Small Ships Cruises

Turkey has just received two new UNESCO designations in the last month that will bring the current total to 13, making it one of the richest countries in the world in terms of ancient places for people to explore. And while it's undoubtedly good news for the industry, it's already sparked something of a debate. While the designation will no doubt help raise awareness about the protection and preservation efforts required to ensure the survival of ancient places, more tourists will be flocking to them than ever.

The news comes at a time when visitor figures to Turkey are at an all-time high, with particularly strong figures for June standing at 4.2 million, compared to 3.9 million last year. With all this in mind, you might be wondering how you could possibly sample this stunning country in peace.

Never fear – one of the easiest ways to make sure you get an unspoilt view of this incredible place is to opt for one of Seafarer's cruises. Travelling aboard your own traditional Turkish gulet, you can expect all the comfort of a five-star hotel – and only seven other cabins to share it with. Here are our top favourite spots in Turkey where you can escape your fellow tourists.

Selimiye Cove

Nestled among the carved choppy mountains that frame the skyline in a dramatic fashion, Selimiye Cove is a place where nature reigns supreme. An expansive lake reflects the sun-filled sky, while emerald trees cover the landscape like a carpet. If you're exploring on your own two feet, it's easy to feel as though you're the only person for miles around. It's particularly worth wandering up the hill for a view at sunset.

Bodrum

By contrast, it's impossible to feel alone in Bodrum, since this bustling market town is full of thousands of people going about their daily business. While it's a hotspot for international visitors, it's easy to find yourself far from the tourist crowd if you know where to look. Work your way through the central labyrinth of narrow alleyways and roads, seeking those little cafes frequented only by the locals. You'll find charm aplenty here, and adventure as well.

Yedi Adalar

Also known as the Seven Islands, this little peninsula is an idyllic place to spend some time. There is an abundance of water activities in engage in, with snorkelling among the spectacular reefs being an absolute must. One advantage to this activity, of course, is that you can feel utterly isolated from every other living human as you play with the fishes. It is for this reason that we say Yedi Adalar feels like one of the most isolated spots in all of Turkey.

Gocek Bay

The fascinating coastline of Gocek Bay snakes the land, wrapped around a semi-circular disc of water that is peppered with little coves and beaches. Beautiful scenery and a lonely feel that will prompt comparisons to a world untouched by human hands, this is truly a magical place. The nearby islands of Yassica, Batik Hamam, Domuz, and more, are well worth exploring.

Cennet Island

Another spot Seafarer holidaymakers are able to visit is the incredible Cennet Island, which allows visits by Jeep to places such as Orhaniye, with its beautiful sandy beach and the stunning waterfall at Turgut. There is even the opportunity to visit a traditional Turkish village where you end the excursion with a Turkish bath. You simply can't get anything more authentic than this.

Youi can either charter an entire porfessionally crewed Gulet for your party for the ultimate in privacy and freedom, or you can book by the cabin on regular weekly departures from marmaris or Bodrum. Click here for more info.

Croatia is a country that will astonish and surprise you throughout your journey, with its stunning stretches of coastline, unique cities, fascinating culture and beautiful landscapes of verdant green. But few things are likely to be as pleasantly surprising as the cuisine here, which is hardly raved about on the world stage, but actually deserves a great deal more recognition.

Here at Seafarer, we're going about correcting this in our own way – with a mouthwatering guide that will not only get you hungry but also give you some education as to what dishes you should try.

But before we dive straight into that, there are some aspects of Croatian culinary culture that you ought to get to grips with first.

Influence and ingredients

Many Croatian dishes owe their incredible flavour to the careful manner in which the chef selects the ingredients. Great care goes into this process, and a lot of effort is spent procuring the freshest meat and vegetables. And once everything is present and correct, there is the preparation, which might be considered an Olympic sport for some dishes. Some dishes are required to undergo a process that takes 24 hours to complete before they make it anywhere near your plate. 

