Adriatic Sea Cruises

An Adriatic Sea cruise offers gorgeous turquoise waters and an intriguing, rugged coastline, dotted with charming terracotta towns, pastel-green olive groves and historic ports that make for a perfect day’s exploring. Stretching down from the romantic canals of Venice, the Italian influence continues along the picturesque Dalmatian coastline of Croatia, via the Roman old-town of Split and the cultural hotspot of Dubrovnik. Spectacular cathedrals, churches and bell towers reveal the Baroque, Renaissance and Venetian history that is present throughout this area; quite distinct from the Slavic influence present across the rest of Croatia, providing a haven for those looking to immerse themselves in a rich culture with fascinating history.

The scenic natural beauty of the Adriatic coast does not disappoint. Having hundreds of offshore islands, each with its own unique character from modern chic to traditional and secluded, if you are seeking endless, idyllic beaches, a cruise around the Adriatic Sea is the perfect place for a getaway.

Despite developing a prominent reputation within the last few decades as a popular tourist destination, the Dalmatian coast retains a quiet, dignified character, avoiding the mass over developments and instead providing its visitors with an elegant, cultured destination to explore.

About Adriatic Sea Cruises

An Adriatic Sea cruise will maximise your time along this beautiful coastline, enabling you to discover many of the gems that this enchanting area has to offer.

Fun Fact

Although there are many historical links between Dalmatia and our equally named, spotted best friend, it is still under question as to where the Dalmatian dog came from. Some reports suggest they were first found in ancient Egypt, whilst others suggest they originated in India.

Top Adriatic Sea Harbours

Venice

Start your Adriatic Sea cruise from Venice and you will fall in love from the start. A unique city, where infamous, picture-postcard vistas do not disappoint when viewed first-hand. Venice is a city of grandeur, with the Byzantine domes of Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Venetian, Gothic-style Doge’s Palace, but equally it holds curiosity with its narrow winding canals, lined with tall, colourful buildings, built upon their wooden platforms to create this ‘floating city’.

Step aboard one of the many gondolas, which alongside the boats, act as both a tourist attraction and a genuine method of transport, and see the city from its very best viewpoint. --> Venice cruises

Interesting fact on Venice

Venice is actually made up of 117 mini islands that sit upon the Venetian Lagoon. Some of these islands are man-made. Sacca Fisola, for example, was created in the 1960’s.

Dubrovnik

The splendour of the medieval, walled Old Town of Dubrovnik draws many of Croatia’s tourists here to visit and the reason for its popularity is clear from the very first glimpse. The uniform colours of the warm, russet-red roofs and ivory buildings stand in brilliant contrast against the blue of the Adriatic Sea. Named as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, there are many cultural sights to explore. Take a walk along the ancient walls surrounding the Old Town to fully appreciate its beauty, before resting for a drink at a bar along its narrow, cobblestoned streets. With a variety of restaurants, small shops and points of interest located within a compact area, it is the ideal place for an easy afternoon’s wander. --> Dubrovnik cruises

Fun fact on Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is the filming location for ‘King’s Landing’ in the award-winning Game of Thrones. With so many of its scenes filmed here, fans can walk in the footsteps of some of their favourite characters.

Split

The ancient centre of Split offers a walk through history like no other. The Roman old town is centred around the 1,700-year-old Diocletian Palace and its imposing fortress-like structures, which were built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD, have since been UNESCO-listed. Take a climb up the bell tower to gain fantastic views of this ancient architecture.

As Croatia’s second largest town, Split is an up and coming tourist destination. Previously being only used as a stopover location to visit its nearby islands, it is now rightfully being recognised for the many treasures it has to offer.

If the nearby islands do beckon, Korčula, Hvar and Brac are just a short ferry ride away. Mountains, forests, beaches and coves provide the ideal opportunity for a day’s outdoor adventure on Brač, whilst Hvar emits a chic, cosmopolitan vibe for those searching for a fashionable place to unwind and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. --> Split cruises

A curious fact about Split

Split has many churches, but one of its most curious is its miniature Saint Martin. This church stands at only 1.6 metres wide and 10 metres long and was the first Christian church to be built within the Diocletian Palace

Best time for Adriatic Sea cruises

Summers along the Dalmatian Coast are nothing short of glorious. Temperatures average 28 °C in July and August and the waters are equally warm. However, this is the high season, so expect busier resorts and peak prices. For a more relaxed, quieter holiday, when day time temperatures are still warm (particularly in the autumn) then May-June or September-early October may suit you better. Spring is also a lovely time of year, as all the flowers are blooming and festivities take place over the Easter period.

Top tip for timing your visit

If you are looking at an Adriatic cruise in the autumn, it is worth checking opening times in advance. Many restaurants and bars close for the end of the season, particularly on the islands.

Top Adriatic Sea sights

An Adriatic cruise offers culture, history and natural beauty across its destinations. In fact, wherever you travel, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. These are our top three favourites places to visit:

Island of Korčula

One of the greenest islands on the Adriatic, Korčula has a wealth of small, beautiful beaches with stunning views. Korčula Town is a walled medieval city, rich in art and culture and also well-worth a visit. With day trips on offer from Dubrovnik, this island is very accessible for those looking to explore.

Zadar

The city of Zadar has some unique and unusual attractions. On its coastline, you will find the Sea Organ; an audio installation made up of several marble steps leading down into the sea, which, with the combination of the waves and the wind, create beautiful sounds through its openings. Linger here until evening and you can enjoy the most colourful sunset via the Sun Salutation; a creative use of LEDs and solar panels that come alive at night for a magical illumination.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

If you have time to venture inland, Plitvice National Park is a true natural wonder; sixteen dazzling lakes, interconnected with a series of breath-taking waterfalls, all surrounded by deep woodlands that are home to deer, bears and rare bird species.

Top tip on visiting a national park

If you would love to visit a national park, but Plitvice Lakes is just not within reach, do not despair! Croatia has eight national parks, including some of its beautiful islands. If you are searching for waterfalls, Krka Waterfalls may be more accessible and delivers equally stunning views.

Regional dishes

Pašticada

This traditional Dalmatian dish is a beef stew with roasted bacon, prunes, red wine, parsley and nutmeg and normally comes served with homemade potato gnocchi.

Black Risotto

Risotto may be thought of as Italian, but here you can see the Italian influence on dishes further round the region, as Black Risotto, made from squid ink, is local to Croatia. Served simply with freshly caught cuttlefish and aromatic olive oil, this dish has become world renowned.

Brudet

Continuing with the seafood theme, as its freshness in this region delivers the tastiest dishes, Brudet is a simple seafood stew enriched with quality wine. Often a secret family recipe, this delicious dish is definitely worth seeking out.

Local foodie fact

Croatians produce very good wine, although production is small-scale, so not much of it is sold outside the country. Take this rare opportunity to sample it.

To add to your pub quiz knowledge

Take a look at an image of Venice from above. It is actually formed in the shape of a fish.

This is very apt considering the whole city is staying afloat on the water, using wooden stilts supported by mud and bricks.

Surface water temperatures of the Adriatic Sea can get up to 30°C in the summer. This significantly moderates the Adriatic Basin’s climate. This unique nature of the Adriatic Sea creates the perfect home for over 7,000 animal and plant species.

In Split’s Diocletian Palace, there is a genuine Egyptian sphinx that was brought from Egypt by Emperor Diocletian to adorn the entrance to his tomb.

Top Travelling Tip for the Adriatic Sea

Croatians, much like the Italians, love fresh produce. Whilst visiting, take time to explore an open-air market to really absorb the local atmosphere.