Off the Beaten Path Adriatic

Sail aboard the intimate Wind Spirit and discover the Adriatic’s most enchanting ports, from UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik to the romance of Venice. Explore Montenegro’s dramatic Bay of Kotor, wander through the charming streets of Monopoli in Italy, and uncover Croatia’s island treasures in Pomena and Korcula—with a late-night stay in Korcula giving you time to enjoy its vibrant evening café culture. Experience Sibenik’s medieval charm, then linger late in Opatija, where elegant seaside promenades sparkle under the stars, both small ship exclusive ports. Another late-night stay in Porec invites you to savor its old town’s golden-hour glow and lively waterfront before your final sail into Venice’s iconic lagoon, a small ship exclusive.

While larger ships must pass by, we anchor right beyond the famous walled city so you can admire its beauty with every glance. Tender ashore and step right into Old Town, a UNESCO site where no cars are allowed, just eons of history. Capture the exhilarating views on your camera — and in your memory. End your day at the Buza Café (if you can find it) watching bold divers leap off the cliffs into the crystalline sea. 

Quaint and charming, Monopoli has many sites within easy walking distance.  Start at the colorful street market and head toward the cathedral, built in 1693 with a tower that is 197 feet high. Past the cathedral is part of the seafront and a promenade and the beautiful Church of Santa Maria della Zaffira and the impressive Charles V Castle, built in 1552. The little harbors that make up the port are full of brightly colored boats and fishermen busily mending their nets.

Celebrities from Prince Harry to Beyoncé have made Hvar their go-to place. Follow the city walls to sweeping views from the fortress on the hill. Head to the town square for a look at the Venetian Cathedral or find the large bay of Stari Grad on an optional tour to this famous UNESCO site. 

Pomena is a peaceful harbor village on the western tip of Mljet Island in Croatia, surrounded by clear turquoise water, thick pine forests, and a naturally sheltered bay. Just a short walk from the entrance to Mljet National Park, it serves as a quiet gateway to the park’s famous saltwater lakes, offering swimming, kayaking, and scenic walking trails in a beautifully unspoiled setting.

Fishbone streets feed off the main arterial of this walled settlement making the humped peninsula look a bit like a rust-red tortoise. Beyond the medieval town lie woods, vineyards, and the idyllic island of Mljet, where Odysseus met the nymph Calypso and stayed for seven years. Visit Marco Polo’s supposed home and ponder why he would ever leave this divine place, then end the day with some white grk wine, Mediterranean sunshine in a glass.

One of Croatia’s oldest coastal cities and a small ship exclusive, Šibenik offers a perfect blend of medieval history and seaside beauty. Stroll through stone streets to discover St. James Cathedral, quaint cafes, and views of the Dalmatian coastline.

Once a favorite of Austro-Hungarian royalty, small ship exclusive Opatija is known for its 19th-century villas, palm-lined Lungomare promenade, and peaceful beaches. Relax in this elegant resort town filled with history, charm, and coastal views.

A vibrant town with Roman roots, small-ship exclusive Poreč is famed for its UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica and ancient streets. Experience its rich cultural heritage, sunny cafés, and a lively waterfront along the Istrian coast.

No other sea approach in the Adriatic raises goose bumps like Venice, a small ship exclusive where the entire city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your luxurious home-away-from home, you arrive already equipped with a sense of what it’s like to live in the city that’s neither land nor water. Add your own sigh to the Bridge of Sighs, sip a spritz al bitter as you plot your agenda, and let the water taxis do your navigating unless you don’t mind getting lost. Not such a bad prospect, with serendipitous discoveries around every corner.