Croatia: An Ideal Charter Destination for Luxury Motor Yachts

The Luxury Charter Group team have been fortunate to explore much of Croatia. We're ready to share our local knowledge of some of the more 'off-the-beaten-track' anchorages for those who want privacy.  Alternatively, here are some of the stand-out places we have enjoyed, and some of the private crewed motor yachts available for charter in the Adriatic.  

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is magnificent and is is one of the most important historical and tourist centres of Croatia. This impressive walled city is justifiably known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", having succeeded in preserving its stunning Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains.

With the sparkling Adriatic Sea on the doorstep it is easy to understand why Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And despite being badly damaged in the 1990s the city has benefited from a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO and is once again one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea.

While the prosperity of the city was originally based on maritime trade dating back to the 13th Century, today's visitors are charmed with its divine beauty and cultural monuments including the striking town walls and fortresses, churches and monasteries, palaces, and Stradun Dubrovnik's main street. The delightful pedestrian-only old town is home to a myriad of twisting marbled lanes, quirky cafes and top-notch restaurants. To circumnavigate the city wall is a ‘must do’.

Korcula

Korcula’s abundant culture and history helped define its popular name, ‘Little Dubrovnik’. A wonderfully romantic promenade runs through the town by the city walls and is alive with cafes. You can spend the evening exploring this beautiful Dalmatian town and enjoying the gastronomic delights in one of the numerous restaurants.

It is most famous as the birthplace of Marco Polo who was probably born here in 1254, and reminders of him can be seen all around the town, including the extremely interesting Marco Polo Museum. Today Korcula is a town where you can vividly feel the Mediterranean spirit of people who live and work in this mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Vis

Since its time as a Roman outpost, Vis was one of the most historically significant islands in the Adriatic. Home to some of the best restaurants in the region, dozens of beautiful bays, a top diving spot and some of the best beaches in the country this island has something for everyone. In addition to a still thriving fishing industry the island of Vis is also known for it's wine-making and you should definitely try their Vugava, a local white wine.

The Island was also one of the best kept secrets of the former Yugoslavian government being off-limits to foreign citizens as a significant Army base. It has emerged from a long period of isolation with untouched natural beauty. From here you can do a tour of the island including visiting a cave where former leader Tito hid out during WWII and enjoy a peka (a traditional Croatian meal of meat or octopus and vegetables slow baked in the embers of a fire) for lunch in a countryside restaurant.

Hvar Old Town

The Old Town of Hvar, was once a wealthy Venetian trading port, and today one of the most fashionable places to be seen on the Adriatic. Island Hvar, once alluded to as the "Santorini" of Croatia due to its much photographed Venetian architecture, offers a mix of culture and a vibrant restaurant and café life. It is worldly known for its wild night life and numerous elite bars, restaurants and hotels where many celebrities have enjoyed themselves. Despite its commercial popularity, Hvar has nevertheless maintained its authenticity. It is equally well known for its rich cultural and historical heritage and it will be a real treat for guests of all ages.

The Pakleni Islands

Opposite Hvar Town are a gorgeous cluster of offshore islets that are among the best the Adriatic has to offer. The Pakleni Islands offer crystal-clear waters, hidden beaches and deserted lagoons. The largest of the Pakleni Islands by far is Sveti Klement, which supports three villages in its 5 sq km. Palmižana village has a marina, accommodation, restaurants and a pebbly beach. One renown restaurant is Laganini which has a really cool scene and brilliant cuisine cooked by one of Croatia's top chefs and winner of numerous culinary awards.

Vrboska

Vrboska is a real gem and one of our favourite little towns. Located at the head of a deep bay this lovely little village, nicknamed "Little Venice", has a canal running through it. With charming stone bridges, gorgeous canal-side stone houses and traditional lantinas moored in the harbour this place is a photographer's dream. You can also visit the small family winery Vina Caric which has a tasting room in the village.

Split

Split is the cultural and economic centre of Central Dalmatia with a warm Mediterranean temper. The city faces the seafront, the 'Riva' boulevard that comes alive every evening. You can’t help but feel the sense of family as young and old, well-dressed, stroll, interact and play together.It is a regular ‘catwalk’, where one goes to see … and be seen! 

