For many of our guests, a holiday home in Croatia in the shoulder season isn't a fallback but the better choice: fewer people, more pleasant temperatures, lower prices. The catch is well known – the sea is cool in spring and late autumn. That's exactly why it pays to look out for one detail when choosing where to stay: a pool that is genuinely heated. Here's what the months either side of summer offer here in Kaštel Stari – and what they don't.
What "shoulder season" means here
By shoulder season we mean the months before and after high summer: April to June and September to October. During this time the large saltwater pool at all three villas is heated at no extra charge – the heating runs from the end of March to October, without you having to order it in advance. The hot tub is heated all year round, and the two can be controlled independently.
That's the real difference from many other holiday homes: where pool heating is charged separately, it gets added in precisely the months you need it. With us, it's in the final price.
The months at a glance
- April: often mild during the day, cool at night. The sea is too cold for swimming – the heated pool is the main attraction. Good for Trogir and Split without the crowds, and for hikes on Kozjak.
- May: for us, one of the most underrated months. Everything is open, the landscape is green, and the high-season crowds haven't arrived yet.
- June: the transition to summer. The sea gradually becomes pleasant, and the pool remains the reliable place to swim.
- September: the best compromise for anyone who really wants to swim in the sea – the Adriatic is still warm after the summer, and the biggest crowds have gone.
- October: beautiful light, quiet beaches. Towards the end of the month the first seasonal restaurants and boat operators close; the odd day can be windy.
We've described this in detail, month by month with water and air temperatures, in our guide Heated Pool in the Shoulder Season.
Peace and quiet as the real luxury
In August you share the beaches, car parks and old-town lanes with a great many other people. In the shoulder season, you'll have the Kaštel Stari promenade almost to yourselves in the morning, there's hardly any wait at restaurants, and trips to Krka or Šibenik are doable in pleasant temperatures. Which destinations are worth it is covered in our Day Trips from Split & Trogir.
The shoulder season is often ideal for couples not tied to school holidays, families with pre-school children, guests with dogs (summer heat is the biggest problem for dogs) and anyone working on the side.
Prices: lower, but no worked example from us
Prices in the shoulder season are noticeably below high summer – by how much depends on the villa, the period and the length of stay. Rather than quoting blanket figures, we'd prefer to show you the real final price: the calendar on every villa page calculates it live for your dates, including final cleaning, tourist tax, pool heating, electricity, water, linen, Wi-Fi and parking. Booking directly with us, it's always at least 5% cheaper than on the platforms. If you stay longer, you'll also benefit from our long-stay discounts.
Honestly: what the shoulder season can't do
- Long days swimming in the sea aren't realistic in April or late October – the pool makes up for a lot, but not everything.
- Beach bars and nightlife aren't yet, or are no longer, in full swing.
- On very short stays, a spell of bad weather can take up a large part of your holiday.
- In April, our winter rentals (by the month) still partly apply. The calendar shows which periods can be booked – or just ask us.
Which villa suits you?
- Villa Just be Alive – 8.50 × 3.50 m pool with integrated hot tub area, gym, sea views
- Villa Just be Light – 3.50 × 10 m pool plus separately heated hot tub, secluded
- Villa Just be Happy – large terrace with sea views, quiet cul-de-sac
Frequently asked questions
Is the pool really warm in the shoulder season?
The large pool is heated from the end of March to October at no extra charge, and the hot tub all year round. Both can be controlled independently.
Can you swim in the sea in May or October?
If you're hardy, yes – for most people it's too cool. In September, on the other hand, the sea is usually still pleasantly warm.
Do I have to book Saturday to Saturday in the shoulder season too?
Usually yes; from around 14 nights we're more flexible. Shifting your stay by a day often helps.
Is a hire car worth it?
For excursions, yes. The beach, promenade and supermarket are all within walking distance; for Krka, Šibenik or the hinterland, a car is useful.
Check your preferred dates directly in the villa's calendar, or message us on WhatsApp – we'll tell you honestly what to expect that week.