Croatia

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, a medieval town known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ with a diverse, ancient history that artfully melds Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Walking the ancient walls is like stepping back in time. On one side you are met with stunning vistas across the Adriatic Sea. On the other, look inwards towards Dubrovnik old town and you will witness a place of peaceful antiquity decorated with church bells and monastic domes. To better get a taste of the scenery, Y.CO can organise a helicopter tour from Dubrovnik to Tivat in Montenegro, the perfect introduction to the picturesque Adriatic landscape.

local Flavour

Dubrovnik is a city where ancient history meets the modern Mediterranean lifestyle. Admire the old town, an impressive and intricate display of gothic architecture. Sip on the local Dingač wine in a tucked away stone alley. Or simply absorb the breathtaking views of the deep blue Adriatic, seemingly infinite and only interrupted by the occasional yacht. For an experience of the finest local flavour, head down to Nautika, a prestigious Mediterranean restaurant with open views across the Adriatic Sea. Here, they are known for fresh seafood delicacies and buttery veal that melts in the mouth.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a coastal gem with a rich, medieval soul. Considered the oldest native Croatian town, it is the only city on the Adriatic founded by Croats rather than Romans or Venetians. Over 1000 years of authentic Croatian heritage exists here. For a hit of awe-inspiring historical architecture, start at the top of St. Michael’s Fortress, gaze on the view of the shimmering bay and follow the cobbled streets down to the waterfront where you will see St. James Cathedral – a stunning example of Croat architecture, considered the crown jewel of the town and crafted from stone by local artisans.

Local Activity

Head from Sibenik to the charming town of Skradin. Here you will find the impressive Skradinski Buk, the most famous waterfall in Krka National Park. Take a restful pause here, in the wilderness that is home to eighteen species of fish and over 200 species of birds, many of which are endemic to the area. Krka National Park is a significant ecosystem for the flora and fauna that flourishes peacefully here.

Split

An ancient town best known for the architectural remains of emperor Diocletian’s palatial retreat from the 4th century, and over time becoming a place loved for bustling markets, secluded courtyards and waterfront cafes. Whether meandering through the town or admiring the Adriatic from the Riva promenade, every step feels like a journey back in time.

Local History

Anchor off the coast of Split and step ashore to explore the Diocletian’s Palace and the ancient stone passageways that are now home to chic cafes and artisan shops. As for activities, you have plenty to choose from, including the Krka waterfalls and blue lagoons, cave tours and cliff jumping, or for a touch of the ancient, you can wander through the palace cellars. From the bell tower of St. Domnius Cathedral, look down towards the Roman columns and Medieval palaces, blended seamlessly with vibrant cafes and markets. Bask in the sea breeze and find peace with the swaying palm trees while admiring the Diocletian’s Palace, offering a view that feels timeless yet alive.

Pula

Anchor at Pula Marina, a vast natural harbour that has been in use since early classical Antiquity and offers astonishing views of the ancient Roman amphitheatre, believed to have been built between 27 BC - 68 AD and exists as one of the six largest Roman arenas in the world. Once a thriving Roman port, its streets still embody tales of emperors, gladiators, and Venetian merchants who shaped its storied past. Today, the city’s ancient arches and sunlit piazzas blend seamlessly with lively cafés and a sparkling coastline, offering a glimpse into a past that refuses to fade. As the sun sets, stroll along the waterfront promenade, where yachts bob in the marina and the glowing arches of the Temple of Augustus cast long shadows over lively piazzas, with Roman ruins seamlessly woven into the city’s modern rhythm.

Local Flavour

Dine at Ribarska Koliba, a favourite destination for the native Istrians and a revered establishment enjoyed by locals for over 100 years. Enjoy the freshest traditional seafood dishes while sitting right beside one of Pula’s main yachting marinas. If you are a car enthusiast, you will appreciate the Vintage Triumph Spitfire convertible that is parked inside the restaurant.

Lastovo

Lastovo is a hidden Adriatic gem, its history shaped by Illyrians, Romans, and Venetian traders who once sought refuge on its rugged shores. A secluded island where rolling green hills meet endless blue horizons, and once part of the powerful Ragusan Republic - Dubrovnik’s old-world name – where the island thrived as a maritime outpost; its stone villages standing untouched by time.

Local Insight

Today, it is known for its remote beauty and protected nature parks, depicting a way of life that feels like stepping into the past, where ancient traditions and untouched landscapes remain blissfully intact. You won’t be short of lobster delicacies here. Lastovo is largely known for its unique lobster spaghetti, with the tender meat traditionally prepared under the bell and cooked slowly over hot coals.

Brač

Meander up to the Vidova Gora summit, the highest point on all Croatian islands, and gaze down at the iconic Zlatni Rat beach, its golden sands shifting with the tides. As the sun sets, wander through Pučišća, a village of white limestone houses that glow in the golden light.

Local History

Brač has an impressive number of activities for such a small island. Visit the Stone Masonry School and learn about the craftsmen who famously carve the native white limestone, ready to be sent across the world for use in the construction of iconic buildings. Sample locally produced Plavac Mali and Pošip wines at traditional, family-run wineries in the quaint seaside town, Bol.

MLJET

Mljet is an island where myth and history intertwine, its dense forests and turquoise lakes once believed to be the legendary refuge of Odysseus. Over the centuries, Benedictine monks have inhabited this gentle island and a 12th century monastery sits in solitude on a tiny islet in the heart of Mljet National Park.

