Top 5 things you must experience on the Adriatic this summer

While most tourists instinctively gather along the town promenades, the most beautiful summer sunsets are experienced away from the crowds. The same peaceful moment at the end of the day can be enjoyed in two completely different ways.

The first option is returning to nature and seeking total solitude – rent a kayak or a small boat in the late afternoon so that at dusk you are alone at sea, isolated from the shore, with nothing but the sound of the water around you.

The second option is a stylish, more luxurious experience in an urban setting, where a relaxed summer evening meets top-tier service. On the Makarska Riviera, you can experience this contrast by ending your evening on the terrace of Vira Rooftop Dining & Bar, where you can sip a signature cocktail while watching the sun set behind the Dalmatian islands.

The best way to experience the local flavours of your destination is to wake up early and visit a town market or fish market. There, you can buy freshly caught small pelagic fish, homemade olive oil, figs or cheese directly from local fishermen and producers.

On the other hand, if after a full day at sea you prefer to sit down and enjoy a modern interpretation of these same ingredients, leave it to the professionals. Aminess Wine & Gourmet Night dinners across the Adriatic offer an excellent opportunity, where leading local chefs transform traditional ingredients into contemporary dishes and pair them with wines from local winemakers.

A summer holiday doesn’t have to be just about lying on the beach, as the coast and its hinterland offer great opportunities for an active break.

If you enjoy cycling, inland Istria is ideal for exploring, especially the historic Parenzana route that takes you through old tunnels and viaducts. For sea lovers, an early morning kayak paddle around the Korčula archipelago (or anywhere else) allows you to enjoy a perfectly calm sea surface before the daily maestral wind sets in. If you’re seeking a hiking challenge, climbing the heights of Biokovo will reward you with spectacular views over central Dalmatia.

Whatever type of activity you choose, Aminess hotels and camps at these locations provide a practical starting point for a new adventure every morning.

Locals know that the true essence of summer is found in places that require a bit of effort to reach on foot or by boat, far from large public beaches.

On Korčula, this means heading to Žitna Bay, a naturally secluded cove near the village of Zavalatica. On Hvar, it’s worth continuing along the southern coast to the sparsely populated Gromin Dolac, where idyllic pebble beaches await. On Brač, skip the overcrowded spots and look for coves around the village of Sumartin on the island’s eastern tip.

As these places offer nothing but rocks, sea and the sound of cicadas, we recommend bringing enough water and snacks, and if possible, a sun umbrella.

When the summer heat fades, the stone streets of coastal towns come alive. Wherever you are, you’re bound to come across a place with an interesting story. A great example is a terrace on the Korčula waterfront, part of the Aminess Younique Korčula Heritage Hotel. It is the town’s first hotel, whose café has been a centre of local social life for more than a century. Having a drink at a place that has preserved the spirit of past times, where Jackie Kennedy and Sophia Loren once sat, is the perfect way to end the day.

Each of these experiences requires a great starting point – a place where you can fully relax after a day of exploring. Discover Aminess destinations, choose your next stop and experience summer on the Adriatic from a new perspective.