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Beyond Dubrovnik: Some of the best port towns on the Adriatic Coast
4 ImagesBeyond Dubrovnik: Some of the best port towns on the Adriatic Coast
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PIRAN, SLOVENIA The splendid eastern Adriatic coast has always been about sea trade, making cruising an apt way to explore. Slovenia's petite coastline, backed by hills of olive trees and wedged between Italy and Croatia, brings the Adriatic's first pleasures on cruises sailing south from Venice. This region was part of the Venetian Empire for five centuries, and salt-trading centre Piran has very Venetian-looking architecture featuring winged lions and pretty Gothic facades. If you have time, seek out delightful Minorite Convent, whose courtyard often hosts outdoor concerts, and catch the sunset on the harbour-side promenades of this peninsular old town. See portoroz.siCredit:Shutterstock
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HVAR, CROATIA Along the southern Croatian coast, cruise ships abandon the mainland and navigate lavender-scented islands. Hvar is the highlight for the upmarket, jet-setting yachtie town of the same name, Croatia's answer to chic Saint-Tropez. The Renaissance gem features monasteries, chapels and shady alleys centred on a superb piazza paved in marble. You should hike to the fortress above for splendid views, though it's more de rigueur to haunt the fashion boutiques and trendy harbour-side bars. Some shore excursions take you beyond town to the island's vineyards for wine tasting, or to lavender farms to meet with producers. See tzhvar.novena.hrCredit:Shutterstock
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KOTOR, MONTENEGRO The great sunken valley that pierces 30 kilometres into the coast towards Kotor is the Mediterranean equivalent of a fiord, framed in cliffs. It's a dramatic sail, so make sure you're up on deck. Cruise ships dock almost beneath the fortified walls of Kotor's old town, which has Roman origins but is World Heritage listed for its mostly medieval ensemble of architecture. It's like a mini Dubrovnik, though less crowded. Shake out the sea legs with a walk along the city walls to St John's Fortress, which takes about an hour and a half return. See touristiko.meCredit:Shutterstock
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SPLIT, CROATIA Just 30 kilometres south of Trogir, the Croatian coast's largest city and busiest port has a fabulous old town embedded in the ruins of a vast Roman-era palace dating to 305AD, when the emperor Diocletian chose this coast for his retirement. It's all World Heritage listed but still vibrant with shops, gelato stores and eateries. Split's contemporary seaside promenades also make for a great stroll. The cruise terminal is a 10-minute walk, so it's worth returning in the evening for the town's buzzing atmosphere, gorgeous sunsets and local white wine. See visitsplit.comCredit:Shutterstock
