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Spanning from Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro to Albania, you may be surprised at the Adriatic region. Whether you crave history and culture, vibrant nightlife, breathtaking scenery, or exclusive islands and beaches reachable only by yacht, Superyacht Content dives into the appeal of Adriatic charter destinations for Captains, yacht owners, guests and crew.
Italy
Spanning 750 kilometres from Trieste to the Salento peninsula, the Italian Adriatic coast is an underrated gem. With marinas in Trieste, Bari, Brindisi and Rimini you’ll have access to over 130 islands, including the renowned Burano and Murano.
Explore Italy’s network of Parchi nazionali and its diverse landscapes all the way south. Matera, Taranto and Venice, known as Hollywood filming locations, add an extra touch of glamour to any yacht charter. Numerous shipyards cater to yacht building and refit services. From Trieste to Chioggia, Ravenna, Pesaro, Fano, Ancona and Pescara, the Italian Adriatic coast welcomes owners and crew with its world-class services and facilities.
Slovenia
Despite its small size, Slovenia boasts a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and a vibrant culinary scene. Along the 47-kilometre Slovenian coast, you’ll find boat yard services at Marina Portorož and Izola Marina. Slovenia’s strategic location serves as an entryway to the northern Adriatic, with plenty to discover in historic towns such as Piran and Koper.
Croatia
A popular destination for motor yachts and sailing, Croatia offers a mix of cultural richness, impressive gastronomy, and over 1000 picturesque islands and natural parks. With a coastline extending over 1,800 kilometres from Istria to Dubrovnik, yachts have plenty to see and do, alongside maintenance support at shipbuilding hubs at Rijeka and Šibenik. Tristan Mortlock, Director of Mortlock Yachts and MCA Master 3000 Captain, enthuses about Croatia’s variety of experiences:
“Croatia is one of my favourite cruising regions. You can be in a busy city such as Split or Dubrovnik with thousands of tourists and then within one hour be anchored in a quiet bay. One of my recommendations is Tito’s Island – the Brijuni National Park is a great place where you can zip around on golf carts, visit the safari park or discover the archaeological ruins and prehistoric sights.”
Croatia is made for island-hopping and exploring authentic cities – take in unspoilt national parks, remote coves, medieval towns or wine country with visits to Brač, Dubrovnik, Korčula, Pag, Pula, Split, Trogir or Zadar. It’s difficult to pick one highlight.
Ivan Rakuljic from 50-metre M/Y Freedom welcomes guests to discover his Croatian picks:
“My favourite charter spots are Sušac, Vis and Hvar.”
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s coastline centres around the town of Neum. This small stretch offers pebbly beaches, clear water and a base to discover more activities and experiences.
Step ashore to discover the history of Mostar or Sarajevo.
Montenegro
“Porto Montenegro has been built to accommodate even the biggest yachts in the world – there’s great service, excellent shopping for leading brands duty free and a lot of amenities for both crew and guests,”
says Dejan Janković, Operations Manager and Managing Partner at Yacht Agent Montenegro.
“Portonovi Marina, just across the bay from Porto Montenegro, with a One & Only hotel as part of the project has been open for a couple years now and it’s a dedicated area for yachts up to 70-metres for a comfortable stay. On the outside part of the bay and its natural protection, Luštica Bay, marina and residences is developing one of the best golf projects in this part of Europe. Although smaller in capacity and being able to accommodate yachts up to 40-metres it is a lovely place and the future residences that will overlook both the open sea and inner part of the bay will be amazing. Also, the former prison island of Mamula is part of their project which is very interesting for all guests.”
Blessed with beautiful landscapes, upscale amenities, modern marinas and picturesque places such as Sveti Stefan in front of the Budva old town, Montenegro’s appeal as a yachting destination is growing. Yachts are well taken care of with world-class marina amenities and shopping, provisioning can be done in almost every marina and port with availability of most items that even the most demanding clients need and refit services are in place at the Adriatic 42 facility in Montenegro.
Alexander Coles, Senior Charter Broker at Bespoke Yacht Charter, shared his in-depth knowledge about Adriatic yacht charters including his recommendations for Montenegro:
“Kotor is a wonderful walled city with stunning buildings, churches and palaces. I recommend the restaurant at Hotel Vardar; lovely location in the main square in the old town and super food. The staff like most staff in Montenegro are utterly charming! Also Galion, a wonderful fish restaurant with amazing views of the bay and the old town. Don’t miss Perast in the Bay of Kotor – a very pretty place for a walk and lunch. There’s a restaurant on the sea called Armonia that is one of my favourite restaurants anywhere. Great staff and the fish is amazing. Also the islets of St George and Our Lady of the Rocks opposite Perast are fascinating and definitely something to see when you are there.”
Albania
Unlike some more frequented yachting destinations, Albania remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. Albania’s Adriatic coast extends for 450 kilometres and includes the coastal hubs of Durrës and good infrastructure and facilities at Saranda.
The Albanian Riviera is the focal point for maritime life, beaches and water sports. If you have the time, it’s worth stepping ashore: Visit Himarë with plenty of restaurants (head up to the castle just inland), or Krorëza Beach, accessible by boat. For beach club vibes, head to Dhermi that has a relatively upmarket vibe with beach bars and seaside restaurants.
The Adriatic region, with its varied landscapes and culturally rich heritage, is ideal for yacht charter and any visitor will realise it truly has it all – history, great food, outdoor experiences and excellent services and amenities for superyachts.
Superyacht Content is participating as a Media Partner at the Superyacht Summit Adria taking place on April 18th at the Radisson Blu in Split, Croatia. Captains attending the event can contact the event organisers for a special rate.
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