Cruising the Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian Coast is one of the most beautiful seaside regions in Mediterranean Europe. It mainly refers to coastal Croatia, whose moniker the “Land of a Thousand Islands” is a hint of what to expect when sailing the Adriatic Sea. Stretching from the island of Rab to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, a Dalmatian Coast cruise is filled with natural and cultural wonders at sea and on land. 

Luxurious Cruises on the Dalmatian Coast

Dalmatian Coast cruises depart from Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik. The vast majority concentrate on the latter cities in central and southern Dalmatia respectively. Sailings generally last seven nights although shorter and longer routes exist. 

Luxury cruise vessels are smaller with personalized onboard service. State-of-the-art vessels sport en suite cabins with private balconies and elevated dining experiences. 

One of the most luxurious things to do in Croatia is to charter a private boat and devise a bespoke itinerary. Yachts and gulets with a skipper and full crew are available.

What to Expect from Cruising Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

Split, the largest city on the Dalmatian Coast, is the natural gateway. Sailors can stretch their sea legs with a brisk walk up the Marjan Forest Park for views over the Adriatic Sea and plunge into crystal-clear swimming covers dotted around the peninsula. The ruins of Diocletian's Palace come to life around dusk when dinner service begins and jazz lounges open for business. 

Docking at Brač, the stunning Golden Horn Beach (Zlatni Rat) juts off the southern coast of the island. Vidova Gora offers a bird’s eye view of the azure waters lapping at the pebbles. Olive oil and wine tastings are in abundance on Dalmatia’s largest island.

Chic Hvar is known for its happening harbor town and swathes of lavender fields producing various gifts. Boutique luxury cruises on the Dalmatian Coast set sail for the untouched Pakleni Islands bobbing off Hvar Town. 

Korčula is the best island for wine enthusiasts – especially fans of crisp white and velvety dessert tipples. Grk grapes are cultivated in Lumbarda while Pošip and Rukatac are the star of Čara and Smokvic’s vineyards. Red drinkers should look for wines made from Plavac Mali grapes.

Mljet is a lovely spot for kayaking, cycling, and walking through the island’s national park and swimming in saltwater lakes.

Dubrovnik is a highlight for those exploring Dalmatia by land or sea. The wonderfully preserved Old Town is bounded by scenic walkways challenged only by the views afforded at the upper end of the cable car ride to Mount Srd.

Cruising the Bay of Kotor

Montenegro’s surreal cobalt cove winds its way from the mouth of the Adriatic Sea to the fortified medieval town that gives the bay its name. The Bay of Kotor is edged by plunging cliffs and secret caves, tiny islands that have played huge roles in the lives of local sailors, and picturesque fishing villages. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bay of Kotor is a sight to behold.

Traveling the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea

The Ionian Sea is an ambitious extension to a Dalmatian Coast cruise. A limited number of cruises depart from Venice and sail the entire length of Croatia and Montenegro before entering Greek territory. These cruises continue past the mythological home of the hero Odysseus and glide through the Corinth Canal before docking at Athens, the birthplace of modern civilization.  

Learn more about Croatia in our exclusive travel talk and contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations to book a Dalmatian Coast cruise.