CROATIA

Croatia’s wonderful nature allows its visitors to engage in several activities during the cruise. Diving in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and hiking in the green hills of the islands are the most preferred activities in order to embrace the stunning nature of the sea and the land respectively in Croatia. Moreover, there are facilities that provide opportunities to do other water-based activities all over coastal Croatia.

Even though the breathtaking sea and the rich historical and cultural heritage are enough reasons to go on a cruise in Croatia, the festivals and concerts that take place in the country attract many tourists every year. Moreover, Hvar and Pag islands are listed among the best party islands of Europe.

Yacht charter Croatia – Top Sailing Destinations

Croatia is a sailing paradise due to its long coastline and numerous islands. The most preferred areas for cruises in Croatia are the Dalmatia region and Northern Croatia, while the major marinas, where you can anchor your boat, are Split and Dubrovnik. The most visited destinations for Yacht charter Croatia and Gulet cruise Croatia are listed below:

Destinations in the Dalmatia region:

➤ Split is the capital of the Dalmatia region. This 1700-years-old city has lots of historical attractions from the Roman, medieval and Renaissance period combined with a Mediterranean environment. In the narrow streets of Split small boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafés welcome its visitors. Visitors are highly recommended to taste fresh fish from the barbecue, traditional dishes prepared with the local olive oil and homemade wine. Locals invite the visitors to join a game of the local sport picigin on Split’s beach.

➤Makarska is known for its numerous beautiful beaches, crystal clear sea, sparkling water and hilly inland. Hikers visit the area because of the impressive Biokovo Mountain and the hiking roads that are covered by pine trees.

➤ Mljet is Croatia’s most forested and prettiest island with its untouched nature, Mediterranean vegetation, olive groves, vineyards and pine trees, crystal clear and clean sea and soft and sandy beaches. The island is famous for its goat cheese and wine. Its underwater marine life is incredibly rich. However, visitors cannot only enjoy the sea, but also the island’s two salted lakes: Veliko and Malo Jezero. These two lakes are located at the very north of the island.

➤ Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most beautiful walled cities, lying at the foot of a magnificent mountain overlooking the blue water. After the earthquake of 1667, Baroque planners restructured the town. The whole town seems like it has not been touched since its reshaping; however, particularly the pedestrian old town, which is packed with aristocratic palazzi and elegant Baroque churches, is highly recommended to visit. In addition to its historical beauty, Dubrovnik fascinates its visitors with the crystal clear sea and the gardens with bougainvillea, oleanders, figs, lemons, oranges and peach trees.

➤ Trstenik is a tiny town famous for its beautiful beaches, coves and clean sea. Vineyards, which are the most important for Croatia, surround the town. Visitors are recommended to try the traditional Dalmatian Dingac red wine. The town has a hiking path that leads through the wooded hills and on which hikers are accompanied by the chants of crickets and chirps of birds. In addition to its natural beauties, the attractions of Trstenik include the original Church of St. Michael as well as cafès and restaurants, which are located in the narrow streets of the.

➤ Korcula is one of the greenest islands of the Adriatic. In addition to its inviting beaches, the island is known for its sword dances and local white wines. Marco Polo’s birthplace Korcula has all marks of the eight centuries of Venetian rule. Churches, palaces and piazzas that were built from fine local stone during the Gothic and Renaissance periods are spread all over the island..

➤ Hvar is a sunny island with 2,800 hours of sunshine per year. It is known for its beautiful fields of lavender, rosemary, sage, marjoram and thyme and the carefully cultivated vineyards. These fields make it look purple and green from a far distance. Its crystal clear water attracts many tourists. Visitors are recommended not to leave the island without purchasing some lavender oil (or lavender itself).

➤ Peljesac is an exceptionally beautiful peninsula in southern Croatia with tiny villages and sheltered coves rimmed with beaches. Groves of pine, gardens of lemon, fig and almond trees, herbs and endemic wildflowers cover the peninsula. Villages in southern Peljesac preserved their ancient spirit.

➤ Milna is known for its marvelous bay, which was used as a secure harbor by emperor Diocletian in the time of the building of his palace in Split Milna is situated in a protected cove with two beaches that are separated from each other by a green pine forest. The clear sea, the local healthy food and diving, sailing and fishing facilities make it a great vacation place for those who look for tranquility.

