Croatian IncredIble

With a stunning coastline, thousands of scenic islands, picturesque townships and a booming nightlife, Croatia is fast becoming a must-visit destination.

roatia has come a very long way since its bitter war of independence against former Yugoslavia in the early nineties, and is now a flourishing EU member. And because of its incredible natural beauty, tourism has been a major factor in its success.

Adriatic cruises are now one of Croatia’s biggest tourism sectors, with thousands of visitors flocking its coastal cities to board luxurious cruise yachts and island hop up and down the country’s coastline. As a result, there are now many cruise operators offering these services, often tailored to the specific desires of different tourists. Many coastal experiences in Croatia start in the city of Dubrovnik, not least because the medieval streets and walls of Dubrovnik were used for much of the filming of King’s Landing in the hugely popular Game of Thrones series. It also boasts a seaport from which many cruises depart and ocean liners visit. However, it is also a highly popular destination in itself, with the old walled part of the city surrounded by medieval battlements that are a favourite spot for romantic walks around the outside of the old town.

Within Dubrovnik, there are a number of great sites to visit, including the city’s Renaissance-era Sponza Palace, the GothicRenaissance Rector’s Palace, and the St. Saviour Church. Also worth a visit is the city’s most popular church, St. Blaise’s, a Baroque cathedral built in the 18th century. And then there are, of course, the city’s famous walls.

Elsewhere along the coast, Hvar island is perhaps even more popular as a tourist destination, boasting a wealth of historical sites, beautiful beaches, a prosperous viniculture and a lively nightlife in the port town of Hvar.

Towards the southern end of the coast is Croatia’s second-largest city, Split. Also a major tourist draw, the most famous of Split’s many historical sites is Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient monument built by Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD that is still in remarkably good condition, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the biggest attractions to Croatia is its vibrant nightlife, slated by many to be one of the best in the world right now. Islands up and down the Adriatic boast fantastic bars, clubs and parties to attract the many partycruises that sail along the coast.

There are numerous operators that run party cruises, but one of the most prolific are Sail-Croatia.com. Their cruise departs from Split, where it stops at the islands of Vodice, Tisno, Zadar, Pag and Murter before returning to Split.

An Adriatic cruise can be anything you want it to be, from a cultural journey to a relaxing break or a party tour, or all of the above!