Considering a luxury sailing or yachting getaway this year? No destination in Europe ticks all of the right boxes in quite the same way as Croatia.
This spectacular and sun-soaked Adriatic nation, with its crystalline waters, breath-taking national parks and mouth-watering gastronomy has been enjoying a dramatic spike in popularity over recent years, sparked largely by its inclusion in hit HBO series, Game of Thrones. But despite the initial hype having long since passed, the destination remains one of the most highly sought-after amongst European luxury lovers and travel enthusiasts alike, with an allure that many can’t quite put their finger on.
Nevertheless, the various reasons Croatia is continuing to see such popularity are no secret, and anyone who has visited will likely have instantly been captivated by the country’s rich history and beautiful coastline. With its many islands, it’s the perfect pick for sailing and yachting holidays, affording travellers multiple stops and many opportunities to experience something different and new.
If you’re not yet convinced, then these are the reasons you should consider a Croatia sailing charter or yachting holiday for your luxury European getaway in 2022.
The warm weather
Dalmatia, the largest of Croatia’s coastal regions, stretches from the nation’s southernmost point all the way up to Zadar, taking in the likes of Dubrovnik, Kakarska and Split along the way. Also comprising many of the country’s most frequented holiday islands, it enjoys an average of 250 days of sunshine annually, which means those visiting in high season are almost always guaranteed good weather. Spring and autumn, too, are seasonably warm, and with the sea’s temperature still welcoming enough for swimming right into November, yachters and sailors may find this one of the best times of year to visit to avoid the summer crowds.
The azure waters
Croatia is surrounded by crystalline waters that are just perfect for taking a dip in. Although snorkellers and divers won’t find a huge amount to write home about in terms of marine life, swimming, sailing and yachting are all perfectly suited to the waters around Croatia’s islands, and their cleanliness, too, is a pleasant surprise. A nation that takes good care of its natural environment, it is very much evident here.
The breath-taking natural beauty
While Croatia’s impressively clear waters are certainly an obvious draw, the nation’s plethora of breath-taking natural beauty doesn’t end there, and its incredible national parks are a showcase of verdant foliage and dramatic, cascading waterfalls. From the iconic Plitvice Lakes to the impressive Krka National Park, these show-stopping forests are a must-visit, so be sure to plan some time on dry land into your luxury yachting or sailing holiday in Croatia. The diversity of Mijet and majesticness of Kornati and Telašćica are worth tearing yourself from your luxury ocean digs for, and we promise, you won’t regret it.
The intriguing history
Croatia is a haven for history buffs, and is home to some of the best-preserved Roman architecture in the world. From the dramatic amphitheatre in Pula to the impressive Diocletian’s Palace in Split and of course, the famous ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, such sights offer a fascinating insight into the past, but what makes them all the more interesting is that they remain integral assets that are very much a part of today’s modern lifestyles.
With many of these historic marvels best viewed from the sea, approaching them from a sailboat or a yacht will give you a different perspective from what you’d get while exploring them on land. The approach to Korčula town, for example, offers breath-taking vistas you won’t want to miss.
The stunning islands
Croatia has over 1,000 islands in total, making it the perfect pick for a boating or yachting holiday. After all, with so many different destinations to stop off at, it would be rude not to, and each of these Mediterranean destinations offer something new and different to wherever you have visited before.
Popular holiday islands include buzzing Hvar, quaint Vis and laid-back Brač – but beyond the more obvious stop-off points, there is plenty more to see, and from the spectacular archipelago of Kornati, or the uninhabited gems and their private coves you’ll find scattered along the way, a holiday at sea in Croatia offers a truly special experience you simply wouldn’t get on land alone.
The gastronomy
Fresh fish and seafood are in abundance along the Croatian coast, and from grilled sea bass and squid to freshly-made octopus stews, mouth-watering cuisine is guaranteed at the islands’ many oceanfront restaurants. Croatia also happens to be a producer of some of the best, but lesser-known wines and olive oils in the world, and the chances to sample these local delicacies are aplenty. To really up-level your luxury yachting holiday in Croatia, you might consider bringing your own private chef on board to whip you up some mouth-watering local cuisine throughout.
