12 Photos to Inspire a Trip to the Adriatic Coast

The Adriatic Sea might just be the most stunning place in Europe. In this seaside paradise, you can find white-sandy beaches below rugged mountains and along azure waters. Every turn around this curvy coast brings another quaint village, each with its own unique charm and undeniable beauty.

The Adriatic Sea contains a mind-numbing 1300 islands to visit! Many are sparsely populated and little visited with white-sandy beaches, jutting mountains and crystal-clear turquoise water. Take a cruise, charter a yacht, or catch a sailboat, just be sure to island-hop between more than one picturesque Adriatic beach.

Make sure to pack sunscreen, a swimsuit and a sun hat because you'll never want to leave the unspoiled sandy beaches lining the Adriatic Coast. It won't be hard to find your own slice of paradise along the curvy coastline, because the number of beaches is countless. Additionally, most of the occupied beaches are blue flag rated-indicating high environmental and quality standards.

Bring a pair of hiking shoes, because the rugged and rocky terrain found along the Adriatic Coast is some of the best in Europe. Most people arrive for the blue water and stay for the impressive mountains. The Castle of San Giovanni, located in Kotor Bay, is only a 30-minute hike and has one of the best vistas in the world.

The Adriatic Sea is a paradise for water sport enthusiasts. Adventure travelers have options such as: sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, kiteboarding, or even bungee jumping to choose from. The best way to explore untouched island beaches is by sea kayak.

Sometimes you don't want a busy vacation, but a relaxing retreat. The people living along the Adriatic coast generally have a very laid-back attitude towards life. All along this beautiful coastline, most locals choose to relax first and deal with work later.

Every year, it's becoming easier and easier to visit the Adriatic Coast, with more cruises and flights being offered than ever. Take a cruise to the beautiful bay of Kotor in Montenegro, or fly directly to Dubrovnik, Croatia. If your pockets are deep enough, charter a yacht and explore the more hidden places along the coast.

Despite most of the villages being surrounded by walls, the people that currently live along the Adriatic Coast are not nearly as guarded as their ancestors. The residents are warm and friendly, with society being very communal. English is widely spoken and the laid-back locals are in no rush to work round the clock.

For centuries, the tiny towns lying in the mountains along the Adriatic Sea proved tougher than looked. Using the terrain wisely, the small towns were able to defend themselves against much larger armies. It isn't a stretch to say that the locals are proud of their historically tough heritage.

If you're a Game of Thrones fan you'll probably already recognize this place as King's Landing, but to others, Dubrovnik is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." High white walls, red-tiled rooftops, and shiny limestone streets, the Old Town is quite enchanting. For the best experience, make sure to wander the historical city in the early morning to avoid crowds.

Whether you are an experienced beachcomber or comfortable landlubber, the best way to see the Adriatic Coast is by sailboat. The winds are steady, the sea is warm and the climate is pleasant. Additionally, you'll be happy to set your own timeline away from the crowds.

The pleasant Mediterranean climate is world-famous and for good reason-in the summertime, you can expect at least 12 hours of sunshine with temperatures staying around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if you miss the summer, the warmer temperature during spring and autumn make the Adriatic Coast a perfect getaway from the cold.