This month, I’m shining the spotlight on a destination I truly adore: Croatia.

2026 brings the perfect opportunity to start planning your dream yacht charter. If you haven’t booked yet, now is the ideal moment, early-season availability is at its best and the most sought-after vessels always go fast. With its sparkling Adriatic waters, over a thousand islands and a coastline steeped in history and culture, Croatia offers a charter experience that caters to every type of traveller.  

In this edition, I’m sharing my favourite places, top highlights and a curated selection of fantastic vessels, each offering a unique experience and price range, everything you need to plan the perfect Adriatic adventure. Here’s to an unforgettable year ahead and to starting it in style along the Croatian coast! 

Pictured: Landscape of Hvar Island, Croatia

Split – The Heartbeat of Dalmatia 

Split has everything I love about the Dalmatian coast: history, energy and seamless access to the islands beyond.

Diocletian’s Palace never ceases to amaze me, the way modern life flows through ancient stone streets is genuinely exhilarating and sets the tone for any Adriatic journey. As a charter gateway, Split works beautifully, offering excellent marina facilities and easy escapes to quieter waters nearby for swimming and relaxed evenings on board. Dining here is always a highlight, whether it’s the modern Mediterranean flair of Bokeria or the timeless charm of a traditional konoba, fresh seafood, local olive oil and Croatian wines are never in short supply. As evening falls, the city comes alive along the Riva promenade, where rooftop bars and laid-back beach lounges capture the city’s energy as the sun dips behind the Adriatic.

Pictured: Diocletian’s Palace

Hvar – Sophistication by the Sea 

Hvar is the island I consistently recommend for clients looking to combine Adriatic beauty with a sophisticated social scene. The town itself is a striking blend of Venetian architecture and contemporary glamour, with polished stone streets leading down to a harbour lined with luxury yachts. The walk up to the Spanish Fortress is always worthwhile, offering sweeping views across the Pakleni Islands and setting the scene for what Hvar does best, effortlessly mixing history with high-energy coastal living.

Dining in Hvar often sets the tone for the evening. Gariful, with its prime waterfront setting, is as much about atmosphere as it is about exceptional seafood and long, late dinners here naturally evolve into a social affair, with the harbour buzzing well into the night. From there, the focus shifts seamlessly to the bars along the waterfront, where the mood builds as the sun begins to dip. Hula Hula is the classic starting point, relaxed by day but by sunset it transforms into a lively, DJ-led gathering spot, drawing a stylish international crowd for cocktails and dancing against one of the best sunsets in the Adriatic.

Pictured: Aerial view of Hvar at dusk

For those who want to take the evening further, Carpe Diem Beach Club, set on its own island in the Pakleni archipelago, delivers Hvar’s signature after-dark experience. Accessible by boat, it feels exclusive and theatrical, with late-night DJs, fire pits and an atmosphere that carries on until the early hours. Balancing this energy, I often suggest spending the day anchored in the calmer coves of the Pakleni Islands, offering a relaxed counterpoint to Hvar’s nightlife, proof that the island’s appeal lies in its ability to move effortlessly between serenity and celebration. 

Pictured: Beach club at night time

Vis – The Island That Feels Unchanged 

Vis is the island I always point to when clients want to slow the pace and experience a more authentic side of Croatia. Long protected from mass tourism, it feels refreshingly unchanged, with a sense of space and simplicity that’s increasingly rare along the Mediterranean. The island’s two main towns, Vis Town and Komiža, are charming and understated, with stone houses, working fishing boats and a rhythm that immediately encourages guests to relax and settle into island life.

What truly sets Vis apart is its coastline. The island is surrounded by sheltered bays and clear, deep-blue water, making it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxed days on board. A visit to the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo Island is always memorable, especially early in the day when the light floods the cave in an almost unreal shade of blue. On shore, traces of Greek and Roman history sit quietly alongside everyday island life, rewarding those who enjoy exploring at a gentler pace.

