Travel: From Montenegro to Croatia in the Adriatic Sea

Lovers of the sea have been enchanted by the Adriatic Coast for centuries. Whether it is due to the warm temperatures, striking bright blue colour or the impressive clarity, the waters of the Adriatic Sea are captivating. Although the area is situated away from the main buzz of the Mediterranean, the Med has still influenced the way the Croatians and Montenegrins live. However, both countries very much hold their own when it comes to authentic local delicacies, rich history and unspoiled nature. The Adriatic Coast offers a dreamy combination of sublime relaxation in the constant sunshine and opportunities to explore the succession of sandy beaches followed by buzzing nightlife and wholesome dinners - all of which makes for a perfect charter experience on board a luxury superyacht following a customisable seven-day itinerary.      Photo: Porto MontenegroDay one

No matter how old you are, the excitement of visiting a new place seems to peak when you are on a plane preparing to land and can gaze out of the plane window to appreciate the aerial view. Flying into Tivat airport is no different. Located in a corner of the Bay of Kotor, the airport welcomes you with special views over the next part of planet Earth you are yet to explore. Photo: Orkhan FarmanliPorto Montenegro has become one of the most prestigious marinas on the Adriatic Sea. The sparkling yachting paradise is now internationally recognised and is home to a host of luxury shops, entertainment and seasonal events, leisure facilities, fine dining and waterside residences. Once the offerings of the marina have been explored, it is time to step on board your new home for the next week.Photo: Sergii GulenokDay two

Overnight, your superyacht home will have travelled further into the naturally protected Bay of Kotor to give guests the chance to explore the smattering of picture-perfect towns that decorate the coastline. A stop-off at the rich cultural town of Kotor, which happens to be one of the most well-preserved medieval settlements in the Adriatic, is a relaxing way to spend part of the day. The Old Town, Maritime Museum, St Tripum Cathedral and the Illyrian Fort are all situated within the winding streets of this sunny coastal town. Photo: Morgan UnsplashWith a full stomach after an extravagant lunch of fresh seafood, get back on board to cruise further along the coastline to the sleepy town of Persat. Stay on board, cocktail in hand and cruise around the nearby islets: St. George and the only artificially built island in the Adriatic, Our Lady of the Rocks - both of which feature a pretty chapel you can admire from the deck. Drop anchor nearby and enjoy the onboard amenities whilst taking in the sunshine and the surrounding baroque settings. Come evening, disembark and head to the narrow waterfront road along the coast of Persat, which is dotted with stylish restaurants where you can enjoy dinner.Photo: Multur YachtingDay three

Even if you have visited the Croatian city of Dubrovnik one hundred times before, its distinctive Old Town encircled by 16th century stone walls is still bewitching. The baroque St. Blaise Church, Renaissance Sponza Palace and Gothic Rector’s Palace history museum are just some of what Dubrovnik and it's UNESCO World Heritage Site as to offer. All of which can easily be enjoyed during a lazy stroll around the limestone cobbled streets. If you feel like picking up the pace, take the cable car up to Mount. Srđ and exhaust yourself meandering through the narrow lanes, or take to the beach for a dive in the salty sea. Dine on black risotto, Croatian wild asparagus, grilled fresh fish and rich, ruby wine in one of the exquisite restaurants overlooking the city’s well-preserved architecture. Finish off the evening with a sweet treat before heading back on board for an evening cruise to the island of Mljet. Day four

It would be foolish not to stop by at the most seductive island in all of the Adriatic. The island of Mljet is home to a national park and covered in lush green forestry. To explore the island, arrive at the tourist hotspot of Pomena or hike around the remainder of the island which is unspoilt, empty and tranquil. With stretches of sandy beaches and a sea teeming with marine life, Mljet is perfect for a sunny adventure either in the lush Mediterranean forest or swimming and snorkelling off the shore. If you are exploring the land, be sure to stop by the island’s two salted lakes located at the north end of the island and spot the old monastery along the way. Photo: Multur YachtingIf opting for exploring the sea, have your superyacht crew open the toy chest and hook you up for an afternoon jet skiing or snorkelling from the beach. As Mljet is well known for its wine, olives and goat's cheese, don’t forget to pick up a picnic before setting off on your special adventure. 

Photo: Faruk KaymakDay five

Wake up whilst at anchor between the smattering of Croatian islands and get ready to discover the next: Korčula. Known as the Black Corfu due to the large coverage of dense pine trees and Greek settlers, the island is also rich in vineyards and olive groves. The pretty old town and surrounding small villages are steeped in medieval and Dalmatian history and are shaped by towers and red-roofed houses. The striking architecture and anti-piracy fortifications jutting out into the sea can be admired in a secluded bay of your choice during lunch in the sunshine. Spend the afternoon beach hopping or losing yourself in the archaeological cave site before relaxing back on board, watching the sun go down, planning your next adventure on the island of Hvar.Day six

Full of lavender fields, olive trees and quiet coves, the longest of the Adriatic islands is also one of the most exciting. Hvar is certainly a place to be seen. With a mix of yachties and partygoers all making the most of the island’s craggy shoreline, unlimited sunshine, secret coves and glittering nightlife, there is a sense of something special happening in Hvar. Anchor in Hvar Port alongside the rest of the visiting superyachts and use Hvar town as your base. If you want to party all day and long into the night, choose from one of the nearby beach bars and then take to one of the high-end nightclubs dotted around the town. Photo: Jesse HanleyFor a more adventurous approach, hike out along the white stone bay and rocky shorelines, or rent out a Piaggio scooter and zoom off up to the old castle fortress or neighbouring vineyards. Alternatively, take the challenge to sail the Pakleni Islands, where you can swim and snorkel safely off the yacht’s swim platform next to unspoiled beaches. Whatever mood takes you, be sure to dine on the local delicacies such as Hvar’s signature dish: gregada – a stew of fish, potatoes, onions, garlic and local olive oil. No doubt the evening’s activities will include a cocktail at sunset either on board or in a nearby bar getting ready to dance the night away. Day seven

Prise yourself away from Hvar to set out to cruise further north towards the island of Šolta. Now only 10 nautical miles away from Split and nearing the end of a perfect week of cruising the Adriatic Sea, Šolta is the place to make sure you have had your fill of sunshine, secret beaches and picture-perfect views. This can easily be done by staying on board for the duration of the day flopped out on the sun deck, by being dropped off on the shoreline to seek out a peaceful tavern, wandering through the various wooded areas or by meeting the locals to learn more about this popular and historic destination. To go further inland from Rogač, the island’s main access point, take the road around the bay to investigate the rocky beaches and small coves, or go uphill to the oldest and largest village on the island: Grohote. Photo: Porto MontenegroIf you want to cram even more into your last day, cruise over to the mainland and watch the sunset over the coastal town of Split, a prime position to explore a little more before taking a flight home in the morning. Photo: Mutlutur YachtingWant to have a go?

The experienced yachting company Mutlutur Yachting has a selection of charter choices for this region. For example, the 32-metre Sunseeker 105 motor yacht Evolution and her crew of five are available to take up to nine guests on a charter programme through Montenegro and Croatia. Photo: Multur YachtingIf you’d rather sail something more traditional, try the 32-metre sailing yacht White Swan - who can carry up to 12 guests and a crew of five around the Adriatic Sea. All charter programmes arranged with Mutlutur Yachting can be customised to include personal preferences for food, drinks, itinerary, flights and recreational activities. Any other special requests and ideas can be arranged directly with the yacht’s captain. To find out more, visit the company’s website: www.mutluturyachting.com/CharterYachts or contact them directly via the details found below. 

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