Croatia's beautiful coastline is hardly a secret. Historic medieval walls in Dubrovnik and Hvar's lively waterfront draw travellers from around the world to this part of the Adriatic. But venture a little further along the coast, and you'll discover a quieter yet mesmerising side of Croatia.

Exploring Croatia by small catamaran offers a different way to experience the islands, with more time for water activities and opportunities to discover places larger vessels can't easily reach.

Here's a taste of what a week on a catamaran, sailing between Trogir and Dubrovnik, is like.

Why explore Croatia by small catamaran? 

While ferries and day trips are popular ways to visit Croatia's islands, travelling by small catamaran lets you experience the coastline at a different pace. Your accommodation travels with you, so there's no need to keep packing and unpacking. 

Mornings might begin with a swim straight from the boat, followed by breakfast overlooking a quiet bay. During the day, you can snorkel, paddleboard, explore coastal trails, or simply relax on deck. 

And when you arrive in port, you can wander through local villages and enjoy the atmosphere, often when it's not during the busiest sightseeing hours.

7 highlights along the Adriatic coast

Šolta Island

Just a short sail from Trogir, Šolta is known for its traditional fishing villages, olive groves and sheltered bays. You can spend your morning swimming, snorkelling or paddleboarding in the clear Adriatic waters. It's a lovely introduction to island life, with no need to be anywhere in a hurry. 

Stari Grad: Hvar's quieter side 

Hvar might be famous for its lively harbour and nightlife, but this beautiful island has another side worth exploring. On the northern coast, Stari Grad is one of Europe's oldest towns, with narrow stone lanes, historic buildings and waterfront cafes.

Wander through town, stop for a gelato or head into the surrounding countryside to visit a family-run farm. Here, you can sample locally produced organic wine, olive oil and Dalmatian prosciutto while learning about the island's food traditions. 

Stari Grad Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also well worth a visit.

The Pakleni Islands: Beautiful coves and swimming spots 

Just off Hvar lie the Pakleni Islands, a collection of pine-covered islets surrounded by some of the Adriatic's most inviting waters. Despite its nickname, the "Hell Islands", there's nothing intimidating about these beautiful little islands. 

Many of their sheltered coves and rocky beaches are accessible only by boat, offering great spots for swimming, snorkelling and enjoying the scenery.

Korčula: Medieval streets and local traditions 

A medieval walled city of impressive stone walls, terracotta rooftops and narrow cobbled streets, Korčula is one of Croatia's most charming island towns. Often compared to Dubrovnik on a smaller scale, its historic centre is a wonderful place to explore on foot. 

Wander through the old town, browse local shops or find a waterfront cafe to watch the boats come and go. Depending on your visit, you might also catch a traditional sword dance, part of the island's rich cultural heritage. 

A must-do highlight is climbing the ladder to Massimo’s rooftop bar for sunset cocktails. 

Mljet: National park walks, saltwater lakes and local flavours 

If you love nature and getting outdoors, Mljet will be a memorable stop. One of the greenest islands in the Adriatic, Mljet National Park features forest trails that wind around two beautiful saltwater lakes. Explore on foot or by e-bike, take a small boat to the historic Benedictine monastery on St Mary's Island or enjoy a refreshing swim in the lakes. 

Afterwards, try peka, a traditional Dalmatian dish of meat, octopus or fish slow-cooked with vegetables beneath a bell-shaped lid. 

The Elaphiti Islands

Just off Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti Islands provide a welcome escape from the city's busier streets. Spend your day exploring village lanes, taking in the relaxed atmosphere of traditional Adriatic life or discover the multitude of secluded bays and hidden coves ideal for swimming.

As evening dawns, locals gather along the waterfront, children ride their bikes, and families settle in for dinner. These moments make exploring Croatia's smaller islands even more memorable. 

Dubrovnik

No journey along this part of the Croatian coastline would feel complete without experiencing Dubrovnik. While its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town is well worth exploring, seeing the city from the sea offers a different perspective. 

The magnificent medieval walls rise above the coastline, with terracotta rooftops stretching across the hillside behind them. It's a memorable gateway to begin or finish your Croatian adventure. Keep an eye on the water, too, as dolphins are sometimes spotted along this stretch of the Adriatic.

How to experience Croatia away from the busiest crowds

A little planning can make all the difference when exploring this popular coastline. 

• Travel during the shoulder season: Late May, June and September generally offer pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors than the peak July and August holiday period.
• Choose a smaller vessel: Small catamarans can reach sheltered bays and quieter anchorages that larger cruise ships may not. The intimate boat means you're onboard with up to 8 passengers for a voyage that feels less like a tour and more like sailing with friends.
• Support local businesses: Eat at family-run restaurants, sample locally produced wines and olive oils, and take time to learn about the communities you visit. 
• Slow down: Leave room for spontaneous swimming stops and conversations with locals that often become the best travel memories.

From peaceful island villages to hidden coves and traditional Dalmatian flavours, exploring by small catamaran over a week lets you experience the Adriatic at a more relaxed pace.

View our sailing trips and start planning your Croatia adventure today →