5 ‘must sees’ on every luxury yacht charter itinerary in Croatia /

Located at the crossroads of Central Europe and the Mediterranean, where past and present intertwine, Croatia embraces its reputation as one of the best luxury yacht charter destinations in the world. Croatia has grown in popularity over the past twenty years, and it’s easy to see why: with more than 1,500km of winding coastline, centuries-old architecture and vast sapphire blue waters surrounding a collection of enchanting islands. A luxury charter yacht is undoubtedly the best way to explore this eastern Mediterranean paradise in style.

There are limitless options for traveling up and down the coast and further inland, but you won’t be disappointed if you include these five amazing locations on your itinerary.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is an incredibly well-preserved example of a late medieval walled city and visitors who arrive by luxury yacht are treated to exceptional views of the imposing city walls built into the towering cliff face, against a backdrop of terracotta roofs and lush pine forests.

A stroll through the cobbled streets reveals the delights of the city known as ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’, from diverse architecture, museums and galleries to luxury boutiques, chic restaurants, cafes and nightlife. The summer months bring the sights and sounds of the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival – a celebration of Croatia’s vibrant and diverse culture, art and music – held every year since 1950.

Divide

Entering the port of Split, visitors are transported back in time as Diocletian’s Palace, with its four imposing gates, comes into view. The palace was built in the 4th century as a lavish estate for Emperor Diocletian and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. More recently, some visitors are drawn to the palace’s association with Game of Thrones, as it was used as a location for the TV series.

Riva is the seaside promenade that forms the heart of the old town and leads through the southern gate directly to the basement of Diocletian’s Palace. A stroll along the palm-lined promenade takes you past pretty houses, cozy cafes and modern restaurants, all enjoying beautiful views of the boats coming and going in the harbour.
In mid-summer the city bustles with life and sees the arrival of one of Europe’s biggest music events – the Ultra Music Festival – where world-famous DJs take to the stage and state-of-the-art light shows fill the venue. the sky.

Split is the gateway for exploring the nearby islands, but as you depart there will be plenty of time to anchor at one of the city’s beautiful beaches for a cooling dip, before sailing into the sunset in the care of the experienced captain and crew.

The island of Brac

Brac is the perfect antidote to the bustling cities of Dubrovnik and Split, where it is best to embrace the slower pace, focus on relaxing in the beautiful surroundings and enjoying the hospitality on board. Experienced local captains and crew will undoubtedly have their favorite beaches and coves around the island, but will choose anchorages based on guests’ preferences. Not to be missed is the Golden Horn of Zlatni Rat, where the unique shape of the beach changes daily depending on the tide and weather. What better place for a beach picnic and a day of snorkeling or playing with the water toys in the crystal clear water? Croatia has a lot of marine life worth exploring and you don’t have to go far from the beach or yacht to see it. One side of the peninsula is more sensitive to wind, making it popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts. The crew can assist guests with any activities they enjoy on or at sea.

The town of Bol is hidden between the beach and the forest and overlooked by the Vidova Gora mountain – an amazing walk that rises seven hundred meters above the sea and offers fantastic views. From yachts anchored just offshore, the city’s harbor is just a short hop away and is lined with café tables and parasols. The town offers numerous traditional restaurants serving tasty Dalmatian dishes and is home to a famous old winery and wine cellar.

Hvar

When it’s time to get the party started, it’s time to take the yacht to the town of Hvar on the island of Hvar. This cosmopolitan city has built a reputation for being a chic destination favored by the rich and famous, where superyachts dock alongside local fishing boats in the harbour. Restaurants and bars are packed until the early hours as clubs like Hula Hula and Carpe Diem turn up the music and keep everyone dancing until dawn… and well into the next day at Carpe Diem Beach – a 10-minute boat ride away on the Paklinski Island from Marinkovac.

The Paklinski Islands are just as inviting during the day and are ideally explored by luxury charter yacht or the yacht’s tender, which allows guests to hop around the islands and admire the breathtaking Mediterranean scenery. Described as ‘heaven on earth’, the archipelago consists of a series of 14 islands and islets just off the coast of Hvar. The tranquil island of Jerolim is known for its pristine, untouched beaches. There is also a clothing-optional beach, so make sure you check with the crew before disembarking! Sveti Klemet is a favorite anchorage for yachts, with the flowery village of Palmižana home to a sandy beach full of idyllic restaurants and relaxed beach bars.

Zadar

Croatia’s oldest city is a mix of architecture from the most impressive eras of history. In one of the city’s squares alone, visitors will find ruins of an ancient Roman forum, the 9th-century St. Donatus Church, the Romanesque St. Anastasia’s Cathedral, and the 11th-century Benedictine Monastery.

In stark contrast, the waterfront is home to two very modern art installations. The haunting sound of the Sea Organ comes from stone tubes placed in the steps, which produce an unusual echoing sound generated by the movement of the waves. And you can’t leave without seeing the Sun Salutation, a 22-meter-long circular installation that releases the absorbed light from 10,000 solar panels as a fantastic light show after dark.

Compared to many Mediterranean cities in the summer months, Zadar is quiet and free of crowds. For even more tranquility and ‘back to nature’ experiences, Kornati National Park is only accessible by boat and offers the chance to see dolphins, lizards and almost 70 species of butterflies.

A yacht charter holiday is not only the ultimate expression of luxury, but also offers guests the freedom to enjoy their holiday at their own pace, visiting as much time or as little as possible to take full advantage of the onboard amenities. and service.

Croatia is the perfect backdrop, whatever charter style or yacht you choose, and will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Trina Howes

Trina Howes is president of CharterWorld America. CharterWorld America is a luxury private yacht charter company that creates outstanding vacations with outstanding yachts at great prices – worldwide. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to increase your profile, please contact us.