Sail Away to Croatian Paradise

Sail Away to
Croatian Paradise

A week of Island Hopping Bliss in the Sun-Drenched Adriatic on our pick of the must-visit islands in Croatia

AUGUST 2023

- team luxe List

Travel

Only Accessible

by Private Yacht

Made for

Explorers

Some of the country’s 1,200 islands are literally off the map. Croatia’s strategic location - a day sail from Italy, Montenegro and Greece - meant that Lastovo, Vis and Mljet were military bases. They were off-limits for a century. Now guests can kayak inside a submarine pen, scuba dive to a submerged warplane, Birdwatch, paint, bike, hike or enjoy the local cuisine of the islands.

The upshot? These outer island activities are so hard to reach, they are essentially reserved for sailors. In short, Croatia is the country for charter parties of all persuasions. Historians and foodies, Socialites and sybarites, Culture vultures and adrenaline junkies. The best news? Leaving your favorite paradise island won’t break your heart because there will always be more to explore

Choosing a favourite Croatian island is like choosing a favourite child. That’s why we’ve researched and selected the best for you. There are beach clubs - on Hvar. Sunken airplanes - on Vis. And nobody at all - on the 140 islands of the Kornati Archipelago. In short, this itinerary is for explorers, divers, epicureans, dreamers and pint-sized pirates. The seas between Sveti Stefan and Sibenik are so densely dotted with islands that your captain can anchor off ten per day - for sunrise yoga, cliff diving, food foraging, cave kayaking, wreck snorkelling, inter-island swims, seafood sushi, sunset Spritzes and shooting star spotting in inky black skies. All too tiring? The best view of Croatia’s treasure islands is from your onboard Jacuzzi.

Dock 1

DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik is arguably the most enchanting spot on the Croatian coast – a UNESCO World Heritage site, the terracotta roofs of the city are contrasted against the lush green of olive groves and vineyards, creating stunning sights as you approach the marina. With a fascinating history, excellent cuisine and bustling nightlife, exploring the limestone streets of this port city is a must for discerning travelers. This ultimate island hop embarks in Dubrovnik. By lunch you’ll be swimming o Lokrum Island. Made famous by Game of Thrones, underneath it’s riddled with caves which you can scuba dive to. Enjoy the sight of Shearwater as they skim the surface and bottlenose dolphins as they leap above the waves.

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Don't Miss

A trip to Croatia would not be complete without visiting a winery if you want to learn about indigenous Croatian wines grown using indigenous grapes. Each winery has its own story to tell, and is often owned by a small winemaker, mainly a family, which often has an attached restaurant too. For a unique experience, travel to the Peljesac Peninsula for a tour of Edivo Vina which is the country’s first underwater winery. The wine is buried under the sea and aged for years where the perfect silence is thought to enhance its quality. Dive to the bottom of the bay, or simply opt for sampling this wine on land.

Best Spots for

Wining & Dining

While Dubrovnik oers many exquisite restaurants, "360 degrees" is one to mention. The dining of Croatia revolves around cafe culture.For great food,drinks, and nightlife, explore the cobbled streets of the "Old Town". Try the craft beer and after-hours cocktails of "Glam Cafe" or the relaxed ambience of "Soul Caffe".

Dock 2

VIS

Vis was sent from heaven above. A tropical microclimate warms this otherworldly cradle of culture, crustaceans and unique wines which are exclusively found here. Sybarites can demolish cocktails and ceviche in Lola Bar. This bucolic boozer is shaded by flowering jasmine. Restaurant Pojoda occupies an old citrus grove. Lemons have been known to tumble into diners’ risottos, which simply add to the understated glamour.

Vis Island has two roads: an Austro-Hungarian asphalt highway, and a Yugoslavian tarmac roller coaster that runs up a mountain. On a 50cc scooter both are bags of fun. However, keep schtum about Stiniva Beach. A curtain of cliffs hides this Instagaram sensation swoosh of sand. It's solely accessible by yacht tender or mountain path.

