Top 10 books for your yacht charter vacation in Croatia

Ah, Croatia. The Croatian Adriatic Sea stretches like a vast canvas, painted in mesmerizing shades of turquoise, promising days of sun-drenched adventure. As you set sail on your luxurious yacht charter, there will be many activities, amenities and experiences.

But what to do in those moments of tranquillity, when the rocking of the yacht lulls you into a state of blissful idleness? Fortunately, the perfect solution awaits, in the shape of our top 10 books for a yacht charter holiday in Croatia.

Kafka on the Shore

Released in 2002, Haruki Murakami’s “Kafka on the Shore” weaves a captivating tale through the interconnected journeys of two unique characters. On one hand, we meet Kafka Tamura, a bookish teenager burdened by a disturbing prophecy that compels him to run away from home at 15.

Following a path westward across Japan, Kafka seeks solace and a new beginning. The other narrative thread introduces Satoru Nakata, an elderly man with a disability and the uncanny ability to converse with cats. Nakata’s life takes an unexpected turn when a series of unsettling events lead him on a journey of self-discovery.

The concept of fate and the forces that shape our lives surfaces throughout the narrative, leaving readers to ponder the extent of our control over our destinies. Music also plays a significant role, acting as a conduit for communication and a bridge between characters and their emotions.

This book is best enjoyed in the late afternoon on the sundeck of your yacht, just as the sun starts to set. With a fantastic panorama in the background, a drink in one hand and this book in the other, you may find that you really want to find out what happens next.

Three Body Problem

In Cixin Liu’s ground-breaking science fiction masterpiece, “The Three-Body Problem,” humanity faces an existential threat unlike any encountered before.

The story unfolds in a distant world with a chaotic three-sun system, where a civilization teeters on the brink of collapse. Desperate for a new home, they set their sights on Earth, which throws it into pandemonium as humanity grapples with the impending alien invasion.

“The Three-Body Problem” serves as the captivating first chapter in Liu’s epic Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy. Initially a sensation in China, the novel transcended borders thanks to a brilliant translation that garnered international acclaim.

It shattered barriers by becoming the first work by an Asian author to win the coveted Hugo Award for Best Novel.

The chilling tale’s influence extends far beyond the pages. It sparked a critically acclaimed Chinese television series and, most recently, a Netflix adaptation titled “3 Body Problem.”

If you find the narrative of this book amusing, ask your yacht charter crew to arrange a screening of the Netflix adaptation, so you and your charter party could all enjoy it at the same time.

The Maniac

Benjamín Labatut’s 2023 novel, “The Maniac,” delves into the brilliance of John von Neumann, a Hungarian-born polymath hailed as the “smartest human being of the 20th century” by the author.

While the book centres on von Neumann’s life and achievements, it also weaves in narratives of physicist Paul Ehrenfest, the history of artificial intelligence, and the historic Go match between Lee Sedol and AlphaGo.

The book explores von Neumann’s remarkable journey, from his childhood as a prodigy to his contributions across numerous scientific fields.

We see his impact on theoretical physics with his work on quantum mechanics, his contributions to game theory, and his ground-breaking ideas in cellular automata. We also delve into his applied work, including his role in the Manhattan Project and the development of computer architecture that bears his name.

This book is best recommended for those guests who want to learn something new on their holiday – not just relax with a good narrative. Also, the book`s topics can serve as a good conversation starter during dining events on your yacht.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

In his captivating memoir, “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,” Haruki Murakami, the celebrated Japanese author, explores the profound connection between long-distance running and his literary life.

Murakami delves into his personal journey as a runner, chronicling his rigorous training for marathons and even an ultramarathon. These experiences transcend mere physical feats. He skillfully weaves them together with his meticulous work as a translator, particularly of literary giants like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Raymond Carver.

“What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” transcends a simple running log. It’s a meditative exploration of how physical and mental endurance, honed through the miles, profoundly shapes the creative process.

Be inspired by this book and go jogging on the beautiful Croatian coastline, while your yacht berths near a buzzing Croatian port. You will definitely be stunned by the natural beauty you will encounter while running – and a little cardio during your holiday also can`t hurt – can it?

The Desire of Being Useless

In this unique autobiographical work, Hugo Pratt, the legendary creator of Corto Maltese, opens the doors to his fascinating and complex life. Shortly before his death, Pratt confronts the enigmas of his own existence in this work.

