Croatia’s seaside cities & whimsical wharfs

Cannonball into the balmy Adriatic. Bite into Europe’s unsung culinary hero. And wander medieval cities and posh ports. All on our annual Croatia: Gay Dalmatia Cruise.

Below you’ll find an introduction to the aforementioned cities and ports we’ll enjoy on this continuously sold-out voyage. And if by blog’s-end we’ve piqued your interest, swim over to Stays that Slay for a deep visual dive into the Black Swan — the private yacht we’ll indulge in for the length of our stay.

Split

Situated in the Mediterranean Basin on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the launching point of our gay Croatian cruise. With a population of 178,192 citizens, it is the largest Dalmatian city by far and the second-largest city in Croatia. The highlight of the city is the ancient Diocletian Palace, built for Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD. After taking in the city’s splendour, let loose at LGBT-welcoming Academia Ghetto Club.

Pltvice Lakes

While not technically on the coast — Okay, okay. It’s a three-hour drive from the coast. — Pltvice National Park and waterfalls are a must-visit for any Croatian cruise. The crystal-clear waters shimmer under the beaming Mediterranean sun and the surrounding forest is a testament to the country’s natural beauty.

Bol & Zlatni Rat

While the town of Bol oozes charm, it’s the nearby white pebble beach called Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) that attracts most tourists. The shape of the beach shifts with the changes in tide, currents and wind. A reliable afternoon westerly wind, known as a Maestral, together with clear and somewhat cool water make the beach a popular destination for windsurfers.

Hvar

Hvar has an air of Venice about it and is known as the ‘Queen of the Dalmatian Islands’. It was under Venetian rule that Hvar’s citizens developed the fine stone-carving skills that resulted in a profusion of beautifully ornamented buildings. Hvar’s wide harbour extends its open arms to the sea while a long seaside promenade, dotted with small rocky beaches, stretches from end to end. We recommend a walk up the hill to the fortress overlooking the old town. Walk north from the main square, passing the main city gate or Porta di Datallo (Gate of Dates) ascending the stairs through the old city, passing small palaces built in the 15th and 16th centuries. At the top sits Hvar’s Fort Fortica, or as the locals call it, Španjola. Take in the stunning views and catch your breath!

Bisevo & The Blue Cave

Modra spilja (the Blue Cave) is one of the best known natural beauties on the Adriatic Coast, offering a mesmerizing glow from the water at certain times of day. The cave itself is 24 meters long, 10–12 meters deep and up to 15 meters high, while the entrance to it measures 1.5 meters high and 2.5 meters wide.

Vis

Vis is the farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland, with a population of 3,617 in 2011. The island’s two largest settlements are the town of Vis on the eastern side, and Komiža, on its western coast. Once known for its fishing, present-day industries on the island are agriculture and tourism.

Korčula

An Out Adventures’ favourite, Korčula is full of stories, legends, monuments, and history. Greeks settled in the 6th-Century BC (they called the island Black Korčula), but the town was also occupied by the Romans and the Slavs before its longest period of rule under the Venetians between 1420 and 1797 – even Napoleon was ruler for a while. Given all these influences, Korčula has a stunning old town that’s both romantic and evocative.

Trstnik

Trstenik is a small village situated on the peninsula of Peljesac. It is one of the few places on earth where travellers can still see a village co-existing with nature close to its purest and unspoiled form. Be sure to swing by Saints Hills Winery for a taste of old Europe’s finest vintages.

Dubrovnik

The undisputed jewel of the Dalmatian Coast, or ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is a beautiful white stone town surrounded entirely by city walls. Although it experienced devastation during the war in the early 1990s, the old town – with its tiled roofs and stone buildings – remains as charming as ever. Extensive restoration has taken place to return it to its original splendour, and even today repairs are still being undertaken. Dubrovnik has made headlines as a major filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Cruise Croatia’s Southern Dalmatia Coast with Out Adventures. Head to our website for tour details such as departure dates, itinerary, price and more.

(All images courtesy of Katarina Line)