Michela Molinari

Croatia Travel Specialist

Email: [email protected]

My connection to Croatia goes back to childhood. Every summer my father would take us across the Adriatic from Italy, and it was the turquoise waters of the Croatian coast that hooked me on the sea for good. I’d already taken up competitive swimming back home in Italy, so those crossings only deepened it — today, any excuse to get back in that water still gets me.

I was born and studied in Italy, where I graduated in Modern Languages, then spent several years in Spain and Portugal teaching Italian in local schools. I moved to the UK 25 years ago and have worked in travel ever since, but Croatia is where the travel bug actually started.

What keeps pulling me back isn’t just the coastline — it’s the chance to slow down and properly get into a place: its history, its landscape, its food. That instinct has since taken me across Europe, North Africa, and Central and South America, but the Adriatic is where it all began.

Michela's Croatia Cruise Highlights

  • What is your favorite stop on a Croatia cruise and why?

    It’s hard to beat Hvar. It strikes the perfect balance between history, stunning scenery and a lively atmosphere. I love wandering through the marble streets of the old town, then heading up to the fortress for panoramic views across the Pakleni Islands. In the evening, the waterfront comes alive with restaurants and cafés, making it a wonderful place to soak up the Mediterranean lifestyle.

  • What makes a great small ship cruise experience in Croatia?

    For me, it’s the freedom and flexibility that a small ship offers. You can visit secluded bays and charming island harbors that larger cruise ships simply can’t access. Swimming straight from the boat in crystal clear water and docking just steps from historic old towns creates a much more intimate experience. The smaller group also means you get to know both the crew and your fellow travelers, which makes the whole trip feel more personal.

  • What is your most memorable moment from a Croatia cruise?

    One moment that has always stayed with me was anchoring in a quiet bay between islands and jumping into the Adriatic. The water was incredibly clear, the only sounds were the waves and the cicadas on shore.

  • Dubrovnik sunset

    What are your top tips for a small ship cruise in Croatia?

    Pack light and bring comfortable walking shoes, as many old towns have steep, cobbled streets.

    Don’t over-plan every stop. Some of the best experiences come from simply exploring narrow lanes or discovering a waterfront café.

    Take advantage of every swimming stop, they’re often the highlight of the day.

    Travel in late May, June or September if you can. The weather is excellent, the sea is warm, and the islands are generally less crowded than at the height of summer.

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