Split is steeped in history. It's fortress-like complex at its centre, Diocletian's Palace, was erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century together with the Cathedral of St. Domnius which is today the heart and soul of the city. Once home to thousands, its sprawling remains include more than 200 buildings. Within its white stone walls and under its courtyards and galleries are shops, bars, cafes, cathedrals, hotels and several houses. And there is a wonderful choice of very good restaurants. 

Trogir

This is a UNESCO's Historic city; a pearl of the Adriatic. Trogir is a town-museum in the very meaning of the word. It is a charming Mediterranean seaside town attracting visitors from all over and inviting them to explore its historic walkways. Despite the modern rhythm of life, it has conserved its unique historical core, the attractiveness of its boutiques, old-fashioned galleries and garden restaurants thrive whilst the daily life of locals living inside these historic walls carries on regardless.

For further information about Croatia

Here are just a few of the stunning luxury motor yachts available for charter in Croatia this summer. For some of the yachts there is limited availability but it's still not too late to book.  

HEED

The 115ft (35m) Azimut Grande 35 Metri, HEED provides her 11 charter guests with every luxury amenity they could require, including a massive foredeck with jacuzzi, sunpads and dining space, complete with retractable awning. The sundeck with retractable hard top, bar, dining setting, sofas, lounges and large flatscreen TV is yet another social space for sunbathing or meals alfresco. 

Inside, the immaculate Italian design is evident throughout in the use of avant garde materials and furnishing. The main saloon features a circular lounge and entertainment centre, with massive full height windows for panoramic views. There’s a separate formal dining area with equally impressive décor.

CASSIOPEIA

The Sunseeker 111ft (34m) superyacht, CASSIOPEIA has been refitted to contemporary standards and is a sophisticated and spacious luxury charter yacht for up to 11 guests. The expansive sundeck has everything for charter guests to enjoy, including a bar, barbecue, jacuzzi, large sunpads and huge undercover dining area.

The aft deck has a dining area with banquette seating and a lounge area, which flows into the main saloon for seamless entertaining. Inside, CASSIOPEIA's décor is elegant and sophisticated with gloss timber panelling, dark timber flooring and large windows allow in natural light and views. 

SEVENTH SENSE

An elegant 107ft (32.62m), Italian-built luxury charter yacht, SEVENTH SENSE has spacious decks and comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests. On deck, there are several areas for guests to socialise, sunbathe, dine or simply relax and enjoy the views, including a sun deck complete with jacuzzi and sun pads.

Subtle and serene, the interiors aboard SEVENTH SENSE are beautifully designed and styled, with gloss timber panelling throughout, a neutral palette of cream and beige in soft furnishings from Molteni furniture and Missoni fabrics.

MISS KATARIINA

MISS KATARIINA is a state of the art 27m Ferretti 880 motor yacht full of Italian charm and grace, with all the features required for a magnificent charter for up to 10 guests. The sundeck aboard MISS KATARIINA is where the sunbathing and socialising happen, with a large hot/cold Jacuzzi, sunpads, barbeque, bar and undercover seating for meals with a wraparound view!

With her sleek profile, MISS KATARIINA is equally refined inside, blending the classic with contemporary. Glossy timberwork and marble benchtops are paired with whitewashed flooring and ultra-modern furniture.

M/Y 888

There’s nothing more alluring than a sensational Italian-built Riva superyacht, and 888 is no exception; a custom-designed 985ft (26m) luxury charter yacht with every incredible feature on board for up to 8 charter guests. Fast, agile and impressive from the outside, 888 has enormous deck space for guests to spread out and relax, including a large foredeck with sunpads for sunbathing and enjoying views and sea breezes, plus the spacious sundeck with retractable roof over the dining table and seating. 

Inside, luxury charter yacht 888 is spacious and serene, with a large open plan saloon and dining room adjacent on a raised level. Décor is minimalist and sophisticated with large windows for panoramic views and blinds for privacy.

These are only a very small selection of the range of motor yachts available for charter in Croatia. In addition there are a large array of catamarans, gulets and sailing yachts available. Just contact the team at Luxury Charter Group and we will be happy to find the yacht that is just right for you to experience this sensational destination.