Discover Croatia’s beautiful Mediterranean coast on a yachting holiday and be mesmerised by its sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline – from uninhabited islands and cascading waterfalls, stonewalled towns, and its vibrant cafe society!
Island hopping by boat is the ideal way to experience this breathtaking country with its three marine national parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Bring along an experienced professional skipper and hostess for maximum enjoyment of this unforgettable journey.
Kornati National Park
Kornati National Park has quickly become one of Croatia’s most coveted summer destinations thanks to its stunning waters and breathtaking scenery. Home to 89 uninhabited islands, reefs and islets – this archipelago charms travellers with its rugged beauty.
Kornati National Park exemplifies an idea described by George Bernard Shaw: that God crowns His work of creation with islands as tears, stars and breath on its final day.
Kornati Archipelago is an underwater wonderland with 353 species of algae and three endemic underwater flower plants – offering divers a truly paradise-like diving experience. You can witness Kornati’s breathtaking aquatic world first hand by taking a day tour to this archipelago.
To enter Kornati National Park, a valid entrance ticket must be purchased either online or at its information centre. You’ll then need to either book your own boat or join an organized group excursion – most tours provide sailing tour of Kornati Island as well as guided walks highlighting its highlights.
Kornati National Park offers many popular attractions, including the Church of Saint Mary, Vrulja Village and Tureta Fortress – built for military use in the 6th century and providing amazing panoramic views of surrounding islands and blue sea.
Whoever wishes to explore the culture of their region shouldn’t pass up the chance of attending Dugi Otok Island’s traditional fishery festival – usually held on the first Sunday in July – which offers visitors an insight into local people in their natural element.
National Park offers not only beautiful beaches and marine life, but it is also home to an ancient Thracian settlement whose relics can be seen near Vrulja village; their tombs represent prehistoric architecture.
Kornati National Park should be at the top of every traveller’s bucket list. With its stunning coastline and lush vegetation, you will feel truly rejuvenated after visiting this peaceful haven. Make sure to pack sunscreen and waterproof camera if planning on visiting!
Dalmatian Coast
Dalmatia, one of Croatia’s four historical regions, boasts an exquisite coastline that runs along the Adriatic Sea. Comprised of 1244 islands, islets, cliffs and reefs – an archipelago of 1244 islands islets cliffs reefs it draws visitors who appreciate its ancient cities natural beauty as well as hidden treasures.
An unforgettable cruise along the Dalmatian Coast will take you on an amazing journey, visiting some of its most impressive cities like Split with its ancient UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace to the sophisticated resort of Opatija and many charming coastal towns en route that offer glimpses into life on this part of Europe. Be it walking along riva, exploring old towns or sipping some of their award-winning wines; its beauty will enthrall you.
At its heart lies Zadar, an ancient port with stunning waterfront. From here, car ferries and catamarans sail to all of the key islands in the Dalmatian archipelago–from family-oriented Brac with its Zlatni Rat beach, party-centric Hvar and remote Vis.
On land, there’s much to enjoy as well besides beaches. Some popular attractions are St. James Cathedral with its 71 sculpted faces and the breathtaking Krka Waterfalls. Or take a day trip to nearby Dubrovnik known as ‘Pearl of Adriatic’ due to its shimmering limestone walls and cobbled streets for even more entertainment!
Small-ship cruises that sail round trip from Split will show you some of the Dalmatian Coast’s most remarkable sites. As you sail for several hours each day, enjoy swim stops in clear blue waters of remote bays. Once at port mooring spots, usually exciting local-led tours await and delicious authentic cuisine can be sampled from restaurants – you could even go wine tasting to gain insight into its world-renowned grape varieties!
Krka Waterfalls
Krka Waterfalls has been recognized by UNESCO since 2000 and now ranks as a World Heritage Site. Boasting stunning waterfalls, cascades, lush forests, archeological sites and hiking trails – there is much for visitors to see and do here; including hiking trails, boat excursions and educational workshops for children – plus various places where visitors can relax while taking in its stunning natural surroundings away from crowds and enjoying spectacular sweeping views.
Skradinski Buk, Europe’s longest travertine waterfall, is the centerpiece of Krka Waterfalls and boasts 17 individual falls that combine into an exquisite emerald green plunge pool. Swimming was permitted under these waterfalls until 2021 in order to protect their ecosystem; other notable sights at the park include Roski Slap waterfall complex with 12 drops spanning 45 metres; Visovac island features a Franciscan monastery built by Dominican monks in 1445 while Burnum Roman military camp offers less frequented yet equally impressive sites including an amphitheatre that could accommodate up to 8000 spectators at once!
For the best experience at Krka Waterfalls, plan to spend at least a day there. Skradin, considered to be the gateway of this stunning park, provides plenty of accommodations and dining options. From any major Croatian city such as Sibenik, Split or Zadar you can easily reach it by car, bus or tour; to ensure you secure a seat online it would be wise to purchase tickets prior to travelling so as to guarantee seating on arrival at Skradin.
Travel from Zadar to Krka National Park takes approximately an hour and offers plenty of chances for sightseeing along the way. If you prefer organized tours over renting your own car, many offer bus tickets and lunch.
Mljet National Park
Mljet Island in Croatia truly lives up to its name as a paradise, featuring pine forests covering 84% of its surface area and half-coverage by National Park – making this Dalmatian isle one of the greenest retreats around. Enjoy pine-scented air all day long as well as hearing cicadas chirp and listen to their melodious song; by nightfall behold one of the brightest starry skies you have ever witnessed.
Though a visit to Mljet’s lush pine forests should not be missed, its national park offers many more attractions for nature enthusiasts and culture vultures alike. Hiking trails abound and there are two saltwater lakes: Veliko Jezero (Big and Small Lake). Plus there’s the Benedictine Monastery perched atop what could possibly be considered Mljet’s most picturesque point.
Eco-friendly ways of exploring the National Park include renting bicycles from Pomena or Polace villages and cycling around their well-marked paths encircling both lakes. Or alternatively, kayak rentals from Mali Most village near the channel separating both lakes can allow you to kayak around both bodies of water.
There’s an exquisite coral reef located within the Big Lake’s inland part, though its beauty has been severely reduced by invasive algae species. Still worth visiting though if only to witness angelfish and groupers swimming by; and perhaps catch sight of one of those rare sea turtles!
Mljet Island is located just an easy day trip from Dubrovnik and makes for an enjoyable visit or stay. Catamarans offer services directly from Dubrovnik all year long to this picturesque spot, while Marastina and Plavac wines crafted exclusively for Mljet provide the perfect complement to a beach picnic lunch or restaurant dinner experience.