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Whether you appreciate beaches, culture, diverse scenery, history, or great food the Adriatic has something to suit everyone. Here is Superyacht Content’s guide to the Adriatic, which explores why it should be on your must-visit list!
Art, Dance, Music & Theatre
If you’re seeking top-notch music, art, and entertainment, the Adriatic has a vibrant cultural scene filled with galleries, museums, concerts and festivals. Francavilla al Mare in Abruzzo is the star location for the Adriatic Film Festival, an independent festival located by the sea.
Electronic and techno fans will have Croatia on their radar. Get into the groove and head to Sonus Festival or Hideout at Pag Island, throw some shapes at Ultra Europe in Split or immerse yourself in an ancient setting at the Gates of Agartha festival held in a cave near Pula.
The medieval walled city of Dubrovnik hosts one of the oldest European festivals – Dubrovnik Summer Festival – offering concerts, dance and theatre performed at fortresses, historical squares, palaces and throughout the streets of the Old Town.
Herceg Novi in Montenegro hosts numerous events including folklore song and dance festivals throughout summer and the Festival of Choir and Orchestra if you prefer more classical genres.
Cuisine & Wine
The easiest way to appreciate a culture is through its food. Each country boasts its own unique gastronomic influences; a mix of Dalmatian and Mediterranean flavours. From freshly caught seafood served in waterfront konobas (tavernas), home-cured pršut (smoked ham) to truffle-infused cuisine or the slow-cooked Peka dishes roasted under an iron bell, gastronomes will delight in tasty dishes.
“Ston is a great anchorage in southern Dalmatia and a great place from which to visit the Peljesac peninsula – some of the most stunning countryside I have ever seen around here. It’s a fascinating walled old town famous for oysters and salt production and at the heart of Croatia’s wine production and olive oil!”
– Alexander Coles, Senior Charter Broker and CEO at Bespoke Yacht Charter.
Unique terrors and microclimates give texture to local wines that are not merely to be sipped at sophisticated dinner soirées; they require hearty regional food, and the Adriatic countries certainly deliver on that. Seek out the crisp white wines of Slovenia, renowned Croatian wines such as white Malvasija Istarska and red Teran, or sample the Montenegrin wine varieties of the Zeta plain and Crmnica Valley.
Be warned, a visit to the Adriatic is sure to feature the locally-distilled rakija!
Historic Sites
History buffs won’t be short of places to fill their Adriatic itineraries centred around UNESCO World Heritage sites. Discover the 5th and 6th century AD monuments and mosaics in Ravenna, step back in time imagining the gladiator matches at the amphitheatre in Pula in Croatia, or learn more about the origins of the Stećci limestone tombstones located at Radimlja – the necropolis is one of the most valuable monuments of the medieval period in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Elsewhere, other interesting places to visit include the Bosnian Pyramids of Visoko and the Ostrog Monastery near Niksic in Montenegro, an important Balkan pilgrimage site.
Outdoors & Nature Experiences
Located north of Puglia’s Gargano peninsula lies one of the best kept secrets of the Italian Adriatic – the Tremiti Islands. Go there in the shoulder season to explore the Aleppo pine forests, island grottoes and dive in the Marine Reserve of the Tremiti Archipelago.
Slovenia will unlock your energy for experiencing the great outdoors. Cycle in the Šoca Valley, visit Bled for hiking and swimming, or immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the UNESCO listed karst caverns Škocjan Caves and the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians.
Selma Čmelik, Founder of čarter.hr, says charter guests have plenty of choice with more than a thousand Croatian islands, each with its own unique charm.
“Croatia’s natural beauty can be found on islands such as Silba, Olib, Zlarin, Šolta, and other small but preserved nature havens. Begin your planning with digital charter itineraries, based on your preferences, including the duration of your trip, your interests, and the level of activity you desire.”
Wildlife lovers will enjoy the surroundings at Lake Skadar National Park, split on the border between Albania and Montenegro. A birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 260 different species including the endangered Dalmatian Pelican and Pygmy Cormorant, the scenery is Instagrammable with karst mountains, water lilies and traditional fishing villages.
