Croatia by sea

With a coastline that will take your breath away, and sunshine that appears infinite, Croatia’s beauty captivates its visitors. From vineyards, to seashores and then to pine forests, the country’s diverse and pristine beauty clamours for attention.

With so much to experience, it is often hard to fit it all in, let alone find the best way to go about it. A great way to really experience Croatia is to hop on and then off a super yacht that will take you to the country’s majestic islands.

Travelling by sea will not only give you a fresh taste for the salty Mediterranean waters but let you plunge into an onshore adventure unlike any other.

Sailing along the pristine coastal waters you are welcomed to the French Riviera of the Adriatic Sea – Hvar Town. Filled with maxi yachts, cafes and bars, you become witness to a small bay that appears to be living a life of luxury. A walk among the winding streets and staircases, Hvar Town has much more to show for itself than idyllic views and high class dining.

The cobblestone streets, 13th century walls and Gothic style palaces keep this town true to its roots.

Up the staircase and after a few more twists and turns, Hvar Fortress rises to meet you. The fortress holds great historical value, built to defend the town from Turkish invaders in the over 700 years ago. Better still, upon reaching the top of the hill where this historical citadel remains, panoramic views of the town below are your reward.

Moving away from Hvar Town and the sublime views of pristine waters, vineyards take over and the scent of fresh olive and lavender heightens the human senses. Small towns like Mljet, Korcula and Bol give an authentic feel to the Croatian experience, making you feel like a local.

Hop back onboard your boat of choice and then travel to find more hidden treasures; Mljet Island is one that is sure to leave a mark on your memory. Originally a National park and covered by pine forests, Mljet Island offers charm and serenity.

With two salt lakes in the north-end of the island – Veliko and Malo Jezero – and the 12th century Benedictine monastery in the middle of Veliko, there is much to find beneath the tree line.

Another stop on your sailing adventure is the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Dubrovnik. Its old town is captivating with its 15^th century stone walls built to protect the city from invasion. Walk around the walls to grasp the diverse nature of this city and along the Stradun, the promenade inside the old city walls as well as meander the alleyways to uncover the Dubrovnik charm.

If you are still sitting there waiting to see more, the coastal city of Split might satisfy your needs. The city centres itself around Dicoletian’s Palace, a fortress used by the Roman emperor from 295 to 305AD. Within the modern palace lie market stalls that sell local products to visitors and locals.

Ready to go and don’t know where to start? There a few cruises that may tickle your fancy. Sail Croatia has you covered, offering the onshore and offshore experience for all those ready for adventure.

The Elegance cruise gives you the opportunity to visit these small towns and villages and immerse yourself in the culture and history of the nation. Elegance Cruises start from $1687 per person. For more information: www.sail-croatia.com/elegance

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