Back to Summer on the Azure Adriatic

Arrive in Dubrovnik, once a powerful maritime republic and the chief rival of Venice during its dominance of the Adriatic. Known proudly as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the city boasts one of Europe’s best-preserved fortress systems. Strolling along the impressive stone walls of the Old Town, you are rewarded with sweeping views of two striking panoramas—the deep blue Adriatic Sea and a sea of terracotta rooftops below. With its elegant squares, grand promenades, and narrow, winding lanes, Dubrovnik’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a timeless testament to its rich past.

During the height of Venice’s rule over the Adriatic, Dubrovnik stood as a powerful maritime republic and its greatest rival. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the city is celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved fortress, among the finest in Europe. Walking along the formidable walls of the Old Town reveals breathtaking views of two contrasting seas—the deep blue Adriatic and a tapestry of terracotta rooftops below. With its elegant squares, grand avenues, and narrow, winding lanes, Dubrovnik’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living showcase of its storied past.

Komiza captivates with its charming fishing village allure. The picturesque alleys narrate a rich history, while the crystal-clear water glimmers invitingly. Here, tradition intertwines with natural beauty, creating an enchanting backdrop.

The charming principal town of the small Central Dalmatian island of Hvar is picturesquely situated in a sheltered bay. Today, in the same spot where the Venetian fleet used to spend the winter and the proud republic of the Doges bequeathed its influence, yachts from all over the world bob about and transform this hotspot into the "St Tropez of Croatia". From the sea you can see the elegant harbor esplanade, the cathedrals with their distinctive bell towers, the old defensive walls and, towering above everything else, the medieval Spanjola fortress. The winding streets of the old town, with its many cafés, bars and restaurants around the lively main square trodden to a shine, have become a picturesque backdrop for today's sophisticated lifestyle.

The Adriatic island of Korcula is one of the greenest in the region. Vineyards and olive groves stretch across rolling hills. The island's main town of the same name is protected by a city wall. It is one of the best-preserved medieval Mediterranean towns. Some buildings evoke the time when the maritime power of Venice ruled. Tintoretto is immortalised in the cathedral, and in one of the narrow streets you can search for the house where Marco Polo was born.

When film crews search for a city location with charming alleys, a colossal fortress, and medieval charm, Trogir is often the number one choice. On the central Adriatic coast in Croatia, the Pearl of Dalmatia, as it’s known, is considered the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex in the whole of Eastern Europe. Its beautiful city center, located on a small island, also enchanted UNESCO, which made it a protected heritage site in 1997. Here, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence overlooks small alleys, palaces, patrician houses, and a sea of red-tiled roofs. Meanwhile, Trogir’s palm-lined waterfront is a modern place to stroll around and have a coffee with a view of sleek yachts.

Rovinj lies on the western coast of Istria. The old town was built on a hill and was part of the Republic of Venice for over 500 years. St Euphemia's Basilica sits above the terracotta roofs in solitary splendor and its tower has become the town's landmark. A stroll through the winding lanes transports you straight into the Mediterranean lifestyle and the region's culinary delights. Istrian wines seem to embody the sun's rich heat, the oak forests conceal precious white truffles and the region's olive oil is among the finest in the world.

The floating city of Venice sits on millions of wooden piles and more than 400 bridges cross 150 canals. No other city possesses such an abundance of stunningly beautiful churches, monasteries, palaces and artistic treasures, and nowhere else has plaster that crumbles so elegantly. Venice is a unique work of art and, with its lagoon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gateway to the city is probably the most magical of any in the world. Slowly and majestically, you glide past the proud palaces along the Grand Canal and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, giving you a long look at the fairytale setting of St Mark's Square with the Doge's Palace and Campanile.