During the summer months, Croatia and the Adriatic see an influx of holidaymakers that come to the party on the beaches, discover ancient Roman ruins and immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of the islands that makes this region a playground for luxury yacht charters.

Yet for all the visitors from the world over, there is still plenty of opportunities to leave the crowds behind and find a little pocket of Eastern Mediterranean paradise all to yourselves. These are our top 5 holiday spots for a week or more reconnecting with nature and each other along this culturally rich coast.

Pula – The Istrian Peninsula

The city is a warren of old streets and impressive architecture, most notably the Roman amphitheatre, Temple of Augustus and a Venetian fort overlooking the harbour. Those who wander deeper will be rewarded with incredible ancient mosaics and impressive modern art installations, showing that Pula is as much about the present as it is about the past. Open-air concerts and festivals add more memorable events to your stay, and there are plenty of shopping opportunities to spoil yourselves or your loved ones back home.

When you want to escape the city for some peace and fresh air you don’t have to cruise far: There are beaches to the west and south, and the Brijuni National Park is a short cruise to the north for more cultural attractions amongst nature. The region is superb for wreck diving and Scuba diving in general, with locations to suit beginners through to experienced divers.

The Istrian Peninsula also has an abundance of vineyards and succulent food fresh from the farm and sea, making it a desirable destination for gastronomic treats. Rovinj, Poreč and Novigrad are worthwhile additions to a luxury yacht charter in the area, combining traditional Slavic cooking with Italian favourites such as pizza and gelato for indulgences to match the active lifestyle of the Adriatic.

Rijeka – Kvarner Bay

This section of the coast was popular with Austro-Hungarians during the 19th Century, and scenic buildings from the days of the Habsburg Empire surround the harbour area. Today it is an excellent starting point for culture and nature in equal measure. In Rijeka, highlights include the Gustav Klimt-painted ceilings of the Ivan Zajc Croatian National Theatre, and Trsat Castle for a scenic stroll. To the west, Opatija and Lovran offer a more intimate setting, the latter located at the foot of the sprawling pine-covered Učka Nature Park.

The islands of Krk and Cres are a short cruise into the bay, where turtles and dolphins might be spotted. The winding coastlines offer numerous anchorages for sunbathing and partying the night away, or family films together under starry night skies.

Dugi Otok – Zadar Archipelago

Meaning ‘long island’ in Croatian, Dugi Otok is just over 4km wide at most, but it stretches for 43 km and consists mainly of rugged wilderness dotted with coastal villages. Sandy beaches are plentiful, and your luxury charter yacht grants you access to untouched beaches away from roads and trails or on smaller islands just a short cruise away.

As part of the Kornati National Park, it has choice locations for Scuba diving and snorkelling, where corals and sponges make a spectacular backdrop to 160 different species of fish and the occasional visiting loggerhead turtle and dolphin.

Take the island trails by foot or by bike and kayak around the sheltered Telašćica bay, lined on one side by pine and the other in oak. Peregrine falcons and Eleanor’s falcons might be spotted along the rugged karst cliffs, while the vineyards and Roman ruins scattered in meadows make a scenic addition to any holiday snaps.

Dugi Otok is also a great launch point for visiting even more ancient culture in the region: Visit Zadar for the day and take a stroll through the waterfront Old Town to see the Roman and Venetian architecture, then experience the modern side of the city at the Sea Organ installation and the Sun Salutation Light Show which takes place at dusk.

Split – The Dalmatian Coast

Croatia can boast many impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Spilt is home to the fortress-like Diocletian Palace. Museums and galleries are abundant in the surroundings, and the nightlife has just as much variety. 

Brac is a lively destination, hosting the Bol Summer Festival, a graffiti/street art event, a film festival and a carnival over the summer months. Hvar has a more laid-back pace but there is still plenty to see and do: A Summer Festival feast, a Lavender Festival and big game fishing are all choices to add to your itinerary in between relaxing afternoons and hours of water sports in the crystal-clear seas.

Mljet – The Dalmatian Coast

Pristine and picturesque, Mljet is one of the southernmost islands along the Dalmatian Coast and it is lucky to be nestled between Lastovo, Korčula and Dubrovnik. The latter location needs little introduction as a centre for culture, shopping and nightlife along the Croatian coastline, while the islands are renowned for their national parks.

