Curator’s statement
Croatia had been on my travel list for years, but exploring it by catamaran completely changed the way I think the Dalmatian Coast should be experienced. Rather than rushing from one famous destination to the next, we let the weather, the sea, and our skipper guide our journey. Some of our favorite moments weren't planned at all. They were quiet coves, spontaneous waterfront dinners, and hidden swimming spots we never would have found on our own. Traveling with four adults and five children, I was pleasantly surprised by how well this style of travel worked for families. Our days naturally blended historic stone towns, crystal-clear water, cliff jumping, leisurely meals, and relaxed evenings on board, creating an itinerary that felt adventurous without ever feeling rushed. If you're looking for a trip that combines luxury, authenticity, and the freedom to discover Croatia at your own pace, sailing the Adriatic offers an experience that's difficult to replicate any other way.
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Things to do in Croatia
Viewing Dubrovnik Old Town from up above
Explore Croatia by catamaran
This was, without question, my favorite way to experience Croatia. Trust your skipper, stay flexible, and let the weather guide the route. Some of our favorite stops weren't planned at all.
Wander the streets of UNESCO Sites like Stari Grad
While Hvar Town gets most of the attention, I loved wandering Stari Grad's narrow stone streets. We found beautiful handmade jewelry, local shops, and some of our favorite restaurants just by exploring.
Spend the day around the Pakleni Islands
The Pakleni Islands were one of the highlights of our trip. We spent the day swimming, relaxing at Laganini Beach Club, and taking a water taxi into Hvar Town for dinner.
Discover Vis
Vis completely stole my heart. Between the “Mamma Mia!” filming locations, hidden beaches, cliff-jumping, and a quiet bay where the kids paddled ashore to feed deer, it felt like one surprise after another.
Swim every chance you get
Some of our favorite memories happened between destinations. Paddleboarding, snorkeling, jumping off the boat, and swimming in crystal-clear coves became just as memorable as exploring the towns.
Trust your skipper (and enjoy dining onboard)
One of the best decisions we made was trusting our skipper to guide the itinerary. He led us to unforgettable places we never would have found ourselves, including one of our favorite waterfront dinners tucked into a tiny cove. Meanwhile, our hostess prepared fresh breakfasts and delicious lunches each day, making life on board feel easy, relaxing, and surprisingly luxurious.
View Dubrovnik from above
For the best views of Dubrovnik, head to Mount Srđ. We loved the electric tuk-tuk tour, but the cable car is another great option. While many visitors walk the city walls, seeing them from above offers an unforgettable perspective.
Stay in Lapad while visiting Dubrovnik
After several days on the water, Dubrovnik was the perfect finale. We stayed in Lapad, which gave us a quieter home base while keeping the Old Town and the airport just a short (10-minute) drive away.
Places to eat & drink in Croatia
Brown Beach House, Trogir
We enjoyed dinner at Brown Beach House on our first night and actually preferred it over the busier restaurants along Trogir's main promenade. After dinner, you can wander into town for gelato, which is the perfect way to start your trip.
Restaurant Vespera, Stari Grad
We stumbled upon Vespera along the waterfront and weren't expecting much from such a prime location, but it ended up being one of our favorite meals on Hvar. The charming maze-like streets in Stari Grad are not to be missed, but we opted to dine waterfront. The breeze off the harbor made it a welcome escape from the August heat.
Laganini Beach Club, Pakleni Islands
One of our favorite afternoons of the trip. Come for lunch, swim in the crystal-clear water, and settle in for the afternoon. As the day goes on, it turns into more of a beach club, and the people-watching is half the fun.
Dine aboard
Some of our favorite meals were actually on the boat. Our hostess, Ana, prepared fresh breakfasts every morning and one additional meal each day based on our preferences. Opt for lunch or dinner, depending on your plan that day. Provisions are purchased based on our personal preferences, so the hostess can cook what you like, while adding her authentic flair!
Dine in a cove
One evening, our skipper surprised us with dinner at a tiny waterfront restaurant tucked into a secluded cove. The kids enjoyed cliff diving and cave exploration earlier in the same cove. At the time, we didn't even know the name of the place or restaurant. Only while writing this guide, I finally learned it was Taverna Peruka. It reminded me that some of the best meals are the ones you never planned.
Fundamentum, Korčula
Recommended by our hostess, this was one of our favorite dinners of the trip and the perfect way to celebrate our last evening before leaving the boat.
Cocktail Bar Massimo, Korčula
Perched atop a 15th-century tower, Cocktail Bar Massimo was on our list, but with kids and a long line, we decided to skip it. If you're traveling as a couple or with older children, it's worth stopping for sunset drinks and panoramic views.
BOWA Dubrovnik, Šipan Island
Already on my list for next time, BOWA is a boat-access-only restaurant and beach club tucked into a secluded cove on Šipan. If you're exploring the islands by boat, it looks like the perfect stop for a long lunch or a relaxing afternoon by the water.
Need to know
Croatia is incredibly easy to explore by boat, but flexibility is key. Trust your skipper, let the weather guide your route, and don't feel like every stop needs to be planned in advance. Some of our favorite memories came from spontaneous detours and local recommendations.
If you're chartering a crewed catamaran, complete your provisioning preferences thoughtfully. Your hostess will shop based on your selections, and the onboard meals became one of the highlights of our trip.
For families, five nights on the boat felt like the perfect introduction. The kids loved swimming, paddleboarding, exploring ashore, and the freedom that came with life on the water.
Finally, don't underestimate the August heat. We found waterfront restaurants much more comfortable in the evenings, thanks to the breeze.
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Joanna Cahill
Joanna Cahill
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