Sailing around Croatia Islands
Croatia is a country well known and loved for its many beautiful islands. Though numerous, these islands are unique both in their overall formation and their eye-catching attractions. The amazing thing is that many are visible right from the coastline – even as you drive along, but nothing compares to sailing around them – it is just magical!
It is for this reason that we feel compelled to share our Croatia experience, hoping that those on a family travel will develop a great a desire to visit this beautiful country.
What is a Gulet?
If after reading this article you decide to sail Croatia, we advise you book your sailing experience enjoying a stunning wooden Gulet. Gulets are luxury vessels that sail around Islands in the region, carrying you across some of the most talked about sites. Luxury travel experts believe that gulets are the best way to have a tour of the region via a sailing vessel, especially when sailing around Croatia.
Even if you are embarking on a sailing adventure as single parent travel, this could be the experience of a lifetime. We’ve enjoyed cruises as a family before and the idea of a private sailing vessel just had that extra privacy and freedom.
Here are some detailed reasons you should sail around Croatian Islands – specifically in gulets:
relax on deck
Family Time
We were surprised to learn that there are numerous sizes of Gulets available for hire. Some are small, only having 4 cabins for 8 tourists. However, there are large ones that have 16 cabins, with a capacity to accommodate up to 35 guests on a single tour of the islands.
Through it, visitors can find their envisioned Gulets. They also get to receive expert advice regarding Gulet services, just in case they feel stuck and need professional advice. Initially, we were concerned about the cost of hiring Gulet fleet services.
Just like many families, we imagined the prices would be on the higher scale. As we would find later, we were very wrong. Families get to choose services that are within their budget. Those on a low budget can go for low budget Gulets while those on a high budget can choose the more luxurious highly priced ones when sailing around Croatia.
Jacuzzi on board
Facilities onboard
Imagine your own private jacuzzi onboard as you sail the blue water? Relax day or night – with your own Gulet you can choose this experience. Pop the kids to bed and ‘grown-ups’ can have some adult relaxation, or enjoy it as a family during the day.
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- ©Exploramum – stunning Croatia
National Parks
You might find it hard to believe this, but there are national parks in some of the Croatian Islands. They offer a serene environment for relaxing the mind through fun activities like biking, swimming and nature walk. How cool is this? We recommend you try Mljet National Park, where you will definitely be able to enjoy all these activities. Each island seems to have something unique for its visitors. At least this is what we learned from our time in Croatia.
There are so many aquatic and litoral national parks here and you can enjoy them when you sailing around Croatia. Try having an idea of the island you would like to visit or else you would get confused or overwhelmed as there are just so many stunning choices. The good thing about Gulet cruises is that you get to see some of these parks during your sail since they use the best routes.
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- ©Exploramum –
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- enjoying the Croatia coastline
Heritage Sites
Croatia has a total of eight UNESCO world heritage sites. These include the Plitvice Lakes National Park, where natural dams and waterfalls can be spotted and wildlife exists in the surrounding.
There is also the Old City of Dubrovnik, Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica, Historic City of Trogir, Cathedral of Saint James, Stari Grad Plain, and Stecci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards. This is a place where history literally exists. It is a learning ground for kids and adults alike on matters related to the practices and lifestyle of ancient Croatian communities.
We not only learned a lot but also had done much fun in some of these sites. Gulet rides will take you through the Islands with the most unique natural attractions and formations.
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- Delicious food
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- You can have a private chef
Mouthwatering Local Cuisine
Croatia is one of the few places we have had mouthwatering seafood dishes. Some of the local Croatian cuisine you might want to try includes black risotto and Boskarin. Don’t worry if someone in the family is a vegetarian – there is a long list of vegetarian cuisines they might like too.
Professional chefs sailing around Croatia with you to ensure you get the best meal when you go sailing around Croatia. Just in case you find yourself not loving the local cuisines, you can always request to be served with something else you love. Whilst onboard here, you are like a royal family.
The experience is fun, memorable and worth creating. It is never just about sightseeing. It is also about the comfort and satisfaction you get while moving from one point to another. This is our advice from our family to your family.
Whether you have spent a few hours relaxing with your fishing rod or purchased seafood from one of the local fishermen, dining aboard your own vessel means you have the choice to prepare culinary seafood delights for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Enjoy the sun
So if you are feeling tired or stressed and need some quality time relaxing, then this gullet cruise experience might be just perfect for you?
Questions and Comments
- What are your thoughts on Gulets as a private sailing vessel?
