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Croatia
With some 1,200 islands dotted along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and water reaching bath-like temperatures from May through to September, sailing the Adriatic offers the chance to explore the coastline from the comfort of your top deck. Sail from Hvar's hedonistic shores to Vis, a firm foodie favourite thanks to some of the richest fisheries in the Adriatic. For lunch, try the local delicacy "pogača od srdele" (anchovy pastry); come dinner, dine on lobster among towering palms at Villa Kaliopa. Seek seclusion in the sleepy village of Stormorska on Šolta, which has moorings for just 15 boats. Closer to the coast, explore the rich flora and fauna of Mljet and its verdant national park. Further afield but worth the daybreak departure is the fairest isle of them all, Rab. Its wild blonde shores are a rarity among Croatia's pebbly beaches. Dare to bare at Sahara beach, a bay frequented by naturists. Those seeking a little more modesty can scuttle along to the next bay.