Island hopping hotspots in Croatia

The Dalmatian coast is renowned for its culture, history, crystal blue waters and partying. Most of the islands are only accessible by boat which has made the Dalmatian coast come alive! Use your yacht to stop off and explore the most off the beaten track country that Europe has to offer.

Broker Alice, having sailed on Croatia’s shores and explored the local bars and restaurants shares her top island tips and some photographs of her time in Croatia.

Split

Most yacht charters will begin and end in (and around) the historic town of Split. The city is often mistaken as being Croatia’s capital and is adorned with every jewel of Croatian history. The city is the home of the Roman Palace of Diocletian, a labyrinth of underground chambers, churches, bell towers and amphitheaters.

It is easy to get lost in this maze and to explore one of the best-preserved, ancient cities in the world. You will find world-class seafood spots on every corner, performing opera in ancient squares and many Croatian bars to choose from. Avoid the commercial city center and get lost in the old town. There is also a fantastic walk, taking you to one of the oldest churches in the world.

Stari Grad

Located on the northern side of Hvar island, Stari Grad is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in the Adriatic Sea. This town is one of the oldest towns in Europe and hosts culture, history and hidden bars. The bay is well protected and profits from a wealth of history, museums, hiking exploring or simply heading to a beautiful beach. There are even ancient caves and tunnels to visit if you are feeling adventurous!

Hvar Town

Hvar is quite rightly renowned for being Croatia’s, glamorous party capital. This destination is often frequented by superyachts, celebrities, and UBER boats. Upon arrival, you will most likely be greeted by the sound of music stereos on superyachts and beach clubs. Oddly, there are some of the most beautiful lavender fields to explore! If you are looking to catch the sunset with a mojito in hand, Hvar is the place for you. There are water taxis to take you back to your boat that run throughout the evening so don’t worry if you don’t want to use the dinghy!

Vis

Spend a quiet day in this beautiful, well-preserved fishing village, Vis. The ancient walls remain and the bay is beautiful for a candle lit seafood dinner with friends and family! This island is practically uninhabited and there’s a strong chic-Bohemian vibe. It is also a fantastic sailing distance away from Hvar. Up until 1989 this destination was cut off from tourists, there are still not many locals! Definitely visit Blue cave before heading into the marina, it is an absolute must-see!

Dubrovnik

Further along the Dalmatian coast, prepare to fall in love with one of the oldest cities in the world. The ancient city walls around Dubrovnik protect this haven from anything coming in and from anything leaving. Throughout Croatia’s disturbed 20^th century history, this city managed to keep every single charm and beauty. The shimmer of the Dalmatian waters and the ongoing orange roofed buildings make this location a must see before or after your Croatian yacht charter.

On land trip

When you are back on land be sure to visit the national park and go explore the local waterfalls. The Croatian waterfalls are not to be missed prior to or following your charter! Do get in touch with our team to secure your island hopping charter!

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Alice Newnham

Top 3 sailing destinations in picturesque Italy

If you haven’t visited the Italian coastline by boat, you probably have missed some unique destinations. A sailing holiday can offer you an exciting new experience to discover what this versatile country has to offer.

Have a look at 3 top destinations where to go sailing in this magnificent peninsula.

Sardinia

Sardinia is one of the best sailing destinations in Italy. The food, blue sea, beaches, sun, restaurants, and the local people are just so authentic. By visiting the Emerald Coast by boat you will reach unique beaches and secluded islands on assessable by yacht.

Aerial view of the famous Cala Luna Beach in Sardinia, Italy. Location: Gulf of Orosei, Province of Nuoro, East Sardinia.

The Emerald Coast is one of the most beautiful and famous coasts in the world, you will be able to visit bays, coves, and white sandy beaches. The perfectly clear turquoise waters seem to come straight out of a Caribbean dream!

You absolutely cannot miss visiting La Maddalena Archipelago! A National Park which consists of seven islands that could be compared to paradise on earth! We have a large selection of day yachts that are available for exploration through the park.

