During the summer months, Croatia and the Adriatic see an influx of holidaymakers that come to the party on the beaches, discover ancient Roman ruins and immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the islands that makes this region a playground for luxury yacht charters.
Luxury yachts in Split in Croatia
Yet for all the visitors from the world over, there is still plenty of opportunities to leave the crowds behind and find a little pocket of Eastern Mediterranean paradise all to yourselves. These are our top 5 holiday spots for a week or more reconnecting with nature and each other along this culturally rich coast.
Pula – The Istrian Peninsula
The city is a warren of old streets and impressive architecture, most notably the Roman amphitheatre, Temple of Augustus and a Venetian fort overlooking the harbour. Those who wander deeper will be rewarded with incredible ancient mosaics and impressive modern art installations, showing that Pula is as much about the present as it is about the past. Open-air concerts and festivals add more memorable events to your stay, and there are plenty of shopping opportunities to spoil yourselves or your loved ones back home.
Pula in Croatia
When you want to escape the city for some peace and fresh air you don’t have to cruise far: There are beaches to the west and south, and the Brijuni National Park is a short cruise to the north for more cultural attractions amongst nature. The region is superb for wreck diving and Scuba diving in general, with locations to suit beginners through to experienced divers.
The Istrian Peninsula also has an abundance of vineyards and succulent food fresh from the farm and sea, making it a desirable destination for gastronomic treats. Rovinj, Poreč and Novigrad are worthwhile additions to a luxury yacht charter in the area, combining traditional Slavic cooking with Italian favourites such as pizza and gelato for indulgences to match the active lifestyle of the Adriatic.
Rijeka – Kvarner Bay
This section of the coast was popular with Austro-Hungarians during the 19th Century, and scenic buildings from the days of the Habsburg Empire surround the harbour area. Today it is an excellent starting point for culture and nature in equal measure. In Rijeka, highlights include the Gustav Klimt-painted ceilings of the Ivan Zajc Croatian National Theatre, and Trsat Castle for a scenic stroll. To the west, Opatija and Lovran offer a more intimate setting, the latter located at the foot of the sprawling pine-covered Učka Nature Park.
Rijeka – a beautiful destination for yacht charter in Croatia
The islands of Krk and Cres are a short cruise into the bay, where turtles and dolphins might be spotted. The winding coastlines offer numerous anchorages for sunbathing and partying the night away, or family films together under starry night skies.
Dugi Otok – Zadar Archipelago
Meaning ‘long island’ in Croatian, Dugi Otok is just over 4km wide at most, but it stretches for 43 km and consists mainly of rugged wilderness dotted with coastal villages. Sandy beaches are plentiful, and your luxury charter yacht grants you access to untouched beaches away from roads and trails or on smaller islands just a short cruise away.
As part of the Kornati National Park, it has choice locations for Scuba diving and snorkelling, where corals and sponges make a spectacular backdrop to 160 different species of fish and the occasional visiting loggerhead turtle and dolphin.
Luxury yacht SECRET
Take the island trails by foot or by bike and kayak around the sheltered Telašćica bay, lined on one side by pine and the other in oak. Peregrine falcons and Eleanor’s falcons might be spotted along the rugged karst cliffs, while the vineyards and Roman ruins scattered in meadows make a scenic addition to any holiday snaps.
Dugi Otok is also a great launch point for visiting even more ancient culture in the region: Visit Zadar for the day and take a stroll through the waterfront Old Town to see the Roman and Venetian architecture, then experience the modern side of the city at the Sea Organ installation and the Sun Salutation Light Show which takes place at dusk.
Split – The Dalmatian Coast
Croatia can boast many impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Spilt is home to the fortress-like Diocletian Palace. Museums and galleries are abundant in the surroundings, and the nightlife has just as much variety.
Sailing yacht VICTORIA – Sunpads on Deck
Brac is a lively destination, hosting the Bol Summer Festival, a graffiti/street art event, a film festival and a carnival over the summer months. Hvar has a more laid-back pace but there is still plenty to see and do: A Summer Festival feast, a Lavender Festival and big game fishing are all choices to add to your itinerary in between relaxing afternoons and hours of water sports in the crystal-clear seas.
Mljet – The Dalmatian Coast
Pristine and picturesque, Mljet is one of the southernmost islands along the Dalmatian Coast and it is lucky to be nestled between Lastovo, Korčula and Dubrovnik. The latter location needs little introduction as a centre for culture, shopping and nightlife along the Croatian coastline, while the islands are renowned for their national parks.
The western side of Mljet is a dedicated national park where the trails lead to a monastery and two brilliant blue lakes. The eastern side of the island is not to be neglected either, and by luxury yacht, you’ll find myriad swimming spots and secluded beaches within the embrace of the beautiful bays. One of the most noteworthy attractions is the Odysseus Cave along the southern coast: Named after the Greek legend, the dramatic colours of the cliff walls descend into a sapphire blue pool.
Luxury yacht charters in Dubrovnik are full of natural beauty and history
Not to be forgotten is Lastovo, a short cruise to the west. It is home to its own archipelago nature park which is visited by dolphins. There are few distractions here, leaving you free to pursue hedonistic days and quality time making cherished memories with loved ones.
