Escaping the crowds might sound like a ‘mission impossible’ in a charter destination of Croatia’s popularity, but more than a few of its wondrous 1.200 islands still remain off the beaten path. Venture away from the polished and touristy and find an authentic Mediterranean, deeply cared for by the proud locals whose lives still revolve more around the Sun’s ascent and descent, than they do around the tourism season.

With rugged shores, passionate winds, inhabited and uninhabited islands, and divine seascapes, the Northern Adriatic is where you will find this authentic serenity. Its scattered archipelagos, distinctive lighthouses, pop-up restaurants, Mom and Pop’s shops, all seem like untouched by the hands of time. Slow down, enjoy the silence and escape into an undiscovered Croatia.

Adventures are an easy find in Croatia, and especially so on the Dalmatian coast. The Adriatic Sea is considered one of the cleanest seas in the world, so even the simplest of summer activities like swimming and snorkeling feel like a divine adventure. The shorelines, only occasionally tamed, remain rugged and thrilling for the better part.

Get active and see all the faces of the Mediterranean’s most indented coast: admire the craggy shores from the sea level on a kayak. Dive below the surface and admire ancient shipwrecks and their coral-laden treasures. Hike to the peaks that bathe in horizon-reaching vistas, then plunge into the azure blue water and just feel like a kid again. But rock-climbing, rafting, zip-lining are also on option – possibilities are endless and only a matter of your preferred adrenaline levels.

To truly appreciate a country poised on the crossroads of geographies, cultures and histories, you have to sample bits of its many differences. It seems that each European era and each conqueror left their footprint here: from the Greeks and Romans to the Venetians and Ottomans, to Napoleon and now the EU, Croatia is a mélange of remarkable traces that attract so many to come and explore.

But to truly discover Croatia, your itinerary needs to strike a balance between the raved-about sights and the untamed beauties. The glitz and glam of Hvar or Dubrovnik should never be overlooked, but it is the secret islands, kind people and rich traditions that will make you feel a bond. For this reason, an itinerary in Southern Dalmatia makes for the hallmark of Croatian discovery for first-time visitors.

At the cornerstone of the Croatian hospitality, you will always find a bite to nibble on and a drink to toast with. There is not a gathering in Croatia that can go by without some food and drink, from business to family. The variety of Croatia's ingredients, traditions, and styles today comes together likewise in Michelin star restaurants and family-run trattorias.

Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, giving soil and hardworking hands of local people, the Dalmatian coast is a true treat for foodies and wine lovers. From the ubiquitous winemaking and olive oil production that surprise with diversity and quality, to the traditions like honey making and cooking like tribal ancestors did, a gourmet sailing experience in Croatia is bound to leave a memorable aftertaste, one which lures you into wanting more. 

Get the best of both worlds and combine a stay in an opulent seaside villa with a boat of your choice docked just in front. Spend your days discovering the nearby islands or anchored in secret coves with not another soul around. Unwind in the quietude of open-sea sunsets, then return to your lavish nest, and bid farewell to the day as the feeling of home lulls you to sleep.

The Adriatic shores abound in stunning private villas poised front-row to the sea, with a private dock for your boat. Perfectly blending architecture, ambiance, luxury, and landscapes, the villas range from historic residences to deluxe contemporary properties. Enveloping you in unprecedented privacy and freedom, the Yacht and Villa itineraries invigorate the spirit and rejuvenate the body.  

A corner of the world which abounds in diversity just like a family does, the Croatian coast is a filigreed web of close-knit islands, each sharing common traits, but unique in its own way. Each shoreline has its own tale, each town a saint, each tower a legend and each town an admirer.

The southern Dalmatian region stretches between Split and Dubrovnik and is ideal for family cruising. The islands sit close to one another, so a plethora of experiences remains within reach at all times, making it easy to adapt itineraries to different family dynamics. Spend time together, but pursue personal interests as well, sparking up the conversation at dinner time. From sleepy Mediterranean towns and relaxed island-hopping to action-packed hikes, bikes, and beaches, to life’s simple pleasures like morning dips in hidden bays, whatever your family’s vision of quality time may be, this region warrants a good time for all.