Time out in the Adriatic

Dubrovnik, Croatia's stunning port city, is a blend of rich history, dramatic architecture, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination. Don't miss a stroll along the city walls for breathtaking views and savor local dishes like "peka" and "black risotto." The best time to visit is in late spring or early fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner.

Monopoli is a 2,500-year-old whitewashed port town on Puglia's Adriatic coast, where 20 churches fill a medieval labyrinth above tiny swimming coves of crystalline water. Must-dos include the morning fish market at the old port, tasting burrata and crudo at harbour-side restaurants, and swimming at the hidden calette beaches. Visit June or September for warm seas and luminous Puglian light.

Ravenna, a historic port in Emilia-Romagna, is famed for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and rich cultural heritage, boasting eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Must-do experiences include savoring local dishes like cappelletti and exploring the vibrant Mercato Coperto. The best season to visit is spring or early fall, when the weather is pleasant and the city is alive with local events.

Trieste, a historic port city in Italy, is renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and stunning architectural heritage. Must-do experiences include sampling local delicacies like ćevapi and sachertorte, and exploring the vibrant Mercato Coperto. The best time to visit is during the spring and early autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the city is alive with activity.

Piran is Slovenia's Venetian masterpiece — a medieval peninsula town where Tartini Square's Gothic facades, hilltop cathedral panoramas, and traditional salt-pan harvesting create the Adriatic's most concentrated Mediterranean charm. Visit June via Windstar or Emerald Yacht Cruises for the Venetian town Slovenia has preserved more perfectly than most of Italy.

Opatija is the Habsburg-era jewel of Croatia's Kvarner Gulf, where a twelve-kilometer seaside Lungomare connects grand nineteenth-century hotels and swimming coves along the Adriatic's most elegant coastal promenade. Visit May through September via Azamara or Windstar for botanical garden strolls, Istrian truffle dining, and a resort town that pioneered Adriatic seaside tourism and still practices it with imperial grace.

Šibenik is a captivating port city on the Croatian Adriatic, celebrated for its rich history and stunning architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James. A must-do experience is savoring local delicacies like “školjka” and “pašticada” at the bustling fish market. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the city comes alive with cultural events and vibrant local life.

Hvar port, with its rich history and stunning coastal charm, is a must-visit destination in Croatia. Don't miss indulging in local specialties like pašticada and the breathtaking views from the fortress. The best time to visit is during the late spring or early fall when the weather is delightful and the crowds are manageable.

Dubrovnik, Croatia's stunning port city, is a blend of rich history, dramatic architecture, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination. Don't miss a stroll along the city walls for breathtaking views and savor local dishes like "peka" and "black risotto." The best time to visit is in late spring or early fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner.