Croatia, with its special blend of Mediterranean culture and Eastern European influences, is a real hot spot.
Its beautiful forested landscapes and large national parks are something special. (Game of Thrones fans might recognise Dubrovnic and Split as the homes of the Lannisters and the ‘pure born’. These areas really do look like something out of a fairytale.)
There are also some architectural gems, such as the elegant palace in Split, built by Emperor Diocletian in Roman times. Anywhere the Romans built ‘holiday homes’ is sure to be both beautiful and fun, and sure enough, Croatia has maintained its serious partying reputation!
There are hundreds of incredible spots and beautiful islands to explore so we’ve narrowed it down for you and selected our favourite six places in Croatia, which are all best explored by boat:
HVAR
Board a powerboat in Split to start off your Croatian party experience. Head over in the morning and enjoy a swim in the topaz blue sea, possible some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see. Most of the beaches in Croatia are rocky or pebbled, so island hopping by boat is the perfect way to enjoy the area.
When you’re ready to head up to Hvar, make sure you explore the historic town centre and then see what the bars have in store for you. As Hvar is home to the wealthiest crowd in the country, there are a lot of impressive boats around and a lot of friendly boaters from all over the world. Chances are that if you get talking to those around you in the harbour, you will start your own boat party!
VIS
This little corner of paradise will make you feel like you are going back in time. Of all the Croatian islands, Vis is certainly the most mysterious – even to locals. It once housed the Yugoslav National Army so no visitors were allowed on the island until 1989.
Now, you can take a boat to Vis to get away from the tourist trail and enjoy its tranquility. There are two large bays on the island where you can kick back on your boat, as well as some lovely sandy beaches. Before you head back, make sure you visit the Blue Cave (Modra Špilja) and see how this grotto lights up in vibrant blue when the light hits at the right time of day. You can take a small boat into the cave and dive it for a swim.
KRKA
A visit to Krka National Park is the way to go if you are looking to explore some Croatian fairytale landscapes. Book a boat trip and experience the old medieval town of Skradin and the perfect waterfalls. The water is warm and at Skradinski Buk you can even mess around in a huge natural swimming pool at the bottom of the falls.
KORNATI ISLANDS
Croatia has eight national parks within its borders. That’s quite a lot of beautiful, preserved country for you to enjoy! Kornati National Park is made up of lots of little islands of such natural beauty that you have to go for an explore.
Irish writer George Bernard Shaw wrote about these islands, “On the last day of the Creation, God desired to crown his work and thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath”. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Explore by boat to access all the islands, the salt lakes and bays.
BRAC
Brac is the largest island on the Dalmatian coast and one of the largest in the Adriatic, so it has a lot to offer for visitors. At Supetar, you can explore the old town or relax on the long, sandy beach. You can head inland to the family-run Olive Oil museum and have a foodie afternoon. Or, on the other side of the island, moor at Bol and visit the Stina Winery or the Franciscan monastery (at the monastery we highly recommend you try the homemade dessert wine, ‘Prosek’).
With the high season coming, book your boat to Brac soon to see all the island has to offer. Just let your Skipper know what you want to see and do.
TROGIR
Trogir, just along the coast from Split, was founded by the Greek colonists in the 3rd century BC. The town’s historic centre is on a little island next to the mainland. The town overflows around it, onto the mainland and another island, with a bridge to connect it all.
On the waterfront you will find the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence and Kamerlengo fortress, which is now used as theatre. Explore the town and the coast by boat for a wonderful, varied day.
About: Board a Boat is a boat rental marketplace with added editorial value. We select the best boat experiences from skippers and boat owners whoprovide private and semi-private trips on the water. Choose from a range of styles of experience and discover hidden gems around the world by boat. Contact: support@boardaboat.com
