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

Summer 2020 on DRAGONFLY in the Grenadines

Have you been chartering in the BVI for years and tempted to try a new Caribbean island? With an increasing number of quality catamarans heading down islands during the summer months, there has never been a better time to consider a Grenadines yacht charter.

One of our favourite Lagoon 620 crewed catamarans, DRAGONFLY, has confirmed that they will be down in the Grenadines from June 2020. DRAGONFLY is one of the newest Lagoon 620s in the Caribbean with a vastly experienced crew in Christiaan and Hanrie, who always offer exceptional service, food and enjoyment for guests of all ages.

DRAGONGLY Feedback

“ The most amazing start to a year anyone could dream of – thank you. We have been absolutely spoilt rotten by your food, hospitality and endless activities for the boys and you have chosen a spectacular backdrop for showcasing your skills. Whether swimming with turtles, stingrays or tarpons, tubing or snorkelling on incredible reefs, we had a series of unforgettable experiences. Thank you so much Boatbookings, we can`t wait to come back! ”

The Grenadines are the perfect catamaran cruising ground. They offer stunning sunsets, long sandy beaches and some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean. Embark in Grenada and head for the peaceful anchorages of Carriacou, before kite surfing on Union Islands and visiting the famous Basil’s Bar in Mustique.

The Grenadines really do offer something for everyone. Contact your Boatbookings Broker today to start planning your next adventure.

Posted on July 13, 2019 by Ben Sutton

FERRAGOSTO

If you decide to go to Italymid-August be ready to celebrate! One of the long-awaited days in the Italian Summer is the 15^th of August, better known as Ferragosto.

It’s origin dates back to the Roman empire. It is a holiday established by the emperor Augustus in 18 BC. He wanted to provide a period of rest and celebrations after a long period of agricultural labor.

Now it’s about traditions, meeting with family and friends. Of course, being in Italy food plays an extremely important part of the celebration along with bonding and creating lasting memories. It is a day that people wait with enthusiasm.

If you find yourself in Sardinia, you must be prepared because wherever you are there will be loads of fun and interesting things to do and what a better way to celebrate this festivity on top of a boat.

PHI BEACH

This is definitely one of the best beach clubs in the Emerald Coast, located only 15 minutes from Porto Cervo. Here you can enjoy the beach experience during the day, the unique restaurant in the evening and the club during the night. It is also known for one of the best spots where to see the sunset. On the day of Ferragosto, they organize the best parties with great international DJs. It’s definitely a must if you find yourself cruising in the north of Sardinia at this time of the year. Perfect for both young and ….. people!

It is one of the most famous beaches in North Sardinia. Long 1km, it accommodates many different beach clubs and restaurants. You will be spoilt of choice. One of the main traditions during the 15^th of August is to get together around a table and have a tasty Italian meal.

Considering this amazing location, a good suggestion would be Linguini Allo Scoglio, shrimps or salmon tartar. Liscia Ruja is definitely the perfect place where to go and spend your day with family and friends.

Another tradition of Ferragosto that is not to be missed is the amazing firework shows that many promoters organise during this day. It is a moment to gather together and relax in front of this mix of colours that explode in a dark blue Mediterranean sky.

What a better way than watching the fireworks from a boat.

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Alice Newnham

Perfectly picturesque Poros.

Broker Lambros explains his favourite area in the Saronic and why.

I have sailed the Greek islands all my life and they are all beautiful – each in its own special way!

The Cyclades are rough and have a special sparkle under the sun – particularly their whitewashed square houses and the blue church domes.

The Ionian Islands are tranquil and remind me of the South Italian Coast – I especially like the trees which hug the coastline.

The Sporades Islands have a unique and untouched sea life.

The Dodecanese Islands are a gateway to Asia Minor and combine many of the characteristics of the rest of the islands – most of all, summer never seems to end in the Dodecanese.

I currently have a very busy working life and time is of the essence, so whenever I find some time to take my boat to sea, I head to Poros island. In just 2 hours cruising from Athens, Poros offers a protected port, excellent anchorages and a selection of wonderful restaurants.

