IYC Insider: What You Need To Know Ahead Of A Yacht Charter In Croatia
Croatia is the perfect destination for a yacht charter for endless reasons. Accessed easily by yacht, the Adriatic coastline has over 1,200 islands to explore from yachting hubs such as Split and Dubrovnik.
Over the years, Croatia has grown in popularity for summer yacht charter itineraries, thanks to its unspoiled environments and marine parks, rich culture and history to discover ashore, and plenty of culinary experiences to enjoy. As one of our most sought-after destinations for a yacht charter, we spoke to our expert consultants to discover the most frequently asked questions on charters in Croatia. Here we outline those FAQs, with everything you need to know ahead of your next Croatia yacht charter vacation:
When's The Best Time To Charter?
The peak season for yacht charters in Croatia is July and August when the weather is warm. However, if you are looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, with equally pleasant weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder months of June and September are perfect alternatives.
Can I Start And End A Charter Anywhere?
Most yacht charters in Croatia begin and end at key yachting hubs of Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik. These destinations are equipped with a range of yachting services, luxury marinas, and easy airport access. If requested, and with added delivery fees, arranging a charter's start or end almost anywhere along the Croatian coastline is possible.
What Are The Best Routes?
With the accessibility and flexibility of a yacht charter and over 1,200 islands, there are so many opportunities to explore Croatia's coastline. The iconic route between Split and Dubrovnik remains the most popular yacht charter itinerary, and for good reason. You can stop at some of Croatia's most celebrated islands, such as Solta, Brac, Korcula, Hvar, and Vis. Northern Croatia also offers plenty to see and do, from the cities of Pula and Rovinj.
Which Lesser-Known Islands Are Worth Visiting?
Across from Zadar is an ideal chance to explore lesser-visited islands. For example, the Kornati archipelago, a more off-the-beaten-path archipelago, has crystal-clear waters and endless anchorages where you can enjoy the peacefulness and pristine environment. Nearby to this group is Dugi Otok, translating to “Long Island,” one of the least visited larger islands.
Home to the Golubinka Cave, easily accessible by swimming or kayaking, as well as the beautiful Sakarun Beach, which is often ranked among the world’s best. Continuing north is the picturesque and underrated island of Rab, which is well worth a visit thanks to its fascinating history and idyllic beaches.
Is Croatia A Family-Friendly Charter Destination?
Croatia is perfect for family-friendly yacht charters. During the summer, the Adriatic typically offers calm conditions, with gentle mistral winds in the afternoons. Hopping between islands is also easy with younger children, as the cruising times can be less than one hour between new destinations.
The beaches are perfect for swimming with shallow waters, and the anchorage options entertain guests of all ages for hours, with plenty of watersports on offer. Your captain and crew will guide you to the best family attractions ashore and have a whole host of activities onboard to keep all ages entertained throughout your charter.
Where Can You Find The Best Food Culture?
Croatia's food culture blends Mediterranean and Balkan influences, serving up fresh seafood, lamb dishes, and unique specialties. The Istrian and Dalmatian coastal areas have a distinctly Italian influence and are celebrated for fresh seafood. Peka, served on most of the islands, is a famous dish, often cooked with octopus, lamb, or goat and put in a pot under a bell-shaped lid in the fire. Dining experiences vary from traditional konobas to fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Dubrovnik is home to the Michelin-starred 360; enjoy the rooftop dining alongside one of the two tasting menus from the chef's iconic dishes to the restaurant's classics. The best traditional cuisine can be found at Taverna Maha in Korcula. Known for its excellent seafood throughout the country. While the Gariful restaurant in Hvar is a top choice for sampling some of the best. When cruising the Kornati islands, for a relaxed yet romantic atmosphere, get a table at Opat restaurant to savour traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Renowned for being the best restaurant in Rovinj, Puntalina, located in the old town, serves up the freshest and local offerings for lunch or dinner. Wherever you cruise in Croatia, if you want to enjoy dining ashore, your captain can book you a table at some of the best and local restaurants.
Which Islands Offer The Best Conditions For Watersports?
The entire Croatian coastline provides plenty of great areas for enjoying the yacht's toy box, from windsurfing to Seabobs and paddleboards, and the warm, clear waters offer perfect conditions. In particular, Bol on Brac typically has ideal wind conditions and a range of expert schools for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are best around the marine park of the Kornati Islands and Vis for shipwrecks and a diverse underwater world. There are various spots to enjoy more relaxed water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, especially around Dubrovnik and the Elaphiti islands.
Can I Find Wellness-Focused Experiences Ashore?
Across Croatia and its islands, there are a variety of wellness experiences to enhance any yacht charter experience. Many luxury resorts and hotels ashore offer different treatments for both relaxation and therapeutic benefits, especially within Dubrovnik and Hvar. Croatia's landscape and natural beauty provide the best platform for outdoor pursuits like hiking, cycling, and swimming. If you are looking for a particular wellness experience ashore, your captain can book you in at one of the best.
Are There Any Must-See Cultural And Historical Sites?
Croatia is steeped in cultural and historical sites worth exploring. In Zadar, you will find a 3,000-year-old town alongside Roman Forum ruins and the 9th-century Church of St Donatus. The Diocletian's Palace, built in AD 305 and located in the heart of Split, is a must-visit. While in Dubrovnik, walking the city's iconic walls allows you to enjoy centuries of history. Another walled but smaller town is Trogir. Head to the top of the Cathedral of St Lawrence to witness the Venetian architecture below. Once Tito's summer residence, you can tour the Brijuni National Park in vintage cars, discovering the Roman villa ruins.
What Should I Pack?
Croatian summers are warm and sunny, so lightweight, breathable, versatile clothing is key. Swimwear, cover-ups, and casual outfits for exploring ashore are essentials to pack. Sun protection, such as a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen, is also essential. While barefoot is popular, non-slip deck shoes can be worn onboard. To explore the sites ashore, pack some comfortable walking shoes and sandals. For evenings, a smart-casual outfit is handy for dining ashore, and they can become cooler, especially in the shoulder months, so it is worth packing a light jacket.
If you have further questions, want help curating an itinerary, or find a yacht available for charter this summer in Croatia, contact our expert consultants today.