An image of Croatia

Travel to Croatia by yacht

Limestone cliffs, island-studded seas, and medieval coastal towns line one of Europe’s most captivating shorelines.

Find yachts in Croatia
Highlights

Explore any of Croatia’s 1,200-plus islands and islets on an island hopping yacht itinerary along the Dalmatian Coast.

 Walk ancient streets and walled cities and view ruins dating to the Roman Empire, including many locations used in filming Game of Thrones.

Experience world class food and drink with exceptional fine dining restaurants and wine tasting at some of Croatia’s finest vineyards.

As the jewel-like blue-green waters of the Aegean Sea lap Croatia’s irregular shoreline, seabirds wheel overhead and yachts dance gently in the surf. It’s a picture of tranquility and leisure, with just a dash of romance and adventure thrown in for good measure. Croatia’s 3,600-mile coastline has a lot in common with other Mediterranean destinations like Greece and Turkey, but it’s also a distinct destination with a flavor all its own.

As the jewel-like blue-green waters of the Aegean Sea lap Croatia’s irregular shoreline, seabirds wheel overhead and yachts dance gently in the surf. It’s a picture of tranquility and leisure, with just a dash of romance and adventure thrown in for good measure. Croatia’s 3,600-mile coastline has a lot in common with other Mediterranean destinations like Greece and Turkey, but it’s also a distinct destination with a flavor all its own.

Yacht charters in Croatia are often bound for the Dalmatian Coast, the southernmost region of the country’s lengthy shoreline, which is especially known for its rich history and ravishing scenery. Dalmatia includes the cities of Split and Dubrovnik—both are popular starting points for yacht travel—as well as islands like Hvar and Korčula.

Island hopping is one of the key attractions for yachters in Croatia. Many islands are uninhabited, with landscapes ranging from lush pine forests to craggy limestone and shores that range from sheer cliff faces to pebbly coves and powdery sand beaches. The beaches of Croatia are some of the most beautiful in all of Europe, and yacht travelers will find many beaches virtually deserted on the more remote islands.

But many of the islands of Croatia are also inhabited and full of life, with centuries-old villages and towns that provide warm hospitality, splendid shopping and dining options, wineries, and luxurious beach clubs. Croatia is known for producing exceptional wine and olive oil, and charming vineyards and olive tree groves shade the ancient city walls on many of the larger islands.

When traveling to Croatia by Yacht, you will also find ample opportunities to explore the mainland, with its quaint coastal towns and ancient cities. With its history shaped by the Roman and Ottoman Empires, many settlements along the coast have stood for thousands of years. Croatia is home to some of the most well-preserved Roman architecture in the world, and as you wander the cobblestone streets of walled cities like Dubrovnik, you may feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Of course, the coast of Croatia isn’t all ancient architecture and windswept islands. This is also a culture that knows how to have fun, and you’ll have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s vibrant nightlife and party scene. Plenty of exclusive nightclubs, energetic music festivals and all-night beach parties beckon to yacht travelers along the Dalmatian Coast.

Local Tips

Although Croatian is the official language, most people you meet will speak at least a little English. German and Italian are the next most widely spoken languages.

The vibe in coastal Croatian cities and towns is typically casual, but wearing beachwear outside of beaches and resorts might turn some heads. Dress modestly at upscale restaurants and religious sites.

You may not be familiar with Croatian wines, but that’s because they tend to be produced in small batches and sold locally. Rest assured, you’ll have plenty of chances to taste varieties like Malvazija Istarska—a favorite white wine along the coast—along with the outstanding olive oil produced here.

Reasons to charter a yacht to Croatia versus staying in a hotel

Some places are simply perfect for yacht travel, and Croatia is one of them. You can’t truly experience the full wealth of opportunities available along this country’s coast any other way. Unlike when you stay in a hotel, yacht journeys ensure that you’re never tied down to a single place.

Some places are simply perfect for yacht travel, and Croatia is one of them. You can’t truly experience the full wealth of opportunities available along this country’s coast any other way. Unlike when you stay in a hotel, yacht journeys ensure that you’re never tied down to a single place.

The coast of Croatia is made up of over 1,200 islands, and only about 50 of them are inhabited. They’re all accessible when you choose to charter a yacht, and you can hop between whichever islands catch your eye. On a luxury yacht charter, Croatia opens its doors and provides total freedom to travel where and when you please.

At the end of the day, rather than returning to a hotel packed with strangers, you get to spend each night bobbing to the gentle waves in a marina or moored in a secluded cove with only your close friends or family who are along for the journey with you.

Why sail with us?

Exceptional yachts and effortless journeys.

Carefully curated

A selection of quality yachts to suit any adventure

Global collection

Options for every corner of the world

Experienced crew

All charters include a chef, captain, and housekeeping

Premium protection

Up to $1B in insurance coverage

Things to do in Croatia

Places to eat and drink in Croatia

Eat Proto

Established in 1886 and considered one of the best restaurants in Croatia, Proto is located in the historic center of Dubrovnik and serves a gourmet menu focused on traditional Croatian seafood.

