Taking a pet to a Croatian vacation and finding out that your hosts also love pets, and that their apartments at Novigrad are eco-friendly is quite possibly impossible. But it’s as real as it could be.

We won't call this a miracle, but miracles do tend to happen from time to time.

Vacationing in Novigrad - super safe small Istrian coastal town is by itself a miracle for some parents and other stressless holiday seekers. At Novigrad, there is just enough of everything. So, if you are looking for an apartment in Novigrad, and can relate with previous sentences - bookmark this page. Villa Bionda could become your favorite Istrian vacation host.

Enjoy now

Although holidays do make people happy, a study showed that it is the anticipation of the upcoming trip that increases happiness, and once the holidays are done, there is hardly any effect on our happiness or wellbeing.

Once we are back into our daily routine, the stressless week in Croatia seems to blur into the background. As the mentioned study suggests, increasing anticipation will subsequently increase the happiness level.

Anyway, you are looking for an apartment for your Istria vacation. You want to enjoy it and at least try to bring some Novigrad happiness back to your daily routine (once the week or so in Novigrad has ended). But how would you know where to find that long-lasting happiness?

Added value apartments should offer you something extra, maybe, even some happiness TO GO.

#1 The added value apartment know their guests

First and foremost, it is essential to understand who will be vacationing. Is it a family, are they bringing pets, or is it a couple of bike enthusiasts looking to explore Parenzana?

There isn’t a one size fits all formula but at Villa Bionda, there are apartment elements that will adapt to suit your holiday needs and desires.

Guests are unique individuals but they are humans after all, and thus love to be welcomed. At every Villa Bionda apartment guests can anticipate feel-good welcome packages.

#2 The added value apartment has its character

Apartments at villa Bionda have their names, they aren't just numbers, they are not any place - they are the place you’ll spend some of your vacation time, they are your home for the time being. They should feel better than just a place to crash.

Villa Bionda apartments are decorated with earthy colors, also green and blue. Apartments interiors have Istrian and Mediterranean bits and parts, just so you don't forget where you are.

Thanks to a number of waves of settlement that have taken place in Istria throughout history, the culture, customs, and languages have changed along with the occupying rulers. Harmony of diversities is something you can expect here.

#3 Membership card is a must-have

Villa Bionda membership card is completely free and allows you to save 10 to 20% in the most famous Istrian restaurants and taverns, wineries, shops and SPA centers.

You will find detailed information and a list of all the places where you can get discounts in your apartment. We will point out just a few: Gatto Nero tavern, Gatto Blu pizzeria & grill, Hedonsit coffee & cocktail bar, Ivančić winery, Prelac winery, XXX wine cellar.

#4 Guests are properly welcomed at the added value apartment

Welcome package awaits every apartment guest, whether staying for one, two or ten days.

We wanted to create a diverse welcome package, one that has a little something for everyone. So, Bionda welcome package includes:

• still and sparkling water
• Malvasia
• Merlot
• sparkling wine
• extra virgin olive oil.

Do we even need to mention that all products are Istrian?

#5 The added value apartment will take you for a ride

Visiting cult winemakers, olive growers or taverns, visiting the world-famous Brijuni or Pula Arena, discovering small Istrian pearls like Momjan, Motovun, Hum, Fažana... Exploring unknown Istria in a convertible. Sounds like fun?

We’ll listen to your wishes, make a program and the enjoyment may begin.

If you are up to for an added value Istrian vacation - contact us for more info. We’ll gladly find what suits your needs the best.

Check out our guest reviews or just book now.

Novigrad, Cittanova or Novigrad Istarski are different names for a town set on a small peninsula on the western coast of Istria, two kilometers north of the mouth of the river Mirna and some 25 km south of the border with Slovenia. Novigrad isn't crowded with hotels like other coastal towns, but still, it has an excellent vibe and is never overcrowded.

If a charming location for a relaxing time by the sea is exactly what you have in mind - plan no more.

