F. Scott Fitzgerald helped romanticise the French Riviera in his day, and if he were alive now, he might well choose the Adriatic instead. With clear skies, clear water and a coastline celebrated for its unspoilt beauty, this region has become one of the most desirable destinations for luxury yacht charters, whether by motor or sail. Picture white linen, flowers, lobster, wood-burning ovens and excellent wines. There are more than one thousand islands here, only sixty-six inhabited, which makes it perfect for private yacht exploration. By day, find your own sheltered cove and by evening arrive at a different twinkling harbour.
The coastal capital of Split offers everything from lively bars and nights out to cocktails and house music at Hedonist, top Dalmatian seafood at Noštromo and a champagne bar at Le Meridien.
Hvar is a charming island scented with lavender and dotted with olive groves. From its Baroque harbour stretches a maze of cobbled streets, as Venice compressed into a remote Greek island. During magic hour in the main piazza, the whole scene is bathed in warm, honey coloured light.
On the island of Brač, Zlatni Rat beach is much more beautiful than its name suggests. Its nickname, the golden cape, is far more fitting. The island of Vis is a haven for luxury yacht charters. Stiniva Cove is an almost fully enclosed horseshoe bay where you can jump into emerald water and swim or snorkel ashore through the narrow ravine.
Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is a city reborn. Since the conflicts of the 1990s, every inch of its thirteenth-century walls has been restored. Villa Agave, with commanding views over the harbour, is a wonderful place to spend an evening ashore during your motor or sailing yacht charter.