12 Dreamy Destinations in Croatia to Visit by Yacht

Sailing in Croatia is getting into the heart of the Adriatic. With over 1,200 islands and a coastline of thousands of miles, you never run out of places to visit. I have been visiting Croatia annually since I was 11 and was fortunate to see every single town on the mainland coast as well as sail to many islands. The beauty of this country never wears off. Come here for turquoise coves, lush green national parks, marvelous historic maritime town-strongholds and charming coastal villages. Croatia has always lived by the sea, so you’ve got excellent yachting infrastructure everywhere you sail. Here is a selection of the best places to visit in Croatia by a chartered yacht. Pick the spots that speak to you and start collecting those nautical miles.

Dubrovnik

Prepare for absolute beauty when sailing to Dubrovnik. Seeing this historic city from the sea is pure epicness – the ancient defensive wall encircles the labyrinthine Old Town as the waves crash into the limestone cliffs and the high mountains. Once, Dubrovnik was a powerful maritime republic called Ragusa, ruling over a large chunk of the South Dalmatia coast. Today, it’s a sailing destination par excellence in Croatia, offering a balance between world-class sightseeing, exclusive dining experiences, and great marina options. Mooring here gets you to one of the most striking historic cores in Europe, with charming narrow streets, scenic wall walks, dramatic harbors and fantastic local beaches. Dubrovnik is also a great starting point for sailing to nearby Lokrum, Lopud and Koločep islands, all known for pristine blue beaches. 

Mljet Island

Mljet Island is that dreamy Croatian landscape of green bays meeting the cyan water. It’s home to a magnificent national park with two lakes, which is a paradise for hikers, bikers and kayaking enthusiasts. Sailing here was an unforgettable trip for me – enjoying the view of the verdant coast, dipping in crystal-clear bays and then having grilled seafood at harbor restaurants just can’t be topped. If you’re staying overnight, Lokva Bay and Pomena are the two best anchorages. Many restaurants offer a limited-time mooring if you have a meal there. Don’t miss exploring the nature trails on foot and taking a bicycle to ride around two saltwater lakes, which the national park is famous for. Also, go to the eastern part of the island – it’s less crowded and has the same sublime nature. 

Trogir

Dubrovnik’s little brother, Trogir, is another jewel of the Dalmatian coast. The Old Town here is on the island and has the look of a postcard. Centuries of Venetian rule influenced local architecture – it’s easy to imagine you’re walking the streets of La Serenissima, albeit without canals. The town’s most treasured attraction is the 13th-century-built Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a jaw-dropping piece of medieval craftsmanship. Trogir has always been a personal favorite of mine as it’s hard to resist its gentle, small-town charm, cafes in the hidden alleyways and buzzy seaside promenade. The town also has one of the best marinas in Dalmatia. The prices are reasonable, the distance to the Old Town is minimal, the winds aren’t strong and all the facilities are offered.

Korčula

Sailing into Korčula feels like being transported into some romantic maritime novel. A fort and medieval walls protect the tiny Old Town, dominated by a church bell tower. Once docked at the well-organized Korčula marina, you can’t wait to enter the city gates to wander the maze of well-preserved streets. I find the town’s promenade among the most scenic in Croatia. Restaurants line the boardwalk, with tables overlooking the mainland. Being here during sunset, a fried squid on a plate and a glass of local wine in hand, is Adriatic perfection. Luka Korčulanska Beach, alongside the rounded fortress, is another exceptional experience. Korčula is the sixth-largest island, so you have many idyllic bays to anchor for a refreshing dip. 

Bol

If you’re searching for the best beach in Croatia, Zlatni Rat may be the one. Located on the Dalmatian island of Brač, it’s absolutely worth a visit. This beach, made of tiny pebbles, changes its “tip” depending on the wind and the waves. It’s one of the top choices for families and has a beautiful pine grove behind for shade. While you can’t anchor next to the stretch, the quaint town of Bol is within walking distance. Moor at the marina and enjoy the atmospheric old streets of this gem of a harbor. The Riva promenade is where you find a wide selection of local tavernas. Try lignje na buzaru (white wine-cooked squid), odojak (a roasted suckling pig), grilled orada (a sea bream) and ćevapi (grilled minced meat). Culinary adventures await in Bol.