We’ll dive into perks of spending a vacation in Novigrad Istria, but first, we want to point out that Novigrad is the best city to live in Croatia. If living is that easy there, just try to imagine how trouble-free vacationing at Novigrad could be.

Super Safe for vacationing - The best to live in

Novigrad was named the best place to live in Croatia for 2018. and 2019., that is, the winner in the category of overall quality of life, in the competition of small towns! Let's not forget to mention that back in 2015., Forbes, a reputable magazine, ranked Novigrad among TOP 20 Croatian cities to live and do business in.

This sure is a guarantee that while exploring Novigrad you'll find super friendly hosts that want you to enjoy Novigrad as much as them.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

You've probably heard of this “when in Rome” phrase. It means that it is advisable to follow the conventions of the area in which you are residing or visiting.

In this particular case, Romans are Novigrad locals, and you should follow their diet regime. You should eat local.

Novigrad is home to some of the best seafood taverns in Istria.

You can find taverns tucked away in a hidden alley near the sea, that prepare tasty specialties exclusively with carefully selected local groceries (Istria and Kvarner), mostly from eco-farming!

Some local taverns combine tradition, original flavors and quality with creativity and thus create a new dimension of Istrian and coastal cuisine. At Novigrad restaurants and taverns you can find simple, traditional and delicious food with a creative twist.

Parenzana left a profound mark

Parenzana is a hiking and biking trail that connects. It’s a symbol of friendship and travelers. Its 13 km are in Italy, 32 in Slovenia and 78 km are in Croatia.

Opting to rent a bike or to bring your own to your Novigrad vacation will very much depend on the length of your trip and your overall travel plans. One way or another, riding a bike is an eco-friendly way of exploring Novigrad, and we support that way of exploring the beauties of Croatia, Istria, and Novigrad.

Kids will love Novigrad

One survey found almost half of favorite childhood memories are family vacations, and more than half (55%) of respondents said: “holidays have given them happy memories that will stay for the rest of their lives."

Novigrad beaches are within walking distance, and there are playgrounds for the little ones to enjoy. Whether your kids prefer sea playground or they are more of a water park type, Novigrad has them covered.

Get to know Novigrad maritime and other historical stories

Gallerion and Lapidarium are the names to remember.

Gallerion is a Maritime Museum with a permanent Austro-Hungarian Navy collection. Most interesting ship models you can see there have cruised the world and can tell some great stories. Gallerion also hosts temporary exhibitions, all in relation with a maritime theme.

Lapidarium can tell you how it all began. Its collection of stone monuments dates from the first to the eighteenth century. City’s crenelated walls dating back to the 13th-century witnessed a rich historical legacy, and a large part of it is now located in the Lapidarium museum.

If you are up to for a safe, great and delicious time - contact us for more info. We’ll gladly find what suits your needs the best.

Check out our guest reviews or just book now.

Do you want to bring your pet to Croatia? Here is some info you may need to kick start your dog-friendly vacation.

Pets have probably never been a bigger part of the family.

So you want to include yours on the family vacation in Croatia, right? Maybe you would like to rent-a-bike while in Novigrad or consider booking eco-friendly vacation.

Anyhow ....

Croatia has become a very pet-friendly destination. It often happens you see dog lounging at the beach, relaxing under a café table or enjoying the sea breeze. And most of those pets are tourists, not locals!

Before you go, read this blog to help keep both you and your pet safe and comfortable.

First of all - consult your veterinarian

Your pet's health should be your number one priority.

Pet should be healthy enough for travel and current on his or her vaccinations. Tell your veterinarian about your Croatia vacation so they can determine how to protect your pet from potential risks in this region. If you’re escaping the snowdrifts for beautiful Istria beaches, it’s easy to forget about flea, tick and heartworm preventives, so make sure you bring the right parasite protection.

Check your pet’s identification

No matter how careful you are, they can escape and get lost in unfamiliar locations. That’s why your pet should have an updated ID tag that includes the address of your destination and your smartphone number.

