Probably you would like some of the Croatian islands like Rab. Croatian islands are not as inaccessible as some imagine (a car-ferry from land to Island Rab for example takes 20 minutes/ca.20 Eur), and outside the town of Rab, there are not very densely-populated regions with great sandy beaches, promenades, restaurants. Going to Plitvice Lakes, North Dalmatian towns (Zadar, Sibenik) is also not hard as they are relatively close (few hours drive).

Interesting! Getting to Rab Town was NOT very easy when I went (2009) -- maybe it has become more assessible since. It IS worth seeing IMO. :-)

Hi :)
It mostly depends on the means of transport and travel route. Did you go by car? Since July 2012 the car-ferry port on land has been changed from "Jablanac" to another location in "Stinica", which is now more convenient and the lines are not so long as I remember them being. Actually there is no single line but cars are parked on a large multiline lot until ferry arrives so you don't have to be anymore in the dreadful slow moving queue on the summer heat. Ferries also are more frequent now so they run about every 40 minutes in the season. Less frequently out of season. Glad you like the island once you got there though :)
Cheers

Oh, that sounds MUCH better than when I was there, Marinero! Yes, I went by car through Jablanac. Fortunately, it wasn't too hot on either of the days I waited -- and waited, and waited! -- in those LONG lines. And yes, I thoroughly enjoyed Rab and thought it well worth every one of those moments. :-)

Hello. You might think about flying into Zagreb. You could stay in Zagreb one or two nights to see the capital city. The pick up a car and drive to Plitvice (which you should not miss). One night there and then finally head to your base on the coast...possibly Trogir as it gives you easy access to Split and Sibenik, but still removed from the bigger cities. After several days there, I would drive to the Dubrovnik area. My preference is to stay in Cavtat. It has "water taxi" access to Dubrovnik without the hassle of a car there. From Cavtat, you can explore the surrounding Kanavle region which is touting its agri-tourismo locations, the Peljasac region for wine and a day trip to Mostar is possible. It's a long day (about 3 hours each way) but it is doable. When you are ready to go home, Cavtat is very near to the Dubrovnik airport. Some more ideas for you. Have a great time!!!

Hello,
Trogir is certainly beautiful, although you may find more villa options in Primosten or Sibenik (Primosten is about 30 min by car from Trogir). From Primosten/Sibenik you can do easy day trips to Split (1hr) Zadar (1hr 15 min)and the beautiful waterfalls/lake of Krka National Park (less than an hour). We were in this area last May and are returning this May after spending 3 days in Dubrovnik and 5 days in Komarna. The area is beautiful, with lots of historic sites, numerous restaurants and cafes and small pebbly beaches. The people are incredibly friendly, and costs are very reasonable. We enjoy similar tastes (assimilate with the locals, visit rather than stay in the more popular/tourist areas, and explore by day trips via rental car) The scenery of this area is beautiful with lots of sea options for villas/apartments. We are returning to a beautiful apartment directly on the water in Sparadici (between Primosten and Sibenik. Enjoy your holiday!
Mike

Thanks Pasjakanac for your suggestion but Zagreb is the only airport that doesn't have a direct flight for us. I do like the idea of Cavtat and use the water taxi to access Dubrovnik but then again everyone's suggestions sound good and there is too much choice!! I am getting so much useful information on this forum.
Mike thanks for your input I will look at property in Sibonik And Primosten. Have you found that there are more apartments than villas in Croatia for rent? I am finding there seems to be a greater selection of apartments on offer but we do prefer our own space.
Anyhow I am making progress as I have definitely decided on central and southern Croatia for this trip and keep the northern region for a second vacation.
I will concentrate on looking at properties next in the suggested areas in these regions and if anyone has any ideas on villas I would really welcome them.