Best Stops on Your Cruising Trip to Croatia

Croatia, once the exclusive sailing ground of the super rich, has long since opened its doors to almost everyone, with scores of operators offering a reasonably priced and rewarding sailing vacation.This cruising guide will help you to steer your boat to some of the best spots for  dropping anchor on the whole of the Dalmatian Coast, where we are sure you can find pretty much something to do at any hour of the day.

Port of call - Dubrovnik

The imposing fortress-like city of Dubrovnik is a popular destination for visitors and cruise goers alike. Once your vessel docks at the new marina at Port Gruz(depending on the ship size) or the old port of Dubrovnik it is possible to tour the city walls on a day walking excursion.

Port of call - Split

While larger vessels can drop anchor in the bay, it is easy for the smaller ships to dock in the Split harbor. The historic old city center of Split is literally loaded with attractions. Additionally, the city is quite close to some of the popular islands like Hvar, Brac and Solta among others.

Port of call - Omis

Located on the mouth of the Cetina River between Split and Makarska, the picturesque town of Omis makes for a wonderful starting point for a Croatian cruise.This enchanting place lies just 15km south-east of Split and ideally situated across Brac island. Attractions include Starigrad, Cetina canyon, Mirabella Fort and Plaza Mala Luka.

Port of call - Opatija

The charming coastal resort of Opatija is located on the Istrian Peninsula and is a hit with celebrities from all over Europe because of the impressive villas and beautiful parks. One can do a seven-night Opatija-Opatija round trip cruise or opt for a week long Opatija-Dubrovnik trip covering all the major islands. In Opatija one can visit the Croatian Museum of Tourism, Angiolina Park, Volosko Area and Lungi Mare promenade.

Port of call - Zadar

The port of Zadar, with its characteristic rectangular shape, is located in the heart of the old city and provides quick access to the cruise passengers to the major attractions of the town. It is also an ideal base for both turn-around and transit operations. A sea organ, which uses the movement of the sea to produce melodious music, is a unique landmark of the city. Attractions not to be missed include the old town of Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park and the waterfalls of the Krka National Park.

BEST CRUISE FOR A SEVEN DAY ITINERARY

With so many stunning locations, no amount of time is enough to explore Croatia. However, this perfect seven-day itinerary should fit your Croatia cruise bill to the hilt. Choose a cruise and reward yourself with a trip of a lifetime.

Day one: Split - Starigrad

A short two-hour ride from Split will bring you to the charming town of Starigrad.The beautifully preserved landscape and the large number of vineyards and olive groves are the highlights of this old town.

Day two: Starigrad - Hvar

Hvar can be accessed in twenty minutes by a tunnel on the new road. Discover the stunning beaches of Dubovica and Zarace and take in the view of the Pakleni Islands from Hvar village.

Day three: Hvar - Mljet

A five-hour trip to Mljet to admire the Mljet National Park and the two lakes, not to forget the flora and fauna of this uncrowded island.

Day four: Mljet - Dubrovnik

The Pearl of the Adriatic lies just across the channel and apart from being a UNESCO World Heritage site is a venue for many cultural festivals and events.

Day five: Dubrovnik - Korcula

Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, has a historic town center and is home to the Abbey Treasury and St Anthony's Cypress Hill, where Marco Polo lived.

Day six: Korcula - Makarska

After four hours you reach Makarska, the starting point for Biokovo National Park. Teenagers flock here on weekends to party as Makarska is close to both Split and Dubrovnik.

Day seven: Makarska - Omis - Split

Before you return to Split you spend the day at Omis, a former pirate’s stronghold, for some outdoor fun at Cetina River basin.

If you are dreaming of the ultimate Mediterranean fantasy featuring sapphire blue waters and walks in the shadows of ancient historical towns, then Croatia is the place to make all your dreams come true.