Aside from the beaches of its famed Riviera, Albania has stunning places to explore and unwind. Go hiking in the Llogara National Park, dive shipwrecks in the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park or head to Permet on the edge of the Vjosa Wild River National Park for rafting or cycling. If you want to peek at coastal ruins, kayak from Gjiri I Lalzat to Kepi Rodonit before exploring the remains of the 15th-century Rodoni Castle.
Luxurious Experiences
Though it doesn’t have the refined glamour of Monaco or the ongoing appeal of Portofino, the Adriatic’s luxury tourism sector has blossomed. Whether you prefer a private yacht charter exploring secluded coves and islands, or stepping ashore for a mini break at exclusive boutique hotels nestled in historic cites, the Adriatic’s zest for attracting upscale travellers is undergoing a transformation.
Shipyards, Refit Facilities & Marinas
Numerous shipyards across the Adriatic cater for build, maintenance and refit, providing excellent services and facilities. Make notes for key spots at Ravenna, Ancona, Pescara, Rijeka, Šibenik or Tivat.
“With plenty of marinas (57 official marinas, to be specific) in Croatia, it’s still advisable to book a berth in advance, especially in popular destinations. Be prepared for mooring in various conditions, from stern-to docking in busy marinas to anchoring in secluded bays.”
– Selma Čmelik, čarter.hr Founder.
Strategically located at the Strait of Otranto, Marina Vlora will play a central role in the development of Albanian tourism. The marina will provide upward of 400 marina berths, including infrastructure to accommodate the ever-growing fleet of vessels in the city which visit nearby marine protected areas (MPA’s) such as Sazan Island and the Karaburun peninsula.
Italy
Stretching over 750 kilometres from Trieste to the heel of Puglia, the Italian Adriatic coast has marinas in Trieste, Bari and Brindisi, world-class shipyards along the coast and enough historic monuments and natural attractions to compete with the best charter destinations.
Slovenia
Slovenia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from mountain lakes to the Adriatic Sea. Visitors can indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking, canyoning, and cycling in picturesque settings. The country’s diverse terrain also offers opportunities for relaxation in thermal spas and wellness retreats. Historic towns such as Ljubljana, Koper and Piran give opportunities for sightseeing ashore.
Croatia
Key ports are found in Dubrovnik, Jezera, Rovinj, Pula, Split, Trogir and Zadar. Notably, ACI Marinas has marinas strategically spread from Umag in the Istria region in the far north to Dubrovnik in its far south. Walled, gated and a cornerstone for tourism, Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site is hugely popular, partly due to its profile from HBO show Game of Thrones.
Island-hopping is a prerequisite.
“Korčula is my absolute favourite of the Croatian islands and somewhere my wife and I have been going for 20+ years,”
enthuses Alexander Coles, Senior Charter Broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter.
“The Old Town is beautiful, but it’s the north of the island that I really love. The lovely town of Vela Luka is a super place, very authentic. Amazing anchorages around there with crystal clear water and very quiet. It’s a superb place for paddle boarding and other water sports.”
People tend to talk about Croatia as if it’s just one place – however it has wide diversity in landscapes and experiences.
“Croatia really surprises charter guests when they visit for the first time; it’s a well-rounded destination whether you want nightlife or equally a quiet anchorage away from the crowds,“
says Tristan Mortlock, Director at Mortlock Yachts and Guest Speaker at the Superyacht Summit Adria.
“My recommendations would include Mljet, and also Skradin where you cruise inland and charter guests can stop off for fresh mussels or oysters with local wine. On arrival, guests can take private guided tours with park rangers to discover Krka National Park and the Skradinski Buk waterfall.”
The Adriatic meets all yachting needs and is being touted as the ‘New Med’. Selma Čmelik, čarter.hr Founder explains:
”Having worked in the yacht charter industry for almost 20 years here in Croatia, I’ve personally witnessed it transform into a sailing paradise that thrills people from all over the world. Croatia’s charm isn’t just in its size or the postcard-perfect views—it’s in the soul-stirring experiences that await at every cove and marina. I like to say that going on a boat trip along the coast of Croatia is like reading a lively book. From the sun-kissed coasts of Istria in the north to the historic walls of Dubrovnik in the south, every island, islet, and bay is a story with clear waters, charming towns, and lush vegetation that tells tales of the past. It’s not just the scenery that makes Croatia a sailor’s dream; our way of life has been an interaction between traditions and nature for hundreds of years.”