Dining on Vis is refreshingly honest. Family-run konobas line the waterfront, serving freshly caught fish, local lobster and simple Dalmatian dishes paired with excellent island wines. Evenings here are calm and unpretentious, a stroll along the harbour, a glass of wine by the water and the soft sound of boats at anchor. After the energy of Hvar, Vis offers the perfect counterbalance: unspoilt, relaxed and quietly captivating.

Pictured: Fresh Adriatic seafood platter

Korčula – Steeped in Medieval Charm

Korčula feels like stepping into a storybook and it’s the island’s strong medieval character that draws me back time and again. Encircled by ancient walls, the Old Town is a beautifully preserved maze of narrow stone streets laid out in the famous fishbone pattern, a design created centuries ago to provide shade and shelter from the wind. Wandering here is one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon, whether that’s getting happily lost in the backstreets or pausing along the waterfront and imagining the layers of history that have shaped this harbour over time.

Korčula works effortlessly as a cruising stop, offering both convenience and escape. The town harbour allows easy access to the Old Town, while nearby bays such as Pupnatska Luka and Proizd provide calm, crystal-clear water and a welcome sense of seclusion. These quieter spots are ideal for slowing the pace, swimming, and soaking up the island’s timeless atmosphere.

As evening falls, Korčula’s medieval soul really comes into its own. Softly lit streets, quiet corners within the old walls and the gentle sound of water in the harbour create an understated, romantic mood that feels worlds away from busier ports, a reminder of why this island remains one of my favourites along the Dalmatian coast.

Pictured: Stairs in the Old Town of Korčula

Mljet National Park – Croatia’s Natural Sanctuary

Mljet is my idea of serenity and a place I return to whenever I want to truly slow down. There’s an immediate sense of calm here, from the emerald saltwater lakes to the dense pine forests and untouched landscapes that make the island feel like a well-kept Adriatic secret. Croatia is home to eight national parks and what I love most is how seamlessly nature and cruising intersect here. Mljet National Park is one of the few that can be explored directly from the water, making it a natural highlight of any Adriatic itinerary.

As part of a cruising route, Mljet offers a genuine sense of refuge. Polače provides a naturally sheltered harbour, while the wider national park is dotted with quiet bays and inlets best explored at an unhurried pace. Days here lend themselves to swimming in crystal-clear lakes, paddling through still waters or following forest trails beneath towering pines. It’s a very different rhythm from the busier islands, slower, softer and deeply restorative.

Pictured: Aerial shot of Mljet

Dubrovnik - The Jewel at the End of the Journey 

Dubrovnik is the crown jewel of the Adriatic and the perfect finale to any journey along the Dalmatian coast. The sight of its UNESCO-listed Old Town rising from the sea never fails to impress, with medieval walls providing a dramatic backdrop that captures both history and grandeur. The surrounding waters offer a mix of calm bays and convenient access to the city, making Dubrovnik equally appealing for exploration and relaxation. 

Evenings here are unforgettable. The city is alive yet sophisticated, from sipping cocktails at Buza Bar, perched cliffside over the Adriatic, to enjoying the vibrant energy of Culture Club Revelin. Dubrovnik also shines for dining, with options ranging from the Michelin-starred Restaurant 360° to the romantic seaside charm of Nautika, or classic Dalmatian cuisine at Proto. With its combination of history, beauty and atmosphere, Dubrovnik feels like a grand finale; the kind of place that lingers in memory long after the journey ends. 

Pictured: Scenic View of Dubrovnik Old Town and City Walls

Croatia has a way of staying with you long after you’ve left its shores, from the glamour of Hvar to the quiet magic of Mljet and the timeless majesty of Dubrovnik. Every island, every cove, and every historic street has its own story and a luxury charter allows you to experience it all at your own pace, in comfort and style. I would love to help you plan your unforgettable journey along the Dalmatian coast, curating every detail so you can soak in the history, scenery and energy of Croatia exactly the way you imagine.

Get in touch today, and let’s start charting your perfect Adriatic adventure.