Yachting in Croatia & Montenegro

Whether it is relaxation or watersports, exploring ancient ruins or feasting on local delicacies, your luxury motor yacht provides endless opportunities to enjoy this breathtaking region. With its secluded private anchorages and towns steeped in history while on your luxury charter yacht every photo you take will be postcard perfect!

Bordered by Montenegro to the south and Italy to the west, a one-way luxury charter across the Adriatic Sea could begin in Venice, for example, and explore the rugged coastline all the way down to Porto Montenegro, taking in the gems of Croatia en route. This particular journey can be made in one week if time is limited, but why not take a leisurely two-week trip, and spend some time enjoying some of this fabulous coastline’s rocky islets and isolated beaches?

Don’t Miss: This is a nation with one of the highest wine consumptions in the world, so a trip to Croatia would not be complete without visiting a winery. For a unique visit, travel to the Peljesac Peninsula for a tour of Edivo Vina – the country’s first underwater winery. The wine is aged for years buried under the sea, where the perfect silence is thought to enhance the quality. Take a dive to the bottom of the bay, or simply opt for sampling some on land – with a chance to buy some bottles still covered in shells.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: While Dubrovnik offers many exquisite restaurants – 360 degrees is one to mention – the dining of Croatia revolves around café culture. For great food, drinks and nightlife, explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Try the craft beer and after-hours cocktails of Glam Café, or the relaxed ambience of Soul Caffe.

Best Local Dish: The Dalmatian cuisine is based on fantastic local produce – olives and oil, garlic, herbs, and seafood. In particular, the oysters of Mal Ston are renowned as the world’s best oysters and must be tried. For local dishes in an elegant setting, book a table at Restaurant Dubrovnik.

Local Culture: The rich heritage of Croatia can be seen throughout Dubrovnik, in the baroque buildings, historic churches, ancient forts and more – the city is home to thousands of historical sites and is itself a UNESCO World Heritage city. The Cavtat Old Town, city walls and Fort of St John are fascinating relics of the country’s past, and Rector’s Palace, which houses the Museum of Dubrovnik’s past, are notable places to visit.

Best Beach:  For a break from the tourists, join the locals at Sveti Jakov. A pleasant stroll along tree lined avenues brings you to the shingly beach, where the clear waters of the bay are surrounded by rocky hills. The beach has a nice bar to sit in the evening, as the dipping sun warms the sands and lights up views of the old town with orange hues.

For dinner, walk through the picturesque streets and choose from one of the many quality restaurants. Make sure to try a traditional glass of Croatian red wine.

The summer months are the most popular times to visit Hvar, but the warm spring and winter mean that it is a lovely place to cruise throughout the year. With average temperatures of 25°C/77°F in June and July, this island is considered one of the sunniest in Croatia.

Croatian beaches are known for their beauty, and those on Hvar are no different. Cruise on your yacht to one of the secluded beaches, drop anchor, and dive into the warm seas. Uvala Dubovica is a white pebbled beach that many consider one of Hvar’s most beautiful places to see. The nearby Pakleni archipelago offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities. The rocky islets and hidden coves are perfect for exploring on a tender. Drop anchor and spend the day walking around the small, charming villages bursting with Croatian charm and heritage.

A short cruise from the airports and hubs of Split and Dubrovnik, Hvar is a must for any Croatian luxury yacht charter. Hvar is a true jewel in the crown of Croatia.

Best Time To Visit: May to October are great for sailing, with the shoulder seasons being quiet and warm.

Key Cruising Areas: The island of Hvar is an ideal start to explore the many small islands and harbors of the Croatian coastline. Sailing south, the neighboring countries of Montenegro and Albania are often overlooked but fantastic destinations.

Don’t Miss: Although relatively new to the party scene, Hvar is becoming known as the choice of the more discerning rich and famous and must be sampled. After warming up with cocktails at Bar Bolera, head to the exclusive Carpe Diem to rub shoulders with celebrities. For an incredible night visit Veneranda – an open-air nightclub set in a Venetian fortress, or for a more relaxed evening enjoy the jazz and blues at Central Park Club.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: The nightlife of Hvar is unparalleled, and the island offers a selection of delectable restaurants to start your evening. The area of Groda north of the town square is a network of alleys filled with high quality restaurants. The creative twists on traditional dishes that can be found at Giaxa stand out. Fresh ingredients, perfect execution in a stunning setting make an unforgettable meal – try the tasting menus in the summer and bread baked in-house.

Best Local Dish: As an island, the cuisine of Hvar revolves around seafood. A favorite local dish is octopus salad – try the version at Konoba Menego followed by shrimp gnocchi, with a glass of rakija for a traditional evening.

Local Culture: Hvar is peppered with ancient relics of its past. The 13th century walls surround the old town, enclosing marble streets wound around beautiful Gothic cathedrals and Renaissance buildings. Wandering around will give you a wonderful insight into the island’s history, but for an intriguing experience take a tour of the abandoned village of Malo Grablje.

Best Beach:  The Pakleni archipelago on the south of Hvar boasts many tiny, secluded beaches. Vlaka on Sveti Klement is a quiet bay with glittering waters. A wonderful escape from the town with beautiful views, the bay is also home to an excellent family-run restaurant – Dionis – which is worth the walk up the hill.

Recommended: Walk up to Fortica in Hvar town. A pretty walk through forest and native flowers will bring you to the fort, for the best views of the town and harbor. Explore the fortress and enjoy the view, then head back down to get a table in the beachfront Hula Hula and relax while the sun goes down. The sunsets of Croatia are stunning and sitting in the trendy hangout with a cocktail in your hand is the way to experience them.

Best Time To Visit: The months of May to October are great for sailing, with the shoulder seasons being quiet and warm.

Key Cruising Areas: Kornati is an area of 140 islands and islets, which is 35 kilometers long and 14 kilometers wide, making it a dense archipelago to cruise through.

Don’t Miss: The hundreds of coral reefs and local wildlife. If you’re a keen snorkeler or scuba diving enthusiast, you will spend hours in the clear blue waters discovering the magical underwater life around the islands.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: Šporka Mare (Dirty Mare) located on the south shore of the islet Katina, near the Proversa Vela Strait also (the north gate of Kornati National Park). Four generations of the same family have run this restaurant. For an authentic feel of the islands and a traditional meal of freshly caught fish, crabs, and mollusks, this is the place to go. If you’re looking for a more lively place for a bite to eat, head to Konoba Idro in Lavsa Bay.

Best Local Dish: A classic dish is a platter of whole fish that has been locally caught. Deliciously and fresh, it is grilled over a barbecue and often garnished with a lemon and olive oil, served with a side of blitva sa krumpirom, made from potato and Swiss chard.

Local Culture: Much of Kornati appears deserted, and there is very little accommodation. It’s minimal landscape and small islets are home to traditional fishermen and families who have lived there for generations. It is unlike any other place in the world.

Best Beach: Saharun Bay has a stunning sandy beach stretching that is almost a kilometer in length. The water is very shallow, and the waters are perfectly clear.

Recommended: Don’t miss the only lighthouse on the Kornati, Tajerske sestrice, located on a small forested in the archipelago. Built in 1876, it is easily recognizable by its bold red and white stripes. For a tranquil bay, Telascica is a nature park located in the southeast side of Dugi Otok. This bay is close to a spectacular salt lake, which you can swim in.