Croatia Private Yacht Adventure
Is your inner wanderlust more like a wander-list? Croatia had been near the top of my travel to-do list for the last few years. When the opportunity came to visit Croatia aboard a private yacht with Women Who Explore, I said yes immediately. Our trip was set for early October, an ideal time to visit as it’s the beginning of Europe’s “shoulder season” when the summer crowds have thinned and the climate is still warm and dry.
Our coed journey began in the harbor town of Split. If first impressions matter, Split was the ideal introduction to Croatian culture. The palm-lined promenade along the city’s sea wall was busy with outdoor restaurants serving a variety of Mediterranean cuisines. As for me, show me the gelato! Without a doubt, the historical core of this ancient city is the impressive Diocletian Palace, a UNESCO site built between the late 3rd and early 4th centuries A.D. Whether you’re a fan of Roman architecture or simply love to wander the centuries-old corridors, Split is a walkable treasure for all the senses. My personal travel style is “when in doubt, always go up.” In the heart of the palace walls is the Cathedral of Saint Dominus; a bell tower where you can climb the steps all the way to the top for unmatched views of Split nestled in its Adriatic harbor.
A 150-foot private yacht isn’t the norm for a Women Who Explore getaway, but as the guests arrived in Split and made their way to our boat, it was clear everyone was feeling enthusiastic and eager to explore the ship’s amenities. Double occupancy rooms each with a private bathroom, an impressive dining room, a lounge area, 2 sun decks, a hot tub, and a welcoming crew definitely made each passenger feel relaxed and comfortable.
Our first stop after leaving Split was the island of Hvar. This chic destination is annually ranked as one of the top 10 most beautiful islands in the world and declared the best island in all of Europe. Located in a tranquil bay dotted with other yachts, the approaching Hvar Town hillsides revealed vineyards, olive groves, and fields of lavender. Keeping true to my travel mantra of always go up, my eyes focused on the medieval fortress atop the highest hill. Climbing the switchbacks from Old Hvar Town up to the Spanjola Fortress was a highlight for many in our group as we were rewarded with amazing views of the harbor and neighboring islands. After the climb, there’s even a nice cafe serving snacks, beer and wine at the top. I highly recommend this activity while visiting Hvar. If the climb looks too strenuous, there’s always the option of taking a taxi to the top!
The Blue Cave is a natural wonder in Croatia that has become increasingly popular in recent years. An iridescent blue light illuminates the space inside the cave when the sunlight hits the surface of the ocean through a natural opening at the top and reflects off the seabed. It’s spacious and serene inside the cave, but the opening to enter is ridiculously small. When told by our guide that our chances of having the necessary calm conditions in order to enter the cave were slim, I was disappointed and didn’t want to inform the other guests the odds were not good. The boats to enter the cave are row boat sized and guests still need to crouch down to clear the opening. If not, the risk of waves tossing the boat onto the rocks is far too dangerous. As luck would have it, the next morning was perfect! The sea was calm, the skies were clear, and we had ideal conditions. If you’re lucky enough to see the inside of the Blue Grotto, it will certainly be a trip highlight. If not, no worries! Croatia’s beauty continues throughout the Dalmatian Coastline.
Prior to leaving for Croatia, I anticipated Korcula as being my favorite stop. By a narrow margin over the others, it was indeed my fave. Dubbed as a mini Dubrovnik, its charm was straight out of a fairy tale. The laid back vibe is always the appeal I’m looking for and Korcula receives far fewer tourists than many other Croatian destinations. For the best view and coolest vibe, I recommend having a cocktail at the Massimo Bar, located in the turret of the Zakerjan Tower. You have to climb a wooden ladder to get there and drinks are hoisted up by a pulley, but that just adds to the experience. Again, did I mention my favorite views are always venturing up?
From riding bikes through Mljet National Park, to traversing the protective walls of Ston, our experiences along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast were unique and varied. As one who is not a fan of oysters or mussels, visiting an oyster farm and tasting the delicacies straight from the sea paired with wine and music made me savor the memories. There was also time to relax and enjoy the view from the sun deck or the hot tub aboard our yacht. Daily swim stops in secluded bays to snorkel, kayak, or paddle board were all a part of our active itinerary.
Our final destination was Dubrovnik. If I could turn one regret into a wish, it would be to have more time to explore the city nicknamed the Pearl of the Adriatic. Inside the UNESCO stone walls is one of the world’s best preserved medieval cities. The views were captivating, even if you’re not a fan of Game of Thrones. I found it fascinating to walk on the cobbled streets worn smooth by centuries of pedestrians like myself. The labyrinth of narrow streets randomly opened up to plazas, palace walls, and elaborate churches. We even came upon a wedding parade making their way down Stradun (Main Street) singing, dancing and waving the national flag. Croatians know how to celebrate and we were taking it all in. A must do while in Dubrovnik is ride the cable car up to Mount Srd for incredible views and a memorable dining experience at the Panorama Restaurant & Bar. More majestic than all the others, this view from the top is the exclamation point of Croatia’s coastal beauty.
Croatia is a unique blend of its neighboring countries. The best way to describe the natural beauty, architecture, culture and food of this amazing destination is this: if nearby Italy and Greece made a baby, it would be Croatia! If it’s not already on your wander-list, it certainly should be.
Written by Lisa Chambers for Women Who Explore