FRESH FISH

My absolute favorite fish restaurant is MAISTRALI, on the very edge of the Poros canal. This is actually an “ouzeri” serving a plethora of traditional “mezes”, Greek delicacies which are meant to go with ouzo: grilled octopus, fresh fried calamari, sea-urchin salad, small fried fish and many more surprises that Antonis, the joyful owner prepares on a daily basis. But of course, this is always depending on the fresh catches of the local fishermen that day! If you contact Antonis in advance, he can source big fresh fish (caught the same day) and grill it for you.

MEAT LOVERS

For meat, I always go to Dimitris Family Bucher Shop Taverna. It is a bit hard to find, as it is situated within the maze of small narrow roads on the upper neighborhood of Poros – it takes a brisk 5 minutes’ walk to get there. The food, however, will reward every meat-lovers’ appetite. Excellent, fresh and aged cuts from locally grazed beef, pork, and lamb, grilled by one of the owners’ sons! They also have a decent selection of Greek wines.

SWEET TOOTH

For dessert, I recommend going to Bessalas – right next to Maistrali, at the Eastern edge of the Poros Port. This is where all the locals get their sweets and this is always a great guarantee for high quality.

Contact now our expert broker team and start planning your Greek motor yacht , sailing yacht or catamaran charter.

Summer is here and the Greek islands are sunnier than ever!

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Lambros Tsolakis

New Years Eve in St Barths

The months between December and March are the best time to visit the leeward islands of St Barths, Anguilla, and St Martin. You can choose from 20 beaches in St Barths, including the beautiful Colombier beach on the West side of the island, accessible only by boat. St Jean, Flammands and Grande Club De Sac are also a must on your charter.

St Barths not only offers beautiful beaches, fine-dining restaurants, beach bars and some of the clearest waters in the world it also offers an unforgettable New Years Eve. In the yachting world, St Barths is well known as the best place to charter a yacht for an unforgettable introduction to the new year with one of the best New Years Eve parties in the world. Think superyachts, fireworks, fine dining beach clubs and celebrity spotting. A-listers including Leonardo DiCaprio, Rihanna and Jay Z often drop in at St Barths to see in the New Year in true style.

How to spend your New Years Eve in St Barths

New Years Eve Regatta
The annual New Years Eve Regatta takes place around the island of St Barths. This regatta is a fun-regatta and welcomes a glass of champagne across the start-line.

Spend the evening in one of the best restaurants in St Barths
The cuisine offered on the island is a distinct combination of sophisticated French fine dining and Caribbean influenced street food. Gustavia is home to restaurants such a Bagatelle and Bonito. Both restaurants combine elegance with the rustic nature of the Caribbean. Other restaurants to visit on the island are Le Gaiac at Toiny or Le Bartolomeo at Grande Cul de Sac. After dinner head over to Do Brazil or the Eden Rocks Sands bar to be a part of one of the globes most exclusive parties.

Nikki Beach New Years Party
Celebrate the New Year on a beach with copious amounts of Rose and Champagne. Dance the night away at Nikki Beach with performances from famous singers. If you manage to do so, get an invite to the private members club Le Yacht Club and celebrate at an after party!

Set sail to St Martin or Anguilla on New Years day
The islands of St Martin and Anguilla are only a short sail away from St Barths. If you want to find a secluded beach or a cove to anchor up on New Year’s day, look no further than heading to the pristine beaches of Anguilla or St Martin! Anguilla and St Martin are renowned for being diving hotspots and are more tranquil than St Barths! If you wish to spend your New Years day relaxing and watching the sunset on a white sand beach then look no further than this location to begin 2020 in the best way. St Barths is truly is one of the world’s best charter destinations. Boatbookings knows the region and boats and can find you the ideal charter yacht, be it Super or Mega Yacht, crewed, sail, motor or catamaran.

Contact Alice today to find out how you can spend your charter in the stunning St Barths.

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Alice Newnham