A Croatia yacht charter has serious vacation appeal. The sun-kissed charms of the Dalmatian coastline, speckled with its fringe of islands lapped by a turquoise sea, make for a delightful cruising experience. Abundant with charming anchorages, diverse scenery, and adored by charter guests for its long, balmy summertimes, a Croatia yacht rental itinerary is simply magical.
Croatia yacht booking guide:
- Croatia Yacht Charters: At a Glance
- Popular Destinations for Yacht Rentals in Croatia
- Popular Sub-Regions in Croatia
- Highlights of a Croatia Yacht Charter
- Who Goes on a Croatia Yacht Charter?
- History and Culture
- Types of Yacht Charters in Croatia
- How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in Croatia?
- When is the Best Time for Croatia Yacht Charters?
- Where Should I Begin My Yacht Charter in Croatia?
- Where to End a Croatia Yacht Charter
- Popular Marinas and Moorings in Croatia
- How to Book Your Yacht Charter in Croatia
Verdant, secluded landscapes are of course aplenty in Croatia too. Soak up the stillness of the isolated Kornati islands, or down anchor at Korčula – replete with a rich tapestry of undulating vineyards and olive groves amid glittering waters. Venture south towards the unspoiled island of Mljet for exquisite wineries and seafood platters beneath fragrant pines, or opt for Brač's golden-hued Zlatni Rat beach for idyllic bronzing and watersport opportunities.
- Lower VAT
Compared to other popular yacht chartering destinations in Europe: the VAT rate is just 13% for weekly charters. - More than 1,244 islands
With no shortage of mesmerising anchorages for yacht charters. - Diverse topography
From jagged cliffs to fine pebble beaches, to dense pine forests and glittering bays, guests will be kept entertained by the ever-changing backdrop whilst cruising. - Suitable for a wide array of itineraries
For both family and friends alike: from sampling the finest gastronomy overlooking shimmering marinas, to swimming in crystalline waters on unspoilt islands: to dancing the night away under a canopy of stars and much more. - Easily accessible
With four perfectly located main airports sprinkled along its vast coastline, your choices for embarkation are practically boundless.
With its vast array of picturesque islands, secluded coves and vibrant bustling towns, all steeped in a deeply rich cultural heritage, you will be spoilt for choice for destinations to choose from in Croatia. To make it a little bit easier, we have compiled a list of some of the best places to visit:
Mainland (Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, plus neighbouring Tivat and Montenegro)
Best for: UNESCO-listed scenery, sightseeing tours, Roman palaces, monasteries, upscale restaurants, cultural landmarks and vibrant nightlife
Dalmatian Islands (Hvar, Pakleni Islands, Mljet, Trogir, Vis, Korčula, Brač)
Best for: Picturesque harbours, secluded coves and golden beaches, crystal clear waters, lush National parks, historic monuments, scuba diving, windsurfing, watersports, hiking, wine tasting and olive groves
Far North - Istria Region (Pula, Kornati Archipelago)
Best for: Sandy beaches, sheltered waters, variety of anchorages, museums, Roman ruins, swimming and snorkelling
This is one of the most popular regions for yacht charters in Croatia. Located on the southern coast, its made up of 233 miles of coastline, islands, and reefs, and includes the must-see historic towns of Split and Dubrovnik, as well as hundreds of stunning verdant islands and national parks.
Croatia's second-largest city – its "crown jewel', Split has a history dating back to the 4th century. It is also home to the beautiful Roman Diocletian's Palace, a top recommended destination for your tour.
Split also boasts some of Croatia's largest marinas, and is within shooting distance of the celebrated islands of Korčula, Hvar, Vis, and Brač. Visit the world-famous Zlatni Rat beach on Brač's southern side, or sample the vibrant nightlife and clubbing scene on Hvar, which also plays host to several regattas over the summer season. Further south is Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site of huge architectural prominence.
Located in the north of Croatia, this region has a distinctly Italian feel to it, and has plenty of fantastic places to visit. Pula, the region's capital, is crammed with museums, which isn't surprising given its history that dates back to 3,000BC.
Across the water, lies the Brijuni National Park, a group of 14 small picturesque islands easily accesible from the mainland. Slightly to the north, the beautiful old fishing port of Rovinj is also well-worth a visit, with its steep cobbled streets and charming piazzas.
Travel south to historic Zadar, where you can enjoy a quiet walk along marbled streets and pine-scented beaches. Further south you will find the Kornati archipelago, a group of 100 or so relatively barren islands and reefs which are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Croatia’s stunning coastline and idyllic verdant islands have made it one of the most popular regions for Mediterranean yacht charters. To truly experience the magic of this country, here are our tips on the places you must check out when you charter a yacht in Croatia.
