Northern Adriatic has long been a favorite among lovers of peace and quiet, even in high season. Trendy Rovinj, wild Cres and breathtaking Brijuni are just the shiniest jewels in the region’s crown
Sailing towards the accessible paradise of the Northern Adriatic
Many sailors will tell you that if you want some peace during the summer high season, the best idea is to visit Northern Adriatic. That time of the year Dalmatian islands are dotted with yachts, catamarans and boats sailing around, which is understandable – guests mostly want to visit Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar and Korčula or the national parks of Krka and Kornati, and since the most frequent visitors on the Adriatic are those coming over for a seven-day charter, it is unlikely that they will opt for anything other than the most obvious choice.
Charter your dream yacht for Northern Adriatic
This contributes to the main draw of Nothern Adriatic: peace and quiet even in high season, especially on islands that are not accessible by car or smaller day boats.
In the last decade, two luxury destination saw rapid development: Rovinj and Lošinj, which, along with the Brijuni National Park, are gaining attraction with yachting visitors. Interestingly, they are developing into large yacht destinations, catering to guests who expect luxury on daily basis. Among their favorite activities is luxury shopping, just like in Porto Cervo or St. Tropez, as are SPA and well-being treatments and finest dining. All of this and more is now available in Northern Adriatic, which also benefits from its proximity to Venice – something Dalmatia cannot offer.
Northern Adriatic map: Chart your course to tranquil shores
Quiet cruising, peaceful coves in the long days of summer – doesn’t that sound more appealing than crazy days and nights in a Dalmatian party Mecca like Hvar? Many experienced sailors also prefer staying in quit bays for a while, not going ashore for as long as they can avoid it, and that cruising model is getting increasingly difficult to experience on islands such as Vis, whose beauty attracts an incredible number of visitors. Can you imagine spending your summer vacation queuing to see the famous Blue Cave? No? Maybe sail farther north and find out what the rest of the Adriatic has to offer.
Northern Adriatic’s rise to luxury: Rovinj, Lošinj, and Brijuni beckon
We’re not trying to say that the northern route is more attractive as southern ones, but we do believe that with the development of luxury destinations, this area is certainly becoming more interesting for larger yachts, whose owners will surely enjoy the hospitality and charm of ancient Rab and trendy Rovinj. We believe that the future will balance out the tourist offer of the north and the south, to the benefit of all who sail the Adriatic.
Northern Adriatic offers many bays and coves suitable for swimming and anchoring, usually easily accessible by boat, as well as protected mooring, mostly located in small towns on bigger islands. For those who are not familiar with this part of the Adriatic, we have created a list of most of its most interesting destinations.
The Croatian Portofino: Discover Rovinj’s allure and picturesque charm
The Croatian Portofino, Rovinj has become the most popular destination on the Istrian peninsula thanks to tourist giant Maistra, who pivoted their development toward elite guests, and the reconstruction of the ACI marina by the Grand Park hotel perfectly complements their efforts. Also, ideal starting point for any trips into the Istrian rich mainland, Rovinj is a must-see destination for yachts in the Northern Adriatic.
Experience Brijuni’s untouched beauty: Make it your next yacht charter stop
The beloved Croatian national park is equally interesting for its charming islands and for its lustrous past. Many visitors are well aware this was the favorite vacation place of the former head of state Tito, whose lifestyle is today one of the main tourist attractions of Brijuni, along with the must-see safari and tourist train ride.
The old, but decent marina provides safe mooring for yachts up to 50 meters in length, so we recommend you visit, as it would be a shame not to visit Brijuni while they are still unique and untouched by modern tourism.
Explore Cres’ rugged coastline and fragrant hinterland
The fabulously indented island is guarded on the north by high cliffs inhabited by griffon vultures, on the east by Punta Križa with its many coves for boaters, on the south by crystal clear sea and wonderful bays (like the beach at the foot of the world-famous Lubenice), and by the town of Cres, perfectly sheltered in a deep bay overlooking the mainland.
The sea and the land are equally attractive when it comes to Cres, as the island boasts the finest olive oil production in the Adriatic, there are still numerous sheep herders and the nature is abundant in fragrant herbs.
Mali Lošinj: Our favorite island (and for good reason)
We know we feature Mali Lošinj in almost every issue of our magazine, but only because it really deserves it. As the largest town on any Croatian island, Mali Lošinj brims with culture, ancient and new, like the fantastic Museum of Apoxyomenos, but the true paradise lies on its southern shore, with endless coves. There, Lošinj Boutique Hotels shines as the brightest beacon of luxury in this part of the Adriatic.
Northern delights and southern tranquility: Rab’s diverse coastline awaits
With traces of culture dating back to pre-Roman times, a town whose beauty will leave you breathless, and the ACI marina in its very heart providing safe mooring, the island of Rab is a special place that charms at first sight.
Sandy beaches on its northern part of the island are as delightful as green coves in the south, so even though the island is really popular among tourists coming in from the mainland and can get crowded, it’s a must-see for those coming by boat, as well.
Make memories on the Norther Adriatic: Charter ‘Baby I’ today
Baby I
Baby I, 31m Sunseeker 105 yacht is an charming yacht that seduces attractiveness and elegance.
Seclusion like no other: Escape to Susak’s pristine shores
Unknown to most, must-see for others, this sandy island with only 150 inhabitants during winter has its own dialect, several good local taverns and a truly unique feel to it.
Before World War I, Susak was beloved by the Austrian- Hungarian government for the healing properties of its climate and hosted a children’s hospital. If you are looking for something completely different, Susak is the place for you.
Photos Boris Kačan, Maistra, Augustin Ravnić, Maja Danica Pečanić, HTZ / Zoran Jelača, HTZ / Ivo Biočina, Mladen Šćerbe, Filip Bubalo, Lošinj Hotels & Villas, NP Brijuni & Shutterstock