Port of Call

BY LORI EASTES

Upon your arrival at Split Airport in Kaštel Štafili, Croatia, your pre-arranged transportation will be waiting to whisk you away on a seven-day yachting adventure that charts the coastline and explores the islands of a country rich in history, beauty, and charm:

A brief 35-minute car ride from the airport will take you into the historic village of Trogir on the coast of the Adriatic and the northernmost spot of your journey. Charming to say the least, Trogir is situated on a small island connected to the Croatian mainland and the island of Čiovo by bridges; the rust-colored buildings and radiant turquoise water here create a contrast unlike anything else. As you approach the quaint harbor, you’ll find your yacht waiting for you. After enjoying a freshly prepared al fresco lunch aboard as you drink in 360-degree views of the bay, you can head out to explore the Kamerlengo Castle. Hidden within this stone fortress is a rich history dating back to the 15th century. Built by the Venetians in 1420, and once at the forefront of this nation’s defense, the castle is now open to tourists for exploring. If you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy a meal at the quaint Konoba Škrapa, a vivacious Mediterranean restaurant that offers an array of fresh seafood. Those with a love for Italian food should look no further than the world-famous Mirkec Pizzeria, a family-owned restaurant reviewed over 1,000 times on Google.

Continue your journey to Split, a must-see destination. Known for having the perfect balance of modern and ancient life, with buildings dating back to the Roman Empire, Split is rich in history. The bustling harbor is filled with luxury yachts and eager visitors, who flock to the town’s family-owned wineries, restaurants, and high-end cocktail bars. Whether you choose to view it from your yacht or take a closer look via your tender, you will be enchanted by the stone architecture and street musicians, some of which can be heard in front of the Baroque church. The area is also known for having some of the best wind-surfing conditions in the world at Zlatni Rat beach with winds coming off the waters of the Adriatic. The consistent winds create the ideal environment for any wind-related watersports.

A stunning stretch of the Croatian coast. Opposite page: The port city of Dubrovnik. PHOTOS COURTESY OF WORTH AVENUE YACHTS

Time for a cruise along the Brač coastline. Famed for its white pebbled beaches, the island of Brač is a requirement when yachting in the Adriatic. Despite its proximity to Split, Brač attracts less of a tourist crowd, thus allowing you to be truly immersed in the local culture of the island. Allow your dedicated yacht crew to prepare a private beach picnic for you and your loved ones. Then, spend the afternoon in the water on one of the many water toys offered onboard. (Jet skiing through the Adriatic while the warm summer breeze kisses your skin is an unparalleled experience.) While in the area, be sure to try the olive oil from the Dalmatia region! The olives are of a rare variety called buhavica and there are over a half-million trees. Olive cultivation dates to the Venetian years. Back in 1655, the Venetian senate insisted that the island be carpeted with olive trees and imposed fines upon anyone with the temerity to damage the trees.

Begin the next day in the yacht-filled harbor of Hvar. You will notice this quaint town has a surprising number of visitors, attracting thousands to the island each year. If you love to shop until you drop, this is the place for you, with a traffic-free downtown corridor that is wonderful for walking (wear the appropriate footwear!) and browsing. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world, the Blue Cave that lies about an hour’s trip from the town is truly a sight to behold. The cave’s marvelous sapphire color is created by the sun as it bathes the inside of the cave through an opening in the roof that allows the beaming light to reflect against the sand.

Often regarded as “Little Dubrovnik,” Korcula is a small town with a medieval flare located on an island of the same name. The island can be accessed by ship but does not offer ferry services after the summer, so the secluded nature allows for a more intimate and peaceful experience. Spend the day doing watersports before sunbathing on the sundeck. The Croatian sun is strong, so be sure to remember your sunscreen. If you’d like to check out the scene on land, there are several noteworthy places to see, including the LD Terrace Restaurant. Their modern spin on the local cuisine offers a unique dining experience only found here, perched on the edge of the sea.

On the sixth morning of your private yacht charter, wake up surrounded by the sapphire-colored waters of Mljet. Legend has it, after surviving a shipwreck, Odysseus found shelter in a cave on the coast of Mljet. There, he was struck both by the beauty of the island and of the nymph Calypso. Because of his newfound love, he stayed there for seven years. Anchor your yacht in front of the so-named Odysseus Cave for a firsthand look at the small tunnel carved in limestone. Basking in the afternoon sun almost always feels good and in Mljet, the summer sun is beaming from May-September (peak months). The warm summer weather is perfect for reading a book or doing some afternoon yoga on the sundeck. As the day wanes, toast to the good life with a fresh glass of the bubbly and enjoy a five-course meal before stargazing.

Whether it’s the limestone-paved streets or the views of the glistening Adriatic Sea, the beauty of Dubrovnik never ceases to amaze; begin your last day exploring its many attractions. Take a stroll down Stradun Street in Old Town. Here, you’ll find high-end shopping and dining options that stay true to the culture of Dubrovnik. For an elegant dinner in town, look no further than Nautika Restaurant. Nestled in the cliffside rock formations, this restaurant allows for a dining experience you’ll never forget. Or, enjoy Michelin-star level dining at 360, which specializes in sophisticated Mediterranean fare prepared from fresh ingredients. Unleash your inner party animal at the Culture Club Revelin. Situated inside of a 500-year-old medieval fortress, this is a party experience like no other. This 2,000-capacity space boasts incredible city views and a mesmerizing light display. Although your trip may be over, the memories of the sunny days spent in the azure waters of the Adriatic are sure to linger well after you return home.

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