Sailing Croatia by Gulet: A Different Kind of Luxury
When most people picture a holiday in Croatia, they imagine white stone beaches and ancient seaside towns. But there’s a side of this country that can’t be seen from land: a coastline scattered with secluded coves, quiet fishing villages, and lesser-known islands. These are the kinds of places you can only truly experience when you travel slowly.
In a world of ultra-luxury yachts and high-speed itineraries, gulets and traditional sailboats offer something different: authenticity. These are trips where the rhythm of the day is set by the sun, the sea, and spontaneous moments. If you want to truly experience coastal Croatia, its flavours, its culture, its quiet beauty, there’s nothing quite like sailing by gulet.
The photos in this article feature gulet Libra. To learn more about boats of this type, click here. To reserve this boat or any others from our fleet, contact sail@anchorcroatia.com.
What is a Gulet?
A gulet is a traditional wooden sailing vessel with deep roots in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly along the coastlines of Turkey and Croatia. Originally used by fishermen and sponge divers, gulets have evolved into comfortable cruising boats while retaining their handcrafted charm and nautical heritage. Their design (broad-beamed, low to the water, and built from rich local wood) is uniquely suited to the calm Adriatic.
With wide decks, comfortable cabins, and space relaxation on board, they blend the romance of old-world sailing with the ease of modern comfort. Unlike large cruise ships, gulets are intimate and slow-moving—which is exactly the point.
The Comforts of Home, Carried by the Sea
Anchor Croatia offers gulet charters for small to medium groups looking to explore the coast at their own pace. Think of it as your floating boutique hotel, but with better views, more spontaneity and so much character. Wake up each day in a new bay, enjoy breakfast on the deck with the morning sun warming your face, and swim in water so clear you can see the fish swimming below your feet.
With crew built in, you won’t lift a finger (unless it’s to raise a glass of Plavac Mali over dinner!).
Where You Can Go
The beauty of a gulet trip is in the freedom to collaborate with your charter crew and design your own itinerary. Here are just a few places we LOVE to travel to on yacht trips of this size:
Brač: Swim off the coast of hidden bays near Milna, then head inland for an olive oil tasting and grove tour. Swim up to Zlatni Rat beach then stop at the closest winery to the sea in Bol town.
Šolta: Croatia’s most underrated island. Towering cliffs on the south side, swimming over a sunken shipwreck, and local konobas that do seafood better than anyone.
Hvar: Skip the party scene and explore Stari Grad, a UNESCO-protected town filled with lavender fields, quiet alleyways, and local konobas.
Vis: Once a military base, now a time capsule of Dalmatian life. Don’t miss a slow afternoon in Komiža or dinner in an old military tunnel.
Korčula: Our favourite island in the Adriatic, and not just for the amazing wine. Pair your tasting with a buggy tour through the hills and a farm to table meal.
Lastovo: Off the beaten path and deeply peaceful. Forested, remote, and ideal for travellers who want to feel far away from everything else.
Each itinerary is customisable, with built-in room for serendipity. Take a detour for fresh oysters, a quiet cove only your skipper knows, or a beach barbecue under the stars.
Who Is This Trip For?
This is for the travellers who want to slow down and experience authentic Croatia. For families looking to reconnect or a groups of friends celebrating something special. This trip isnt for anyone who wants to check off as many sites as quickly as possible. It’s about presence. About mornings that start with a dip in the sea, and evenings that end with grilled fish, good wine, and stories shared across the table.
Plan Your Trip
Anchor Croatia works to create seamless, all-inclusive journeys. From choosing your route to stocking the bar with your favourite drinks, every detail is taken care of.
“With a gulet, we’re not rushing you from one place to the next. You’re sleeping in quiet bays we’ve known since we were kids. You’re chatting with the chef at the konoba. You’re hearing stories about tradition that go back generations. Its always what people remember the most.”
-Marko, founder and captain
If you’re dreaming of a different kind of Croatian summer…unhurried, connected, and full of flavour…a gulet might be your perfect match.
Ready to plan something unforgettable? Get in touch and let’s start charting your course. Email sail@anchorcroatia.com.