If your pet wanders out without his or her collar, a microchip is a backup solution.

Using microchip, veterinary clinics, shelters and animal control centers can scan your pet and find out how to reach you. Before departure, make sure your pet's microchip has your current contact information, including where you can be reached during vacation.

There are even GPS devices with apps that enable you to track your pet’s location from your smartphone.

Your pet should be at peace inside a carrier

Whether you’ll travel by plane, bus or car, it’s best to have your pet in a well-ventilated carrier. The carrier should be spacious enough to allow them to stand, turn around and lay down. They should always have their fresh water or a litter pan for cats, but you already know that, right.

If your pet isn’t used to being in a carrier, you could:

• introduce it to them at home
• pad the bottom with their favorite blanket
• place cookies or toys inside so they associate positive things with it

While at home, leave the door open so they can explore inside at their own will, then try closing the door for short periods, gradually extend the time the door is closed. Hopefully, you'll end up with a carrier-positive pet.

Traveling to Croatia with a pet

When traveling to Novigrad, Istria or Croatia with a pet you need to meet some conditions.

• Your dog must have a clearly and legibly marked tattoo with the corresponding serial number entered onto the passport
• The pet needs to be microchipped with a 15 digit ISO 11784 or 11785 standard pet microchip.
• The passport should detail the location of the microchip, and the date  the microchip took place
• All vaccination information. Inc. serial number, expiration date & the date of vaccination
• Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days prior to entry

While these are most simply put necessary conditions required to bring your beloved pet to Croatia, we suggest going through Croatia Department of agriculture official pages.

• If you come from other EU countries find all the info here
• If you come from other non-EU European countries find all the info here
• If you come from other countries find all the info here

Finally, find pet-friendly accommodation

Here at Villa Bionda we are super enthusiastic about accommodating your pets. Pet-friendly vacation is in our DNA.

Iznajmiti bicikl u Novigradu ili donijeti vlastiti

Teško pitanje, zar ne?

Da budem iskreni, nema jednostavnog odgovora. Odluka bi trebala ovisiti o nizu čimbenika i osobnih preferencija.

Ako planirate aktivni biciklistički odmor za vrijeme odmora u Novigradu, bolje je da ponesete svoj bicikl. Ako biciklizam neće biti vaša glavna aktivnost na odmoru, predlažemo najam bicikla za vrijeme odmora u ovom malom ribarskom mjestu u Istri.

Još nekoliko važnih stvari koje trebate uzeti u obzir su:

• koliko volite svoj bicikl
• je li prilagođena vama
• imate loše uspomene na loše opremljene bicikle

Svi znamo kako bolno može biti pakiranje voljenog bicikla u torbu ili kutiju. Sati se troše na pažljivo pakiranje i osiguranje cijelog okvira, slažući što više vrećica s odjećom u prtljažnik s nadom da će dodatno ograničiti bilo kakvu potencijalnu štetu.

U tom trenutku vaša prtljaga teži oko 23 ili više kg. Nosite je gore-dolje po stepenicama, u javnom prijevozu i konačno se prijavljujete u zračnoj luci, gdje će sljedećih nekoliko sati provesti uživajući u brizi nad svojom omiljenom prtljagom.

U redu, nemojmo to učiniti još složenijim. U ovom dijelu želimo ukazati na neke od najčešćih prednosti i nedostataka obiju opcija.

Iznajmljivanje bicikla u Novigradu osigurava vam mir

Nećete se morati brinuti o razdvajanju od vašeg bicikla, pažljivom pakiranju u torbu ili kutiju za bicikle, vući ga preko pola svijeta i ponovno ga slagati. I najviše od svega, dobro je znati da nećete riskirati da oštetite svoj bicikl dok je u tranzitu. Samo se sjetite radnika na utovaru prtljage.

