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5 Unmissable Things When Sailing Croatia

Croatia, a country where the land sings the seas’ praises, where the very stone (world-renowned for that matter) whispers ancient stories to anyone who wishes to listen and where lush forests still dominate islands, as yet untouched by commercial endeavours. Is it any wonder, therefore, that it is a sailor’s crowning destination, a place that exceeds one’s very dreams?

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No, we thought not.

Today we’re going to list 5 Croatian spots you should definitely include in your itinerary. You will see how, apart from taking with you a mental image of the natural beauty of Croatia, you will also take a piece of its enduring, quasi-mythological spirit.

Split

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source: Leadershub

Mythological is just the right word to embody this city, with its Roman palace standing out amidst a sea of red rooftops. The city of Split is quite the eclectic mix, with parts dating back thousands of years co-habiting with the vibrancy of youth. As they stand side by side, you cannot help but be in awe of how well they complement each other.

Not to miss:

fastest yachts
  • Take a walk inside Diocletian’s palace, occupied by cafes and bars
  • Check whether there are any music or ballet performances in the area. The open-air venues are really something to experience.
  • Walk up to Marjan for excellent views of the city.

Korčula

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source: Korcula travel

The biggest island in the Adriatic, with almost 47km of land, deserves more than a mention here. The soils on Korčula are fertile, giving the inhabitants rich vineyards and olive groves. And it comes with two types of typography for the sailor who tires easily of the same landscape: the north is flat with pebbly beaches while the south is steep.

Not to miss:

  • Make sure you get a taste of the local wine made from their renowned grapes, the pošip and grk.
  • Marco Polo was born here. Visit his birthplace and enjoy a little educational tour.

Hvar

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source: The Telegraph

Hvar, the island which seems to have jumped right out of a French Riviera postcard, with its picturesque villages and sophisticated nightlife. This vibe is slightly betrayed by the hilltop fortress overlooking historical buildings and a Renaissance cathedral, placing Hvar squarely in a timeless space. Don’t be fooled by the façade though. The buildings will give way to lavender fields, billowing your sails with a sweet breeze.

Not to miss:

  • A walk to the legendary lavender fields
  • The Pakleni Islands, where you can enjoy secluded beaches and blissful afternoons.
  • The nightlife is one to experience at Hvar. Despite its conservative feel, Hvar is bursting with the energy of the young.

The Kornati Archipelago

book2sail-The Kornati Archipelago

They were on to something when they dubbed this group of islands God’s Masterpiece.  89 of the 150 islands found here are a national park to be enjoyed by all and sunder in their raw, virgin state while ensuring they will remain so for generations to come.

Not to miss:

Dubrovnik

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source: Wikipedia

A Croatian list would not be completed without a mention of Dubrovnik. It is perhaps the most touristy of the lot so it is best avoided during peak months. However, this does not take away any of its inherent beauty. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognise the familiar walls and towers as the setting for King’s Landing. It was not a coincidence that the producers chose this setting for their location: the walls served as the city’s defence for centuries, before turning into its main attraction. Walk along the ramparts (perhaps imagine yourself a queen for the day) and savour the scenery as many before you have done over the course of the years.

Not to miss:

  • There is no dearth of places to visit while you’re staying at Dubrovnik. Check out Arboretum in Trsteno to indulge in more Game of Thrones scenes.
  • Hop off to the lover’s island Lokrum for a romantic escape.

Limiting the list to 5 gives a taste of Croatia but in no way does it do its varied beauty any justice. Decide on what kind of sailing holiday you wish before hopping off on your chartered sailing boat: a romantic getaway? An adventurous trip? A tour of Croatia’s food and wine? Then head over to the spots that best encapsulate these elements. You will find that you’re spoilt for choice.

Frequently asked questions

  • 1
    What are some of the key preparations I should consider prior to my yacht charter?
    • Travel Documentation

      Always ensure you have some form of acceptable identification, in legible condition and valid.

      Medication

      Double check that both you and other individuals in your group remember to bring important medications that you are currently being prescribed, accounting for the amount of time you will be at sea.

      Money & Additional expenses

      It would be prudent to budget for slightly over what you anticipate spending. Charter related expenses will be made known, however you never know whether you will need something once travelling.

      Research

      Set aside some time look up the areas you intend on visiting, both whilst chartering (as part of your anticipated itinerary) and whilst travelling to the location at which you will begin your charter.

      Supplies

      As with any journey or holiday, ensure you have adequate toiletries, perhaps some favored foods and snacks.

      Clothing

      Bring the types of clothing that will, in your estimation, suit the weather conditions of the location in which you will be chartering. It may be handy to spend some time researching a few sailing blogs and weather forecasts.

      Equipment

      All necessary equipment should be found already aboard (including safety equipment and anything required to properly operate the vessel. Though you may like to bring a few extra mod-cons to ensure you have the best of experiences.

  • 2
    What is the best way to choose the right vessel and charter for me?
    • Choosing the best vessel for you and those joining you on your yacht charter, would be dependent on your personal preference. Though we recommend considering the following points:

      • Your level of experience
      • Where you will be chartering
      • The time of year and associated weather conditions
      • The ages and competence of both yourself and those in your group

      It would be very helpful for you to conduct some basic research pertaining to all of the above, by way of asking those who you know have chartered the type of vessel or been to the location you are considering, before. Yacht charter blogs and other relevant websites that will offer you an understanding of the key factors you should consider.

      And of course, we are more than happy to help you with your decision.

  • 3
    Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
    • That all depends on where you intend to charter. If you would like to charter a yacht within Europe, the answer would be yes. It is important to remember that the correct licencing and/or documentation for your charter is your responsibility and we would strongly advise you to enquire into the legal prerequisites of your chosen charter region, taking care to note any differences if you are to cross maritime boarders.

      Regarding Europe, you will require an International Certificate of Competence, also known as the ICC.

  • 4
    What is an APA?
    • As a rule of thumb, the fee you pay for your charter, includes the rental of the vessel and the necessary crew to operate it, all other expenses associated with the charter are separate and are financed by the APA, which stands for the Advance provisioning allowance.

      The APA generally amounts to 30% of the total charter fee, though this may vary depending on the vessel.

      Dockage fees, fuel, communications and food & beverages will all be financed by the APA. Any remaining money from the APA at the end of the charter, will be returned to you.

  • 5
    What happens if the owner/captain does not show up, or is late?
    • All boat owners are bound to have someone meeting charterers on the day of charter. It is important that you as a charterer notify us if there is something wrong with your charter. For more information read the charterer’s policy.

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