Croatia: South Dalmatia

Dubrovnik — Pearl of the Adriatic (UNESCO). Dubrovnik was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. The old town with 14th–15th-century fortress walls is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Game of Thrones filming location (King's Landing). Arriving by yacht from the sea is the most spectacular way to reach Dubrovnik.

Hvar — Croatia's Sunniest Island. Hvar receives 2,724 hours of sunshine per year — more than any other island in Croatia. Lavender fields, rosemary and vineyards cover the island's interior. Hvar Town with its Venetian fortress (15th century) and main square — one of the most beautiful in Dalmatia.

Stiniva Cove — Best Beach in Europe 2016. Stiniva Cove on the island of Vis was named Best Beach in Europe 2016 by European Best Destinations. The small pebble cove is surrounded by 150-metre rock walls, with an entrance through a narrow 2-metre-wide gap in the cliff. Accessible only by yacht or swimming.

Korčula — Medieval City of Marco Polo. According to legend, Marco Polo was born in Korčula in 1254. The medieval island city has Venetian 15th-century fortifications, narrow "fishbone" streets and the traditional Moreška sword dance. One of the finest examples of medieval town planning on the Adriatic.

Brač and Zlatni Rat — the Shape-Shifting Beach. Zlatni Rat ("Golden Horn") on the island of Brač is one of Croatia's most recognisable beaches. The 500-metre spit juts into the sea and changes shape under the influence of currents and wind. Fine white pebbles, turquoise water on three sides, mountains and pine trees behind.

Mljet — Untouched National Park. The western third of Mljet island is a national park with two saltwater lakes (Veliko and Malo) connected to the sea. In the middle of Veliko jezero: a small island with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. According to legend, this is where Odysseus spent seven years with the nymph Calypso.

Vis — the Most Remote Inhabited Island. Vis is Croatia's most remote inhabited island, only opened to tourists in 1989 (previously a military base). Pristine nature, the best wine and fish in Dalmatia, the Blue Cave (Modra špilja) with a phenomenal light display, and Stiniva Cove.

Split — Diocletian's Palace (UNESCO). Route start in Split. Diocletian's Palace (4th century) is one of the largest surviving palace-fortress complexes of the late Roman Empire. 3,000 people still live inside. ACI Marina Split is one of the finest yachting centres on the Adriatic.

Brač — Zlatni Rat and Bol. Brač is the largest island of Central Dalmatia. Bol on the south coast is one of Croatia's most popular spots: the famous Zlatni Rat beach with white pebbles and turquoise water on three sides, kitesurfing on the maestral (north-westerly), and a 15th-century Dominican monastery.

Hvar — Lavender, a Fortress and 2,724 Hours of Sun. Hvar is Croatia's sunniest island and one of the main tourist centres of Dalmatia. The Venetian citadel (Španjola) overlooks the entire Hvar Channel, the main square with the Cathedral of St Stephen, lavender fields in April–June. The yacht moors or anchors right in the old town.

Vis — Stiniva, Blue Cave and the Best Wine. Vis is Croatia's most remote inhabited island, open to tourists only since 1989. Stiniva Cove — Best Beach in Europe 2016, accessible only by water. The Blue Cave of Biševo (20 min away) is a phenomenal light display in a sea cave. Local wines: Vugava and Plavac Mali.

Korčula — City of Marco Polo. Korčula is a densely built medieval town with "fishbone" streets designed for wind protection and shade. The Revelin Tower (14th century) and the Great Sea Arsenal. By tradition, Marco Polo was born here in 1254. The traditional Moreška sword dance is performed in the old town.

Mljet — Lakes and a Benedictine Monastery. Mljet National Park covers the western third of the island. Two saltwater lakes — Veliko and Malo — are connected to the sea. In the middle of Veliko jezero: a small island with a 12th-century monastery. Renting a bicycle and cycling the lakes takes half a day. According to legend — Odysseus's place of seven-year captivity.

Dubrovnik — Pearl of the Adriatic. The final stop — Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Fortress walls from the 14th–15th centuries (2 km long), the Stradun — the main pedestrian street of white limestone, the Franciscan Monastery with a pharmacy dating from 1391. Walking the walls with views over the Old Town and the Adriatic is essential.