- Would you give a wooden Gulet a try on your next trip to Croatia?
- What appeals to you the most?
Graphic Thumbnail Designed by Exploramum and Explorason
Sailing Around Croatia Islands
What a beautiful place. If I have an opportunity, I will get to Croatia for sure. Thank you a lot. I think I will get several unforgettable memories.
Thanks for the kind words. I have to agree – it is magical – hope you get to enjoy the experience!
Sailing around Croatia is definitely up there on the bucket list. Yacht week! Ahhh
xx Natasha
http://aglobalstroll.com
Yes, Just imagine being on that deck – food, sun, and a jacuzzi – it would be glorious!
Croatia is definitely high on our list. Sailing would make it outstanding, especially with the opportunity to see National Parks and UNESCO sites. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for checking out our Croatia article. The UNESCO sites are amazing – I hope you get to visit the region.
Oh man, a jacuzzi onboard? Yes, please! Sailing around Croatia’s islands is definitely on my bucket list!
I know Amanda, Can’t you just see yourself living that life for a few days?
I’ve never seen such a luxurious sailboat! Sailing Croatia is at the top of my dream travel list – and I am living so vicariously through these photos. I’ve actually never heard of a Gulet before, and I can’t wait to go read about them!
🙂
Carrie
Glad we could teach you a bit about luxury sailing Carie. I do hope you get to have the experience sometime. All the best, Ruth
I love Croatia and would love to sail the islands, especially in a boat with a jacuzzi!! The islands look stunning and I hope one day I will get to do it, though I do suffer quite badly from sea sickness.
That is no good that you get seasick, but the waters are very tranquil so, hopefully, you would be fine!
Croatia is amazing and beautiful! I’ve visited Split and Dubrovnik, and I’m looking forward to going again next summer. We thought sailing wouldn’t be within our budget, but looking at the prices it might actually be an option. The islands are beautiful and sailing in Croatia would be a dream come true. For anyone visiting the Split area, I recommend a visit to the Krka National Park. It’s beautiful! Tip: Take the boat and visit in the morning when it’s less crowded.
Matt
Sounds perfect. I loved Split when I went there when I was only 24. It was so layback. Now it is a tourist haven but still beautiful
I’ve been to Croatia once before, and I absolutely loved it there! Beautiful country 🙂
It’s gorgeous – we loved it too
I visited Split in Croatia for a day while on a cruise and would love to see more of the country. Thank you for giving me another option, sailing around in a Gulet sounds like a dream come true. 🙂
Rosalind, I remember seeing the cruises come in. Was that one where you went up the wall of the old city? I think a small boat you would probably get to explore more when sailing.
Croatia has long been one of our favorite countries! Every year we manage to spend at least a month or more in Croatia….but we have yet to cruise around via gullet. Sounds like an amazing way to visit the islands ~ thanks for the info!
A gullet is such a slick and classy craft. You will enjoy your stay on one I am sure.
I did a similar trip last year and loved it! I think Korcula was my fave island! So picturesque.
I hear Korcula is stunning
I did a similar sail around 4 of Croatia’s islands off the Dalmatian Coast in 2016. I absolutely loved it!
Patti – you are such a jet-setter! I’m glad you loved Croatia.
Gosh this takes me back. One of the best trips I’ve ever done — Croatia is such an underrated country!
Yes it is. I was there originally just after the war. Boy, has it changed!!
What a great post! My parents are from the island of Korcula where I used to live for many years and you have captured the beauty and essence of Croatia so perfectly xxx
I miss Croatia already. How blessed are you? Amazing people with a big heart!
Great article. We spent this last summer in Croatia and would love to return so this could be a way of doing it! Would recommend to anyone going to seek out lesser known spots. Such a beautiful country!
I was pretty shocked in some areas how touristy it has become in the past 30 years.
I agree, hunt out the lesser known spots!
What a great idea! I was thinking of doing the classic Croatian road trip for one of our future family trips but the gulet cruise looks so much better! Is it usually a fixed itinerary or can you customize it a bit (on the smaller gulets)?
You are free to do your own itinerary as long as it is within berthing pickup/drop off sites
We’ve just marked Quebec to Vancouver road trip as accomplished last year. It was a wonderful and refreshing experience.
Now, Croatia is next in our checklist and we’ll plan a trip very sooner. I was researching about the planning a trip and landed on your blog. Cool thing is Croatia is beneath the last accomplishment in our checklist. What a co-incident.
Thanks mate for sharing a complete experience. We’re planning something similar.
Hi Marcus – you will love it!