Amazing Yachting Holidays in Croatia
With over a thousand scattered islands to explore, a yachting holiday is the only way to fully experience Croatia’s beautiful Adriatic coastline.
Competing empires have wrangled over Croatia’s ownership for millennia: a bitter and brutal history that has resulted in a stunningly rich cultural heritage and some wonderful architecture.
Venetian palaces, Byzantine castles, medieval walls and Viennese mansions compete for attention and weave seamlessly with the urbane glamour of modern Croatia.
From untouched bays and spectacular waterfalls to stonewalled towns and chic cocktail bars, a week cruising in Croatia will undoubtedly leave you wanting more.
What You’ll Love about Sailing Holidays in Croatia
Croatia's beauty and sheer diversity means that whether you choose a crewed, skippered or bareboat yacht charter, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy different locations, foods, and scenery every single day.
You'd be hard pushed to find anywhere on earth with such gorgeous coastlines and incredible beaches.
From enjoying picturesque views to learning about the country’s fascinating past, there is so much to experience with a sailing holiday in Croatia.
Explore the regions:
The sailing route around one of Croatia’s most popular destinations features charming anchorages, crystalline waters, ancient villages, magnificent fortress towns, hidden coves and lively cosmopolitan party islands.
In Hvar, wander amidst lavender and rosemary, explore abandoned hamlets and watch the world go by from your yacht moored in the glamorous harbour.
Visit the remote and mysterious island of Vis where sandy beaches, gorgeous coves and beautiful towns remain untouched by tourism, and admire the Renaissance and Baroque architecture which flourished within the medieval walls of tiny, exquisite Trogir.
The area enjoys consistent breezes making it an easy sailing destination with line of sight navigation and both short and longer passages possible. Begin your yachting adventure in either the buzzing city of Split, the charming old town of Trogir, or the welcoming city of Sibenik, ideally located to access the breathtaking Krka National Park waterfalls.
Dubrovnik is an enchanting medieval city with distinctive architecture, a fascinating history and numerous cafes, shops and restaurants, making it the ideal base from which to sail the southern Dalmatian coast.
Head to the pretty Elafiti Islands for shallow anchorages perfect for snorkelling. Or tender into Šipan to wander round the remains of a Roman villa and enjoy a hearty bowl of fish stew at Kod Marka restaurant.
Hike the verdant pine forests, take a moment at the Benedictine monastery and dive into one of the warm, saltwater lakes of the enchanting Mljet National Park - an oasis of tranquillity that, according to the legend, so captivated Odysseus so much that the itinerant hero stayed for seven years.
Soak up tradition and sample the excellent local wine on the island of Korcula, where citrus trees, olive groves and vineyards harbour a glorious old town of marbled streets and Renaissance architecture within medieval walls.
Easy navigation, steady winds and a pleasant climate make the Dubrovnik Riviera an ideal yacht charter destination for both experienced and novice sailors.
The stark natural beauty of the Kornati archipelago, with its crystal blue waters and startling rock formations, truly warrants its National Park status, and makes it one of Croatia’s most idyllic destinations for a crewed or bareboat yacht charter.
Consisting of over 147 largely uninhabited islands, islets and reefs, the Kornatis’ karstic terrain offers sheer cliffs, mysterious caves and secret grottoes just waiting to be explored. The rich underwater ecosystem is a delightful contrast to the barren land making this destination a favourite for avid divers and snorkelers.
Enjoy magical nights in deserted bays, pitch up to tiny fishing villages for excellent fresh seafood, and visit the vibrant and historic mainland town of Zadar to enjoy its lively nightlife.
With breath taking scenery and consistent winds, the Kornati Islands are the perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity and easy sailing.
The Istrian Coast and Kvarner Gulf were favourite holiday spots of European royalty and aristocracy for centuries.
Spending your holiday here may feel like you're in a remote corner of Tuscany, and with good reason - the region was part of Italy until 1947, and Italian influences are clear in everything from the ancient architecture to the food (the truffles are world-famous) and the general atmosphere of the place. Istria is very much a wine region, producing excellent local wines, and there is some sensational seafood to be had, too.
The hub of Istrian sailing, Pula is the main city on the tip of the protruding headland. The charter bases of Pula and nearby Pomer are excellent launchpads for voyages into the untouched Kvarner Islands or along the rugged Istrian Coast.
Set sail from cosmopolitan Pula and head north via the gorgeous Brijuni National Park (once General Tito's private islands and full of unusual wildlife) to explore Rovinj, a lovely compact little town on the west of the peninsula, before cruising south towards the islands of the Kvarner Gulf. If you're starting from Pula, you should check out the amazing Roman ruins, including the Arch of the Sergii and Pula Ampitheatre, close to the marina.
There is some excellent and occasionally challenging sailing to be had in this northern corner of the Dalmatian Coast, as the more mountainous coastline serves to amplify the bora winds. Slightly more barren than the more southerly islands, those in the Kvarner Gulf are largely untouched, and all the more remarkable for it. Due south of Pomer, Cape Kamenjak is a rocky hidden gem of little bays and anchorages - an absolute must visit, with stunning views all around.
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