The Adriatic coast is one of the loveliest yachting waters in the world. It is a gift of nature.
When you consider that Croatia is just a few hours' drive from Austria and just a few hours flight time from Germany, and there is a paradise of secluded bays and islands here, we really can count ourselves lucky. The unspoilt natural surroundings, with lots of national parks and nature parks wins over every heart searching for crystal-clear water, environmentally undamaged and sparsely populated islands – or anyone who merely wants to breathe in the Mediterranean climate.
Many compare the Croatian Adriatic with images of the South Pacific, Hawaii or the Caribbean. In turn, others agree – it doesn't get any more impressive. A gem for navigators is right here. We believe it is more versatile and has a special charm.
Some 1246 offshore islands, that unique fusion of Venetian and Croatian history and the culture of this country, the fantastic bays, the turquoise ocean, the friendliness and professionalism of the locals in the restaurants and hotels, as well as the variety and ever-increasing quality of the infrastructure at the marinas, are just a few examples of the uniqueness this region provides.
Since we feel so good in this part of the Adriatic, we have already spent a great deal of time here – on the high seas and on land. We know the Croatian Adriatic like the back of our hands and have woven a wide network. Since the variety of cruises and tours is very great, having listened to and learned about your individual requirements in detail, we have become specialists in being able to offer you the best possible advice.
On our cruises, you get to immerse yourself in an enchanting world of bays, romantic sunsets, secluded beaches and picturesque towns. Your constant companions: pleasant temperatures and a fine southerly breeze. Welcome to the endless world of exploration and amazement!
We are happy to put together the right cruise for you, one which meets your needs.
Dalmatia takes its name from an Illyrian tribe called the Dalmatae. One inscription that you come across on a gateway in a street in Hvar sums up what makes Dalamtia in just one line: 'O realta quanto el bella', which translated means, 'Oh reality how lovely you are'. There is not much more you could say about this region in one sentence.
The Dalmatian coast comprises the east coast of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, to the south of the Kvarner Bay, to the Bay of Kotor with its offshore islands. It is part of the historic region of Dalmatia. To the south on the Dalmatian coast the Montenegrin coast begins, while to the north there is Kvarner Bay and Istria.
The Dalmatian coast spans some 400 km of coastline and there are numerous Dalmatian offshore islands. The entire coastline extends between Molat 44° 14' N (♁⊙, north Dalmatian islands) and Prevlaka 42° 24' (♁⊙, Bay of Kotor).
It is divided into the north, middle and south Dalmatian coast. The main section of the Dalmatian coast is taken up by the Middle Dalmatian. This extends from Zadar up to around the Neretva estuary at Ploce.
The Dalmatian coast is a typical steep coastline. For instance, cliffs of over 300m characterise the section to the south of Cavtat, while mega cliffs, with an altitude of almost 1000m, on the Makarska Riviera separate the coastal strips from the inland regions.
As well as the main and significant port cities of Zadar and Split, it is the former mercantile, Mediterranean ports of Dalmatia and their typical townscapes that characterise this region in particular.
The lush Krka National Park and its famous waterfalls, the impressive Kornati archipelago are made up of practically uninhabited, predominantly deforested islands. The biggest island in the archipelago is Dugi otok. The building style in Zadar old town area is predominantly Venetian. These are just a few of the hotspots on the north Dalmatian coast. With its many offshore islands, it is certainly one of the most beautiful areas of the Adriatic.
Zadar is of special importance for Croatia, since it is here that Croatia's treasure is stashed, guarded by nuns. Legend has it that as long as this treasure is in Zadar, all will be well in Croatia and nothing will happen to the country. Only on two occasions in its centuries-long history has the treasure left Zadar and was tucked away by the nuns, as the story goes; it found its way back to the place it came from in a miraculous, to date unknown route, when the danger and distress in Croatia had passed.
Along with Zadar, the 'white town at the sea', Biograd na Moru, is well worth taking a closer look at. The two big yachting harbours in Biograd are popular start-point harbours for all yachting cruises in the Kornati island labyrinth.
Whereas during the day life plays out on the seafront and harbour promenades in Biograd, in the evening hours all the hustle and bustle moves to the riverside promenade on the edge of the old town area. Numerous restaurants, konobas and taverns invite you in to enjoy the specialities of Dalmatian cuisine.
This fantastic section of coast extends from Šibenik, to the Primošten region, to Split and incorporates the offshore islands of Čiovo, Šolta, Brač, Korčula, Lastovo, Vis and Hvar as well as a few smaller islands. These islands are in part forested and inhabited.
The volcanic origin is Jabuka, and the one furthest from the coast is Palagruža.
Middle Dalmatia is not just fantastic for exploring on the sea route. You also get to enjoy the fascinating history of the many unusual towns here. For instance, Primošten is probably one of the most charming towns on the Adriatic.
Its charm and its narrow streets are hard to resist. The town of Trogir, which is over 2000 years old, is breath-taking too. In the course of its history, it has had various affiliations; initially founded as a Greek settlement, over time it belonged to the Venetians, through the Imperial and Royal era Austria-Hungary, and today it is now a gem in Croatia.
Split is the second largest city in Croatia. It is therefore regarded as the capital of Dalmatia. A significant port city and seat of the Catholic archdiocese. The origins of the city go back to the Diocletian Palace. Down-town Split with its many sights has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Pelješac peninsula and the stretch of coast around the important city of Dubrovnik and Konavle forms the South Dalmatia area.
The south Dalmatian islands are in themselves not much populated and are smaller in size; the most significant is Mljet. The unique cityscape of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO Word Heritage site and is worth an adventure-packed visit at any time.
Lush and subtropical vegetation (olives, almonds, citrus fruits, rosemary, bay, holm oaks, pines, stone pines, cypresses). In the south east of the old city centre is the tourist area of Ploce in west Lapad (sports areas, hotels, beaches, promenades), in the north west is Gruz, which has a harbour of the same name.
In Dubrovnik's many museums and galleries you will come across the most wonderful Croatian cultural heritage. The region is known for its excellent hotels, of which the majority are on the Lapad peninsula and in the area of Ploce to the south-east of the old town of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik's summer festival, from 10th July to 25th August is very significant in southern Dalmatia. Since 1956 this summer festival has been part of the world festival calendar and is one of the best known and most significant in the world. Also worth seeing are the carnival festivals which have been taking place since the Middle Ages, when they were brought from neighbouring Italy to the Dubrovnik region.