Donijeti vlastiti u Novigrad sigurnija je opcija

Donijeti vaš pouzdan dvotočkaš zajedno s vama znači da ćete se osloniti na bicikl koji poznajete u dušu. Bicikl koji savršen za vaš stil vožnje i odgovara vam kao rukavica.

DOdlučite li se za najam, možda se nađete na biciklu koji vam se neće svidjeti ili vam neće odgovarati. Unaprijed znate da ćete voziti po nepoznatim stazama (iako je više od 500 km Novigradskih staza idealan način za otkrivanje njegovih prirodnih ljepota), da li doista želite voziti i nepoznat bicikl?

Iznajmiti bicikl je prilika za novo iskustvo

Iznajmljivanje bicikla, bez iznimke, prilika je za testiranja nekih novih „kotača“. Mi u Vili Bionda možemo vam ponuditi lagane aluminijske bicikle i one električne.

Bez obzira da želite isprobati 29er trkujući stroj, električni bicikl ili bicikl, najam bicikla daje vam savršenu priliku da isprobate nešto novo. A ako već razmišljate o iskustvu nove vožnje, ima li bolji način za procijenu kompatibilnost nego na odmoru u Istri?

Donijeti vlastitog dvotočkaša u Novigrad moglo bi biti jeftinije

Ovisno o trajanju vašeg putovanja i biciklu kojeg ste dovezli avionom, vaš će trošak iznositi oko 50 € - 100 € u jednom smjeru.

Nesreće se mogu dogoditi bez obzira vozite li vlastiti ili iznajmljeni bicikl - zar ne? Jedina razlika je u tome da biste mogli biti iznenađeni s cijenom popravka ako bicikl pokazuje znakove štete, sigurno mnogo više nego ako ste popravili vlastiti bicikl.

Iznajmljivanje bicikla u Istri donosi vam slobodu i fleksibilnost

Ovo je namijenjeno onima među vama koji ne planiraju isključivo biciklistički odmor.

Ako planirate putovati prije ili poslije biciklističkog dijela vašeg odmora, iznajmljivanje bicikla omogućuje vam da se ustanete i odete kamo želite, bez brige o tome da nosite veliku kutiju s vama ili kako naći siguran prostor za skladištenje vašeg bicikla.

Dakle... što sada učiniti

Odluka da li iznajmiti bicikl ili ponijeti svoj na odmor iz snova u Istri, uvelike će ovisiti o mjestu boravka, dužini putovanja i vašim općenitim planovima putovanja.

Na ovaj ili onaj način, vožnja biciklom je ekološki način provođenja Vašeg odmora u Istri, mi svakako podržavamo takav način upoznavanja ljepota Novigrada, Istre i Hrvatske.

Jednostavan vodič za najbolji eco friendly odmor u Hrvatskoj

Bilo da ste prvi put u posjetu Hrvatskoj ili ste novi u eco friendly prihvatljivom načinu putovanja, imat ćete koristi od čitanja ovog članka. Ovaj jednostavan vodič pomoći će vam da imate nezaboravan odmor, a istovremeno zaštitite okoliš.

Izgleda Vam kao su svi posjetili Hrvatsku. Nevjerojatne plaže, tirkizno more, domaće vino, bogato kulturno naslijeđe, ljubazni ljudi… Ovi se pridjevi najčešće koriste za opisivanje Hrvata i Hrvatske. Dakle, zašto još niste posjetili "biser Mediterana"?

Horvatia, odnosno Hrvatska, kako to kažu mještani, je zapanjujuća vizija mora, drveća i otoka koje je teško uhvatiti na fotografiji.

Hrvatska je sigurno lijepo mjesto, zadržimo je takvom.

Želite li pronaći sve o najboljem eko friendly odmoru u Hrvatskoj, zar ne? Slijedite ovih 5 koraka, uživajte i ponovno se vratite.

Pronađite odgovarajuće odredište

Odakle putujete? Sigurno znate da većina oblika transporta doprinosi klimatskim promjenama. Ako želite smanjiti emisiju štetnih plinova prilikom godišnjeg odmora, odaberite destinaciju koja je bliža vašem domu ili do koje možete doći drugim prijevozom osim aviona.