- Game of Thrones tour - through parts of Old Town, Dubrovnik where some of the most memorable scenes were filmed.
- Dubrovnik Summer Festival - see dramas, plays, classical music concerts and much more.
- 360˚ Dubrovnik - Michelin-starred restaurant built into the walls of the old town, with exquisite views over the harbour.
- Diocletian’s Palace - UNESCO site within the walls of Split’s historic and thriving town.
- Franciscan Monastery - Visit Hvar’s 15th-century monastery and museum that overlooks a shady cove, and meander charming gardens that feature a 300-year old cypress tree.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park - one of the oldest and largest national parks in Croatia.
- Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) - located on the southern coast of Brač, regularly listed as one of the top beaches in Europe.
- Blue Grotto, Bisevo - situated in the central Dalmatian archipelago, this waterlogged sea cave has an intriguing glowing blue light that appears at certain times of the day.
- Pula Arena - one of the world’s six largest Roman amphitheatres, and certainly it’s most well-preserved.
- Visovac Monastery - situated on a tiny island in the Krka National Park.
- Mljet National Park tour - takes guests to the area of the first protected ecosystem in the Adriatic.
Avid island-hoppers seeking solitude love a Croatia yacht charter itinerary. Of approximately 1,185 islands just 66 are inhabited, making the unfettered beauty of its isles, inlets and bays ripe for exploration. Among these wonderful islands to explore are the verdant gems of Hvar, Vis, Korčula, and Brač.
But yacht rentals in Croatia are also ideal for guests seeking impressive designer shopping, exquisite wineries and glittering nightlife in its main cities.
Culminating from Illyrian, Roman, Venetian, Christian, and Austrian empires all competing for Croatia’s ownership, Croatia is home to an astoundingly rich cultural heritage. This makes for a fabulous yacht charter: from the Venetian palaces and designer boutiques of the jet-set haven of Hvar; to the Benedictine beauty of the UNESCO-listed walled city of Dubrovnik; to the Italian infused architecture and cosmopolitan ambiance of Pula and beyond.
As one of the most popular destinations for yacht charters in the East Mediterranean, there should be plenty to choose from when it comes to luxury yachts for charter in Croatia. If you’re unsure about whether you want to book a motor yacht or a sailing yacht for your Croatian getaway, there are a few things you should consider first.
Whether you are interested in a small or large motor yacht, or somewhere in between, you should find a Croatia luxury charter that will more than meet your expectations. With a luxury motor yacht you can truly relax; soaking up the stunning scenery, or scuba diving reefs and wrecks under clear aqua waters, or taking a tender ashore to explore ancient Roman palaces and monasteries, as well as sampling the local cuisine and wines.
You should note that berth/slip options in Croatia for larger yachts (over 50m) are limited, however, with plenty of safe and tranquil anchorage spots to choose from amongst the numerous islands, islets, and reefs around this Adriatic hotspot you will be spoilt for choice.
The Adriatic enjoys an average of 315 cloudless days a year, and with winds in Croatia generally around 10-20 knots, this can make chartering a sailing yacht a great option to explore the picturesque islands and secluded beaches at your leisure. The winds do tend to get stronger in the fall, so bear this in mind when booking your charter.
There should be ample sailing yachts, gulets (traditional wooden yachts), and catamarans for charter in Croatia, but we do recommend booking early to secure your perfect yacht and desired itinerary.
Gulets are traditional wooden boats originating from Turkey, but are now widely available throughout Croatia and Greece. These types of boats offer a fantastic and cost-effective alternative to a luxury charter yacht, for those wishing to spend a bit less but still enjoy a fabulous yacht charter in the Mediterranean.
With so many options available, there’s something to suit every type of budget in Croatia. The average prices for motor yacht and sailing yacht charters in Croatia are as follows;
- For motor yacht rentals in Croatia, prices can range from $32,000 to $1,8m per week plus expenses
- For luxury sailing yacht rentals in Croatia, prices can go from $32,363 to $582,882 weekly plus expenses
The optimal times for yacht charters in Croatia’s sapphire-hued waters span from May till October. During this time, you can benefit from calmer seas, reliably clement weather, and warm swimming temperatures. Croatia’s peak season is July and August, so expect both higher charter fees and packed marinas in these months.
