Croatia, a jewel of the Adriatic, beckons with its azure waters, historic charm, and enchanting islands. In the second part of our Croatia charter destination guide, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on exploring Croatia from the deck of your superyacht. From the picturesque Dalmatian Coast to the captivating city of Split, we’ll be your guide, navigating the hidden bays, cultural treasures, diving spots, anchorages and gastronomic delights that make Croatia a superyacht paradise.
Brac
The charming island of Brac is just a stone’s throw away from Hvar. Home to a number of gorgeous beaches, the most famous being Zlatni Rat (translated to golden horn), a golden triangle of sand lapped by crystal waters of turquoise. We can drop anchor just opposite so you can swim or take a tender to experience the beauty of the beach. It’s also the perfect spot to take advantage of our kitesurfing equipment and pro kitesurfer crew member, who is always happy to give lessons or tips.
Hikers will enjoy the 5km trek up the highest mountain on the Adriatic, Vldova Gora. After climbing 700m to reach the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the islands, neighboring islands, and the glittering Mediterranean Sea. Those looking for a more relaxing stroll can take in the sights of old town Supetar, with its 18th-century parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Leroj bell tower, and beautiful harbor.
Trogir
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Trogir, protected by its medieval walls, offers a wealth of activities for superyacht charter guests. Trogir is one of the best-preserved old towns in the Adriatic. The marble streets that spill out from its historic central square are home to beautiful palaces, belfries, and carefully preserved Romanesque and Renaissance buildings that have earnt the town the nickname of the Stone Beauty.
Visit the famous Cathedral of St Lawrence, completed in 1240 in three architectural styles. It features the highest tower in Trogir, offering its visitors unspoiled views of the town. Continue your sightseeing tour by visiting the Benedictine Monastery of St Nicholas and its stunning artwork, the 14th-century Loggia, the guarding statue of St John, and the historic town hall with its gothic courtyard. End the day at the harbor with a cocktail and snack at one of the waterfront’s many bars or restaurants. The island also boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants, Konoba TRS and Il Ponte.
After all the sightseeing, a trip to Blue Lagoon Bay offers the perfect place to cool off in its sparkling, crystal-clear waters. The turquoise waters lie between two uninhabited islets, offering a great place to take out Loon’s snorkel gear and paddle boards so you can appreciate the natural beauty of the area, above and below water.
Korcula
Said to be the birthplace of the legendary explorer Marco Polo, the island of Korcula has a rich history with settlements believed to date back thousands of years BC. Spend your morning exploring the many vineyards, olive groves, and village streets, and then enjoy the calm island way of life at one of the local cafes or restaurants as you sample the local wine, Posip, and Rukatac.
Located above the town of Vela Luka is one of Europe’s most important prehistoric archaeological localities, vela Spila. This large open-aired dome cave has been occupied for over 18,000 years, and its viewpoint offers gorgeous views over the town.
The waters and small islets around Korcula boast spectacularly clear waters for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring by paddle board. There are plenty of coves to discover, and the waters are home to cuttlefish, octopuses, crabs, sea urchins, starfish, and colorful seagrass. On a good summer’s day, underwater visibility extends 20m.
Kornati Archipelago
If a full day of indulging in rest, relaxation, and fun on the water sounds appealing, we’ll head to the Kornati Archipelago. 147 islands make up the archipelago making it one of the most densely packed island groups within the Mediterranean. These deserted islands form a national park and offer seclusion and tranquillity, so we won’t have any problem setting up in a private bay. Relax in our beach club-style pool off the boat, or let us tender you to a private luxury beach setup where you can enjoy the peace and quiet, the tranquil waters, and of course, never-ending cocktails.
Nature is in abundance in the Kornati islands, with almost 70 species of butterflies in the air and plenty to see underwater. We can take you by tender to some of the clearest and best dive and snorkeling spots. We’ll unpack our famous toybox, so you can enjoy the water as you please, zip around on a jet ski, duck and dive on a Seabob, slip and slide from the top deck on the inflatable slide, or practice your skills on the wakeboard or waterskis.
Solta
The beautiful island of Solta boasts a myriad of quiet and pristine beaches and bays. A plethora of secluded turquoise coves only accessible by boat lie on the southern side of Solta, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and exploring. Maslinica Town features a historic castle (now a five-star hotel resort), picturesque stone houses, and a modern marina. Flanked by beautiful pine woods, private beaches, and an archipelago of seven islets, Maslinica received a national award as the best authentic coastal destination. Shop for locally made produce, including extra-virgin olive oil, a red wine made from indigenous island grapes, and honey known for its therapeutic properties.
The old town of Grohote has always been an important settlement throughout history. It is home to picturesque streets and historic architecture such as the neo-Renaissance Church of St Stephen, the remains of an Early Christian basilica, and the family-owned Slavić Tower. The beautiful port village of Stomorska boasts an incredible picturesque waterfront complete with Dalmatian taverns and cozy cafes. There’s plenty to see around the coast too. The Kontesa shipwreck over in Mala Maslinica Bay is home to a multitude of marine life and lies shallow enough that it’s accessible for all levels of divers and even snorkelers.
Skradin
Known as the gateway to Krka, Skradin is a charming little coastal town with one of the most beautiful marinas in Croatia. Its 2000-year history means the entire town is a protected cultural heritage monument, and there are plenty of ruins to explore nearby. Skradin is situated at the entrance to the outstanding National Park Krka, which features seven spectacular waterfalls and a unique, unspoiled ecosystem that is well worth a visit.
Split
As the second largest city in Croatia, Split has a lot to offer all types of visitors. With beautiful architecture, trendy hangouts, stunning beaches, and a plethora of cultural attractions, it’s no wonder Split has become a hotspot for luxury travelers. When exploring the city’s historical streets, be sure to visit the famous Diocletian’s Palace (Game of Throne’s Den of Dragons), which dates back to the 4th century AD. As you’re exploring, don’t miss the many prestigious art galleries and boutiques that trade trend-setting and locally made bespoke goods. For panoramic views of the entire city, take the gentle hill up Marjan Hill.
Foodies can fuel their passion all over the city. Shop for local produce and delicacies at the Green Market or indulge in Split’s booming culinary revolution. New and diverse eateries are popping up at an exceptional rate. There are a total of eight Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, including the celebrated Zoi, which specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, picturesque Dvor, and Konoba Fetivi, which specializes in traditional Croatian cuisine.
Don’t forget about Plitvice Lakes National Park
Let us take you on an unforgettable trip inland to discover the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This forest reserve is one of the country’s biggest natural attractions and is made up of 16 terraced lakes that water fall into each other. The highest waterfall stands 78m tall.
With Croatia holding so many possibilities for discovery and exploration, it will be a hard task fitting in everything and planning your perfect itinerary. The team on Loon will be with you every step of the way to ensure you experience the best Croatian superyacht charter. And with so many unmissable sights and destinations in the area, we’re sure you’ll want to come aboard again and again. To discuss your Croatian charter aboard Motor Yacht Loon, email us at info@motoryactloon.com. We’re all hands on deck to make your superyacht charter your best vacation yet. In case you missed the first part of our Croatia Charter Destination Guide, you can find it here.