Ako vaše putovanje u Hrvatsku mora uključivati zrakoplovne letove barem pronađite opcije eco-turizma. Mnogi hoteli, odmarališta i vile u Hrvatskoj shvaćaju negativan utjecaj na okoliš i djeluju na njega.

Izaberite najbolji način da dođete ovdje

Ono što želimo reći je da biste trebali odabrati ekološki najprihvatljiviji oblik prijevoza. Ako se možete voziti autobusom ili vlakom do Hrvatske, to svakako morate učiniti.

Ako morate letjeti, pokušajte izbjeći kratke letove i odaberite zrakoplovne tvrtke s višom stopom popunjenosti i učinkovitijim zrakoplovima.

Pronađite pravo mjesto za boravak

Za vaš odmor odaberite eco friendly smještaj u Hrvatskoj.

Potražite vile i apartmane s učinkovitim sustavima za obradu otpada, koji recikliraju, koji su energetski učinkoviti, i, ako je moguće, one koji koriste ekološke materijale u svim segmentima.

Budite eko-odgovorni gosti

Prilikom posjeta Novigradu, Hrvatskoj ili nekom drugom mjestu, trebate poštivati lokalnu okolinu.

To znači:

• kretanje po označenim stazama i javnim pješačkim stazama
• ne uklanjate biljke
• ne hraniti divlje životinje
• nikada ne bacajte otpad

Kada se vratite u svoj apartman želite se isprati sve dnevne avanture - razmislite o očuvanju vode i tuširanju umjesto kupanja. Smanjite upotrebu proizvoda za osobnu njegu i deterdženata, ručnika za ponovno korištenje i posteljine.

Trebate ograničiti potrošnju energije. Učinkovita potrošnja energije u ovom slučaju uključuje korištenje klima uređaja i tople vode. Isključite sva svjetla i slavine kada napustite apartman.

Pamučne štapiće i vatice, kondome, tampone i plastiku ne treba bacati u školjku. Odložite sanitarni otpad na odgovarajući način.

Gotovo sva ambalaža za piće može biti vraćena uz povrat novca (0,5 kn / komad) pa razmislite o njihovom vraćanju na recikliranje. Smanjite broj vrećica, salveta i potrošnog materijala koje koristite kada jedete i kupujete.

Ako čitate ovaj članak, vjerojatno ste jako zainteresirani za ekološki odmor u Istri, Hrvatska. Ovo je nešto posebno za Vas - besplatno dobijte člansku iskaznicu Ville Bionda i uštedite do 20% prilikom objedovanja i kupovine u najpoznatijim istarskim restoranima, konobama, vinarijama i suvenirnicama. Budite ekonomski i ekološki svjesni!

Učinite svoj odmor u Hrvatskoj još ekološki prihvatljivijim i izbjegavajte štetne rekreativne aktivnosti. Izbjegavajte sportove koji su štetni za okoliš, umjesto toga iznajmite bicikl.

Povratak s odmora u Hrvatskoj

Želite dugo pamtiti godišnji odmor u Hrvatskoj, ali 500 godina je previše. Za plastičnu vrećicu potrebno je i do 500 godina da se razgradi pa uzmite sa sobom vrećicu za višekratnu upotrebu kada idete u kupovinu suvenira.

Razmislite dvaput i brojite do stotinu prije nego što kupite suvenir izrađen od bilo koje ugrožene vrste, uključujući životinjske kože i dijelove tijela, kornjačevinu, slonovaču ili koralj - mogli bi biti nezakoniti.

I konačno… uživajte u Hrvatskoj prirodi i okolišu.

Na ovom planetu ima toliko toga što izgleda nevjerojatno, zapanjujuće i oduzima dah. Zadržimo to takvim.

Želite li rezervirati ekološki odmor u Novigradu, Hrvatska? Učinite to sada!