➤ Lastovo is a beautiful Croatian island surrounded by a crystal clear sea and spectacular bays underneath pine trees. The beaches of the island are mostly rocky, which at the same time ensures that its nature is been preserved. The island is famous for its carnival, where locals wear traditional clothes and present folk dances. Full flavored dry white wine produced by the locals of the island is famous in Croatia. The attractions of Lastovo include the chimneys, which were once status symbols of the island’s families, the ancient stone houses and the Renaissance Church.

➤ Vis is the cleanest island of the Adriatic Sea due to its distant location from the mainland. Its beautiful bays, delicious dishes and wine excite visitors. The island was used as a military zone between 1944 and 1989 with no access for tourists. As a result, the old Mediterranean look of the island was maintained. In addition to its natural attractions such as the unpolluted sea, soil and air, there are numerous historical monuments from ancient Greek and Roman periods. For example, the remains of the Roman port and Franciscan monastery that were built in the 15th century are still visible today.

➤ Zaton is a tiny village on the coast of the Zaton Bay. Due to its sheltered location in a narrow bay the water is almost always still in the beautiful beaches of the village. Zaton offers numerous activities to its visitors, such as bicycling, rafting, canoeing, scuba diving, windsurfing and water-skiing. It is highly recommended to walk along the 4.5 km hiking path that leads to the village of Podbrezje and Mociljska Cave.

➤ Pomena is a little settlement with a sheltered cove, which is surrounded by a dense Aleppo pine forest on the west coast of Mljet Island. Although tourists visit it during the summer, it is more of a fishing village where only a few but very good restaurants and cafés serve tourists. It is a suitable vacation destination for those who seek privacy and tranquility.

➤ Sipan is a large, quiet and peaceful island. Smaller islands around Sipan offer bays with clear waters and rich marine life. Sipan itself has also a few nice beaches, on which visitors can enjoy the sun and the clean blue sea. Olive groves, vineyards and fig trees cover most of the island. There are about thirty churches on the island including the 11th century St. Peter’s Church and the 16th century Church of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, remains of the summerhouses of the aristocracy of Dubrovnik can still be seen today.

➤ Jelsa Island has a large shore with several peaceful small islands and beautiful coves. Historical, architectural and artistic monuments can be found in every town and village on the island. Giant poplars, pines and palms, oleanders, laurels and other Mediterranean plants render the island a true wonder of nature. Those who are enthusiastic about sports and active vacations can find facilities for numerous sports, such as basketball, volleyball, football, tennis, mini golf, cycling, diving, walking, hiking, free climbing and water sports. In the summer time Jelsa hosts several festivals and shows..

➤ Trogir is a historic town and was as such designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Due to its numerous cultural and historical monuments, its remarkable architecture and authentic streets, it is often called ‘Little Venice’. Some attractions of the town include the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, the City Museum, City Hall, the Rector’s Palace, the church of St. John the Baptist, the church of St. Sebastian, Radovan’s portal and the Ćipiko Palace. In addition to its historical and cultural sights, Trogir offers splendid nature with green forests and rocky as well as sandy beaches. Those, who are enthusiastic about sports and active vacations, can find facilities for several sports and activities, such as tennis, bowling, surfing and diving. During the summer time many other activities for tourists are organized, such as fishing nights, folklore performances and classical music concerts.

➤ Bol is a little coastal town on the Adriatic Sea and fascinates its visitors with its crystal clear water, untouched nature and the stony island houses. The town’s 10 km long sandy beaches are considered to be the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic Sea. In addition to its natural beauty, the narrow stony roads, spectacular piazzas and historical monuments from all centuries are certainly worth seeing. The historical and cultural attractions include the 11th century pre-Romanic churches of St. Ivan and St. Tudor, the 12th century residence of the bishop, the 15th century church of Madonna of Graces and a 15th century fortified Gothic summer palace. Furthermore, the 17th century Renaissance and Baroque palace with the Branislav Deskovic gallery of contemporary Croatian art is worth a visit.

