Destination Spotlight: Croatia
A superyacht charter is the ultimate playground, and what better place to spend quality time with your family than onboard a luxury yacht. The seclusion of your own private yacht charter offers the best opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the world.
Croatia is the ideal destination for a superyacht charter. The country has a long cruising season, one of the largest coral reefs in Europe, and a tantalising mix of rural fishing villages and vibrant nightlife. This summer, two of our lucky yacht brokers, James Kilbourn and Alex Hayton, took on the enviable task of digging under the surface of this enchanting country and reporting back to us.
They explored the cobbled streets of traditional towns, dined in seaside tavernas and swam in the calm waters of deserted coves. Along the way, they tested the boats and met the crew of some of the best superyachts in Croatia. “Although Croatia is a popular destination for summer yacht charters,” says Alex, “the island has kept its local charm. There are many hidden coves, untouched islands and sleepy fishing towns to explore. The water is beautifully clear, and it’s a great destination for snorkelling and diving.”
We wanted to share some of the experiences and tips Alex and James brought back. If you like the sound of a yacht charter in Croatia, get in touch and speak with Alex or James about planning your next adventure.
where to PLAY
Our top two beach retreats in Croatia
Maslina Resort: For a dose of wellness and relaxation, we loved Maslina Resort on the island of Hvar. The resort feels peaceful and remote but it is only a 15-minute stroll from the UNESCO-protected town of Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Croatia. With uninterrupted views of the bay, Maslina has a great selection of water toys and scenic hiking trails through lavender fields and olive groves in the surrounding hills. As you can imagine from a hotel with a mantra for ‘mindful luxury,’ the spa and wellness facilities are exceptional. Everything about the resort and its tranquil location feels ultra-calm and elegant.
Laganini Lounge Bar: The beach club and restaurant vibe at Laganini Lounge Bar on the island of Palmizana are as good as any you’ll find in Ibiza or the South of France. We reclined in the shade of a private cabana with a cocktail in hand as the sun was setting – magic!
WHERE TO EAT
Our top three restaurants in Croatia
Martinis Marchi Hotel: We loved the restaurant at the Martinis Marchi Hotel, a restored castle tucked into a peaceful marina in the pretty fishing town of Maslinica. The food was excellent, and it’s a great option for lunch or dinner. Make sure you get there in the early afternoon with plenty of time to enjoy the sunset.
Tavern Jastozera: For the best lobsters in Croatia, you have to try Tavern Jastozera. The lobsters are freshly selected to order (you can even choose your own) and cooked according to your personal tastes. The restaurant is located in Komiza, a picture-perfect 17th Century fishing village sheltered between a quiet bay and Hum Mountain.
Gariful Restaurant: Don’t miss Gariful restaurant in the waterfront town of Hvar. We highly recommend the Croatian fish special, which was delicious. Gariful has its own fleet of seven fishing boats that depart daily – they only catch what is needed, so the menu is always fresh and varied.
WHERE TO EXPLORE
Our top four highlights in Croatia
Vis Island: One of the highlights of our trip was cruising down the southern coast of the island of Vis. Vis was one of Croatia’s most important military ports in WWII, and the island is steeped in history. Tourism was restricted from Vis for decades, and the island has maintained its natural beauty and timeless architecture. We loved the bay of Stiniva and The Green Cave for swimming in clear green-blue water. The lagoons of Budikovac island on the southeast side of Vis were also very beautiful. It’s worth dropping anchor in Smokova, one of the few bays with a soft sandy beach.
Vinogradisce Bay: The Bay of Vinogradisce is great for swimming in gin-clear water. It is only a short tender cruise from the bay to the town of Hvar for a cold sundowner.
Solta Island: The island of Solta has some beautiful coves and walking trails. Take time to explore the picturesque village of Maslinica and stay to watch the sun setting over this west-facing town.
Trogir: Most yacht charters in Croatia will begin in the UNESCO-protected town of Trogir, and we loved exploring the labyrinthine streets of this charming old town. It’s a great way to let the culture of Croatia seep in as you begin your island-hopping sailing adventure.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Our top three superyachts in Croatia
ANAVI 36m / 8 guests / 4 cabins: Anavi has a fresh, beach club feel with bright, airy interiors and plenty of space, making her perfect for a family yacht charter. The crew is extremely professional and as well as being warm and friendly. Anavi has all the water toys you need, including a slide, jet ski and two SUPs. Anavi was one of our favourite superyachts in Croatia.
LA PERLA 40m / 16 guests / 8 cabins: La Perla is a spacious mini-cruiser for a more traditional experience that feels more like a charming boutique hotel than a luxury superyacht. She would be a fantastic option for a superyacht party or cruising with larger groups of friends or family. We loved the large sundeck, and the quality of food prepared by the chef stood out to us.
BELLA VITA 29m / 10 guests / 5 cabins: Bella Vita is a surprisingly spacious superyacht. Considering her size, she feels larger than 29m when you are on board. She is in excellent condition with newly refurbished contemporary interiors and a large deck with a hot tub on the bow.
Questions? Get in touch to find out more about luxury yacht charters in Croatia.