Croatia lies along the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, a place where East meets West. The dramatic rocky coastline and steep mountains have kept Croatia closed to travelers (except for sailors) for centuries although the country is now enjoying a growing reputation as a spectacular destination to visit. The combination of pristine natural beauty, traditional artisan culture, and warm friendly people has been creating quite a ‘buzz’ among yachtsmen in recent years and is the reason why Croatia is developing into a popular yacht charter destination.
The long coastline with its numerous islands offshore allow for many itinerary options and encourage guests to return often as there is more to see and do than will fit in a two week yacht vacation.
Two of our favorites spots to visit are:
Hvar
Hvar is the best preserved ancient town in Croatia providing an ideal harbor to anchor. It offers supreme local fish and seafood markets, as well as fruit and vegetable markets, so that it will be a tough call whether to dine on board or try one of the small intimate restaurants found along the harbour. Don’t forget to sample the local Croatian wines! And if the hustle and bustle of the town is a bit too much for you, there are several small protected bays to anchor in nearby, which are all great for swimming and water sports. If you fancy a bit more of a nightlife, Hvar is a great place to be, with a number of stylish bars that have recently opened.
Mljet
Mljet is a beautiful national park where you could easily spend a few days, just a short distance from Dubrovnik. It is a bit off the beaten track but very peaceful with great views and two beautiful lakes. There are no shops or nightlife here, but there are a few rustic restaurants on the water’s edge, selling grilled seafood. It is a perfect place for swimming, relaxing, and sight seeing. You can also hire bicycles and ride to a hidden monastery.
Croatia has a small group of traditional sailing gulets and a growing number of luxury yachts both power and sail. Only Croatian flag yachts may do a charter entirely in Croatia. This means that most charters begin in Montenegro and sail north, or even begin in Venice, transiting the northern coast of Croatia. Every year the fleet of available yachts will change but for now, these are the three we recommend:
ANNABEL II 97 Feet, Motor Yacht
Sleeps 10 Guests in 1 King(s), 1 Queen(s), 2 Twin(s), 2 Pullman
Online brochure: http://www.cyabrochure.com/eb/
Rates and Availability: http://www.cyabrochure.com/eb/
ELEGANZA 95 Feet, Gulet
Sleeps 10 Guests in 1 Queen(s), 4 Double(s), 1 Single(s)
Online brochure: http://www.cyabrochure.com/eb/
Rates and Availability: http://www.cyabrochure.com/eb/
ANAHITA 62 Feet, Sailing Yacht
Sleeps 6 Guests in 1 Queen(s), 1 Double(s), 2 Single(s)
Online brochure: http://www.cyabrochure.com/eb/
Rates and Availability: http://www.cyabrochure.com/eb/