Mistral winds from the North West can set in for a few days during summer, which brings a pleasant breeze in the evenings. Exposed beaches on the North coast are the main areas affected by this wind, especially towards the straits of Bonifacio. This is why Porto Pollo is known as one of the best windsurfing beaches in the Mediterranean.

If this wasn’t enough very close to north Sardinia, there lays a beautiful island. Corsica. You are able to reach this island by sailing in just 2 and a half hours! You must visit the small island called Cavallo and the Bonifacio town.

Amalfi Coast

One of Italy’s most picturesque regions, the Amalfi Coast. This exclusive coast offers bays, coves, and unique landscapes. The houses almost look like they’re tumbling into the sea.

Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano, Capri, and Ischia are breathtakingly and beautiful spots where you can stop and try traditional Italian cuisine! Pizza with fresh mozzarella, pasta with clams, tiramisu and why not a good wine, all of this in one of the many restaurants with the sea view.

Not too far from the coast there is the wonderful island of Capri, classified in 2018 as one of the 20 most beautiful islands in the world. Surrounded by clear turquoise waters, rocky coves, emerald green grottos, beach clubs and stunning restaurants where you can spend your time.

In a one-week charter, you can also visit the Island of Procida and Ischia, two tiny islands off the coast of Naples, both rich in uncontaminated nature and history.

Sicily

With perfect winds, unique landscapes and a sunny season that starts in mid-April and lasts until mid-October, Sicily turns out to be a perfect sailing destination, but these are only some of the reasons why you should visit this amazing island. This island is abundant in both history and culture. Sicily also possesses a coastline with pristine warm waters and a cuisine to die for.

The most popular destination is the Aeolian Islands, a Unesco World Heritage site due to their outstanding natural beauty. It is a volcanic archipelago composed of seven enchanting islands: Stromboli, Vulcano, Panarea, Salina, Lipari, Alicudi and Filicudi.

The islands are extremely diverse, all with spectacular views and black rock formations, quiet picturesque villages and exclusive ports all within hours of each other.

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Alice Newnham

FIRECRACKER REVIEW

25% discount if you book in May 2019! Contact us now!

FIRECRACKER has long been one of our favorite yachts on the French Riviera. With her defining shape, and dark hull you will often see her in some of the most exclusive places. Her home is in the French Riviera, and here she stands proudly amongst her Superyacht sisters.

Captain

Long-standing Captain Jonathan has been at her helm for 3 years and is looking forward to his 4th season on board. He is a firm favorite with our clients and knows all the best spots the Riviera has to offer.

Food

New chef Daniel comes with a wealth of experience from cooking at one of the top 50 world restaurants, Maido in Peru.

Adding to this, he has worked in various Michelin Star and AA Rosette rated restaurants such as Kilworth House Hotel, The Whitebrook (where the Head Chef Chris has just won for his main course “The Great British Menu”) and Adams Restaurant.

He then moved on to a 55m motor yacht in Greece before joining FIRECRACKER where he is super excited to impress each and every client to come aboard.

Social

We love FIRECRACKER as she is constantly updated and maintained to the highest standard. Her light and the modern interior offers great volume for her size and leads seamlessly to her vast aft deck where you can dine and relax al freso.

Lounging

Her sunpads on the bow are great for cruising along in the summer sun and taking in the stunning views of the French Riviera.

Activities

She also has an impressive list of water toys for the thrill seekers amongst you! The list includes: seabobs, snorkel gear, wakeboards and more!

All this for 25% off the asking price in May?! I couldn’t believe my eyes either… get in touch and speak with Cordy now for more information on this amazing opportunity!

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Alice Newnham

Contrasting Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park and Zrce beach, Novalja, Pag island.