Born in Venice of mixed French-English, Sephardic and Turkish descent, Pratt spent his childhood in Ethiopia, where he experienced the beauty and harshness of the world, as well as colonial repression. His return to Venice in 1943 was marked by conflict with the different ideologies and experiences of World War II.

At the age of just 23, Pratt embarked on an adventure to Argentina, where he devoted himself entirely to comics, travel and a bohemian lifestyle. His incredible creativity resulted in over 7,000 drawings, from “Aces High” to the cult “Corto Maltese”, which brought him worldwide fame in the 1970s.

Always in search of a deeper meaning in life, Pratt devoted himself deeply to the study of Kabbalah, voodoo rituals and numerous languages. His personal library contained nearly 20,000 books.

Through this book, charter guests can experience the sea and their journey on a much deeper level – creating not only memories but also new insights into the very essence of their travels and life itself.

Obelists at Sea

“Obelists at Sea” by C. Daly King promises a thrilling whodunnit that harks back to the opulent era of transatlantic travel. The majestic Meganaut, a luxurious ocean liner, glides out of New York harbour on its way to Paris. But beneath the veneer of sophistication, a sinister plot unfolds. Amidst the seemingly genteel passengers, a murder shatters the voyage’s tranquillity.

The victim found dead in the smoking room is entangled in a web of intrigue – poisoned with cyanide mere moments before a gunshot rings out. As chaos erupts, two detectives are called upon to unravel the mystery.

However, an unexpected twist throws them into a unique competition – a team of four psychiatrists is also vying to crack the case using their expertise in the human mind.

Be inspired by this book and let your charter crew organise a murder-mystery on your yacht. Be sure of one thing; great fun will ensue.

The Alchemist

The Alchemist is a book about a journey, not to a place, but to oneself. The protagonist traverses thousands of miles through many years, ultimately finding out that what he searched for was there, in the same location he started the search – he just did not know how to see it.

The Alchemist puts an emphasis on how knowledge impacts our experience, and how expectations are shaped by chance encounters and a deep-seated need for metaphysical existence.

If there is a comparable measurement to this book, then it is definitely a yacht charter vacation in Croatia.

You could also do classical sea-based titles, like…

The Odyssey by Homer

This piece of classical literature may be more complex than most people would prefer their reading material to be on a holiday, but the classical themes and motifs are sometimes just too great to pass.

While reading, you will catch yourself comparing your cruising and sailing experiences with those of Odysseus. Be inspired by his journeys and visit the Odysseus cave in Croatia.

Be amazed when you discover that some descriptions from the Odyssey put the origin and the place of the story in the Croatian Adriatic Sea – talk about coincidences!

The Old Man and the Sea

Return to your childhood years by reading this classical title and remind yourself of the deep wisdom contained within.

Find yourself once again in the small boat with Santiago, as he tries to catch a fish that will rival all the others in his life. Sit with him at the water’s edge and go through all the important facts of life, as you get inspired to try fishing on your yacht holiday.

Learn something new about yourself and remember something that you forgot on your yacht charter vacation in Croatia

Moby Dick

Probably the most famous of all sea-based books, Moby Dick is a timeless classic for good reason. There are as many interpretations of the narrative as there are readers in the world, which makes this story a perfect one to browse through on your holiday in Croatia.

Luckily, there are no animals that will endanger your or your charter party`s safety in Croatia, so you can relax while you explore the great Croatian sea bottom without any dangers.

Why read books on your yacht charter vacation in Croatia?

As you set sail on your luxurious Croatian yacht charter, don’t forget to pack more than just sunscreen and swimsuits. Our curated selection of ten captivating books will enrich your experience beyond the stunning scenery and turquoise waters.

A well-crafted thriller set against the backdrop of charming port towns and secluded coves will keep you guessing until the very last page. For those seeking a lighter read, delve into a novel that will capture your attention long enough for the charter crew to set up the dining table.

The books from our list will become treasured additions to your Croatian adventure. As you relax on deck, lulled by the gentle rhythm of the waves, lose yourself in the pages of these captivating stories.

By the time your charter draws to a close, you’ll have not only a gorgeous tan and unforgettable memories, but also a newfound knowledge from these authors and their stories

So, set sail with a book in hand, and get ready to create a Croatian adventure that’s as rich in literary discovery as it is in sun-drenched relaxation.