Ideally located in the Mediterranean along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is a genuine travel treasure. Did you know that Croatia has over 1,000 islands? 

What’s the best way to explore a land of islands? Via that gorgeous water, of course! Color this mermaid traveler very happy. My suggestion? Embark on an exclusive, tailor-made adventure with yacht charter Croatia, where the breathtaking Dalmatian coastline unveils itself, and every hidden gem becomes yours to discover in unparalleled luxury and style.

With so many islands and a rich history, you might not know where to start to create an incredible trip to Croatia.

Here are three tips to inspire and assist with planning your journey.

Include history and nature

I’m a big fan of both UNESCO Heritage sites and national parks. They highlight (and have been duly recognized as) the best of place. Travelers in the know always include UNESCO spots in their itineraries.

Luckily, Croatia has an abundance from which to choose! Keep these favorites in mind, when planning: 

Diocletian’s Palace, Split

Head to Split to visit historic Diocletian’s Palace, one of the world’s best-preserved monuments of late antiquity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases incredible ruins from Emperor Diocletian's 3rd-4th century palace/military fortress complex, which are located throughout the city.

Here, you will also find churches, palaces, and (my favorite) stunning architectural columns and archways...set amongst aspects of thoroughly modern living (bustling restaurants, intriguing shops, inside a grocery store, and local homes).

There’s something about the warmth of the sun highlighting the stones of these ruins that makes travel through time feel absolutely possible.

Dubrovnik 

You will easily recognize this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dubrovnik (with all those red roofs!) is one of Croatia’s most iconic cities, and is located on the Dalmatian coast.

You probably have planned this stop to see the shooting locations of the popular Game of Thrones series. The Old Town, surrounded by well-built historic walls (perfect for photo ops!), is a showcase for medieval architecture. History comes alive here...you can visit the oldest arboretum in the world, the oldest pharmacy in Europe still in operation, and palaces, churches, and monasteries galore. 

Be sure to get the Dubrovnik Bell Tower in your photos and videos (two bronze statues, called the green men, strike the bell on the hour). It's also a great marker to orient yourself while exploring. 

Mljet Island

If you're sailing from south to north, you must make a stop on the very green island of Mljet (over 84% of the island is forest!). I recommend two extraordinary places you should visit here: Odysseus' Cave and Mljet National Park.

If you love literary travel as I do, don’t miss Odysseus' Cave. Truly! This cave is said to be the location of where Calypso held Odysseus for seven years. If it's not a windy day, head down the marked trail and then jump in and swim to the incredibly beautiful rustic cave (there is a rope on the rocks to haul yourself back out). The combination of sun, that crystal clear deep blue water, and living history is mesmerizing.

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Enzyklofant  

Mljet National Park is located on the western side of the island, and takes up about a third of the island. It is the oldest marine protected area in the entire Mediterranean. You will find nature galore (including endemic and endangered species, 119 species of birds (great for birdwatching!) , and 26 species of mammals), as well as archaeological finds and cultural history.

There are two saltwater lakes in the northern end of the island (!). You can swim here, or even visit an old Benedictine monastery located on St. Mary's Island, in the middle of Veliko Jezero, the larger lake of the two. Hire electric bikes to get around easily on land, or kayaks to peacefully explore via those stunning blue waters.  

Kornati National Park & Telašćica Nature Park

The Kornati archipelago of over 80 islands hosts the beauty that is Kornati National Park. Sail right in to start your adventure in this magnificent park. If you're a sailor, scuba diver or snorkeler, swimmer, or nature lover, this is your place! In addition to chiseled cliffs and plenty of greenery, there are nine designated dive zones, where you may spot coral in the clear waters.

You'll probably also come across ethereal sea turtles and playful dolphins (they make my heart happy every time!). There is also a sandy beached cove called Lojena, located on the island of Levrnaka. 

