Highlights of Croatia
When Visiting the Croatia Sailing Area There Are A Few “Must Sees”.
Dubrovnik
This beautiful city, surrounded by massive stone walls and completed in the 16th century, needs no introduction. Paved with limestone, the streets are filled with well-preserved historical buildings such as St Blaise Church and Sponza Palace. The narrow streets offer wonderful restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Take a walk along the walls for incredible views over the city and its wonderful architecture. You can also take a cable car above the town for far-reaching views across the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik was the fictional city of Kings Landing in the TV series Game of Thrones.
National Park Brijuni
The Brijuni Archipelago is a beautiful group of fourteen islands and inlets which form a National Park with the main island being Veliki Brijun. The islands are rich in flora, fauna and wildlife with nearly 700 local and exotic plants and 150 bird species. You will also find ostriches, peacocks, llamas, zebras and a sacred Indian cow which were all given as gifts to President Tito when Croatia was part of Yugoslavia. The most famous of the animals is elephant Lanka who came to the islands 50 years ago when she was 2. Her partner Sony unfortunately died in 2010. Visit the remains of an old Roman villa built in the 1st century BC and an old olive tree, thought to be 1,600 years old!
Hvar
The Island of Hvar is one of Croatia’s most popular islands, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant nightlife. Visit Fortica Fortress for wonderful views of the town and the Adriatic Sea. Try local specialties such as seafood, lavender-infused desserts, and pašticada (braised beef in a fragrant sweet and sour sauce). Explore the town of Stari Grad which is one of the oldest towns in Europe with a UNESCO protected landscape. Hvar also has some wonderful beaches, including Pokonji Dol and Zaraće.
If you would like to party after dinner this is the place to do it. Venues such as Central Park Club and Kiva Bar offer live music and DJs into the early hours.
Pakleni Islands
This archipelago of 21 islands, rocks, and inlets is famous for its nature, crystal clear waters, picturesque landscapes, and bright pink bougainvillea trees. There are plenty of secluded bays to anchor in for some peace and tranquility; pristine beaches and lush vegetation make this a great place for relaxation and exploration. In amongst the secluded bays, there are beach bars and top-class restaurants. Marinkovac is home to one of Europe’s most famous beach bars, Carp Diem. The largest and most popular island, Sveti Klement, has many restaurants which line the beach with laid-back beach bars.
Vis
Vis is one of the smallest islands in Croatia, with the 2 main areas being Vis Town and Komiža. This unique island is a true taste of Croatian culture where you can enjoy nature and beautiful beach coves. Sample the local wines and even expand your knowledge on a vineyard tour. Relax at the attractive white pebbled beach of Stiniva which sits in a cove flanked by limestone cliffs. Did you know that scenes for Mama Mia Two were filmed on Vis in locations such as Barjoska Bay and Komiža?
Mljet
Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island, known for its wine, olives, and goat’s cheese. It is an unspoiled island covered by a dense Mediterranean forest. The sea is healthy with fish and marine life and great for snorkelling. The northwest of the island is a National Park where two salt lakes are connected by a narrow channel, one of which with an island in the middle which is home to the Benedictine Monastery. Visit the Roman palace remains in Polače village, walk around the lakes, kayak, and enjoy the island’s beaches, forests, and lovely scenery.
Cres
Anchor in the beautiful bay at Lubenice Beach. This cove is located under Lubenice village, situated up on the hilltop. The beach is secluded and pristine and ideal for relaxation. It is difficult to get to by land so it makes for a quiet first stop. Enjoy a snorkel to experience the marine life and amazing rock formations. If you want to go ashore a walk to the town is around an hour. This small charming town offers quaint restaurants and cafes to sit back and relax in while you take in the views.
Važminec Beach is nestled along the pristine coastline of Cres. This tranquil setting is the perfect place to relax in a peaceful retreat away from everything.
Swim in the crystal clear waters, paddleboard to shore or simply relax with a good book and soak up the warm Mediterranean sunshine, all while listening to the unspoilt nature that surrounds you.
