

Explore our villas in Opcina Rasa for additional options in the immediate region, or browse our luxury European villa collection for comparative properties. Our Trget area villas provide alternatives within the same microclimate, while our Croatia travel guide delivers comprehensive destination planning information.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational families appreciate the combination of children’s playground, heated pool and proximity to family-friendly Rabac. The villa’s two levels provide subtle separation between adult and younger guest zones.

Couples seeking private time find the rural hillside setting, covered terrace for intimate dinners and jacuzzi bath conducive to romance without sacrificing comfort or modern amenities.

Groups of friends benefit from the three separate bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor dining space and pool area designed for gathering rather than isolation. The bicycles enable group exploration of surrounding villages.

Remote workers relocating for month-long stays appreciate reliable Wi-Fi, air-conditioning in every bedroom, dedicated kitchen workspace and proximity to Labin’s coffee culture. The village setting eliminates commuting stress while maintaining connectivity.

Practical Information

Capacity and Layout: Villa Gelice accommodates 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. A cot is available upon request for infants. The heated 26-square-meter pool operates year-round.

Nearest Airport: Rijeka International Airport lies 70km north, requiring approximately 90 minutes transfer time by private car or airport shuttle service.

Nearest Supermarket: Labin town center, 12km away, hosts a conventional supermarket alongside traditional markets. Rabac, 16km south, offers modern supermarket chains with extended summer hours.

Included in Rental: Heating and pool temperature control, all utilities, Wi-Fi internet throughout the villa, satellite television, DVD and CD entertainment systems, kitchen equipment and utensils, bed linens and bath towels, cleaning supplies, use of two bicycles, and full access to outdoor facilities including the heated pool and barbecue.

Check-in and Flexibility: Standard check-in occurs at 4pm with checkout at 10am. Flexible arrangements can be discussed directly with the property manager for guests with alternative arrival schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Gelice

How many guests does Villa Gelice sleep?

Villa Gelice sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The configuration includes one double bed in Bedroom 1, two twin beds in Bedroom 2, and one double bed in Bedroom 3. An infant cot is available upon request for families traveling with babies. All bedrooms feature individual air-conditioning control.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Gelice in Raša?

Rijeka International Airport, located 70km south of Villa Gelice, represents the primary air gateway serving the region. Transfer time from the airport to the villa typically requires 90 minutes by private car, following the scenic Adriatic coastal highway. Ground transportation can be arranged in advance through the property manager or booked independently through regional taxi or shuttle services.

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

May through September provides optimal vacation conditions, with May and early June offering perfect balance between warm temperatures (18-22°C) and lower summer crowds. July and August guarantee sunshine but attract peak tourism. April and October appeal to guests prioritizing solitude and lower prices, with mild weather but occasional rain. The heated pool extends the comfortable swimming season from April through October. Winter months (November-March) offer dramatic coastal scenery and peaceful atmosphere, though temperatures drop to 5-10°C and some regional restaurants close seasonally.

Is Villa Gelice suitable for families with children?

Villa Gelice caters specifically to family travel. The heated swimming pool provides year-round water activities with complete adult supervision capability. A dedicated children’s playground features slides, swings, sandpit, climbing structures and playhouse—genuine recreational infrastructure for various age groups. Girandella Beach near Rabac, 16km away, offers monitored family swimming with shallow areas. Hiking trails through nearby forests provide age-appropriate exploration, while the bicycles enable gentle village tours. The villa’s two levels and multiple bathrooms eliminate competition for facilities during morning and evening routines.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Gelice?

The rental price includes all utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi internet access throughout the villa, pool heating for year-round use, satellite television with DVD and CD entertainment systems, kitchen equipment and dining supplies, bed linens and bath towels, and access to outdoor facilities including the barbecue. Two bicycles are provided for exploration. Cleaning occurs before arrival; additional mid-stay cleaning can be arranged separately.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Gelice?

Trget Bay, 2km downslope, operates a traditional Croatian restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and local wines, perfect for evening meals without requiring villa departure. Labin town center, 12km inland, offers conventional supermarket shopping alongside traditional open-air markets selling fresh produce, local cheeses, prosciutto and wines. Family-run restaurants throughout Labin’s old town serve Istrian specialties including handmade pasta with truffle sauce and fresh fish. Rabac, 16km south, provides modern supermarket chains (open extended hours in summer), waterfront restaurants and gelato shops. Local wine shops throughout the region sell Malvazija white wines and Teran red wines produced in nearby vineyards.