OPINION: We expected yachts, parties and crystal-clear seas, but Yacht Week Croatia delivered so much more – from hidden islands and sunset cocktails to unforgettable DJ sets
We’d heard all the stories about Yacht Week before stepping aboard – the legendary parties, luxury yachts and postcard-perfect Croatian islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters. But after experiencing it for ourselves, we can confidently say the reality is even better than the hype.
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Yacht Week has evolved from a niche sailing holiday into one of Europe’s biggest social travel experiences. Since launching in 2006, it has welcomed more than 100,000 travellers and cemented itself as the ultimate bucket-list trip for anyone chasing the perfect Euro summer.
This year, Yacht Week once again partnered with Ultra Europe, giving guests the chance to combine island hopping with performances from some of the biggest names in dance music, including Calvin Harris, Armin van Buuren, CamelPhat, Dom Dolla, Fisher, Jamie Jones, Worship, BUNT. and more at Split’s Park Mladeži. Festivalgoers partied into the early hours before retreating to their floating homes, ready to do it all again the next day.
While the name suggests it’s all about sailing, Yacht Week is so much more.
After landing in Split, we headed straight to the marina where we were introduced to our yacht, Ciao Bella. Complete with four double cabins, a bunk room, three bathrooms, a cosy living area, kitchen and spacious rooftop deck, it instantly felt like home.
Our first afternoon was spent cruising across the Adriatic to the glamorous island of Hvar. The four-hour sail was the perfect chance to switch off, soak up the sunshine and admire Croatia’s breathtaking coastline before our first big night out at the iconic Carpe Diem Beach Club.
As sunset gave way to darkness, hundreds of Yacht Week guests descended on the beach club, dancing beneath the stars as throwback anthems blasted through the speakers and new friendships were formed over cocktails.
Every morning brought another spectacular view. Waking up to turquoise water, hidden coves and peaceful harbours never got old, and each new island felt like stepping onto a postcard.
Away from the parties, Croatia’s beauty truly stole the show. We explored a winery hidden inside a cave, wandered the charming streets of Vis – famous as the filming location for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again – swam in impossibly clear waters, anchored in secluded bays and experienced the warm hospitality the country is renowned for.
The standout evening came at Fort George, a spectacular 19th-century British fortress perched high above Vis. Once built to defend the island, it has since been transformed into one of Croatia’s most unique event venues.
Dinner overlooking the Adriatic at sunset was a highlight in itself, with succulent lamb and local cheese paired with fig jam among the standout dishes. But the evening was only just getting started.
After dinner, guests were invited to an intimate rooftop party at Fort George, where we sipped refreshing Hugo Spritzes as the sun dipped below the horizon. Perched high above the sea, the rooftop offered breathtaking panoramic views across Vis and provided the perfect golden-hour backdrop before the night’s headline performance.
As darkness fell, we made our way down the fortress’s ancient stone staircases into the gardens below, where the atmosphere transformed into an unforgettable open-air party.
We loved dancing along with rising star Miggle, who got the crowd moving with an energetic set packed with nostalgic 2000s mash-ups, feel-good anthems and high-tempo drops that set the tone for the night ahead.
Then came the headline act. Dance music legend Fedde Le Grand, best known for his smash hit Put Your Hands Up For Detroit, took to the decks and had the entire crowd bouncing with pounding house beats and soaring synths. The fortress erupted as revellers danced beneath the stars, capping off what was undoubtedly the standout night of the trip.
By the end of the night we’d danced with people from across the world, somehow become honorary guests at a hen party and completely understood why so many travellers return year after year.
Yacht Week isn’t just about the music or nightlife. It’s about waking up somewhere new every morning, discovering hidden corners of Croatia, meeting like-minded people and making memories you’ll still be talking about long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.
The social side is what truly sets it apart. Whether you’re travelling with a big group of friends or arriving solo, you’re constantly meeting new people. By the end of the week, it feels less like travelling with strangers and more like being part of a floating community.
As Yacht Week celebrates its milestone 20th anniversary, it’s easy to see why it has become one of Europe’s most talked-about summer experiences. If you’re looking for a holiday that’s far more memorable than another week by the same hotel pool, Yacht Week in Croatia more than lives up to its legendary reputation.
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