Local Flavour

In the past, restaurants have been few and far between in Mljet, typically limited to a selection of harbour restaurants in Pomena, and the odd ‘konoba’ scattered around the island, with visitors favouring the tranquillity and serenity of a seemingly untouched location. But change is slowly happening, especially in Saplunara, where a growing number of quality spots are making a trip to the island even more worthwhile. Seafood is the star of the show - grilled fish, lobster, and scorpionfish are available each day, freshly-caught and in plenitude. For some recreational downtime, you can swim in the two well-known saltwater lakes, Valiko and Malo Jezero, where locals often frequent to cool down in the hot summer months. It’s the kind of place where time slows down - perfect for a swim, a seafood lunch, and a sunset you’ll remember long after you sail away.

Hvar

Hvar’s story begins with the ancient Greeks who settled on its fertile plains in 384 BC. Its grand stone buildings and fortified harbor reflecting centuries of trade, culture, and seafaring power. Remnants of a rich and cultured past echo through Hvar town’s cobbled streets, where medieval towers rise above palm-lined promenades and the scent of lavender lingers in the air. Hvar, also referred to as the “Lavendar Island”, is known for lavender cultivation that dates back to 1928. The island is filled with lavender fields that stretch far across the plains and there is a two-day festival every year to celebrate the harvest, with the lavender reaching full bloom in June and July.

Local Insight

Pulling into Hvar’s harbor, you're met with a blend of old-world charm and jet-set glamour, where stone palaces line the waterfront and yachts ebb gently in the sun. Step ashore for a long lunch at Gariful, where freshly caught lobster is paired with crisp Croatian wine. As golden hour hits, sip cocktails at a VIP table in one of the many prestigious beach clubs and enjoy music with front-row views of the Adriatic, watching the harbor come alive at dusk. Take a private wine tasting in the Hvar Hills, an area filled with boutique vineyards like Tomić or Duboković, where you can sip rare varietals in atmospheric stone cellars with local bites to hand. For a daytime excursion, take off from Hvar for a helicopter aerial tour of the Croatian coastline.

Zadar

Zadar is a city that effervesces with historical vigour, blending Roman ruins, medieval churches, and Venetian charm into a living museum by the sea. Once the capital of Dalmatia, this heritage town is one of the oldest Croatian destinations to remain continuously inhabited since its inception in 9th century BC. Because of this, you will discover the richness of Dalmatian heritage that runs deep, satiating any self-professed historian’s curiosity for unearthing stories of a bygone era, offering a glimpse of true Croat cultural lineage.

Local History

Pulling into Zadar by yacht, you’re greeted by a coastline where ancient walls meet a modern rhythm, and the sea quite literally sings. Today, Zadar pulses with youthful energy, where history hums beneath your feet and modern art installations like the Sea Organ offer an immersive experience, presenting a charming town that gently oscillates between antiquity and contemporary. Spend the day unwinding at one of Croatia’s top spas, featuring panoramic sea views, Turkish hammams, seawater pools, and a full menu of treatments using local herbs and essential oils.

KORCULA

Korčula is a storybook island with roots reaching back to ancient Greece, now an island widely recognised for its rich culinary heritage. Often whispered as the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korčula today still feels like a perfectly preserved piece of Adriatic history, timeless and quietly majestic. From the bell tower of St. Mark’s Cathedral, terraced rooftops spill down toward quiet harbors, framed by cypress trees and distant mountain silhouettes. As golden hour sets in, the entire coastline glows with cinematic allure and an effortless romance.

Local Flavour

It is not hard to find exceptional restaurants here in Korčula. Our charter specialists recommend Konoba Ranch Maha, a traditional family-run serving the specialty 'peka' as well as other exceptional Dalmatian dishes. Peka involves the day-long preparation meats, fish, seafood or vegetables, which are then placed under a heavy iron bell and topped with coal. The result is tender, moist dishes that burst with flavour. Located along Korčula's historic promenade lies a multitude of fine dining establishments. Guests can enjoy dishes such as Ston oysters and traditional Korčula pasta - a traditional Croat dish comprised of thin pasta 'noodles' individually rolled around a skewer to create tubes that soak up rich sauces consisting of tomato, minced meats, or parsley ‘buzara’.

Charter broker top tip: Visit Krajančić Winery, headed by contemporary winemaker Luka Krajančić, where individually crafted Pošip wines are carefully produced and appreciated by the most knowledgeable sommeliers.

VIS

Vis is an island steeped in quiet mystery, in the past serving as a strategic naval base, closed off to the public until 1989. Originally founded by the ancient Greeks in the 4th century BC as Issa, it became a key maritime hub through Roman, Venetian, and Yugoslav eras. Today, its vine-covered hills, hidden bunkers, and timeless stone villages echo stories of sailors, soldiers, and civilizations long gone. Vis is a vision of raw, unspoiled beauty - a sleepy island that invites you to switch off and embrace a slower pace of life.

Local Insight

Take a boat trip to nearby Biševo Island and visit the Blue Cave, an enigmatic place where sunlight reflects off the white seabed to illuminate the water from below. Take a short scramble down to Stiniva Cove, a secluded bay surrounded by dramatic cliffs that takes you to the water's edge - you can hike or arrive by boat to this pristine spot, named one of Europe’s best hidden beaches.

Elafiti Islands

The Elafiti Islands offer a dreamlike escape just off the coast of Dubrovnik, where forested hills tumble into turquoise coves and quiet beaches shimmer under the sun. Sailing into the Elafiti Islands feels like drifting into a postcard—crystal waters, pine-covered hills, and sleepy stone villages untouched by time. Drop anchor near Šipan or Lopud, where car-free paths lead to quiet coves, sun-bleached chapels, and long seaside lunches under swaying palms. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, take a swim off the stern, and toast the sunset with a glass of local wine.

Local Insight

From the deck of a yacht, the view stretches across olive groves, citrus trees, and red-roofed villages nestled along the shorelines of Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. As the light softens toward evening, the islands glow gold against the deep blue sea—peaceful, untouched, and perfectly timeless.