Croatia, a small Mediterranean country packed with natural wonders, landmarks, and a wide range of fun activities… such as sailing!
The Adriatic is a small sea, a relatively shallow sea, but nevertheless breathtakingly beautiful! Did you know there are more than 1000 islands scattered along the small surface of the Adriatic? Each one of those islands offers unique experiences, and a new adventure! Croatia truly is full of life (as it’s promo says) and the absolute best way to experience it is by sailing its islands.
And luckily you can rent a yacht in Croatia! There are different types of yachts you can choose from. However, if you want to have a luxury adventure, hire a catamaran! Catamarans are perfect vessels to experience Croatia. This post briefly describes a sailing trip aboard a luxury catamaran in Croatia, Lagoon 560.
The Boat
Upon entering the yacht you really get why this is a luxury catamaran. Lagoon 560 is a large yacht, with 4 spacious, beautiful guest cabins, a luxurious salon, and a fly deck the size of a smaller boat. There’s so much space you can play sports on the foredeck! The back opens into twin staircases which lead directly into the sea, and really comes in handy for a quick (and safe) dip in the clear blue Adriatic. Best of all it’s a perfectly safe yacht, stable, and capable of handling all conditions you can come across in Croatia!
Lagoon 560 is a great charter choice for 2 reasons! First it’s a luxury catamaran, a twin hull, which means lots of space and a greater level of comfort than say aboard a sailboat. Secondly a shallow draft (the depth of a yacht underwater), making even the shallowest areas accessible which is important in Croatia with all of the shallow passages between the many islands.
The Itinerary
Now, there are a lot of different itineraries to go with when sailing Croatia. Dubrovnik route is the most glamorous, Split is perhaps the most famous. But if you’re looking for a real sailing getaway, the most interesting one, and the one that really makes use of a catamaran is the Sibenik route.
The route begins and ends Sibenik, a beautiful coastal city in Dalmatia. Sibenik offers culture, food and fun to any “would be” sailor. While in Sibenik, you can visit the St. James Cathedral and the St. Nicholas fortress. Both are famous Croatian landmarks and masterpieces of architecture under UNESCO protection.
Once under sail you can visit some of the most beautiful Croatian islands, such as Kaprije, Ugljan, Molat, and the Kornati archipelago! Kornati are a group of 140 islands scattered on a relatively small area of 320 sq kilometers (124 sq mi). This paradise of stone and sea is one of the rare beautiful natural places left in the world (a large part of the archipelago is a National Park of Croatia). Perhaps the greatest thing about Kornati is that it can be reached almost exclusively by a yacht! That’s why it’s the best place to avoid all the chaos of party tourism, and enjoy a relaxing holiday aboard your luxury yacht rental!
All of the places you visit on this 7 day route are amazing, and just to give you a taste of the experience here is a description of a couple…
Though not exactly in the Kornati archipelago, but “Dugi otok”, there is no denying Telascica is among the most beautiful bays in the world! Telascica is nature park in Croatia, a beautiful bay (or a number of smaller bays), and truly unique. After dropping anchor in the bay, you can walk a short distance to a lake. Yes, a real natural lake on an island, where you can take a dip, and have an unforgettable experience. Another 100 (or so) meters and the island opens to high rocky cliffs for the best possible view of the open Adriatic.
..a sail away from Telascica you drop anchor in Piskera, a beautiful marina in between two small islands of the Kornati archipelago. There you can enjoy both the crystal clear Adriatic, and the amazing natural surroundings, while sipping on a cool cocktail on you catamaran.
All this exploring can be exhausting, but luckily you can enjoy an authentic Croatian specialty in a nearby restaurant in Opat bay. Mediterranean cuisine at its best, with fresh seafood, and probably the best wine you’ll ever try. All of this is a perfect environment. Finally, when the day is done you can find shelter in a comfortable luxury cabin of your Lagoon 560. What more could anybody wish for?
When the weeklong trip is finally over you will leave with a smile on your face, an unforgettable adventure, and a wish to come back!
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Stephanie
July 14, 2016 at 2:04 pmI didn’t know you could RENT yachts there or that there was that many islands. Honestly, this sounds like the perfect vacation!
Carmen Edelson
July 15, 2016 at 8:33 amIt certainly is the perfect way to see all of Croatia and enjoy some island hopping activities.
Megan Indoe
July 17, 2016 at 1:07 amYou’ve given me a serious case of wanderlust with this post! Look at that boat!!! This sounds like an incredible experience! I really want to visit Croatia, and this looks like the way to go!
Carmen Edelson
July 17, 2016 at 9:47 amMost people not realize that Croatia has tons of little islands off the coast, apart from some of the best scenery. This way to get to experience both.
