Yacht Itineraries: Venice to Split

The Adriatic coast makes up a large part of the Mediterranean with coasts running down Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. It's packed with charming historical towns, clear waters and varied Mediterranean cuisine.

Along the Adriatic coast, from Venice to Split, you will be spoilt for choice on where to bring your yacht charter guests.

Here is a handy guide suggesting the best local restaurants, popular hangouts and historical facts about each stop-off. 

 

Venice (Italy)

One of the world’s most famous cities where no vehicles are permitted and everything is transported by boat through its many canals. A compact but bustling city all year round, with countless shops, superb architecture and exquisite Italian cuisine.

Restaurant Recommendations:

Ristorante Alle Corone: +39 412 410 253

Rovinj (Croatia)

Originally built by the Romans as an island port, Rovinj was eventually joined to the mainland in 1763 to create a peninsula. Rovinj harbours Baroque-style architecture and historical landmarks reminiscent of its 500 years under Venetian control. The ancient gates called Balbi’s Arch (1680), a clock tower dating back to the Renaissance era and the Christian cathedral rebuilt in 1736 make for a fascinating wonder around the village. The Institute of Marine Biology and its aquarium can be found along the waterfront. South of the town is Zlatni Rt, a natural park with cedars, pines and cypresses, used by many authors for inspiration throughout the centuries.

Restaurant Recommendations:

Blu: +38 50 52 811265

Monte: +38 50 52 830203

Brijuni Archipelago (Croatia)

Made up of 14 islands and a national park since 1983, visitors are only allowed on the two main islands of Veli Brijun and Mail Brijun. In Roman times there were aristocratic villas and religious communities on both islands until they were abandoned in the 1300s as the result of a malaria outbreak. After WWII Marshall Tito would summer on these islands and was gifted many exotic animals that are still around today.

Pula (Croatia)

The fifth largest city in Croatia and home to tame seas, mild climates and unspoiled nature. Pula is known for its Ancient roman buildings such as the 1^st Century amphitheatre, the Arch of the Sergil and the Temple of Rome and Augustus, all well worth a visit. Today Pula is made up of old and modern parts, attracting many cultural and artistic events. Austria made its base for its fleet here in 1856 and it’s still one of the most important naval bases in Croatia. Pula has been fought over many a time, and only after the collapse of Yugoslavia did it regain its name and become part of modern-day Croatia. Today, Pula is a university town and the administrative centre of the region.

Restaurant Recommendations:

Valsabbion: +38 50 52 218033

Milan: +38 50 52 300 200

 

Krk Island (Croatia)

The largest and most highly populated island of Croatia, also ruled by many different people before being handed back to the Croatians.

Mali Losinj (Croatia)

A destination for Europe’s royals over time who would come in search of health and vitality. The most popular tourist destination is Cikat, which is filled with modern hotels, Monte Carlo-style villas and hundred-year old pines. Proclaimed as a dolphin reserve, Losinj’s special feature is its colony of dolphins indicating clean waters.

Restaurant Recommendations:

Mali Losinj, Barakuda: +38 50 91 223 161

Zadar Archipelago (Croatia)

Made up of 300 islands covered in Mediterranean flora surrounded by crystal clear waters with about 12 of the islands inhabited by small fishing and farming communities. Venice and the king of Hungary fought over Zadar in the 12^th and 13^th centuries until it was sold to Venice in 1409. During that time Zadar was renamed Zara, churches and palaces were built and it enjoyed a spell of prosperity. Zadar was repeatedly bombed in WWII and after the forming of Yugoslavia in 1947, many Italians left the archipelago. 

Sibenek (Croatia)

The old Croatian fortress of St. Mihovil can be found in the heart of the Adriatic coast, at the mouth of the river Krka. Their indestructible historical heritage is owed to the Western European Christian civilization. By taking a local boat up the river Krka you will reach Skradin, a national park with spectacular waterfalls and natural beauty.

Restaurant Recommendations:

Skradin: Zlatne Skoljke: +38 52 27 71 022

Trogir (Croatia)

A town on a small island off the Croatian mainland with extraordinary architectural beauty and a UNESCO world heritage site. A wall with two gates encircles the old historic centre of the town and a bridge connects the island to the mainland. Trogir is home to an ecologically preserved group of more than one hundred islands called the Kornati National Park.

Restaurant Recommendations:

Kamerlengo: +38 52 18 84 772

Split (Croatia)

Croatia’s second largest city with a rich cultural history.  Must-sees include Diocletian’s Palace, the Mestrovic Gallery, the Archaeological Museum and the atrium containing tombstones, sarcophagi, mosaic floors and early Christian monuments.

Restaurant Recommendations:

Restoran Boban: +38 59 82 05575 www.restaurant-boban.com

Fresh seafood and delicately roasted meats, make sure you try the decadent Istrian truffles.

Adriatic Graso: +38 52 13 98560 www.adriatic-graso.com

Owned by the father of one of Croatia’s most famous pop stars, Adriatic Graso is the hip hangout of Split with fresh seafood and gorgeous views of the Adriatic.

Kadena: +38 52 13 89400 www.restorankadena.com

* Add a review!
If you've visited Italy or Corsica and have any recommendations/reviews for restaurants, spas or things to do, then please visit a Corsican or Italian listing in our Port Directory and add a local review!

*Image credits: Flickr/lilivanili, Flickr/gnuckx, Flickr/DecemberFlower, Flickr/MarreyJr, Flickr/Wyn_wyn, Flickr/AndrewFuller, Flickr/Enjosmith (CC 2.0)