Don't Miss

The Stiniva Beach should be on your itinerary here without fail. It was awarded best European beach in 2019 by European Best Destinations, owing to the green clis surrounding it, with it's pebble covered shores. There is a walking trail from the parking lot, which leads you straight down to the beach. In addition you can discover the ex military submarine hanger at Vis. This was an ex Yugoslavian military shelter for submarines,and is a 10 minute drive from Vis' smain habour. Follow the trail down to the bottom of the rocky headland to enter the submarine tunnel. There is a maze of tunnels hidden inside for you to admire, creating imaginary of war in the mind.

Best Spots for

Wining & Dining

Try Dida Luca, known for its seafood,Mediterranean food and barbeque. The seafood is recommended for its delicious, freshness, and this family owned and run restaurant makes the space personable and intimate. The octopus and the blitva (like Swiss Chard) are also must-trys here. Roki’s is another place one mustn’t miss, and serves incredible lamb and potatoes which are completely melt-in-the-mouth. Here also the food is cooked under a cooking bell and takes time to make. The octopus and potatoes are also highly recommended, and the in house white wine Maraština is another must-have. . To finish the meal try Roki’s’s chocolate cake with cherries.

Dock 3

HVAR

Hvar is Croatia’s St Tropez. A fishing village where superyachts and sunglasses are statement pieces. Charming, romantic villages are set against dark green mountains coated with olive groves. Rolling hills turn vibrant purple over the summer as the famous lavender fields come into bloom in the sunniest spot of Croatia. Glide into the modern marina and prepare to explore the excellent wineries, designer boutiques and summer parties that are known for attracting the more discerning celebrity crowd. Rent a scooter or pedal bike to discover the amazing scenery and fantastic cuisine of the island, then retire to your private yacht to enjoy cocktails on the deck as you watch the famous Croatian sunset.

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Although relatively new to the party scene, Hvar is becoming known as the choice of the rich and famous and must be sampled. The beach club way of life is the perfect way to spend lazy afternoons by the beach and warming up with cocktails and then enjoy an evening of partying and rubbing shoulders with celebrities. Our beach clubs of choice are the Hvar Beach Club and Carpe Diem. For a relaxed evening, for those who don't enjoy dJ’s and crowds the Laganini beach club is the perfect spot to enjoy some excellent food, wine and service while your boat is at anchor.

Best Spots for

Wining & Dining

The dining scene of Hvar is unparalleled as the island oers a selection of delectable restaurants to start your evening. The area of Gorda,north of the town square is a network of alleys filled with high-quality restaurants. The creative twists on traditional dishes that can be found at Giaxa stand out. Fresh ingredients and perfect execution in a stunning setting made an unforgettable meal. Try the tasting menus in the summer and bread baked in-house. Fvor is harbour front favorite with stunning views of the harbour lined up with super yachts. Gariful is known for it's stylish setting, excellent seafood and views.

Dock 4

KORCULA

No other Croatian island packs history, mystery and adrenaline-fuelled adventure like Korcula's enchanted forest interior which had remained unchanged for millennia. Step inside for horse riding, wild honey, 1,000 olive oil farms and wind surfing bays. Lose yourself in the enchanting maze of cobbled streets, discovering hidden gems like the awe-inspiring St. Mark's Cathedral and the legendary Marco Polo House. In the evenings, immerse yourself in the island's vibrant cultural scene, where open-air concerts and art exhibitions breathe life into the balmy nights. Access? Solely by private boat.

Don't Miss

Many famous wines are produced from Korčula’s vineyards: Pošip, Grk and Rukatac (white) and Plavac (red). There are various wine tours depending on your preferences – whether you want to be privately driven or join a cycling group – and most are run by local guides taking you to family-run wineries to sample local wine, honey and other regional delights.

Best Spots for

Wining & Dining

Korcula has a great selection of restaurants, and is thought to be a jewel in the Adriatic Sea. Sea food, mouth watering salads, grilled and cured meats, and some heady olive oil and wines are some of the finest here. Beer is another great drink to have. Try the Konoba Maha restaurant, family-run and located in the hills. This rustic eatery with a modern twist, with locally sourced ingredients, grown by the family or foraged, makes this place special. Many diners are known to come here especially for the ‘Peka’ a traditional Croatian dish made with meat and potatoes, cooked ultra slow in a fireplace, under a cooking bell, making it crisp yet soft. Another spot to visit is the scenic Filippi restaurant along the seafront promenade in the old town. It boasts an outdoor space overlooking the sea, the Pelješac channel, and the many islands. “The cuisine here is classic, simple and decidedly Mediterranean, with a focus on fish, although meat dishes also feature on the menu. The concise wine list showcases wines from Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula”, says the Michelin Guide.