Eat ZOI

This Michelin-recommended eatery in Split offers one of the best views in the city from its beautiful outdoor terrace. The cuisine is an elevated reinterpretation of Dalmatian food with a focus on local ingredients.

drink Vina Tomić

One of several exceptional wineries on the island of Hvar, Vina Tomić carries on a 150-year-old family tradition, crafting wine varieties that grow specifically in the island’s stony and calcareous soil.

Drink Carpe Diem Beach

Nestled in the Pakleni Islands and offering an exclusive waterfront restaurant and cocktail bar, Carpe Diem Beach Club provides relaxation all day and thrilling nightlife after dark.

Drink String’s Bar

Listed in the prestigious World’s 50 Best Discovery list, String’s Bar in the coastal city of Split offers expertly prepared beverages in a guitar-themed space that resembles a 1920s speakeasy.

When to visit

Overall, the best time for a Croatia yacht charter is April through October. Choose to visit during the peak summer months if you enjoy warm temperatures and a bustling, lively atmosphere. Choose spring or fall if you prefer to beat the crowds and don’t mind if the weather is a little cooler.

Summer Season

May – September

Spring

A beautiful season to visit Croatia, spring offers blooming flowers, budding greenery and relatively few crowds. Sailing conditions can be challenging early in the season—winds are often high in April and start to moderate somewhat in May—and seas may still be chilly. More summer-like conditions start to take over in June.

Summer

June, July, and August are the high season in Croatia. Rain is rare, seas and air temperatures are warm, and conditions are ideal for activities like swimming, snorkeling and sailing. Expect beaches and restaurants to be crowded this time of year, and be sure to make reservations for your yacht trip well in advance.

Winter Season

October – April

Fall

The “shoulder season” of September and October is a great time to visit Croatia because coastal areas are a bit quieter. Summer-like conditions persist well into September, making it a great time to sail or charter a yacht. By October, conditions will be cooler and a bit windier, but days are typically sunny and seas are usually still warm enough for swimming.

Winter

Relatively few people choose a yacht charter in Croatia between November and March. This is the low season, and although coastal weather is generally mild and inviting, snow is possible in inland areas, and many summer tourist attractions and restaurants close down for the season.

Festivals/events in Croatia

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

One of Croatia’s oldest cultural festivals, Dubrovnik Summer Festival includes a wide range of live music, theater and dance performances throughout July and August.

Ultra Europe Festival

Held each July in Split, this is one of the largest music festivals in Europe. Over 150,000 attendees arrive every year to experience three days of high-energy dance and electronic music.

Night of the Full Moon in Zadar

Illuminated by torches, this lively nighttime celebration of local culture and traditions in Zadar is timed to coincide with the full moon every summer, typically in late July or early August. Expect abundant local food, music and dancing.

Pag Summer Carnival

An exuberant atmosphere complete with costumes, parades, lots of music, and abundant food and drink marks the annual summer carnival on the island of Pag.

Split Summer Festival

The city of Split has held this annual arts festival since 1954, and it includes dance, music and theater performances throughout the city during July and August.

An image of a yacht sailing in sea.

How to get to Croatia

Plane

Air travel to Croatia is simple and straightforward. Split Airport (SPU) and Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) each receive direct flights from London, Paris, Vienna, Prague, Copenhagen and other points all over Europe. Croatia Airlines, British Airways, EasyJet, and EuroWings are among the airlines providing service.

Car

Having a car isn’t really necessary in Croatia, but if you plan to drive to the departure point of your yacht charter, doing so is relatively straightforward. Rental cars are available in most major cities. Split and Dubrovnik are roughly three hours apart by car, and the Adriatic Highway (D8) provides a fairly direct route. Major highways also connect both cities to points inland, including the Croatian capital of Zagreb.

Train

It is possible to travel to Split by train, but not to Dubrovik, which does not have a train station. When traveling to the coast of Croatia from other European countries, most routes involve a change of trains in Zagreb.

Boat

Reaching Croatia by ferry is also an option, with several routes that cross the Adriatic Sea from Italy. Split and Dubrovnik each have large ferry ports and routine ferry service is also available between the two cities, especially during the high season.

FAQ about Croatia

What is it like to charter a luxury yacht to Croatia?

Croatia is one of the best yacht destinations in the Mediterranean, with infrastructure well-suited to yacht travel. Ports and marinas in most coastal cities and towns are set up to accommodate luxury yachts, and there are also abundant secluded islands and coves for mooring. Croatia provides a great blend of historic charm and modern amenities.

When is the best time of the year to charter a luxury yacht to Croatia?

How should I dress for a Croatia yacht charter?

Similar destinations

Not sure where to set sail?

Let us tailor your perfect yachting escape.