Some people are attracted to yacht charters for the thrill of sailing, while others gravitate toward them for sunshine, swimming, and carefree relaxation. But those aren’t the only activities you can enjoy by sea. A sailing vacation can give you exclusive access to hidden gems that are often inaccessible by land – not to mention some of the world’s best photo opportunities.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just want an amazing photo to post on social media, Croatia offers some of the most dazzling photo spots in the Mediterranean.
Read on to discover the top 15 photography locations in Croatia – each within short sailing distance of Dream Yacht Charter’s Sibenik, Dubrovnik, and Trogir marina bases.
Why photographers love a Croatia sailing vacation
Photographers love Croatia’s coasts and islands for their remarkable blend of terrains, textures, and compositions. From golden-hued villages with terracotta roofs and ancient harbours to white limestone cliffs overlooking crystal-clear turquoise waters, there’s contrast everywhere you look!
The only hurdle photographers face while documenting Croatia is travelling between its many camera-ready locations. But with the freedom to roam from island to island and a flexible, customisable itinerary, that won’t be a problem on your Croatia sailing vacation.
Top Croatia photo spots when sailing from Sibenik
1. Katina Island in the Šibenik archipelago
Love minimalist compositions and the eerie beauty of uninhabited landscapes? Then make your way to Katina Island, which offers photographers rare, unspoiled Mediterranean landscapes, almost entirely free from human presence. Be sure to capture the weathered seaside stones – at sunrise, you might even catch them glowing golden!
Sail north from Sibenik through the Kornati archipelago (approximately 20 nautical miles) and anchor in the protected natural cove on Katina’s eastern side. For a mid-shoot break, visit the island’s only structure, Restaurant Mare.
2. Kornati National Park
Kornati National Park may be known as a sailor’s paradise, but its 140 otherworldly islands moonlight as a photographer’s paradise, too. The most captivating element here is contrast – rising out of the deep blue sea are barren, light-coloured islets that create striking compositions from any angle. For maximum drama, aim to shoot during golden hour when the low sun accentuates the islands’ textures.
To reach the park, sail northeast from Sibenik (about 15 nautical miles) and anchor overnight at Ravni Zakan.
3. Murter Island
Have you ever photographed the ancient practice of olive oil production? On Murter Island, you’ll be entranced by centuries-old olive groves, where gnarly trees create fascinating foreground elements against coastal backgrounds. If you enjoy connecting with locals, you can also try shooting during olive harvests or visiting family-owned presses.
To access the island’s olive-producing heartland and four picturesque villages, sail northwest from Sibenik (approximately 10 nautical miles) and moor at Murter town harbour.
4. Kornati Islands Sea Rocks
Landscape photographers can’t miss the towering sea cliffs of the Kornati archipelago, which dramatically rise 280 metres straight into the sky. Because water level is the best angle to accentuate their height, they’re best captured by boat, specifically during sunrise and sunset.
From Sibenik, navigate about 20 nautical miles northwest. To see the rocks in their full beauty, anchor overnight at nearby bays and watch as the sunlight changes their appearance throughout the day.
5. Zlarin Island
Zlarin Island is a car-free destination that transports photographers back in time. With its perfectly preserved stone architecture and tranquil harbour filled with traditional wooden boats, there’s no better place to capture Mediterranean village life. The island is also known for its coral harvesting heritage, providing photographers with a truly unique cultural subject. As with many nautical locations, early morning is one of the best times to shoot.
This spot is a short 5-nautical-mile sail from Sibenik, making it the ideal day trip for sailing photographers.
Top Croatia photo spots when sailing from Dubrovnik
6. Top of Mount Srđ
Perched 412 metres above Dubrovnik, it’s hard to imagine a better panoramic location than Mount Srđ. From this peak, you’ll be able to capture the entirety of Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, iconic terracotta rooftops, and nearby islands dotting the golden horizon. For maximum drama, be sure to arrive just before sunset, when golden hour makes the city glow!
While anchored in Dubrovnik, you can taxi to the base and summit the mountaintop by cable car.
7. King’s Landing
Calling all Game of Thrones fans! Dubrovnik’s ancient walls and medieval architecture made it the primary shooting location for the notorious capital, King’s Landing. Hollywood’s best photographers couldn’t resist capturing it on camera, and neither will you!
One of the most breathtaking filming locations for present-day photography is Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep). Its dramatic rise from the sea creates an incredible contrast when captured from sea level, but be sure to arrive early in the morning. From your boat at dawn, you’ll get the best lighting with the fewest tourists.
