WITH OVER 1.000 ISLANDS, STUNNING COASTLINES, CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS, QUIET ANCHORAGES, BREATHTAKING NATURAL BEAUTIES AND A RICH CULTURAL LEGACY, CROATIA IS A YACHT CHARTER PARADISE ▪▪▪
◼︎◼︎◼︎
CROATIA’S COASTLINES STRETCH OVER 5.385 KM FROM THE ISTRIAN PENINSULA NORTH WEST TO THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN DALMATIAN COAST CLOSE TO THE BORDER OF MONTENEGRO.
◼︎◼︎◼︎
THE ISTRIAN COAST AND NORTHERN DALMATIA
ROVINJ TO SPLIT
◼︎◼︎◼︎
If you started your charter in Venice, your first stop-over will be Rovinj in the Istrian Peninsula.
For centuries, Istria has been controlled by the Venetians and Rovinj reflects the influence of 16th-century Venice, complete with a campanile and a statue of St. Euphemia on top of the church.
This small city has a picturesque fishing port with numerous seafood restaurants that showcase the cuisine of Istria.
Cruising South along the Istrian Coast will take you to Brijuni National Park, a group of fourteen islands featuring a mosaic of mediterranean forests, olive groves, meadows, crystal-clear waters and archaeological sites.
The remains of what had been a magnificent Roman villa can be admired in Verige bay.
The presence of the Romans in the Brijuni Islands dates back 177 BC and lasted approximately six centuries.
The rich Romans used the Brijuni Islands for summer escapes.
◼︎◼︎◼︎
Another Roman legacy in Istria is the Pula amphitheater known as the Arena.
Built in the 1st century to host gladiator contests and other form of public entertainment, it could accommodate over 20.000 spectators.
Amazingly, its circular structure is still standing.
Its size shows the greatness and importance of Pula in Roman times.
Testimony of the Pula’s strategic location in the Adriatic Sea is the Venetian Fortress now housing the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria and the Verudela Fort commissioned by the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in the 19th century and considered to be the peak of fortification construction at the time.
Located at the southern tip of the heart-shaped Istrian peninsula, Pula also boasts a fascinating old town and many beautiful beaches.
◼︎◼︎◼︎
The next stop of you yacht charter will be the Island of Losinj which is part of the Cres-Lošinj Archipelago in the Bay of Kavner.
At the end of the 19th century, Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, King of Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia, proclaimed it a health resort.
The Austro-Hungarian elite flocked to Losinj to enjoy its unique micro-climate, rich aromatic flora, medicinal plants and captivating pine forests.
Magnificent villas and hotels were built in the Cikat Bay.
Following these developments, Losinj became known as the Island of Vitality and a sought-after yacht destination for the sense of well-being it conveys.
Further South is the Kornati National Park, an archipelago of over 140 islands and islets on approximately 320 square kilometer: a paradise of breathtaking beauty with a lunar landscape unique to the region, tranquil bays, hidden coves and turquoise waters.
The Kornati Islands are perfect to spend a retreat at sea, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddling … a true opportunity for revitalization in unspoiled natural surroundings.
◼︎◼︎◼︎
Following a relaxing day at the Kornati Islands, your next destination will be Sibenik a coastal gem on the Dalmatian Coast.
Founded by the Croats in the 7th century, Sibenik fell under the long-lasting rule of the Venetians. Passing briefly under French rule during the Napoleonic wars, became part of the Austro-Hungarian empire for over a century, belonged to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia until Croatia’s independence in 1991.
Among Sibenik’s famous monuments are the St James Cathedral (1435-1535) that elegantly blends Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements (since 2000 in the UNESCO World Heritage list), several Renaissance mansions and the St John’s Fortress overlooking Sibenik’s harbor in the estuary of the Krka River.
St John’s Fortress is thought to have been built in only 58 days in the year 1646 and showcases Renaissance military architecture.
Designed as a new defense system to protect the city from potential invasions, it played a crucial role during the Venetian Ottoman war
The 72,5km Krka River runs through the Krka National Park: one of Croatia’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
The Krka National Park is about 10 km inland from Sibenik.
It is known for its dramatic waterfalls, its unspoiled natural beauty, its unusual tufa landscape, and abundant flora and fauna.
This yacht charter itinerary may disembark you in Zadar – a fascinating city in Northern Dalmatia or Split if you intend to explore Southern Croatia.
Both Split and Zadar have an airport.
Alternatively, you may choose to embark in Croatia and finish your yacht charter in Venice.
◼︎◼︎◼︎
Flavours and Tastes of Istria
With its fertile land and bountiful seas, the cuisine of Istria invites you to a culinary journey exploring a variety of flavors of land and sea with rich culinary influences from Italy, Austria and Slovenia.
Istria has its own native products: delicious olives, prosciutto (Pršut), cured meats, Istarki sir cheese often infused with truffles, … perfect for an antipasto platter.
Truffles ! Another treasure originating from North Istira Motovun forests that emphasize the local fuži pasta.
As for those who prefer meat, how about Lamb Under Peka :a slow-cooked lamb dish with potatoes and vegetables, baked under an iron bell called Peka for a tender and flavorful result.
Seafood specialties include seafood soup, risotto with fish, fish stews, grilled scampi, octopus…and many local favorites prepared in the local manner.
Istrian wines :
Istria has a winemaking history dating back to the 6th century when Greeks brought the first grapes to the area.
Its 4.000 hectares of vineyards are planted with indigenous varieties such as Malvazija Istarska, Teran, Muscat as well as international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay.
Istria produces white, red, sparkling and muscat wines with distinctive personalities that complement its own local cuisine.