Classic yacht charter locations in Croatia.

Classic yacht charter locations in Croatia

With more than 1,400 islands scattered across the Adriatic, a luxury yacht charter in Croatia is one of the most sought after summer trips around. Aboard a classic sailing yacht, the endless blue of the sea and the evergreen of the Dalmatian islands, all of which lie in proximity to one another, create picturesque scenes that are easy to reach by boat. Sailing short distances powered by gentle, constant winds will deliver you to the footsteps of hidden coves and ancient historical ruins dotted along 3,600 miles of coastline.

Brijuni Islands

The Brijuni islands national park is a string of isles found along the coast of western Istria, famed for their archaeological and cultural sites, as well as differing personalities. The park spans 3,400 hectares and takes its name from Veliki Brijun, the largest and arguably most beautiful of the islands, on which a maze of landscaped lawns and parks sit alongside architectural remains.

Historians will relish a trip to Kozada island, where a disused hydroplane station from the Austro-Hungarian Empire can be explored, while the entire archipelago contains uninhabited islands with sandy beaches and lush vegetation.

Rovinj - Istrian peninsula

Located on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, the city of Rovinj possesses a romantic charm akin to Paris by the water. Among some of the best things to do in Rovinj is taking a stroll along the tangled web of cobbled streets to discover its pastel-hued houses and sun-lit alleys.

South of the old town is Lone Bay, one of the area’s famed pebble beaches. Even better, set sail to the 14 outer islands that sit just off the Rovinj archipelago and dive the deep turquoise sea. The water in Croatia is warm well into October, creating a paradise lagoon wherever you drop anchor.

Mljet Island

Mljet island national park, defined by its two interconnecting saltwater lakes, lies in the far south of Dalmatia. Spend your days on snorkelling safaris swimming the great lakes, bays and coral reefs or take a tender ashore to explore the forested islands.

A popular area for hiking and cycling, its wildlife-rich landscape harbours caves and beaches ripe for exploring. When you’ve worked up an appetite, dine on the area’s famed olives, goat’s cheese and fish, accompanied by a chilled glass of Croatian wine.

Sibenik: Dalmatia

Throughout Croatia, Roman, Venetian and Austrian influences are witnessed in the country’s architecture and cuisine, but nowhere is that more evident than at St Nicholas' Fortress, which guards the entrance channel to Šibenik.

Considered one of must-see things to do in Šibenik, it stands on guard to all who enter by boat. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the defence built between the 15th and 17th centuries is a Venetian work of art.

Hvar Island

Known as the party island, Hvar has long drawn a young vibrant crowd keen to visit beach clubs like Carpe Diem, which tenders guests to its exclusive club on a neighbouring private island. But as home to the Zinfandel grape, a red wine beloved by Americans, it’s the litany of hand-production high-end vineyards scattered across the island that lights the way for many.

Ports like Hvar, also seen at the top of this page, are ringed with restaurants and bars, but make sure to stop off for a tasting in Tomic winery’s cellar, modelled after ancient Roman dining rooms.

Korcula

The medieval walled city of Korčula was designed by the Venetians to protect it from the wind and sun. Climb the cathedral in Korčula old town to enjoy panoramic vistas of the cobbled streets below peppered with cream-coloured stone churches. Croatia boasts more than 400 varieties of edible sea creatures in its waters, and Korčula’s line of waterside eateries are a great place to sample many of them.

Dine on sea bass ceviche and breaded cuttlefish at Michelin-starred Filippi, accompanied by stunning views of the Pelješac channel. Alternatively, fellow Michelin-starred eatery LD Restaurant offers wagyu scallops, prawn gyoza and red snapper sashimi al fresco in Korčula old town.

Dubrovnik 

Spectacular fortifications, cinematic views and the Church of St Blaise are Dubrovnik’s calling card. Walking the city walls and the pedestrian-only Old Town is a must. Home to Croatia's artistic and intellectual elite, Dubrovnik – now immortalised in hit HBO drama Game of Thrones – overlooks the Adriatic.

When on a classic Croatian yacht charter, dropping anchor at sunset as the city’s illuminations light up offers the best views of Dubrovnik as the city’s wine bars, classy seafood restaurants and five-star hotels come alive. Day trips to neighbouring Lokrum islet, with its botanical garden, is recommended. As is a stop off at the pine-scented Elaphiti islands.

Brač Island

Limestone villages that showcase the local Croatian stone – as seen at the Diocletian's Palace in Split - are the moniker of Brač, but it’s the yellow sands of Zlatni Rat, also known as Golden Horn, located on the island’s most southern point that draws the crowds.

The shape-shifting, tree-lined beach is a popular place to relax, swim and enjoy a drink at one of the many beach bars. The breezy spot also pulls in keen windsurfers from all around, making it a heavenly anchorage to indulge in a day of watersports from the yacht.

Vis Island

Once a thriving fishing community, today Vis is best known for its spectacular vineyards, wine tastings and accompanying gastronomic scene. The farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland now produces some of the best wines in all of Dalmatia, with much of the fertile soil dedicated to producing the region’s well-loved white wine, Vugava. and red wine Plavac.

Those who like to explore beneath the waves should make time to visit the nearby island of Bisevo – famous for its Blue Cave (Modra Spilja) – and one of Croatia’s most spectacular diving spots.

Kornati Islands

More than 140 islands and islets comprise the Kornati archipelago, 89 of which form the Kornati National Park. Scattered with coves, olive groves and orchards, the uninhabited islands create a mesmeric yachting itinerary. Sailing the Kornati islands invites a Robinson Crusoe-style experience, where camping out under the stars or hopping from island to island reignites a thrilling sense of escapism.

Also known as the Stomorski islands and located in the northern part of Dalmatia, the Kornatis are the largest and densest archipelago in the Adriatic, boasting islands and reefs that cover 300sqkm and a wide selection of migratory birds.

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