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There are a variety of options, although most yachts charters tend to begin in Dubrovnik or Split in the Dalmatia region, both of which have major international transport links. Another popular option is to set off from Italy or Montenegro and then cruise the Adriatic down towards the Kornati archipelago or along the Dalmatia region – encompassing 233 miles of coastline stretching from Krk to Lastovo.
Croatia has numerous must-see destinations and you will be hard-pushed to fit them all in. For itineraries along the southern Dalmatian coast, some yachts may spend a day in port in Dubrovnik – ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’ – before setting off for the picturesque surrounding archipelagos, which include the popular island destinations of Hvar, Mljet, Vis, and Brač. You can either finish your yacht charter back in Dubrovnik or continue on to finish up in Split – the cultural and economic center of Dalmatia.
For yacht charters in the north of Croatia, many like to begin in Venice or Bari, located in Italy’s Puglia (or Apulia) region, before crossing the Adriatic to Croatia's Istria region. From here you can explore the popular island of Pula, with its world-class Roman amphitheater, before cruising down towards Zadar and the Kornati National Park.
Alternatively, you can begin in Porto Montenegro – only an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik – although you may have to cover the cost of repositioning as many luxury charter yachts in Croatia are based in Split.
It’s simple enough to begin your superyacht vacation in a neighboring country before heading to Croatia. For more advice please speak to your yacht charter broker.
sample itineraries
We recommend finishing your luxury charter in Split, Croatia's second-largest city and one of the most popular superyacht hotspots on the Adriatic. Renowned for its pristine beaches and crystalline waters, plus with a vibrant mix of things to see and do, you'll be in for a treat.
There are hundreds of harbors, marinas, and ports in Croatia, so whether stopping off in Dubrovnik or sailing to the far side of the Lastovo Archipelago National Park there are sure to be facilities or an anchorage to suit your needs.
There are 56 official marinas along the Croatian coast from Umag to Dubrovnik. Some of out top picks include;
- ACI Marina Dubrovnik – located within a short distance to Dubrovnik’s historic old town. It has 380 slips and can accommodate yachts up to 60m/196ft. For larger yachts, or yachts not requiring a slip, another popular option is to utilize the international cruise ship terminal quay, which is happy to facilitate yacht charter pick-ups and drop-offs.
- ACI Marina Korčula – ideal for a stop off at one of the many island destinations on your yacht charter, we recommend this sheltered marine, which accommodates yachts up to a maximum LOA of 40m/131ft.
- Lumbarda Marina – also on Korčula this marina has slips catering to yachts up to a max length of 25m/82ft.
- ACI Marina Vrboska – located in the celebrated islnad of Hvar, this marina offers berths for yachts up to a max length of 30m/98ft.
- Cavtat Marina – If you're struggling to find a slip in the summer, we recommend this marina, which is located to the south of Dubrovnik and enjoys good shelter from all winds. It offers 119 slips for yachts up to a max LOA of 60m/197ft.
Some of the best ports in Croatia are also located in the Istria region in northern Croatia. We recommend;
- D-Marin Dalmacija – located a few kilometers south of the ancient city of Zadar, which is the largest marina in Croatia with 1,200 berths and can accommodate yachts up to 80m LOA.
- ACI Marina Rovinj – catering for yachts with a LOA of up to 25m/82ft
- Marina Funtana – max length 20m/65ft.
For larger berths in the Split-Dalmatia region:
- ACI Marina Split – located in the heart of Croatia's "jewel" this marina has recently been modernised, offering great shopping, dining, fuelling and repair services to name but a few, alongside 318 protected berths that can accommodate superyachts up to 90m LOA.
- Marina Kastela – just 7km up the coast from Split – which can accommodate superyachts of up 150m/492ft in length, with a draft of 8m.
- D-Marin Mandalina – located in the city of Šibenik, situated between two National Parks within a protected lagoon, this marina boasts 429 slips, and has also been specially developed to accommodate yachts of up to 140m/459ft LOA.
With its rich cultural and architectural history, along with lush national parks and secluded beaches, Croatia is fast becoming one of our most popular destinations. Therefore, we advise you to book your yacht charter well in advance of your trip to secure your perfect yacht on your preferred dates.
If you leave it too late, the selection of yachts at your disposal will be reduced and you may not be able to explore the destinations you have your heart set on. Plus, finding dates when everyone in your charter party is available can be tricky; the longer you leave it, the more challenging it will be.
Your yacht charter broker will also need plenty of time to tailor an itinerary to suit you, and enough time to book ahead for the nights you wish to spend in marinas. We recommend booking up to 3 months in advance to give your broker the optimum time to organise everything down to the last detail.
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