The western side of Mljet is a dedicated national park where the trails lead to a monastery and two brilliant blue lakes. The eastern side of the island is not to be neglected either, and by luxury yacht, you’ll find myriad swimming spots and secluded beaches within the embrace of the beautiful bays. One of the most noteworthy attractions is the Odysseus Cave along the southern coast: Named after the Greek legend, the dramatic colours of the cliff walls descend into a sapphire blue pool.

Not to be forgotten is Lastovo, a short cruise to the west. It is home to its own archipelago nature park which is visited by dolphins. There are few distractions here, leaving you free to pursue hedonistic days and quality time making cherished memories with loved ones.

LUXURY YACHTS FOR CHARTER IN CROATIA

Austin Parker Yachts has announced the successful launch and delivery of the first luxury yacht of its flagship IBIZA 85 model.

The 27m/88.9ft vessel was designed in close collaboration with Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design and has an athletic appearance designed to grant guests plenty of space for outdoor living: A large sunbed covers the bow, and another sunbed looks out across the swim platform while an alfresco lounging and dining area creates a comfortable place for all guests to rest in the fresh air.

The main deck interior has two side windows and a large glass door aft, and all can be opened to the elements or closed off completely for a climate-controlled environment.

The IBIZA 85 is unusual in that she is completely customised and offers high-quality design elements and engineering that have never before been implemented in a yacht in this size category. She is also designed for ease of use for all ages, from the youngest guests to the oldest by providing safety rails around the walkways, a hydraulic swim platform and having the cockpit and main salon flush on the same level. As such, she is ideal for multi-generational families and accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 2 double cabins and 2 twin cabins.

Austin Parker Yachts now has six luxury yacht models, all under 30m/98.5ft.

Discover the enchanting Eastern Mediterranean beauty along Turkey‘s coast with the newly refitted 30m/98ft Azimut luxury yacht OBSIDIAN.

A top speed of 24 knots and a range of 500 nautical miles will have you island-hopping and reaching the hot spots of the Turkish Riviera in no time at all. For longer journeys and quiet evenings in secluded anchorages, the top quality entertainment systems will keep everyone entertained. The plush main salon is furnished with a wet bar for spirits and soft drinks to refresh guests after snorkelling around Fethiye, touring the sights in Marmaris, or celebrating a special occasion in style.

Day or night, the outdoor areas will allow you to enjoy the warmth and fresh air with all the modern comforts and conveniences at your fingertips. The main deck aft has a large sofa/sunbed aft, while the flybridge will tempt you with its Jacuzzi and sweeping views out across the stern.

There is a great selection of water toys for the Turquoise Coast, and the collection includes:

2 x 1-person kayak
2 x paddleboards
a wakeboard
water skis (adult and child sets)
snorkelling equipment, and
towable toys

The accommodation sleeps up to 8 guests in 4 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 1 VIP stateroom and 2 twin cabins. The talented crew of 5 will ensure that all guests receive stellar service throughout their stay.

See more of the beautiful motor yacht OBSIDIAN.

The Royal Denship luxury charter yacht FORCE BLUE (ex.BIG ROI) is 20 years old in 2022, and to mark the occasion she will be brought back to as-new condition with an exterior refit from H2 Yacht Design and a 7m/23ft extension at Lusben to add even more space on board.

The 63.2m/207.4ft expedition yacht is expected to leave the Lusben facilities this summer when she will measure 70m/230ft. This extension will increase the swim platform area to create a terrace for lounging and sunbathing beside the water, granting access to the wellness facilities.

The majority of the interior improvements will focus on the guest accommodation, which sleeps up to 12 guests in 6 en-suite cabins. There is also accommodation for a professional crew of 17, who include an instructor for the water toys and a masseuse. 

M/Y BLUE FORCE can roam far and wide using twin Caterpillar engines for a top speed of 16 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots and a range of 8,000 nautical miles.

Notable features include a spacious sundeck with an abundance of sunbeds and seating, a Jacuzzi, a massive alfresco salon on the pilothouse deck, an Owner’s deck with cinema and private lounge, and a DJ station and a lower deck spa with hammam.

FORCE BLUE will be available this summer on the Mediterranean yacht charter grounds.

Horizon Yachts has successfully delivered luxury yacht SUMO, the 23rd hull from the popular FD90 model.

Motor yacht SUMO was built for an experienced Australian Owner and features interior and exterior styling from Cor D. Rover while the naval architecture was completed by the shipyard.

