Affectionately known as the gateway to the Kornati National Park, Murter is a verdant island in the Dalmatian region of Croatia. Connected to the mainland by drawbridge, this enchanting islet is home to Murter town itself, where a picturesque harbour bustles with both traditionally crafted wooden sailboats and superyachts alike. A vibrant destination of pine-strewn coves and blissful beaches that give way to the azure waters of the Adriatic, the island also plays host to some of Croatia’s most popular festivals and discotheques. Whilst there are countless tiny islets strewn across the seas in this vicinity, the ease of access onto the mainland makes Murter an ideal base for exploring some of Croatia’s most stunning national parks such as Krka and Plitvice. The island itself also has no end of attractions, with ancient churches, fascinating museums, unparalleled diving and countless konobas serving Dalmatian delicacies.
A pint-sized village on the Northeast coast, the tiny speck of Brbinj is a beauty making it a lesser-known slip for island hopping in Croatia. While other more popular spots may tempt the crowds, Brbinj on the island of Dugi Otok is home to the tumbled ruins of Soppe Castle, noble 16th century summer houses, and even a small shipwreck making it a sublime site for snorkeling. Sitting 208km south of the capital of Zagreb, Brbinj feels a little off the beaten track which truly only adds to its charm. A handful of restaurants and bobbing fishing boats set an idyllic scene for rest and respite in-between swims. The lush landscape of Dugi Otok is all soaring cliffs, white sands, and sparkling turquoise shores making it a haven for kayak and watersport excursions.
On Croatia’s Island of Pag, Novalja is often linked to the party island of Ibiza, famed for its larger than life festivals, vibrant youthful energy, and blissful blue waters. The island of Pag is known for its rocky terrain, roast lamb spits, rare birds, and glorious cruising grounds for yacht charters. Novalja is the nearest city to the famed party beach of Zrce. Zrce is known for its long stretch of pale pebbles that meet the sea and the buzzing bars, clubs, and music events that bring in the crowds. Back in Novalja and you can find a quieter seaside spot to call your own and even visit the original Roman aqueduct said to date back to the 1st century AD.
A collection of forests, sunbaked edges, varied villages, and rocky northern cliffs come together to form the island of Krk. This is one of the largest islands in Croatia and as it’s connected to the mainland by a toll bridge it can be bustling in the sweet summer months. Krk is often referred to as the ‘golden island’ and it also takes its status as being the cradle of Croatian culture as it has been inhabited since the 7th century. Sip wine on the waterfront in romantic Vrbnik, ramble around the cobbled Krk town with its castle and cathedral, soak up the sun on Baška beach or scuba dive to see the drama of sunken wrecks, and sail to the island of Kosljun to visit the Franciscan monastery. For those seeking a rich and varied tapestry of delights, Krk has it all.
A land of sheep and griffon vultures, the island of Cres may be one of the largest of the Croatian islands, but it still holds its title as an untouched paradise. A rich history has left its mark on the Island. From the Romans seizing hold in the second century to the Venetian empire constantly trying to rule, the Austro-Hungarians the Italians, and former Yugoslavia - Cres has a kaleidoscope of stories to tell. The multilayered tapestry has led to a legacy of stunning architecture and evocative culture - even tucked within the sparse population. Stroll the ancient town to admire the Venetian Tower, the City Walls, and the Old Roman Bridge or head a little further out to marvel at the medieval fortress town of Lubenice. While culture vultures certainly get their fill in Cres, the island is home to a bounty of beautiful blue bays, wilderness carved hiking trails, and velvet woodlands.
Often described as ‘Croatia’s best-kept secret,’ the island of Losinj won’t stay under the radar for much longer. Sitting pretty in the azure Adriatic, equidistant from Pula and Zadar, this high-end haven is lined with captivating-coloured houses reminiscent of Italy’s Cinque Terre. Teeming with flora and fauna, the island is known for its unique, purifying the air and unspoilt landscapes, along with friendly schools of dolphins that often frolic in the waters alongside swimmers, paddle boarders and windsurfers. Beloved of the rich and famous, Losinj is home to an endless amount of refined resorts, pretty ports and captivating coves of crystalline water. Whether charter guests are looking for luxury, adventure, wellness or all of the above, this understated island is guaranteed to tick all of the boxes.
Vir may be a small island but its drawcard is the numerous beaches, coves and bays with shallow waters ideal for swimming, using the yacht's water toys or bobbing on a floating mattress.
Kastelina Castle lies close to Vir town. This 16th century fortress was built in the 16th Century as a defence against the Turks and Uskok forces.
A blissful bay of cobalt waters on the otherworldly islet of Kornat, Opat is a sublime, sun-soaked spot known for its seafood and soft white sands. An idyllic diving destination, the inviting waters teem with life, and you can find yourself coming face to face with octopi, shimmering schools of fish and colourful crustaceans. Drink in picturesque panoramas of rolling bronze terrain dotted with sparse vegetation. Splash in warm aquamarine waters or conquer the slabs that rise from the sea with your walking boots strapped to your feet. Sail through the landscape for a few kilometers and reach the star attractions of Kornat Island with its crowning jewel being the Sestrice Lighthouse. Rising high with its signature spiral design atop pine dusted cliffs, this is the heart of the stunning Kornati National Park.
Quaint and colorful, some places ensure the heart and Skradin is one such destination. This stashed away Croatian gem can simply be seen as a passing place for those en route to the Krka National Park, but secluded Skradin is a destination in its own right. Pastel painted homes sit pretty on the waterfront, a peaceful riverside marina, cobbled streets, and locally made wonderful wine all set a magical mise en scene for this glorious gateway town. While most will sail straight through eager to hit the bigger known attractions that populate the national park, a handful of millionaires (including Bill Gates) have taken quite the shine to Skradin. Be sure to duck into the Krka National Park where waterfalls thunder and turquoise swimming holes entice.