Stari Grad

Stari Grad is just a superb small port. I loved spending several days here on a yachting trip across Dalmatia. While Hvar Town might be the island’s most dramatic attraction (and a must-visit in its own right), Stari Grad is for a more laid-back Adriatic retreat. The time goes a bit slower on its charming cobblestone streets. Also, you’ve got several stunning beaches within walking distance from the city center, such as Paklina, Brizenica and Lanterna. Be sure to visit the Tvrdalj Castle, a Renaissance building with a spellbinding fish pool and a garden. The beauty of Hvar Island lies in many hidden coves where you can anchor for several hours to dive. Sail from Stari Grad to Hvar town and stop at one of those along the way. 

Lastovo

A kingdom of sheltered turquoise bays, Lastovo has so many scenic spots to drop your anchor. The island is the ultimate chartering destination for a more private experience, surrounded by untouched Adriatic nature. It’s also famous for the submarine tunnel that was once used by the Yugoslav army. Pasadur village is where you moor to enter the tunnel and enjoy the national park part of the island. In the island’s south, Skrivena Luka is another fantastic spot to moor, with a tranquil bay great for swimming. For some Caribbean-like island bays, explore the Saplun Island nearby. 

Šibenik

Šibenik is a great sailing destination on many levels. The local D-Marin Mandalina Marina is Croatia’s only marina designed for superyachts. It’s fully sheltered from winds (and the winds here can get pretty strong, especially the northerly Bura), packed with facilities and located a short drive away from the center. Then, there’s a gorgeous UNESCO-protected Old Town with an epic St. Michael’s Fortress on a hill, romantic Venetian streets and the stunning Renaissance and Gothic Cathedral of St. James (a Game of Thrones filming location, by the way). Everywhere you look in Šibenik is a perfect setting for a fantasy movie. But the most captivating vista is from the sea, as you approach the terracotta-colored Old Town, passing through the narrow St. Anthony’s Canal. Moreover, the town is a convenient base for exploring the fairytale-like waterfalls of Krka National Park. 

Vis

Fans of Abba will immediately recognize the sun-soaked landscapes of Vis. That’s because the highly successful “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” musical was almost entirely filmed on this paradise-looking island. Chartering a yacht is the best way to get the most out of its beauty. Most know Vis for Stiniva, aka one of the most magical beaches in the world. Admiring its gate-like cliffs and dipping in transparent waters is best done from your yacht, while anchored nearby. Getting there early is a must, as there are only six buoys. Ruda and Srebrna coves are two other marvelous spots to bathe and spend the starry night. Head to Vis port for some town action with homey konobas (traditional Croatian taverns) overlooking the magnificent bay. Be aware of the distances – Vis is the farthest Croatian island, so plan your sail accordingly. 

Split 

The second-biggest city in the country, Split, isn’t for an idyllic escape. Mooring here gives you a chance to explore one of the most fascinating historic cores in the Adriatic. The lion’s share of its Old Town is the gargantuan Diocletian’s Palace, which is among the world’s most interesting Roman sites. Constructed at the end of the third century AD, it’s a beguiling maze of streets, walls, gates, underground passages, temples-turned-churches and ancient art museums. Not surprisingly, Game of Thrones was also filmed there, at the palatial basements (where Daenerys kept her dragons). You can easily access the Old Town from the city marina. For me, Split is always a captivating experience, where you eat, drink and have fun surrounded by the treasures of ancient Rome. The city is also a good introduction to the authentic Croatian lifestyle. 

Rovinj

Rising from the blue waters in cinematic glory, Rovinj is the Northern Adriatic’s most romantic town. Located on the Istrian peninsula, it immediately charms you with colorful Venetian-era-built houses, the hilltop Church of St. Euphemia (get to the top for a breathtaking vista) and vibrant city life, where cafes and restaurants abound. Rovinj is also among Croatia’s top luxurious destinations, offering an ultra-modern marina, exclusive dining and upscale resorts. Watching the sunset from the yacht with the silhouette of the Old Town is a Croatian memory I will never forget. As for mooring, you’ve got two options: apart from the top-notch marina, there’s a picturesque Uvala Lon with buoys, ideal for swimming. The best beaches are Mulini and Golden Cape.