Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Croatia
Besides the natural beauty, endless islands, and gorgeous beaches, Croatia is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Eight of these sites are cultural, and the other two are natural. This article describes some of the sites' history and cultural significance, their unique features, activities, and experiences available, and the best way to visit them.
Historic City of Trogir, Čiovo island
Thanks to a high concentration of palaces, fortresses, churches, and towers dating back to medieval times, the historic city of Trogir made is to the UNESCO Heritage list in 1997. The sculptural art on the stone across the town is what makes it so unique. During your walk through the streets of Trogir, you can see the famous fortress Kamerlengo dating back to the 15th century, and today used as a summer stage.
Located on a small island, just a short boat trip from Split, Trogir is one of the must-stop during your yacht charter. Once you step your foot off your yacht, you can walk on Trogir's beautiful and vibrant waterfront promenade featuring several restaurants, bars, cafes, and local vendors. During your visit to this precious island, make your way to the Okrug Gornji beach, and go for a swim break before returning to your yacht.
Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian
In the second largest city in Croatia, Split, lays the historical Palace of the Roman Emperor, Diocletian. Built at the end 3rd Century, the Palace and its surrounding buildings, are the best-preserved monuments of Roman architecture in the world. This, and the still visible historical parts in the city structure are the reasons why they have been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1979. During your visit, you can see the beautiful Medieval Romanesque churches, Gothic and Renaissance palaces and portals, baroque facades, and modern-day buildings.
Besides the rich history and culture still visible today, visitors can enjoy Split's lively nightlife along the famous Riva. The beachfront promenade with several restaurants and bars is the main gathering spot for tourists and locals. In case you want to get a better insight and learn more about history and architecture, there are several guided tours you can choose from. Since Split is the embarking location for many yacht charter routes, so you have plenty of time to discover it, before stepping foot on your yacht.
Old City of Dubrovnik
Another UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting during your yacht charter is the fascinating Old City of Dubrovnik. Laying directly on the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik's famous medieval walls are best seen from the sea. The walls were completed in the 16th century and were used to protect the city for centuries. Today, thousands of tourists who visit Dubrovnik, can take a walk on the walls and get transported in time. The old City of Dubrovnik suffered some damage during the earthquake of 1667 and in 1990, during the Croatian War of Independence. Now it is the focus of a major restoration program with UNESCO.
Today, the Old city of Dubrovnik got its famous for being one of the filming locations of the famous TV series, Game of Thrones. During your stop here, you should hop on one of the Game of Thrones guided tours and visit the picturesque filming locations. Even though a day is enough to see the Old City of Dubrovnik, you will want to stay longer. Endless historical sites, restaurants, cafes, and shops spread across the city will capture your heart and make you wish to never leave. If you want to visit Dubrovnik in style, we suggest this charter route.
Stari Grad Plain and Stari Grad, Hvar island
Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar is an intact cultural site. Colonized by the Greeks in the 4th century BC it has remained untouched ever since. Stari Grad Plain represents a comprehensive land organization system based on geometrical parcels with dry stone wall boundaries (chora). The agricultural activity has been uninterrupted for 24 centuries, and it mainly consists of grapes and olives. You can explore the plains by foot, bicycle, motorbike, or by car, and visit some of the local wineries, restaurants, and small agrotourisms owned by the farmers living here.
There are not many tourists in this area, as they stick to the coastal part of Hvar. The small Old Town or, Stari Grad is also worth visiting during your stay here. Way more laid back and relaxed vibe than the famous Hvar Town, perfect for a quiet stroll in the medieval cobblestone streets. The majority of the historical Old Town is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and is worth visiting. Because the island of Hvar is so unique and features something for everyone, we included it in this yacht charter route.
The Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik
Šibenik is located between Zadar, Split, and two National parks, Krka and Kornati, and is no wonder that is a popular yachting destination. Here, history lovers can visit the beautiful Cathedral of St. James. Built during almost 100 years, between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Cathedral of St. James, made it to the UNESCO Heritage List in 2000. Because it was built entirely of stone, starting in Gothic, and completed in Renessainse style, it is considered one of the most beautiful and significant architectural achievements in Croatia.
There are a few walking tours that will show you the stunning outside part, as well as the interior of the Cathedral. After you are done with the tour, you can enjoy a traditional Dalmatian dish at one of the nearby restaurants. Since Šibenik is one of the most visited and popular destinations, we suggest you visit it during your yacht charter vacation. This way, you can return to your yacht anytime you want and take a break from the tourist crowds.
