Croatia has rapidly become one of the most popular boating destinations in the world. Game of Thrones filming locations and the country’s unique natural beauty have attracted a new wave of visitors. But there is a hidden side to Croatia that few holidaymakers discover. A yacht charter in Croatia is the best way to savour Croatia’s most remote corners, particularly the Dalmatian archipelago.
Cavtat, a gem of hidden Croatia
As far as small picturesque towns on the Adriatic coast go, Cavtat is a real revelation. Just a few miles southeast of Dubrovnik, this gem attracts few tourists and many locals. Its history spans three millennia, adding a flavour of authenticity and charm to its unique beauty. Take for example the Illyrian necropolises, a remnant of the city’s glorious past. The harbour is big enough to take yachts, so can serve as the starting point for a cruise around the Dalmatian Archipelago. Not far from the harbour is the Rector’s Palace, a glamorous Renaissance mansion reminiscent of Venetian architecture. There is also the baroque Catholic cathedral of St. Nicholas.
From the harbour you can sail to the small island of Mrkan, popular among water sports enthusiasts. On the western part of the island is a plateau with a depth of up to 60 metres, perfect for scuba diving. There is an underwater cave that you can explore in groups of up to 15 divers. Underwater fauna is quite diverse, so you may see moray eels, scorpionfish, octopi, rainbow wrasse, sea scorpions and parrotfish. Beware of the currents, though, as they can be quite strong in this part of the Adriatic Sea. You can dock at the plateau, to protect your vessel from the southerly winds.
Lošinj, the perfect place for a yacht charter in Croatia
In the northern part of the Adriatic Sea are a number of small and big islands that are perfect for a boating trip if you opt for a yacht charter in Croatia. Cres is the most popular one, but its less known sister island of Losinj is not less appealing. Separated from Cres by a waterway, this small paradise abounds with lush vegetation, hiking routes, pebbled beaches, Venetian architecture and picturesque fishing villages.
On the southern part is located the small town of Mali Lošinj. It’s the cultural centre of the island. It hosts several events such as the Arbunada, a sea-bream fishing competition held in October. But beware, this is not your usual fishing occasion. Fishing in this part of Croatia is conducted by hand from the boat, so you literally catch fish. Don’t worry if you are not into fishing – in the evening, all participants share their catch with the locals and visitors in the town square. In November, there is also the Lošinj Optimist Regatta, a regatta for smaller vessels and less seasoned sailors. As for hiking and climbing, the island offers you plenty of options. From there, you can sail to Zadar, Rijeka or Pula on continental Croatia. The latter’s ancient Roman arena, one of the biggest in the world and the only still intact, is a must-see tourist attraction if you charter a yacht in Croatia.
