Things to do in Dalmatian Coast
Idyllic Island Life
The three charming islands of the Dalmatian Coast are so close and yet so different. On Brac Island discover its famous white-pebble beaches and the spectacular Golden Horn. Meanwhile, Hvar Island enchants with its beautiful architecture and fascinating history. Here, you can wander around Croatia's very own 'Little Venice' in the old village of Vrboska. End your island hopping in Korcula Island for where olive groves, dense pine forests, vineyards and small villages offer boundless beauty.
Krka Waterfalls
Situated in Krka National Park, in southern Croatia, the seven Krka Waterfalls are a colourful sight to behold. Visit in the summer to enjoy this green oasis in full bloom but be warned, it can get busy! The small island of Visovac - with its small monastery and Rosky Waterfall - has plenty of picturesque attractions and to discover the rest of the park, a boat excursion is the best way.
Explore Split and Trogir
Basking in the lazy Adriatic sun is the old town of Split. With its beautiful mix of Roman ruins, medieval churches and modern boutiques and bars there is oodles of entertainment. The white stone walls and the Diocletian Palace are a must see and - from its bell tower - the St. Lawrence cathedral in Trogir offers attractive views of the old town and its charming mix of architecture.
Things to do in Dubrovnik
Walk the City Walls
Channel Game of Thrones on a walk along Dubrovnik's walls, running just over a mile around the city. Meander along the medieval stone with sweeping views of the Adriatic and the seafaring city's terracotta rooftops. You'll come across turrets and towers including the Minceta Tower, the route's highest point and also known as GOT's real-life House of the Undying.
A Sea Kayaking Adventure
Escape the heat of the day on a kayaking jaunt to the Elaphiti Islands. Paddle out to these quiet islands, delve into hidden coves and dip in and out of the shimmering summer sea. You'll stop off at sandy beaches for a picnic or moor up at a rustic harbour for a seafood lunch. Sound good? Upgrade to a yacht if you want to make a day of it.
Oyster & Wine Tasting
Head through the pine-covered hills to the Peljesac Peninsula, for a taste of off-beat Dubrovnik. You'll arrive at the picturesque Mali Ston Bay, known for its rare flat European oysters which thrive in the rich channel waters. Take a boat ride to the rustic oyster farms and enjoy a delectable oyster tasting accompanied by fabulous regional wines.
Things to do in Istria
Rovinj And Pula
Wander the narrow streets and the small squares of romantic Rovinj. Climb the spiral staircase of St. Euphemia's church tower and admire picture-perfect views over the old town and brilliantly blue archipelago. Bike along the coast to discover the many islets, admiring the colourful buildings along the way. For a cultural escape, explore the ancient city of Pula and marvel at the Roman amphitheatre, the mighty medieval walls and the Austrian villas.
Wine Tasting
Embark on a wine tour around Istria's many vineyards to taste the local varieties: Malvasia, a crisp white and the ruby-red Teran. Learn about the history of the vineyards and observe the traditional methods - still employed today - used to craft these wonderful wines. For a truly memorable experience, join a truffle hunting party and explore the dense Motovun forest in search of these rare delicacies.
Groznjan and Motovun
Stroll the cobbled streets of Groznjan - dubbed the ""Town of Artists"" - and admire the romantic beauty of this revived Venetian fortress. While jazz tunes and classical music waft through the air, discover the many art galleries and music studios. Meanwhile, the medieval hill-topped town of Motovun offers panoramic views over the vast Istrian valley. Overflowing with traditional artisans, this fairy tale-like village is the best place to shop for local wine and truffles.
The Best of Croatia
During your holiday to Croatia, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do, whether that be learning more about the country's history or discovering the wild beauty of its landscapes, from the crystal waters of the Dalmatian Coast to the tranquillity of Lokrum Island and so much more.
Sail the Adriatic
There’s a not so-old aged tale that Montenegro is best explored on land, and Croatia (aside from Dubrovnik) by sea, and we know the best available boats to help put that into practice.
We can advise on the best boats for your requirements, and the best places and islands to visit along the Dalmatian Coast from the barren and beautiful Kornati Archipelago in the north, to the trendy hotspot of Hvar, to other elegant medieval coastal towns between Split and Dubrovnik.
Our extensive portfolio contains fully crewed boats of varying sizes and specifications. The crewed boats have a minimum of two crew while the larger boats have up to seven crew members. Most of the large crewed boats are also licensed to sail in Montenegro. Some of the traditional sailing boats can even be chartered without a crew (known as a bareboat charter) but you need to have valid sailing Certificate and VHF License. Most of the charters in Croatia run Saturday to Saturday.
Of the specific destinations along the Dalmatian Coast, we particularly recommend the beautiful Kornati archipelago, consisting of 147 islands, islets and reefs, and named after Kornat, the largest island. There are no permanent settlements on the islands and just a smattering of seasonal restaurants.
Find yourself a secluded bay and swim in the cleanest and clearest waters of the Adriatic where it is often possible to see the sea floor even far from land. Further south and a good deal more bustling are the additional highlights of Hvar and Split, and of course Dubrovnik.
Sea Kayaking the Dalmatian Coast
The Elaphiti Islands, forming part of the Dalmatian Coast, run in a chain parallel to the mainland and form the perfect aquatic playground for exploration by sea kayak.
The crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, famously described by Jacques Cousteau as 'the cleanest sea in the world', has warm summer waters with negligible tides and currents, and infrequent big waves, so kayaking is a serene and graceful way to visit the various islands. Even better, with the help of an expert English-speaking guide, paddling is very easy to learn.
We can arrange both day trips around the islands, complete with inlets, caves and harbours, as well as seaside restaurants serving delicious fresh seafood, or longer trips camping at night on deserted beaches or staying in charming small hotels on some of the islands. By day, kayak from cove to cove, eat al fresco, and explore the densely wooded islands, and the crystal-clear calm waters between them that are teeming with fish.
Kayak around Lokrum Island
Set off from Dubrovnik Old Town and paddle around nearby Lokrum Island in kayaks with a guide, exploring the caves around the edge of the island before stepping on land and wandering around this so-called 'Island of Love'. Then head back to the mainland to discover the hidden cave beach, Betina, and enjoy a spot of snorkelling, before paddling back through the impressive city walls of Dubrovnik to the port.
Visit Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the most popular tourist attraction in Croatia for good reason. There are sixteen stunning lakes interconnected by waterfalls which are set in beautiful woodland, and can be explored by guided hikes, cycle rides or even by quad bike. Despite the name, the lakes actually only cover a small portion of the national park, with the rest made up of pretty forest and grassland.
Explore Istria
Istria, the peninsula in the north-east of the country, is where to head to experience the real charm and character of Croatia. Explore beautiful Tuscan-esque countryside and hilltop towns, and picturesque beaches and fishing ports, including the harbour town of Rovinj. The region also boasts the best food in Croatia thanks to its connection to neighbouring Italy.