When choosing a holiday destination, it sometimes becomes a stressful exercise. However, we are at hand to take that stress away. Here at Boatbookings we regularly visit the countries we have yachts in so we are up to date with advice for you! Questions like: “will they like it? Does it offer something for everyone? Can I have peace and quiet? But also some nightlife? I want nature, but also the parties, I want sea but also land” are regularly asked – and we know the answers! We advise you on everything from yachts, best anchorages, local knowledge, restaurants and even the best wines available!

Croatia is one of the top countries to be visited by not only the young party goers but for nature enthusiasts and of course the sailors! Because of Croatia’s diversity it truly offers something for everyone and here’s why…..

Croatia has diversity at every corner. A previously Soviet ran country, it has turned into one of the most popular sailing hot spots in Europe. Boasting over 2000 islands for you to explore and home to eight incredible National Parks what more could you want from one country?

Pag island.

Pag island is located 2 hours northwest of Split and is assessable by car. Pag island the capital of Croatia’s nightlife! With clubs such as Papaya and Kalypso open until the early hours of the morning be sure to pack some paracetamol! Festivals such as Hideout are based here because of the islands DJ history. This area has been partying until their feet give out for more than 30 years making it one of the pioneering places to let your hair down!

Plitvice Lakes

So, you’re picking your yacht up at 5pm (normal embarkation time) and yet your flight arrives early morning. What should you do? Well, why not visit one of the most incredible national parks in the world before you hop on your yacht?! This National Park is 1.5 hours inland from port Starigrad. Alternatively, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Split. It’s worth booking in advance, they only allow a certain amount of people in per hour so you are able to be at one with nature, and not shuffle around the crowds.

On your sailing holiday, you need to experience variety. You need to explore the land has to offer as well as sailing through the stunning Adriatic sea. Everyone has different tastes when it comes down to how they want to spend their time off. With Croatia, it gives you the opportunity to create a harmonious holiday and ensuring that everyone feels like they got the most out of their precious time off. Get in touch with one of our yachting experts to see how you could have your very own private yacht!

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Alice Newnham

#ItsbetterintheBahamas

As the saying goes, life really is better in the Bahamas. After spending January sailing around the Bahamas, broker Alice provides an insight into why a yacht charter in the Bahamas is the only place to be to avoid the winter.

The Exumas

Well-known for being the most exclusive island collection in the world, the sapphire-blue waters surrounding the Exuma islands make them a tropical paradise. These islands are home to Pablo Escabar’s sunken plane, the Bond famous Thunderball grotto, wild iguanas, Staniel Cay yacht club, swimming pigs, nurse sharks, and a national park!

The Abacos

The word I would use to describe the Abacos is underrated. If you love sailing, sunset bars island hopping and world-class fishing conditions the Abacos is, without doubt, the best place in the Bahamas. The 120-mile long chain of islands are full of beautiful towns, golf courses and sunset bars to explore! Book your flights to Marsh Harbour to charter from this sailors paradise! Send us a message to find out how you can experience the Abacos!

Wildlife

Swimming pigs – don’t forget to bring some food!

From swimming with pigs, feeding grapes to wild iguanas on deserted beaches, snorkeling with tropical fish to spearfishing, the Bahamas has an abundance of wildlife. Don’t forget that the iconic swimming pigs are both habitats of the Exumas and Abacos so don’t write off the Abacos as a sailing destination as the pigs are there too! Contrary to popular opinion the swimming pigs are not native to the uninhabited islands, rumor has it that they were left by sailors others say that they swam from a nearby shipwreck! Whatever did happen, there are now between 20-30 very famous pigs in both the Exumas and the Abacos! Email Alice to find out what food they like best!

Sunset catching

Each island in the Bahamas has its own culture and feel, which also means that there are typically different bars on each island. The best sunset bars in the Bahamas include Grabbers and Mr P’s, there is even a full moon party once a month at Mr P’s. Be sure to order a rum cocktail whilst you watch the sunset over the Bahamas!

Get in touch with us today to make your dreams a reality! With a range of day charters, bareboat sailing, and fully crewed yachts we are able to find something for everyone!

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Alice Newnham