Croatia has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in recent years. The natural beauty, the rich history and the hospitality of the country make it a perfect holiday destination for anyone looking for a refreshing change of scenery. With a great history in boatbuilding and sailing, the “land of 1000 islands” has everything it takes to be considered a top destination for a sailing adventure. Of course, visiting all islands in the Adriatic Sea at once would be impossible, but having a private cruise in Croatia will allow you to get a good idea of what the country is all about. We have gathered for you some of the best destinations for an unforgettable cruise to this stunning country.
Dubrovnik – The Pearl of the Adriatic
We are sure that this recommendation does not come as a surprise, but when talking about Croatia’s most worth-visiting sites, Dubrovnik cannot be left aside. The old city of Dubrovnik stands proud on the Dalmatian coast in all its glory, waiting for you to travel in history through its stone walls. Take a walk along the marble streets of the “Pearl of the Adriatic” to admire the enchanting mixture of the Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic architecture and let your eyes feast on the panoramic view of the glistering sea. For even more spectacular aerial views, get a ride on Dubrovnik’s Cable Car and enjoy a meal or a coffee on Mount’s Srd plateau while looking at the incredible views of the Old Town and the Elaphiti Islands (which are also worth a visit). If you are a history lover, a visit to Dubrovnik’s various palaces, churches and monasteries will leave you fully satisfied. Besides, it is not by chance that UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage site.
Split – Where antiquity and modern life come together
From its renowned ancient sights to its wonderful bhttp://www.diocletianspalace.org/eaches, Split has something to offer to even the most demanding visitors. To begin with, here lies Diocletian’s Palace, another sight included in Unesco’s World Heritage list, where you have the chance to admire the beautiful white stones and the Roman architecture in general. Klis Fortress is another sight of historical value that will travel you back in time and if you are a Game of Thrones fan, both landmarks may bring back memories of your favorite series, since a lot of scenes were filmed here. Then it’s time to relax, having a stroll along Riva Promenade, the stunning waterfront area of the town, exploring the local restaurants and cafes or having a swim at one of its beautiful beaches.
Hvar – Where beauty meets history
Being considered one of the world’s most beautiful islands, Hvar attracts more than 22,000 visitors daily in high season, while its mild Mediterranean climate and its impressive harbor make it an ideal destination for luxurious mega-yachts too. And even if you are not into the buzz of tourist attractions, Hvar is an experience you cannot miss out. Swim in its crystal-clear waters and lie under the warm sun on its many picturesque beaches, like the pebbled beach Dubovica. It is a little hard to access from the main road, which makes it less crowded than other ones in the area and you can relax in total serenity on this paradise on earth. Don’t forget to also visit Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Croatia. And if you love outdoor activities and Mediterranean dishes, you should have stop at Jelsa, to go kayaking or snorkeling, visit the outdoor waterparks or taste the local delicacies and wine.
Mljet – The natural paradise that captivated Odysseus
One of the most alluring Adriatic islands lies in South Croatia. The natural wealth of the place led to the establishment of the first national park in the Mediterranean in 1960. Have a tour on foot and come in authentic contact with nature through the lush vegetation of the island and its serene saltwater lakes or rent a bicycle and follow the shaded footpaths around the park to explore every spot. Sail to Odysseus’ cave and dive in the blue waters that kept the Greek hero captivated to this paradise on earth for seven years according to Homer. The waters around Mljet have a lot of other beautiful secrets for you to discover during your private cruise, but if you feel adventurous enough, you can also go kayaking to get the full experience!
Korcula – Where explorers are born and ships are created
If you are a true sailor and ships are your passion, Korcula is the place for you to be! The Korsula island has a great shipbuilding tradition that dates many centuries back and you can learn all about it, admire the traditional tools shipbuilders used to use and see photos and models of their renowned wooden ships at the relevant exhibition. And if you’d like another trip in the past, in Korcula’s old town you can visit the Marco Polo Exhibition to learn more about the explorer who is said to have been born here. Then it is time to visit the Vela Spila, an impressive cave of great archaeological value. If you visit it around sunset, you can also enjoy the unmatched views of the Vela Luka town and bay.
Book a private cruise in Croatia for an unforgettable experience!
These were only some of the worth-visiting places while on a private cruise in Croatia. However, in the “land of 1000 islands” the treasures are infinite. No matter how many times you choose to visit, there will always be something new to explore. If you have already visited the places mentioned above and are looking for new experiences or if it is your first time having a cruise in Croatia and would like more personalized suggestions, use Smart Search, our innovative communication channel that lets you communicate with boat owners to receive recommendations and offers for private cruises totally tailored to your needs!