Kornati National Park

In the same area is Telašćica Nature Park, located on the island Dugi Otok. Here, you will discover stunning turquoise waters, tall cliffs, and plenty of historic archaeological and religious sites. Be sure to head to the visitor center for panoramic views. Look at this (!!):

Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park

Declared a nature park in 2006, this archipelago gem is made up of 46 islands, islets, rocks, and reefs. Because the archipelago is remote, the biodiversity of both land and water is wonderful to behold.

There is one inhabited island, Lastovo. In Lastovo town, you can explore living history, including artistic fumari (chimneys) on each house, renaissance architecture, archaeological sites, and blooming gardens. In this nature park, you can also hike, bike, dive, swim, birdwatch, and gaze at the stars in the clear night sky.

Eat well

One of the main stars of any journey is the food (well, and the coffee, kava in Croatian). Croatia is renowned for its extraordinary food, cheese, and wine.

If you are exploring Croatia via yacht, your chef will delight your family with customizable dining experiences (including any allergies or food preferences) and locally sourced market produce, meats, and cheeses. Fresh caught fish and seafood (local red lobster!) also star in these delightful gourmet meals.

Speaking of cheesy deliciousness, Croatia boasts the world-famous Paški sir, aka Pag cheese (read up here!), Dubrovnik cheese (including Sir iz mišine), and Krk cheese. I highly recommend visiting markets and cheese shops to try the local offerings. Terroir is everything!

Look out for cooking classes while you travel. These are, hands down, my favorite souvenir from my journeys. Not only do you learn local recipes from a local chef, but you also take that knowledge and recipes home with you! 

Croatian wine has a long history…over 2,500 years! The Adriatic coastline is perfect for growing grapes, and Croatia’s coastal wine region is split into two subregions: Istria (one of the oldest wine regions on the world) and Dalmatia, whose bestselling wine is Plavac Mali. If you’re sailing or visiting a variety of islands, be sure to look up some local wineries and explore the different wines they produce. We are partial to Vislander Vineyard, located on the island of Vis; there is an incredible history and story there. Wherever you find a vineyard and tours/tastings, you will be guaranteed to come home with many favorites. 

When to go

Your travel experiences are defined by when you go. Obviously, this all depends on your schedule. 

If you prefer or are only available to travel to Croatia in high summer (June through August), expect plenty of tourists and bustling town and beach experiences, as well as summer weather. 

There will be SO MUCH to do: large cultural events and summer festivals, on the up side. The water is warmer, you can bask in the sun, and sailing on that glittery diamond blue water is a pure delight. Nightlife culture is much more energetic and full of joie de’ vivre.

Party on Zrce beach, Novalja, Pag island, Croatia

My preferred travel months are in the shoulder seasons, for several reasons. 

First, you will have fewer crowds and more peace and quiet. This can be seen in cities, nature, and shops and restaurants. It is quite remarkable, and such a difference in enjoying a more local experience (as opposed to the vibrant summer tourist experience). Your daily coffee will not feel rushed, and you can enjoy the slow, friendly Croatian coffeeshop experience. 

Restaurants will have a more relaxed atmosphere, too, as you can linger over your meals. Local markets will be fewer (agriculturally, this makes sense) but you can ask the farmers and vendors for recipes, advice, and even travel tips (what is their favorite restaurant, beach, winery?). You can linger in small shops, and learn about the local artisans (and perhaps bring home some wearable souvenirs!).

Second, there are more local cultural festivals, theatre productions, and music galore. Now is the time for local talent and events to shine! Ask at the tourist centers or libraries for advice and local event calendars.

Perhaps most importantly, the pace of life slows down. Time seemingly expands – your kayaking in a national park takes on a slower paddling; sailing is more relaxed while still offering swimming, watersports, fishing, and lazy days in the sun. 

Before you visit, check the hours of attractions, parks, restaurants, shops, and museums.

Restructure your days for slow, peaceful travel.

For me, it’s the best way to truly experience the essence of Croatia.