Destinations in Northern Croatia:

➤ Opatija’s history as a resort town dates back to the 1840s, when members of the minor royalty started to build their villas there. Since then, its attractive sandy beaches, the high mineral content of the sea water and iodine in the air rendered it one of Europe’s most famous resort towns. Visitors can find numerous terrace cafés on the main street, ulica Maršala Tita, which runs parallel to the coast for the length of the town. Only a 15 minutes walk away Volosko village offers the best seafood restaurants in the area. Moreover, visitors should not forget to visit the church of St. James – the saint patron of Opatija, the parish church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Protestant church, the church of St. Ana, the parish church of St. Marc and the landmarks of Lungomare, the old Austrian villas, Villa Angiolina, St. James Park and the fountains Helios and Selena.

➤ Krk is the Adriatic’s largest island. It is famous for its thousand-years-old towns, small rural villages, beautiful beaches, numerous swimming bays, lively bars and colorful clubs as well as tiny and quiet restaurants and coffee bars. Visitors should not miss visiting St. Mary’s Cathedral, Frankopan Castle, the church of St. Quirinus and the main town square Kamplin.

➤ Rabac is an ideal holiday resort for those who want to relish a swim and a sunbath on golden beaches with a crystal clear sea. Although it is a tiny town, it has a lot to offer. In addition to its lovely pebbly beach and pleasant climate, its landscape is ideal for several activities such as mountain biking, jogging and hiking. Moreover, those who are interested in water sports can find numerous activities here such as wind surfing, banana rides and water skiing. There are many restaurants, taverns, pizzerias, and coffee bars lined along the sea coast of Rabac. Visitors are recommended to visit the Church of St. Andrew, which was built in the 15th century.

➤ Zadar, the ancient capital of Dalmatia, is still relatively undiscovered compared to the resorts on the southern coasts of Croatia. Especially from September to June the city’s invigorating café culture is left very much to the locals. The town combines ancient and medieval history with natural beauty. Quiet streets of marble, undisturbed pine-scented beaches, crystal clear sea and the dusky Velebit Mountains impress its visitors. Hiking, swimming and rock-climbing are the most common activities for tourists in Zadar. Its famous old town offers numerous Roman ruins, Romanesque churches and art installations.

➤ Molat is an island in northern Dalmatia that offers its visitors calm and solitude that cannot be found in of the other busy islands. Its wonderful nature covered by maquis and pine forests allows travelers who are interested in hiking and exploring rather remote places in Croatia. The island has numerous hidden beaches and bays that are perfect for swimming and offer pebbly as well as sandy textures. The cafés and restaurants on the island serve traditional Mediterranean dishes.

➤ Ilovik is a tiny village, located on the island of Losinj. With its crystal clear waters and a variety of activities such as swimming, diving, fishing as well as deep-sea fishing, it the perfect destination for sea lovers. Its landscape, which is covered by pine trees, oleander, bougainvilleas, palm trees, and Eucalyptus trees renders it a perfect hiking spot as well. Ilovik does not only fascinate its visitors with its beautiful nature, but also with its rich history of ancient Roman civilizations. The ruins on the island include the remains of Roman buildings, coins, mosaics and a burial sarcophagus. There are several family-owned restaurants on the island, in which delicious dishes of the local cuisine are served.

➤ Cres is the second largest island in the Adriatic. It is famous for its numerous beaches, nestled mostly on the western shores, and crystal clear waters. In addition to its natural beauty, Cres offers several sights to its visitors. A 15th Century Venetian Tower, the Church of St. Mary and the Municipal Loggia are highly recommended to visit. Moreover, a griffon vulture colony’s home and Beli and Valun Tablet’s home are other gems of the island.

Essential Information prior to your cruise in Croatia

The sailing season in Croatia starts in April and lasts until the mid of October. Since there are international airports in Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Zadar and Split, the country can be easily reached from abroad. There are several transportation options from the airports, including bus, taxi or car rentals, for you to reach the location, where your cruise departs.

Because Croatia is an EU member state, European citizens do not need a visa in order to travel to the country. Non-EU citizens are recommended to check potential visa requirements that they might be subjected to. Croatia kept the Kuna as the country’s official currency. Visitors can choose to get some Kunas prior or upon their arrival to the country. Lastly, it might be useful to learn a few Croatian words for your trip in Croatia.

*** HopaYacht.com’s large database offers you cruise options in Croatia with several itinerary options and on different types of vessels. The most commonly used small vessels for cruising in Croatia are sailboats, catamarans and motorboats. Please contact HopaYacht.com for any questions. We are happy to help you find the most suitable itinerary and vessel for your dream cruise.