Are you True Explorer? We Bring You TOP 8 Croatia Hidden Gems

Croatia is a popular travel destination in Europe due to its well-known coastal cities and breathtaking national parks. Beyond the well-known tourist attractions, however, is a world full with undiscovered treasures. We urge you to travel to Croatia’s lesser-known beauties with this guide. These undiscovered jewels, which range from remote islands to quaint cities, guarantee one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experiences. Join us on this adventure if you’re eager to discover Croatia off the main path.

1. Zavratnica

If your Croatia charter yacht sail up into the northern Adriatic, you can stop at the foot of the Velebit Mountains, where you can drop anchor in a long, narrow inlet called Zavratnica.

Since 1964 is protected landscape this inlet has steep sides and is similar in it’s appearance to a fjord, though it formed in a different manner.

Zavratnica is the habitat of 129 plant species, of which 100 indigenous. At the beginning of 20^th century a promenade and terrace in the center of the bay were built to prevent further deterioration. Because of the incredible visibility of the water, you can see the sunken ship clearly from the shore.

2. Galešnjak Island

Look this island up on Google Maps and you will see a small heart shaped island located in Zadarski Kanal between town Zadar and the island Pasman, because of it’s almost perfect heart shape it is also known as Lovers island. After it was spotted by Google Earth viewers it became a world-wide sensation.

3. Walls of Ston

After the Great Wall of China they are the second longest preserved fortification wall on the planet. Ston is your destination, around an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, great destination for history lovers and gastro lovers. As the largest construction venture outside the Republic of Dubrovnik they consist of walls of Ston and Mali Ston, the three fortresses, ten circular, tirty-one square towers and six semi-circular bastions. History lovers or anyone who loves beautiful scenery will not want to miss this adventure.

4. Lastovo

Chartering a yacht in Croatia is one of the benefits because you can explore some of the more remote destinations along the coast which you would miss if you were on an organized tour which only hit the major spots. Lastovo is the best choice for those who want to spend a largely relaxing and peaceful holiday. The island and the archipelago are for those who wish to meet with untouched nature and it’s most spectacular Mediterranean edition. The sea is clear and sparkling as you can ever find, so make sure to take some time to enjoy the serene beaches, and consider staying in one of the most unique accommodations in all of Croatia-the Adriatic oldest lighthouse called Struga Lighthouse which contains four apartments suitable for two to five people.

5. See the house inside a house

House inside the house is a sight you do not see that often, where you can see a smaller completed house inside a larger uncompleted house which has wall but no roof and no interior. In 19^th century three rich brothers wanted to build palace for their families. The problem was they wanted to do it on the Marco’s land. Marko didn’t want to sell, the family turned to their influential connections to force Marko out of the house. When they went towards Italy to buy some wood to build roof and floors, horrible storm took their lives. Marko then returned to live in his house again, where he remained for the rest of his life. So ever since Marko died this object is abandoned and the house is open to visitors.

6. Blue Cave

In the island Biševo near Vis you will find one of the most unique geological attraction in Croatia called Blue Cave. With it’s silvery blue color, created by light refraction of sunlight entering through a crack in the stone, it leaves nobody indifferent. It can only reach by small boat, and once you arrive you need to dive in order to get inside. The skipper will give you your entrance ticket for the cave and you are ready to move on. Entrance is really small so at the moment you will have to put your head down while sailor takes you inside. Unfortunately you cant stay inside too long and it is also not allowed to swim there but this experience will be a highlight of your holiday.

7. Goli Otok

One of the most popular tourist tour is to the Croatian Alcatraz, island Goli Otok, abandoned prison, opened right after the WW2 and closed in 1988. Goli Otok (Barren island) was forested by the inmates themselves, who suffered terrible living conditions and often died. Currently the former prison is in a state of disrepair, but you can take a tour if you are interest in history and not afraid to see it’s dark side. Supposedly more than 16.000 people passed through this hell and no one ever escaped.

8. Kornati Islands

The Kornati archipelago has qualities that make it unique, it is made up of 140 islands and islets in an area only 35 kilometres long and 14 kilometres wide. The islands are riddled with cracks, caves, grottoes and rugged cliffs. The biggest part of the Park is in fact it’s main island Kornat and the entire archipelago named after it. The Kornati National park is opened through the whole year for visitors. George Bernard Shaw once said: “On the last day of Creation God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath.”

Related reading

Planning your trip? Explore our destinations or check our charter FAQ and request a personalized quote for your dates.

Other guides you might find useful:

• Discovering the Hidden Gems of Croatia By Yacht
• Top 5 Islands to Visit in Croatia
• What are the top sailing routes and destinations in Croatia and Greece?

Mediterranean weeks reward shore-side detours — a bottle of Pošip with peka in a Hvar konoba, fresh seafood and Assyrtiko on a Cyclades terrace, or a quick stop in a Sardinian trattoria before the Mistral builds. Each coastline carries its own taste.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a yacht charter on Europe Yachts?

Choose your dates and destination, browse our fleet, and use request a quote to lock in pricing. Our team confirms availability with the agency and emails the booking summary within 24 hours.

Do I need a sailing license?

For most bareboat charters in the Mediterranean you need a recognised skipper certificate (RYA Day Skipper, ICC, or equivalent) plus a VHF licence. If you don’t hold one, we book a professional skipper alongside the boat for the week.

What’s included in the price?

The base charter fee covers the boat, standard equipment, insurance, and final cleaning fee in most cases. Extras such as fuel, port fees, transit log, tourist tax and skipper service are billed separately and explained in the booking summary.

How far in advance should I book?

For peak weeks (mid-July to late August) we recommend booking 6–9 months ahead to lock in the boat and the early-bird discount. Shoulder seasons (May, June, September) usually have availability up to a month before departure.

About this guide

This guide was prepared by the Europe Yachts Charter editorial team — a group of charter brokers and sailors who have been organizing yacht charters in the Mediterranean since 2007. Every itinerary, marina, and pricing range described here reflects current first-hand fleet experience and direct partnership with licensed charter agencies. Last reviewed: May 2026.

If a detail looks out of date, write us at www.europe-yachts.com/contact — we update guides quarterly.