Afterward, dock at Dubrovnik’s ACI Marina and take the 15-minute walk to the walls.
8. Lopud Island
Can’t get enough of ancient church photography? In the Elafiti archipelago, you’ll find Lopud Island, a car-free getaway that’s home to the 16th-century Church of the Holy Trinity. This church stands out for its seaside location, which frames dramatic shots against the Adriatic. After capturing the church, there’s more architecture to explore, often set against the island’s subtropical flora and fauna.
To get there, sail northwest from Dubrovnik (approximately 7 nautical miles). For exploring the island on foot, anchor in the sheltered main harbour. For peak seaside photography, anchor in the Šunj Bay around late afternoon.
9. Lokrum Island
Just 600 metres away from Dubrovnik is Lokrum Island, making it the best location for capturing a postcard-like view of the city from the sea. But you’ll find plenty more to shoot on the island itself, including breathtaking rocky cliffs, a botanical garden, an abandoned monastery, and flocks of colourful peacocks!
For the most dramatic city shot, head to Lokrum’s eastern shore by sunset, when Dubrovnik’s walls glow golden. You can stay in the sheltered bay on Lokrum’s northeastern side (10-minute sail from Dubrovnik).
10. Sipan Island
Are you history-obsessed? Sipan, the largest Elafiti island, showcases Dubrovnik’s aristocratic past! It’s most famous for its photogenic 15th and 16th-century summer residences, now beautifully weathered by time. For even older remnants of the past, wander over to the Renaissance castle ruins in Suđurađ village for truly striking architectural compositions. Along the way, be sure to take a few shots of the pastoral olive groves.
To explore this time capsule of an island, sail about 10 nautical miles northwest from Dubrovnik and anchor in Suđurađ or Sipanska Luka.
Top Croatia photo spots when sailing from Trogir
11.Vis Island
If your top priority is capturing underwater photos, Vis Island must be on your itinerary. With exceptional water clarity, it’s perfect for capturing marine life and submerged landscapes! The island’s remote location creates an environment so untouched, you can glimpse shipwrecks like the Vassilios and vibrant marine habitats.
Sail approximately 30 nautical miles southwest from Trogir (4-5 hours), then anchor in the turquoise waters of Stončica Bay.
12. Farska Cove (South Side of Brač Island)
Farska Cove is the epitome of Croatian coastal charm: part rural, part maritime. Featuring a picturesque shingle beach bordered by cascading vineyards, photographers always love capturing the juxtaposing elements of this agricultural landscape.
Sail east from Trogir (approximately 20 nautical miles) along Brač’s southern coast, then anchor directly in the sheltered cove.
13. Tatinja Bay on Šolta Island
It’s hard to find a more classic Mediterranean colour palette than in Tatinja Bay, where deep green pine forests meet impossibly turquoise coastal waters. The natural contrast here creates jaw-dropping compositions, especially when shot from the elevated deck of your yacht! For the most magical shots, arrive early when morning light penetrates the crystal-clear shallows to reveal stunning underwater details.
Reaching this photographic paradise is easy—just sail 10 nautical miles south from Trogir (about 1.5 hours) and anchor in the bay’s sheltered northern section.
14. Solinska Bay on Drvenik Mali Island
If you’re after pristine underwater and swimming pictures, Solinska Bay is a photographer’s playground. As sunlight reflects upward, its pebbly white beaches create fairytale light patterns, illuminating swimmers from below for marvelous action shots. The bay’s exceptional clarity makes it perfect for those dramatic half-above, half-below water split shots everyone loves!
To reach these waters, sail approximately 8 nautical miles south from Trogir (just over an hour) and drop anchor in the bay’s protected eastern corner.
15. Hell’s Islands (Pakleni Islands)
Don’t let the name fool you—the Pakleni archipelago is absolute heaven for photographers! Throughout the quiet, undeveloped islands, you’ll uncover picture-perfect compositions at every turn, including hidden beaches, deep green pine forests, and pristine coastal landscapes. For magical lighting, set your alarm early and head to Marinkovac islet for sunrise.
To get here, sail southwest from Trogir (about 25 nautical miles) and spend the night anchored at Palmižana Bay.
Make your Croatia sailing vacation a photographer’s paradise!
Contact us today to book your Croatia sailing vacation and learn more about what this Mediterranean gem has to offer.