A plain white hull and superstructure are divided by dark floor-to-ceiling windows, which from the inside offer panoramic views and an abundance of natural light. The decor combines rich warm tones in satin walnut with golden lighting and pale Cambria stone for a sophisticated effect.

The accommodation sleeps up to 10 guests across 5 en-suite cabins, consisting of a main deck Master suite and 4 equal-sized VIP staterooms on the lower deck. There are also 2 crew cabins, sleeping 4.

The outside areas give guests plenty of opportunity to unwind in comfort and enjoy the views: The main deck aft surrounds the coffee table with sofa seating for a place to rest and have lunch and drinks from the bar after a morning spent playing on the water toys. The foredeck is fitted with a broad sunbed, and the bridge deck aft comes with a Jacuzzi, a wet bar finished in mother-of-pearl, a widescreen TV and cosy corner lounge to unwind with the views at any time of the day.

M/Y SUMO has a top speed of 17 knots, and a cruising speed of 10 knots for island-hopping around the Great Barrier Reef, the Kimberleys and other destinations in the South Pacific charter grounds and beyond.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS AND INFO ABOUT SUMO

The Malaysian government has announced that the country will fully reopen its borders from the 1st of April 2022, making Malaysia luxury yacht charters a possibility once more.

The country has been closed to international visitors for almost 2 years (since March 2020) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and Thailand and Indonesia have also recently reopened their borders.

Fully-vaccinated travellers and children and young people up to 17 years old benefit from quarantine-free travel, with a professionally administered RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival within Malaysia. Adults over 17 years old are also required to take a Covid-19 RT-PRC test 48 hours prior to departure.

Adults over the age of 17 who are not fully vaccinated must undergo a five-day quarantine upon arrival. 

Malaysia can be included as part of a Southeast Asia yacht charter itinerary, taking in other favourite cruising hotspots such as Phuket and Phang Nga Bay in Thailand, and the incredible Scuba diving spots around Sulawesi in Indonesia. The region is favoured for its warm weather, incredible fauna and flora, white sand beaches along with uninhabited islands, and abundance of water sports.

Langkawi and Borneo are already welcoming back luxury yachts from the 2nd of April. Langkawi is home to beautiful golden-white sand beaches along its northern shore and has stunning walks to waterfalls and wildlife parks. The Tarutao National Park is just to the north, and Penang to the south is famous for its powdery soft sand beaches and flavoursome cuisine. Shopping opportunities are varied, from exclusive luxury brands to hand-made items sold at places such as the Batu Ferringhi Night Market. The magnificent cultural attractions are not to be missed, with plenty of museums, mansions and temples to fill an entire visit.

Borneo is ideally situated close to what is considered some of the best Scuba diving in Southeast Asia. Remote beaches are plentiful, and snorkelling, swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding will also allow for a rewarding glimpse into its incredible and colourful underwater world.

“Yachts can enter Langkawi, the largest island in an archipelago of 100 islands in the Andaman Sea and enjoy a duty-free port and easy access for yacht crew and visitors to shopping, dining, entertainment, sports, transport and other attractions,” Captain Scott Walker, co-founder of Asia Pacific Superyachts commented on the reopening. “Or they can enter the Malaysian Borneo, offering an altogether adventurous prospect and cruising grounds, easily reached in this relatively small area and largely unexplored.”

Turkish shipyard Alia Yachts has sold luxury yacht SAN, a 45m/148ft model motor yacht featuring exterior styling by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, and naval architecture from Lateral Naval Architects.

M/Y SAN will be constructed with an aluminium hull and superstructure and features a raised pilothouse and a low superstructure that creates a sleek profile.

The alfresco living areas are designed to be versatile and functional, with sunbathing areas converted into seating, and large tables for alfresco dining changing into cocktail tables for a more relaxed atmosphere at sundown. The bulwarks fold down around the aft sunbathing area, extending the space on both sides. According to Paul Costerus of Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, ‘the superstructure is constructed of full-height glass facades’ and glass sliding doors forward and aft ensure that the main deck is fully open, without any major obstacles impeding the views from the stern to the bow.

Life outdoors takes priority; however, the interiors have plenty to recommend: The Owner opted for a minimalist interior that is rich in detail and offers plenty of modern-day comforts.

