Croatia’s charter season – running from May to early October – has quickly become a premier destination for sailors of all levels. Located in the Adriatic Sea, it is remarkably accessible from the UK,

With more than 3,500 miles of coastline to explore, it’s easy to fall under the spell of this Balkan nation’s dazzling Adriatic setting. But Croatia’s fine shingle beaches are just the beginning. Lesser known islands promise heritage sailing experiences, birdwatching and quiet nights with dark skies. Meanwhile, much of the country’s mainland interior is a rustic retreat of languid lakes, limestone mountains and vine clad hills, framed by storied villages, castles and historic towns. Here are 19 ways to see the country in a new light

Grand palace courtyards serve Dalmatian food and a palm lined promenade fills after sunset in Croatia’s second largest city, where Roman heritage underlines a relaxed pace of life by the Adriatic Sea. Words: Emese Maczko

Fitting-out time is here again. Because I winter up in the Baltic where the sea still sometimes freezes, my season doesn’t really start until May. It was different when I berthed my 22ft wooden sloop

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Celebrating 100 years of the BBC Shipping Forecast, Jane Russell takes us on a series of coastal cruises through the forecast sea areas, exploring some of the special places on offer in each of them