Bays, Mountains & Islands of the Dalmatian Coast

Synonymous with Spain, the delicious paella rice dish originated in Valencia and was originally known as arroz a la Valencia, which takes its name from the pan it is cooked in, typically large, round and shallow. Believed to have been created in the 15th century for Valencian farmers working in the rice fields using ingredients local to their surroundings; nowadays it is popular with chicken or seafood. Close by is Albufera Natural Park – an important stopover for migratory birds.

Situated just north of Sicily, Stromboli Island is one of the smallest Aeolian Islands, but arguably the most famous thanks to its intense volcanic activity. One of Europe’s most active volcanos after Mount Etna, Stromboli has been erupting for over 2,000 years and almost non-stop since 1932. The island’s eruptions are so distinctive that geologists use ‘Strombolian’ to describe similar eruptions around the world.

Located between the eastern tip of Sicily and the western tip of Calabria, the Strait of Messina separates mainland Italy with the island of Sicily with its narrowest point measuring just one nautical mile. The strait is home to strong tidal currents and a unique marine ecosystem, with a natural whirlpool at the northernmost point of the strait, said to be linked to the Greek legends of Scylla and Charybdis. Sailing through the Straits during the eveningtime offers the chance to experience the sun setting beyond the horizon from the comfort of your cruise ship.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor has towering peaks and a rocky coastline dotted with waterside towns. The Orjen Mountains to the west and the Lovćen mountains to the east, surround this bay of water; where there are many architectural and natural sites, including the Saint George Benedictine Monastery on the waters edge and the twin islands of St George and Our Lady of the Rocks, both of which are religious pilgrimage sites.

Located on the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the town of the same name is one of the best-preserved Medieval towns in the Adriatic. Kotor has ancient architecture that’s displayed in Venetian palaces and Romanesque churches, earning itself a listing as a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site. The winding cobbled streets are also home to numerous museums, including the Maritime Museum which explores the town’s maritime history.

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

Known as the ‘town of a hundred suns’ and the oldest town in Slovenia, Koper has unforgettable sea views, extensive vineyards and olive groves. After the Second World War, Koper became part of Yugoslavia, but then regained independence in 1991, and officially became part of Slovenia. The spectacular Lake Bled, nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is close by and is considered one of the most picturesque spots in the country.

St. Anthony’s Channel is a scenic and narrow stretch of water close to the historic town of Sibenik on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Renowned for its picturesque surroundings and lush greenery along its banks, it also offers fantastic views of St. Nicolas’ Fortress from the decks of your cruise ship as you sail past. At the entrance to the channel you will also see a Franciscan monastery dedicated to St. Anthony.

Lesser known than the beautiful cities of Split and Dubrovnik, Sibenik offers all of the quintessential delights that can be expected from destinations situated on Croatia’s glorious Adriatic Coast. Sibenik is situated within one of the best-protected harbours found in the Adriatic region, and boasts spectacular surrounding landscapes, while the city itself has typically Croatian scenes of white-washed, terracotta-topped buildings hinting at the treasures awaiting discovery ashore. Wander the steeply-angled streets and squares framed by a mix of centuries-old architectural gems, including the impressive town hall, the churches of St Barbara and St Fran, and the Cathedral Sveti Jakov. Built in the early 15th century, UNESCO-listed Sveti Jakov is considered one of Croatia’s finest and most important Renaissance-era landmarks.

Situated on the Dalmatian Coast, Split is famous for its beaches and magnificent Riva Waterfront. However, just a 10 minute walk away is the pedestrianised old town, protected by the walls of the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace. The cobbled streets are full of alleys and courtyards, where perfectly preserved examples of Roman architecture can be found, including St. Dominus Cathedral, the Vestibule and Narodni Trg – The People’s Square.

Mount Biokovo is part of the Dinaric Alps, which extend along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, and is characterised by its dramatic limestone cliffs, deep ravines and lush vegetation. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and is a protected area within the Biokovo Nature Park, where preserving the environment is paramount. Two strictly protected bird species who visit here are the peregrine falcon and golden eagle, who nest on the cliffs annually. The mountain overlooks the charming Makarska Riviera, with its peaceful bays and beaches, and red-roofed houses standing on the waters edge.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatric’, Dubrovnik is nestled between the mountains and sea on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The deeply historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and still has magnificent medieval walls surrounding it, protecting monuments from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. The pedestrianised Old Town is full of narrow cobbled streets leading to the 14th century Dominican Monastery, which houses rare books and manuscripts.