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Dotted with Ottoman-era mosques and medieval fortresses, Austro-Hungarian buildings and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Bosnia and Herzegovina boasts a rich tapestry shaped by centuries of history and cultural influences.
Neum is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s only coastal town – set on just 22-kilometres of coastline – it offers plenty of water sports options and charming waterfront restaurants serving seafood dishes and local specialties. Yacht charter clients can step ashore to explore historic cities such as Sarajevo and Mostar where they can discover ancient architecture, vibrant markets, and museums. The Sutjeska National Park is the place to go to experience outdoor adventure with rolling meadows, the 75m-high Skakavac Waterfall and one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe, Perućica.
Montenegro
Most visiting superyachts will cruise the dramatic Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its fjord-like scenery. Be sure to hike up the steep hill to see Kotor’s impressive fortress with panoramic views across the bay. Other places of interest include Njegoš Mausoleum on top of Mount Lovćen, Budva – where the Old Town blends with nightlife – and the island of Katič opposite Petrovac for diving.
“Porto Montenegro is absolutely beautiful and a great place to see some of the most impressive superyachts in the world. Very well run with excellent facilities. A great place for shopping for top brands duty free. Some really lovely restaurants including One and Murano at the Regent Porto Montenegro,”
says Alexander Coles from Bespoke Yacht Charter.
“There are also lots of great local restaurants in Tivat which is a short walk away. I also highly recommend Buddha Bar beach with its amazing pool and great food. A superb place for a sundowner.”
Albania
Situated on the Balkan Peninsula, Albania has 450-kilometres of western coastline that stretches from the northern borders with Montenegro to the Ionian coast. From the stunning beaches of Ksamil to the remote beauty of the Ionian Islands, yachting clientele to Albania can enjoy a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience, with fewer crowds than Western Mediterranean hotspots. Additionally, its proximity to Corfu gives more options for day trips.
Maritime activity focuses on Durres, Vlorë and Saranda, a busy port town in the south. The Albanian Riviera is undoubtedly a highlight of any charter trip to Albania, drawing visitors with its allure and beauty. Beaches vary from tucked away pebbled coves to sandy stretches with beach restaurants. Gjipe Beach between Drymades and Himare is only accessible by boat or a steep hike down from the carpark – it’s worth the day trip – or make a beeline for Spile Beach or Jale Beach with clear water that’s ideal for snorkelling and swimming.
Don’t miss discovering Albania’s heritage and culture: Explore the Butrint National Park, a UNESCO listed archaeological site from the Greek and Roman era, or dive into the traditional cuisine and history in Tirana, Berat or Krujë.
“Many seasoned charterers have done all the West Med destinations multiple times and are looking for something new. You can always find a stunning anchorage where you are the only yacht there, unlike in Capri or the south of France where you are joined by 200 other yachts,”
says Alexander Coles.
“Two other things I hear all the time about the Adriatic are the friendliness of the people, and the VAT! There is a big difference between 13% and 20-22% when chartering yachts costing €100k plus and clients mention this all the time. As one said yesterday, what he saves on VAT chartering in Croatia versus Italy goes a very long way towards paying the crew gratuity.”
The Adriatic can feel nostalgic – there are towns which feel distinctly Balkan or Italian or Turkish, yet they are like nowhere else. It’s a region where you’ll see stylish yacht guests saunter along the quays to boutiques, or wander past people sitting on their doorsteps gossiping at dusk. Go there for the sea, for the scenery, for the food, but most of all, go there for the hospitality of the people.
Superyacht Content is participating as a Media Partner at the Superyacht Summit Adria taking place on April 18th at the Radisson Blu in Split, Croatia.
Get your tickets at www.superyachtsummitadria.com
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