Natalie
July 17, 2016 at 10:41 amOh… that looks awesome!! I’ve always wanted to go to Croatia and that seems like a perfect way to explore it. The boat, the landscape, visiting cities along the coastline. What a cool trip 🙂
Carmen Edelson
July 17, 2016 at 12:19 pmThe catamaran is enormous and comes with several cabins each with its own bathroom. It certainly makes traveling around Croatia more enjoyable this way.
Hannah Finch
July 17, 2016 at 11:50 amAmazing! I’ve been following some people who just did the Yacht week in Croatia (which I guess is more like one big party) but still, the place looks incredible. I’m not sure if this is a silly question but when you hire a Catamaran, are you also hiring a sailor? Or you need to know how to sail? Also, what is the price range? Thanks!
Carmen Edelson
July 17, 2016 at 9:23 pmIf you rented this large catamaran it would come with a captain and crew. The price all depends on how many days you are sailing and the size of the catamaran.
Brianna
July 17, 2016 at 12:02 pmSailing the Croatian coast is one of my dream vacations. This ship looks so luxurious too!
Carmen Edelson
July 17, 2016 at 9:24 pmI never imagine that a catamaran would look so luxurious inside. This one in particular is very spacious and roomy.
Skye
July 17, 2016 at 8:14 pmI love Croatia but haven’t yet done it on a yacht. You seem to have seen so much more that you do on land, especially in the busy summer months. Some of the places you went to I haven’t even heard of yet. Will definitely be adding this to the must-do when I’m next there. Looks incredible.
Carmen Edelson
July 17, 2016 at 9:31 pmCroatia has 718 islands off the coast but only 67 are inhabited islands. One of the best ways to see some of these is on a boat.
Drew
July 18, 2016 at 3:09 amI’m heading to Croatia this fall. Would love to do some sailing in a catamaran. Nothing better than exploring a place like Croatia from the water. The Sibenik route looks spectacular.
Carmen Edelson
August 2, 2016 at 8:02 pmNo better way to see Croatia then by sea. The Sibenik route lets you see the authentic Croatia from a different perspective, bordering its shores on a yacht.
Meg Jerrard
July 18, 2016 at 4:27 amCroatia was one of the highlights of my time in Europe – when I visited I was 18 and on a camping contiki tour, so I would love to get back and explore the islands in a little bit of style. Definitely saving up to hire a catamaran!!
Carmen Edelson
August 2, 2016 at 8:13 pmYou will definitely have to go back and revisit the islands soon.
Macca Sherifi
July 20, 2016 at 10:34 amThis looks awesome! I’ve just come back from Croatia myself but I didn’t get the opportunity to go sailing. After seeing this post though I wish I had!
Carmen Edelson
August 2, 2016 at 8:16 pmYou have to go and sail around Croatia soon, it’s quite the experience by sea.
Tami
July 20, 2016 at 12:13 pmThat kitchen is nicer than the one in my home! I can’t even imagine how amazing it would be to sail on a yacht like that for a week…and the waters of the Mediterranean are so incredibly beautiful. What a dream cruise!
Carmen Edelson
August 2, 2016 at 8:25 pmThat’s the idea, the yacht becomes a private cruise. I’m also astonished at how luxurious these boats have become.
Nasir
July 21, 2016 at 1:31 amHello Carmen.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us thru this lovely post. I heard much about Croatia but never get there but now after seeing your images and reed the article, i must plan to take a visit, great 🙂
Carmen Edelson
August 2, 2016 at 8:33 pmYou should go , it will be an unforgettable experience full of adventures.
Mirna
August 24, 2016 at 8:25 amDear Carmen,
thank you for this beautiful promotion of my beloved homeland, the beautiful Croatian. I can not afford myself the luxury travel, but I love traveling and a lot of things I’ve already visited (Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Koh Samui, almost all of Europe: Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovenia, Hungary, Liechtenstein, France, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina …)
People who live in Croatia always want to travel to some distant destination thinking that there is a lot nicer. It is all nice to see and experience, but Croatia definitely has the most beautiful coastline.
Thank you again and I invite all your friends and readers to come to Croatia and enjoy our coast, food, wine, people … 🙂
Carmen Edelson
August 26, 2016 at 4:28 pmWow, you have visited many places throughout your travels. I agree a lot of people who live in fantastic destinations often want to travel to other places. Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries I have visited, and also enjoy going back.
mark peirson
June 3, 2018 at 3:14 amCarmen, What a wonderful review. Im looking to book for the family this summer. Can you let me know who you used to book all this with please?
Carmen Edelson
June 7, 2018 at 3:29 pmI’d recommend Lagoon 560!
Carmen Edelson
June 7, 2018 at 3:29 pmHi there! I’d recommend Lagoon 560.
Meg Ringwald
August 26, 2020 at 11:16 pmCarmen,
We love your posts, the boating world needs great ambassadors like yourself!
Carmen Edelson
August 27, 2020 at 6:29 pmAw thank you so much, Meg!