Introducing Anchor Croatia: Our 5 Best Travel Tips of All-Time

Greetings from the heart of the Adriatic. At Anchor Croatia, we live and breathe sun, sea and the spirit of travel. If you share our passion, you’re in the right place. 

If you’re joining us for the first time, welcome. We are a travel brand specialising in bespoke tours, sailing and luxury experiences on the Dalmatian coast. With our deep knowledge of the luxury travel industry and a local’s perspective on Croatia, we aim to provide our guests with the most authentic experiences, catered to every unique need.

Who We Are

Anchor Croatia’s story began when a sun-kissed California girl living in the metropolis of New York City met an adventurous Croatian boy with a passion for sailing and the sea. Naturally, they fell in love, travelled the world, and upon realising their shared love for sustainable travel, ultimately founded a yacht rental company in Split. Since then, Anchor Croatia has evolved into the ultimate resource for coastal travel, offering group and private tours, event planning, and bespoke travel experiences. Our flourishing Croatia travel group on Facebook, with over 100,000 members, serves as a hub for travellers to ask questions, seek advice, and share their adventures.

Meet Our Founders

Founders Marko and Jen are avid world travellers, having explored over 85 countries with no signs of slowing down. They’ve brought their expertise back home and, together with their local team, have built something truly special. Their wealth of knowledge and experience is what makes Anchor Croatia unique, and the vibrant community behind us is what keeps us thriving.

As a thank you to the dedicated travellers who seek advice and experiences from Anchor Croatia every day, we want to share our top 5 ultimate Croatia travel tips. These are the best pieces of advice that we share with Anchor Croatia guests, curated here just for you.

If you are planning a trip to Croatia or simply dreaming about sparkling sea and sunny days, read on.

TIP #1 See the Islands 

No trip to Croatia is complete without visiting at least one of its 1,000+ islands. To truly fall in love with and experience the beauty of this country, you must venture offshore

There is an island experience for everyone. If you want a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning natural beauty, visit the underrated island of Šolta. If you seek world-class parties and gourmet dining, Hvar is your ideal destination. Korčula is known as a top wine destination. Brač is family friendly and is the home of Zlatni Rat beach. Vis has a deep history and is the filming location of “Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again”. 

Most first-time visitors find themselves enchanted by the islands, often falling in love and returning time and again to rediscover the magic. You can expect crystal clear beaches, charming coastal villages and the feeling that you’ve stepped into a Mediterranean paradise.

TIP #2 Try the Seafood 

Coastal Croatia is a seafood lover’s dream. Delicacies such as branzino, tuna, and octopus are renowned in this region and done with exceptional quality. 

One particularly special dish is Peka—a traditional Croatian meal cooked by placing it under a bell-like lid and covering it in coals, famously featuring octopus. More must-try dishes include black squid risotto, white fish with swiss chard, and buzara with shrimp. The seafood here is incredibly fresh, often caught and served on the same day, providing a truly authentic taste of the Adriatic.

If you can, visit a local restaurant that serves daily seafood menus, such as Kastel Gospodnetić on Island Brač or Konoba Nikola in Stobreč. You won’t regret it.

TIP #3 Taste the Wine and Olive Oil

Croatia has over 150 indigenous grape varieties and is one of the oldest wine regions in Europe, making it a true hidden gem in the world of wines. Did you know that Zinfandel, a popular grape variety in California, actually originated from Croatia? Kaštela to be precise. 

Wine lovers visiting Croatia can expect a diverse palette, deeply rooted in the country’s history and land. The rich soil and diverse micro-climates produce an exceptional range. We recommend trying Pošip from Korčula and Dingač from the Pelješac peninsula. 

Many families in Croatia still own their own vineyards and produce their own wines. In addition, they often produce high-quality, exceptionally pure olive oil. Sampling the wine and olive oil while in Croatia is a must, as they offer a true taste of the region. Both make an excellent souvenir or gift to bring home.

TIP #4 Visit in the Shoulder Season

For ideal weather conditions and fewer crowds, consider visiting the coast of Croatia outside of the high season. May and September are the best times to visit, and even October is often still warm enough for swimming.

These shoulder months provide more comfortable temperatures, avoiding the intense heat of summer when temperatures can soar above 30 degrees Celsius. You’ll enjoy a much more relaxed atmosphere, free from the heavy tourist crowds that occur every year from June to August. 

If you do visit during the peak summer months, you can avoid the crowds by using boats for transportation. Whether for transfers or tours, exploring the Adriatic by boat is the best way to enjoy the beauty of the coast while steering clear of packed city centres.

TIP #5 Go Sailing 

Croatians have a deep, abiding connection to the sea. It’s never referred to as the “ocean” or the “water”—it is the sea, and only the sea. To truly understand and appreciate this profound relationship, we highly recommend sailing on the Adriatic.

Sailing offers a unique perspective of Croatia’s stunning coastline, hidden coves, and picturesque islands. The thrill of navigating the clear blue sea, feeling the wind in your hair, and discovering secluded spots inaccessible by land is exhilarating. Of the 1,000+ islands mentioned before, only about 50 are inhabited, leaving you endless opportunities to explore hidden gems at your own pace. 

Whether you decide to rent a sailboat, book a single or multi-day tour, or charter a larger sailing yacht, we love this experience for anyone who wants to experience the true magic of the Adriatic.

Go Further

At Anchor Croatia, we are committed to helping you discover the best of Croatia. Whether it’s bespoke tours, sailing adventures, or luxury experiences on the Dalmatian coast, our goal is to provide you with the most authentic and personalised trip possible. 

For those of you who are head over heels in love with the idea of seeing the best of Croatia in one magical trip, we are hosting the experience of a lifetime this August. You can see the islands, eat seafood to your heart’s content, and indulge in the regions’ best wines on our 2024 Gourmet Food & Wine Cruise. 

If you’re interested in learning more about us or Croatia travel, join our Croatia travel Facebook community or subscribe to our newsletter. We share the best tips and guides, exclusive discounts, and the best stories from the heart of the Adriatic.