Influence-wise, the Croatian cuisine scene has – pardon the pun – been a melting pot for various styles from all of its neighbours. You'll spy elements of Bulgarian cookery, such as thick glutinous goulash and beautiful desserts, as well as perfectly prepared pasta and risotto courtesy of nearby Italy. Croatian cuisine has emerged as something altogether different from all of these, however, and it isn't wise to assume you know what's going to be put on your plate before it actually arrives.

So what are you dying to try? Which of the below makes your taste buds dance in anticipation? No matter your likes and dislikes when it comes to food, you won't be disappointed.

Ajvar

This is a relish that is made from aubergine, red pepper and chillies. As you would expect from that list of ingredients, it's a dish that contains a bit of heat, and the spiciness can vary considerably from region to region, and even from restaurant to restaurant. There is a certain joy in wandering from one venue to the next, trying to work out which one makes the best ajvar. Depending on the preparation technique, the dish might even have a touch of sweetness about it. This dish is great as a starter with some bread for dipping.

Burek

Picture a cornish pasty, but remove the heavy shortcrust and replace it with a flakey thin pastry. The end result is burek, a dish that is immensely popular not just in Croatia but right across the Balkans. Inside, you may find a variety of minced and grilled meats with peppers and caramelised onion, although bureks that contain just cheese are popular as well. While it might be tempting to find the one with the largest number of ingredients, don't. Croatian cuisine really is at its best when the dishes are simple. While they come in many shapes and sizes, it's worth watching out for the Sigara böreği or 'cigarette burek', which is rolled up like a cigarette.They often contain a variety of vegetables such as spinach, nettle, leek, and courgette.

Pašticada

The mother of all Olympic-standard dishes, pašticada is something you simply have to try during your time in Croatia. Beef is the main ingredient and the preparation process is epic. Firstly, the meat is marinated in a sauce consisting of red wine and garlic for around 24 hours before various herbs and spices are added. The actual cooking – which takes another few hours – then takes place, during which time carrots, onions, cloves and nutmeg are added. Mouth watering yet? Excellent. Finally, the sauce is further enriched with dry plums which cause it to thicken further before it is triumphantly spooned onto your plate. That's good eating.

Pršut

Wandering the streets of Dubrovnik and Split, you might feel a pang of hunger. Dinner isn't far away, but you're not sure you can wait that long. No problem – seek out an eatery serving Pršut, a dry-cured ham that is especially renowned throughout Croatia. Traditionally, it's cut into long thin slices and served alongside Paški sir, a cheese made on Pag Island that is made entirely from milk produced by free-roaming sheep. Both the ham and the cheese slices – which are usually served on little cocktail sticks – combine to give a wonderfully strong flavour.

Ispod

It is more of a cookery technique than an actual dish, but if someone cooks you something ispod-style in Croatia, you're in for a treat. Meat – usually lamb or, in the coastal areas, octopus, is placed into a dome-shaped pot called a peka. Various vegetables, herbs and spices are added, before the whole lot is left to cook in its own juices. None of this stirring business or lifting of the lid before it's done. The result is a wonderful tender dish that will send your taste buds into a frenzy. If possible, try to be around when the chef lifts the lid off of the peka. The rhapsody of smells that emerges is always incredible.

Crni rižot

Croatia's fondness for Italian dishes coupled with the nation's chefs' playfulness and inventiveness is evident in crni rižot, or black risotto. This seafood dominated dish contains a variety of ingredients including the essential rice, but also a whole octopus that crucially does not have the ink removed from its pouch. As the dish cooks, this dissolves, giving the dish its characteristic dark hue and a taste that is quite distinct from anything else you'll find in the Mediterranean.

Visitors to Croatia are being encouraged to share the photos they take during their stay in this holiday paradise by a new promotional campaign set up by the Croatian National Tourism Board (CNTB). The initiative hopes to highlight the nation's sweeping stretches of coastline, incredible cuisine, historical places of interest and charming cities such as Dubrovnik.

Videos and photos that catch the eye of the CNTB will be published on a new website called Share Croatia, and participants will be entered into a prize draw for a free trip to the stunning country. When sharing their photos on social media sites, tourists must tag the media with the hashtags #lovecroatia or #sharecroatia to ensure their entry is submitted.

