Early Booking literally means booking your accommodation well in advance, as early in the year as possible (or even before the end of the previous year), regardless of when you’re going on holiday.
The benefits of early booking might not be so obvious, but once you get to know them a little better, you’ll realise they can save you money and stress. If you’re already dreaming of returning to Istria, Kvarner or Dalmatia, or you’re coming for the first time in 2027, here are a few reasons why it’s worth planning now.
What are the benefits of Early Booking
A wider choice
You have the entire selection of villas on the Adriatic at your disposal if you start early, whereas if you wait until the last minute, you’ll have to make do with what’s left.
The most popular properties (villas near the beach, sea-view villas, and villas with wellness facilities) get booked up during the winter months. If you want to stay in a villa with excellent reviews, a large pool, or a direct sea view in July or August, it’s safer to book early, as these are the first to disappear from the calendar. When you start your search early enough, you have time to compare locations, amenities and prices.
Lower prices
Why are early booking discounts popular? The prices of villas and apartments are not fixed. They change regularly depending on how close the high season is. Deals for villas and apartments start to appear as early as September or October, and the prices are lower then too. Owners try to sell as many units as possible as early as possible, so the Early Booking period peaks in December and January. As the summer months approach, prices rise.
Enough time to plan
Besides booking and arranging the details with the owner of your chosen accommodation, there’s also a lot of paperwork to deal with before your holiday. Are your travel documents still valid? Do you have travel health insurance? Do you need a vignette to drive on foreign motorways? This paperwork is necessary, but it can easily be overlooked if you’re only focused on finding accommodation at the last minute, when the selection is limited and prices are high.
Many guests say this is why they booked their accommodation in advance. You’ll need enough time to organise flights, ferries, car hire and excursions. If you sort out your accommodation beforehand, you’ll avoid a last-minute rush and can plan your trip stress-free.
Greater security for larger groups
When you’re travelling alone or as a couple, it’s relatively easy to find accommodation last minute. For larger groups, the situation is completely different. A villa with four, five or more bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a large area and a private pool has a limited number of available dates. The larger the group, the harder it is to find a suitable villa at the last minute.
Less stress, more happy anticipation
A reason for booking early that we often overlook is the peace of mind that comes from knowing your holiday is already sorted. When you book a villa months in advance, you have a concrete date to look forward to.
You can start planning excursions, choose the beaches you want to visit and make arrangements with family or friends. Instead of the question “Where are we going this year?” hanging over your head all winter, you have the answer much earlier and can start looking forward to your holiday.
Aren’t last-minute deals cheaper?
Last-minute deals (offers available at the last minute, just a few days before your desired travel date) do exist, and you can find them during the high season.
However, this option has several drawbacks. There’s no guarantee you’ll find the accommodation you want at the last minute at a price you’re willing to pay. It’s much more likely you’ll have to settle for a compromise you don’t want, but it will be the only available option. This could relate to the location of the villa or the length of your stay. For example, you might have wanted to book a week’s holiday in Pula, but only 5 days are available, in a different town.
Five villas to consider
Below, we have selected five villas with excellent locations and a variety of additional amenities, and we believe you will find something for yourself. You can filter the options and search by location on our website, see a list of pet-friendly villas, villas with a swimming pool, or a list of villas that have active special offers.
- Casa Mavretići (Motovun): This traditional Istrian villa is located in the village of Livade, not far from Motovun. There’s room for 4 people and is an ideal choice if you want a holiday in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Villa Volpe Verde (Buje): This villa can house up to 10 people. It has 5 bedrooms, an indoor sauna, a jacuzzi, and a heated outdoor saltwater pool. It is ideal for families or groups of friends who need space and privacy.
- Casa Nada (Marčana): Located in a quiet part of the municipality of Marčana, it can house up to 12 people in 6 bedrooms. There are plenty of sports facilities for the whole group: a swimming pool, fitness facilities, a basketball court, table tennis, a children’s playground with football goals, a PlayStation, etc.
- Villa Nina (Novi Vinodolski): A superb choice for families and groups of up to 8 people who want to enjoy privacy and peace, but stay close to the sea. You have 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms at your disposal, a fenced garden with a swimming pool and a children’s pool.
- Villa La Perla (Pula): The villa is located on the outskirts of Pula and there’s room for up to 8 people. It is ideal for those who want a combination of city perks and peace and quiet. It has 4 bedrooms, and there is also a saltwater swimming pool and a children’s playground on the premises.
Book early, save a lot
The early booking period can save you up to 25% on the weekly price of your accommodation. Stay in the summer mood a little longer and take your time to browse our offers and choose a dream destination for your next summer holiday. We look forward to welcoming you to the sea in 2027!
If you need help choosing the best villa or apartment for your holiday, please feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to create a personalised quote based on your preferences. And remember: the earlier you book, the easier it is to accommodate all preferences you might have.
