schön! selects | yacht week, croatia

Aerial view of the Yacht Week circle raft, dozens of catamarans moored in a ring in a turquoise Croatian bay

photography. Peter Cordova

A summer at sea might be the antidote to this year’s heatwave, especially when it comes with spectacular views and a sense of community. Sailing along Croatia’s Adriatic coast with Yacht Week, you’re greeted with balmy sparkling waters and the beating summer sun. When you touch land, there’s ample time to explore some of Croatia’s most beautiful spots from Hvar to Vis. The annual event celebrated its 20th anniversary in July, gathering a fleet of boats filled with an international mix of sun-kissed travellers. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a milestone, party across the coast or witness the most magical scenery, Yacht Week offers an experience for every kind of traveler across Greece, Sicily, Tahiti, Thailand and Mexico. Schön! alive hopped on board for the Croatia leg of the “floating festival” and put together a guide of unmissable spots.

Yacht Week catamarans moored in two rows in a pine-fringed Adriatic inlet, seen from above

photography. Peter Cordova

What To Do

There is plenty of flexibility to schedule in some swim stops once you set sail. Each yacht comes with some fun toys like paddle boards and group-sized floats so you can spend hours soaking in the sea at some of the coast’s natural bays.

On land, Yacht Week hosts themed parties at locations with stunning views. This year guests enjoyed a “Riviera chic” day party and a “golden era” sunset party. Interpretations of the dress code were flexible and the parties became an entertaining excuse to dress up after a day spent half-dressed under the sun. Expect dance music, a packed dance floor and the opportunity to meet fellow travellers from other boats.

If you fancy some morning fun, every year guests participate in a regatta where boats race through the sea and compete for the best team costume. It’s a playful way to start the day filled with music, makeshift looks and some on-deck dancing. The winner of the regatta even gets a special prize.

Hvar Town's terracotta rooftops and yacht-filled harbour at golden hour, with the Pakleni islands beyond

photography. Peter Cordova

What To See

Vis, one of the picturesque stops during the week, is famously known as the filming location of Mamma Mia 2. It’s worth walking around the island of Komiža or hiring a scooter to explore the cobbled seaside town. Komiža is also home to several quaint beaches with turquoise waters, clear skies and idyllic views. The local beaches are small at not too crowded so take your pick. On the right day, you might just spot some dolphins coasting beside your boat. They’re easy to spot in such clear waters and are quite a common sight.

A Yacht Week guest floating on a pink ring float in clear turquoise water off the Croatian coas

photography. Noelle Hamoen

Where To Eat & Drink

Fresh seafood is abundant thanks to Croatia’s proximity to the sea. We recommend dinner at Fort George in Vis, a historic fort with a fascinating history and the most memorable dinnertime sunsets. Its Mediterranean menu is perfect for sharing with others and sets the scene for Yacht Week’s rooftop sunset party where guests overlook the ocean as dusk turns to night. Croatia also has a beautiful wine culture, so visiting a wine cave is a must. Both to escape the summer heat and to try out some local varieties. 

Aerial view of Fort George, the 19th-century British fort above Vis harbour, with the islet of Host offshore at sunset

photography. Peter Cordova

words. Shama Nasinde

photography. courtesy of Yacht Week, Peter Cordova + Noelle Hamoen