Tourists are going to have to act fast though – there are more than 24,000 photos tagged with the hashtags on Instagram alone. So what are the most picturesque spots on a Croatian holiday? Where should you head to for a particularly sweeping and dynamic shot? Have a look at our guide below and find out.

Dubrovnik

The walled city of Dubrovnik features a charm that remains quite unlike anywhere else in the world. Its terracotta roof topped houses, dramatic bay and charming streets make for an almost otherworldly atmosphere – something that has been showcased to excess in the hit television series Game of Thrones. Of course, gorgeous weather and azure waters also help to provide scenic coastal shots. But where exactly should you go? Down by the waters' edge, where the giant castle walls meet the bay, providing a stellar contrast and an irresistible image? Or perhaps deep into the white cobblestoned streets of the Old Town, where unique buildings greet you at every turn, and strolling couples provide a sense of atmosphere? Equally as exciting is the Dubrovnik cable car, which offers breathtaking views over the city as well as a stunning panorama of the Adriatic Sea. But if that doesn't appeal, you'll find plenty of great spots throughout the city where beautiful examples of Gothic,
Renaissance and Baroque churches can be discovered. Their wonderful architecture could provide the perfect backdrop to your photo.

Kornati National Park

Aboard Seafarer's Central Dalmatian itinerary, you'll have the opportunity to experience the spectacular Kornati National Park, which consists of 140 stunning islands and reefs. Any one of these could provide your winning shot, such is the beauty on display here. How about taking on the challenge of getting a good wildlife photo? Above the waves, myriad species flourish, including butterflies, green toads, lizards, snakes, birds, martens and bats. Otherwise, acquire a waterproof camera and go on your photo-snapping mission beneath the surface of the Dalmatian sea. The waters of the Kornati National Park are home to hundreds of types of algae, dozens of underwater flower varieties and 185 species of fish. The adorable sea turtle can also be found here, so have that camera ready. Unique sites for photography fans also include the many iliad ruins, Roman villas and places of worship that exist here, including the Christian church of St Mary.

Vis

The island of Vis contains a uniquely unspoilt charm that makes for excellent photographic opportunities during your stay in Croatia. Locked off from tourists over many years thanks to its unique geographical position, it is one of the most picturesque places you will see in your entire life. A crescent of pristine sand is probably the first thing you'll notice, topped with emerald trees. But the natural beauty doesn't stop there – rough and rugged coastline also features prominently, with the spectacular white stone forging unique inclines and bays that are great for swimming in. Although you might not think it at first, there is life here and the village of Komiza on the south-west coast makes for some superb shots of its own if you're seeking something other than natural beauty. See if you can get a sundown image of the old fishing boats bobbing away in the harbour. The many miles of vineyard across the island also make for some stellar images – Vis is responsible
for some of Croatia's best-known wines.

Zadar

Few cities in Croatia can claim to be as beautiful as Zadar, which possesses an extraordinary degree of charm thanks to its unique architecture, wonderful seafront and the fact it is not overrun by tourists. But it's not a museum town – this is a vibrant and active place that is enjoyed by both visitors and residents alike. For great photo opportunities, you'll want to spend some time in the Old Town, which contains many Roman ruins and medieval churches. But don't neglect the more modern additions – the cosmopolitan cafes where the locals spend their days drinking coffee and catching up on the day's gossip might provide the shot you're looking for.

Split

Croatia's second city provides a buzzing atmosphere and balance of tradition and modernity that is highly conducive to great photography. Start by taking a step inside Diocletian's Palace, an impressive Roman monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then there is the thriving restaurant and cafe scene that provides a sense of activity and life that is great fun to try and capture in an image. But what makes Split particularly special is its spectacular natural setting. Crested by turquoise waters and with a dynamic coastline that is dominated by dramatic coastal mountains, Split is positioned in such a way that any photos taken on approach are likely to be particularly special.

If you're looking for your perfect Croatian photo, be sure to travel with Seafarer. We offer cruises to all of the locations above, and more. A diverse selection of destinations will most likely give you an edge over the competition as you'll be able to capture both bustling cities and deserted island bays, as well as spectacular ruins and stunning natural parks. Just don't forget your camera!