The accommodation is all situated on the lower deck and consists of 5 en-suite cabins to sleep 10 guests: 1 Master suite and 4 further guest cabins.

More details are expected closer to launch.

Horizon Yachts superyacht BELLA TU has now available for the first time in the Bahamas luxury yacht charter grounds.

Built in 2019, her modern interiors offer effortless charm and sophistication for family gatherings and celebrating special occasions in an intimate atmosphere. Plush sofas invite guests inside of the main salon, where they can still enjoy views of destinations such as Cat Island and the Bight of Acklins.

Dine in style on succulent food freshly prepared by your professional on-board chef, and follow it up with a colourful cocktail or two while resting and digesting on the sunbeds. The bow grants panoramic views of the surroundings for taking in the vibrant sunsets, and the swim platform provides another place to lounge close to the sea.

There is a choice selection of water toys available, with additional toys available on request. The collection includes:

2 x pedal kayaks
2 x Stand-up paddleboards
an 8-10 person float
fishing gear, and
snorkelling equipment

There is room onboard for up to 12 guests while cruising, and overnight the accommodation sleeps a maximum of 10 guests over 5 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 3 VIP staterooms and 1 twin cabin convertible to a king.

Throughout the cruise, the professional crew of 4 will take care of all requests.

See more of the motor yacht BELLA TU.

The massive and magnificent superyacht STELLA MARIS is now available for charter in the Western Mediterranean luxury yacht charter grounds for the first time ever.

Built by Viareggio Super Yachts in 2015 and refitted in 2018, she is a modern vessel fitted with top quality entertainment systems, an exhaustive collection of water toys, plenty of spa facilities, a helipad, two spa pools, and a private Owner’s deck for the principal charterers complete with secluded outdoor area.

At 72.1m/236.7ft, there is plenty of room onboard for hosting a special event charter or cruising away from the well-traversed routes to secluded bays and coves to enjoy the indoor and outdoor luxuries all to your small group. The modern interiors let in the sunshine through floor-to-ceiling windows. There is a library with a bar for cosy nights in contemplation, while the sky lounge has a widescreen TV and intimate lounge setting to watch the latest films together. The outside is brought in through the indoor garden spanning two decks, and the winter garden dining area will be a favourite place for group meals while admiring destinations such as Cannes, Monaco, Naples and Capri after dark.

M/Y STELLA MARIS has status as an Approved RYA Water Sports Centre and comes with an extensive selection of water toys. In addition to the water toys, there are 4 x e-bikes and an onboard gym to stay fit without ever setting foot into the water.

After a day of exploring the rich history of the Amalfi Coast and the culture of the French Riviera, guests can ease tired muscles in the spa room, which has a Jacuzzi, hammam, sauna and massage table within the serene surroundings.

The accommodation sleeps up to 12 guests over 7 spacious en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 2 VIP staterooms, 2 double cabins and 2 twin cabins that both have a Pullman berth.

There is an expert crew of 19 onboard to ensure that every guest receives first-class service throughout their stay.

View more of the luxury yacht STELLA MARIS.

The 30.5m/99.11ft luxury yacht ANKA from renowned shipyard Princess is now available for charter in the glorious Western Mediterranean.

Built by Princess in 2019, motor yacht ANKA offers modern interiors designed for everyday living in comfort with family and friends. The homely environment is enhanced by plenty of natural light and top-quality entertainment systems, so after a day of roaming the cultural attractions along the Marseille waterfront, guests can curl up and watch a film while the professional crew takes care of all the details.

Indulge your senses this summer along the Amalfi Coast, savouring the best of life outdoors with panoramic views of such destinations as Capri, Naples or Ravello while dining alfresco on the flybridge followed by a cocktail on the sun loungers. The bow also has a large sunbed, and the main deck aft offers a shaded space for lounging and casual dining while keeping close to the water. A top speed of 25 knots and a range of 1,300 nautical miles make island hopping along with the Italian Riviera effortless, visiting the best locations in the Tuscan archipelago.

There is a great collection of water toys available, and the collection includes:

1 x Seadoo GTR X jet ski
3 x Seabob F5S
2 x kayaks
2 x wakeboards (1 x adult and 1 x child)
1 x stand-up paddleboard, and
snorkelling gear

The accommodation sleeps a total of 10 guests in 5 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 2 VIP staterooms and 2 twin cabins convertible to doubles.

View more of luxury yacht ANKA.