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These two heavenly yacht destinations will take you to pink sandy beaches, historic and medieval towns, an ultra-exclusive resort favoured by royals and celebrities, secluded bays and coves, vineyards, snorkelling in emerald waters and plenty of beauty and buzz. Whether you’re crew looking for destination tips, or a charterer looking for ideas, read on and be inspired!
Start your charter in the Southern Medieval town of Ulcinj. Founded in the 5th century, it became part of the Byzantine Empire, the most powerful economic, cultural and military force in Europe during its existence. It’s a small town and has fewer visitors than the more northern towns of Montenegro, but it is picturesque, laid-back and has beaches galore.
Although in the summer months the beaches can become quite crowded, so if choosing to spend an afternoon here you are better off exploring the varied and rich history of this pretty destination. One story told is that the famous Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes, was imprisoned here for 5 years as a slave, managing to escape to his homeland when Spanish Friars paid 500 golden thalers for his release.
He then went on to write the famous ‘’Don Quixote’’ with Dulcinea of Toboso, inspired by a woman he met in Ulcinj during his captivity.
There are many more stories, such as the legend around the burial chamber by the entrance to the old town. It is said that two friends fought over the love of a woman here and she was so torn by her love for each of them she took her own life, but still the young men duelled to their death. The folklore is that the burial site radiates and heals.
Stop by the museum to discover more about the fascinating history of this town.
End the day with a trip up to the Vinarija Milovic vineyard, located in the hills north east of the old city. The vineyard produces 20,000 bottles a year, and their traditional wines are rich and dark ruby coloured, mixing forest fruit, cranberry and vanilla flavours. There is luxurious accommodation with a tennis court and swimming pool, should you overindulge on the wines and decide to stay the evening.
From Ulcinj head to the modern Port town of Bar and visit the hidden gem of Stari Bar, the old town about an hour’s walk up the mountains. Stari Bar was destroyed by a major earthquake in 1979 and the town had to be abandoned.
Although the original town will never be fully rebuilt, in order to preserve the history of the place, restoration works are taking place to bring back some of its former glory.
This fascinating location offers plenty to explore as one of the largest and most important medieval archaeological sites in the Balkans, with the remains of the Venetian Palaces, Turkish Bath and clock tower. It is also home to one of the oldest olive trees in the world and it remains relatively unvisited, so be sure to see it before it becomes a tourist trap.
This ultra-exclusive private resort set on its own tiny island just off Montenegro is a long favoured hideaway for royals, presidents, super models and celebrities. With its extraordinary pink beaches and absolute discretion, it’s no wonder it has attracted this calibre of guest for decades, but be sure to book in advance as only guests and diners are permitted access to this elite venue. Check in to its temple of wellbeing spa with a holistic, personalised approach, and start your vacation as you mean to go on, feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and wanting for nothing.
When in Montenegro, a trip to Kotor, situated on one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, is highly recommended.
Surrounded by dramatic mountains, stone walls and deep waters, it’s a beautiful place to explore.
Admire the stately Venetian style palaces and the many beautifully ornamented mansions with the coats of arms of the noble families.
This ancient city is a UNESCO-listed “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site’’, and you can spend the day taking a trip through time appreciating its medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage from the different centuries.
Kotor also offers many water sports including snorkelling, rafting and sea kayaking.
For nightlife head to Maximum, the country’s biggest club which attracts international DJs.
Dubrovnik is where the fashionable crowd are flocking to and is the place to be seen.
Enjoy the clear waters and white sand of one of the world’s most magnificent walled cities.
Rich in history, it once had one of the largest merchant navy fleets in the world, and from its maritime trade the people of Dubrovnik became extremely rich, leading sophisticated lifestyles.
For a lavish day, drop anchor at trendy Banje Beach, with its spectacular views of the Old City and its private pier for direct access to the beach, or the venue can arrange for a transfer to collect you.
Enjoy the private sandy beach, trendy bar and stylish restaurant, before it turns in to a sensational party place of glamour and extravagance with the hottest DJs to entertain the beautiful people.
For a day of spectacular views, you can walk along the giant castle walls that surround the old town; the walk is around a mile long and offers many photo opportunities along the way.
Dubrovnik was also used for the filming of Game of Thrones and for the super fans there is even a walking tour of these locations.
Take a kayak out and cruise round the stunning Adriatic Sea, heading to the tiny island of Lokrum to explore its small caves.
Visit the little salt-filled lake on the southern part of the island or, if you are feeling adventurous, look out for the naturist beach!
There are so many pristine and quiet beaches on this little island that we recommend you pack a gourmet picnic and find yourself a peaceful spot to enjoy your lunch.
Korkula is a medieval town and supposed birth place of Marco Polo. Take a stroll around the historic walled town with Venetian Renaissance architecture, colourful markets and a 15th century cathedral and museum.
Hvar is another place to visit for beauty and buzz.
Spend the morning exploring the Old Town, the Cathedral and the Franciscan monastery where you can see a magnificent 17th century painting of The Last Supper.
In the afternoon try the Pakleni Islands, an archipelago of tiny pine-scented islets with secluded beaches.
For dinner, try one of Hvar’s top gourmet hangouts, the slow-food restaurant Zlatna Skoljka, set in a courtyard garden of a 14th century palazzo, or follow in the footsteps of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson and dine at Jurin Podrum restaurant, established in 1917, serving delicious local seafood followed by lavender-flower desserts.
Vis is the ideal romantic hideaway and you can tour the island discovering its extensive vineyards, as well as palm, pine, olive, oleander, fig, carob and mulberry trees.
Enjoy its unspoilt scenery and ancient stone walled towns.
Visit the small island of Biševo for some excellent diving, snorkel in the emerald waters of Stiniva Cove, watching out for loggerhead turtles and bottlenose dolphins.
For something a little quieter, and for total escapism, head for Lopud, one of the Elaphiti Islands; the Dubrovnik aristocracy sailed to this tiny island for weekend breaks back in the 17th century.
There are many other places you can add to your itinerary including the blue lagoon on the quiet island of Veli Drvenik to enjoy a swim and some lunch or let your hair down on a night out in the buzzing and exuberant city of Split.
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