Dock 5

BRAC

The highlight of Brac is Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn Beach), surrounded by the crystal-clear sea and decades-old pine trees. It has a particular shape, and is often named the most beautiful beach in Croatia, on the Mediterranean, and even in the world. The exact shape and length of this pebble beach varies and depends on the tide, current, and wind. Zlatni Rat is a pure and natural work of art and it is interesting to know that the beach is getting longer each year.

Brač was built on three products: wine, fish and olive oil. Waterside wineries like Stina let guests sip, saunter, and shop for bottles of Plavac Mali and Tribidrag. ancient varieties that grandfathered the Zinfandel grape. The chic ports of Bol and Supetar are seafood central. Find crni rizot, a black risotto laced in squid ink, and buzara, a giant cookout tray brimming with shrimps, clams and parsley in Brac. Inland bikers and hikers will find 300-year-old olive groves. The olive oil industry dates from Venetian rule, when harming a tree was punished by law.

Don't Miss

Definitely don’t miss the Zlatni Rat beach, one of the most famous beaches in Croatia in Brac. One is never far from the beach in Brac, but still Brac is so much more. It’s a unique island with medieval villages like Bol to wander through. Take in views of the beautiful white stone in the sculptures and the buildings. The stone from here was also used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split long ago in Roman times. There are also many other great activities that make Brac surely worth visiting. One can take the two-island boat tour that will have one swimming in secluded coves on both Brac and Solta, along with exploring pretty fishing villages. Lunch and an open bar with local Croatian wine and beer is included in this tour. One can also avail of a ferry transfer from Split to Bol and spend the day discovering Brac for oneself. Up in the hills in Skrip, Brac also has an olive oil museum dating back to 1864. Pay a visit here and witness the old press for making olive paste, apart from witnessing other tools used in ancient processes.

Best Spots for

Wining & Dining

Bustling, busy terrace restaurants which line the Supetar Harbour are very inviting, where the facades are constructed with the stone the island is famous for. One can relax at one of the restaurants and admire the pretty Dalmatian coastline and Adriatic sea. The food at Brac is traditional, the olive oil locally produced, the fish fresh as ever, using age-old recipes from the Dalmatian region. Try Palute restaurant on the harbour - its grilled fish and meat and service are to die for. The seafood platter is a favourite here, coupled with their stunning house wine. Another restaurant one can try is Nono Ban where one eats what the chef finds at the morning market. The food is healthy and the in-house wines are a must-try.

Dock 6

SIBENIK

This morning calls for a lesson in drone photography. Pilot it across Baljenac Island, which is criss-crossed by dry stone walls. It looks like a giant’s thumbprint from above. Hungry? Sail on to Dugi Otok Island for an octopus feast. The fishing and diving here is world class.

Gorgeous Šibenik has a history that’s just as rich as Dubrovnik’s, with an old town that is undeniably more tranquil. Nestled in a sea inlet between Zadar and Split, the tiny city certainly shares similarities with Dubrovnik. Both were maritime trading hubs in the Middle Ages.

Don't Miss

Sibenik was conquered by the Venetian Republic and therefore contains a plethora of gorgeous Venetian-style architecture. It has a population of just 34,000 locals and lacks dense tourist crowds. This means that in addition to idyllic beauty, there’s still the normalcy of everyday life here, with a lighter vibe in the air complementing the sea breeze.

From the Riva, a seaside promenade, stairs sweep up to historic St James Cathedral, built from bright white stone mined from the neighbouring island of Brač. You’ll see a montage of architectural styles from dierent eras, with both Gothic and Renaissance features piled on top of one another like a layered cake. The compact centre is home to 22 elegant churches including the church and monastery of St Lawrence which is an unmissable one, with a very zen garden in its churchyard.

Best Spots for

Wining & Dining

Šibenik also has great restaurants. Charming seafood stalwart More (led by the legendary Irena) is a stand out spot on the Riva. Pelegrini is a Michelin-starred treat where chef Rudolf Štefan serves a four-course menu to lucky diners that often include the country’s jet set as well as celebrities.