Some of the best ports of call in the Adriatic Sea include Venice in Italy, Hvar in Croatia, Corfu in Greece, and Kotor in Montenegro. Each has its own charms and all are worth the trip.
Venice, Italy
Discovering the canals, churches, art, and architecture of
Venice is like stepping into another world. St Mark's Basilica, the Gallerie dell’Accademia where works of Leonardo da Vinci are on display, and taking a boat ride along the Grand Canal puts you front and center to the splendor of the city.
Ravenna, Italy
Teeming with treasures such as the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia for art lovers, full of canal-side cafes for food and people watching, and home to Dante’s final resting place,
Ravenna is a favorite port of call to discover the jewels of Italy.
Hvar, Croatia
Famous for its wineries that predate the Romans, restaurants flanked by private beaches, medieval castles, and monasteries,
Hvar is an island that enchants and entertains those who wander its seaside and streets.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Exploring
Dubrovnik’s Old City, walking the city’s walls, and cooling off at a seaside café are a few of the ways to discover Croatia’s capital. The city boasts landmarks dating back centuries, including Fort Lovrijenac where views over the city and the coast are breathtaking. The location was also the site for the Red Keep in Game of Thrones.
Split, Croatia
Home to the Roman Diocletian’s Palace which houses shops and restaurants amid ancient ruins Split is a great place to discover the history of Croatia while enjoying the modern-day culture. Other attractions include Republic Square and Riva- the revitalized area of the waterfront where locals gather for fun in the sun.
Zadar, CroatiaZadar is one of Croatia’s best seaside cities. Sites like the old town are balanced by modern attractions like the Monument to the Sun and the Sea Organ. The Monument to the Sun is a waterfront solar-powered disk that soaks up the sunshine during the day and lights up in different colors at night, making a technicolored dance floor that is hard to beat. The Sea Organ is a series of underwater pipes that make music when filled with water, bringing sound to the monument's lights.
Corfu, GreeceCorfu is one of the islands in the Adriatic Sea that doesn’t disappoint those who discover it. Miles of the coast, a historic center that shows the Venetian influence from hundreds of years of development, a relaxed culture, and a great selection of restaurants make it a fun getaway worth exploring.
Nafplion, Greece
Touted as the most beautiful town in Greece,
Nafplion is a mecca where museums and cultural centers shed light on the history and modern society of the country. Beautiful beaches and oceanside restaurants beckon to those in search of fun in the sun and the old town has a maze of winding streets where new discoveries are around every corner.
Kotor, MontenegroKotor is perched between the mountains and the sea and is a great mix of the past and the present. The city’s historic center is bursting with well-preserved medieval buildings while the view out over the bay is picture perfect. For a great view of the city and scenery, hiking to St John’s Fortress above the town makes for an active excursion that is well rewarded.
Budva, Montenegro
The hub of tourism in Montenegro,
Budva is also one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Sea. Seaside beaches, cobblestone streets, a fortified historic center on a peninsula, and plenty of restaurants serving local specialties give travelers a lot to discover. Close to town is Mogren Fortress where views up and down the coast make the trek worthwhile.
For more information about the destinations, you can visit on an Adriatic Sea cruise and the best times of year to visit,
contact one of Adventure Life’s travel experts.
