Southern Croatia sailing Itinerary
Spanning the eastern coastline of the Adriatic Sea, the Dalmatian Coast is a region of Croatia full of history and home to some of the hottest tourist destinations in the world. With hundreds of uninhabited islands scattered among resort destinations, it is best enjoyed aboard a chartered yacht. Since there are many options for touring this part of the world, depending on your schedule and preferences, this itinerary offers a sampling of the highlights along the central and southern Dalmatian Coast of Croatia from Dubrovnik north to Split.
Day One: Your Adriatic adventure begins at the end of the Rijeka Dubrovačka inlet, just fifteen minutes from the center of old town Dubrovnik. Plan some time to tour Dubrovnik’s abundant attractions especially its internationally renowned walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before embarking on your journey. For some quick inspiration into the wonders of this city, stop into the Cultural History Museum and visit the Maritime Museum. Additionally, Dubrovnik is home to some of the best of Croatia’s artistic, cultural, culinary, and intellectual endeavors so find time for a marenda, or lite lunch, before heading to the marina. Seafood is a specialty and is fresh and flavorful in most traditional restaurants. After sightseeing and satisfying your palate, head to the waterfront and board your yacht. As you meet your crew you will raise a glass of champagne in toast, then you will be briefed on the vessel and shown to your stateroom or cabin. Your first evening aboard is all about celebrating your arrival and preparing for your departure. If you still have any energy remaining, Dubrovnik has lively nightlife.
Day Two: After a light breakfast on deck as you gaze out at the Dinaric hills, the crew will cast off and navigate two miles down the inlet, passing the commercial harbor of Gruz and the Mokošica lighthouse before heading into the Adriatic Sea toward Mljet Island, about 35 nm to the West. The western third of the island is a national park encompassing two saltwater lakes while the remainder of Mljet is lush green fields and forests, quaint villages, and vineyards. You will anchor in the northwestern corner of Polace Bay for lunch and then take the tender to shore for some hiking, biking, and exploring the island’s ancient ruins and natural wonders. After a day ashore on magical Mljet, return to the yacht and pull out the water toys so you can enjoy the warm blue bay. Next, dinner is served on deck while you admire the sun setting into the Adriatic, then head to your stateroom for a well earned rest.
Day Three: After a restful night anchored off Mljet, you awaken surrounded by vivid blue, as the sun shines from an azure sky onto the sparkling waters of Polace Bay. Sip coffee on deck, indulge in a hearty breakfast, then you are off to Vis, an island that was formerly a military base until the late 1980s. Another 30 plus nautical miles west you will make your approach, and the canons on the hilltop ironically invite you to learn more about the intrigue of Vis. The island is known for fantastic food and wine so after mooring, take the tender to shore and hire a cab. Begin by exploring the underground tunnels and bunkers of the former military installation, then dining out and visiting some of the more than sixteen notable wineries. For a classic Dalmatian peka lunch, Roki’s Wine Cellars is a sure bet. After your meal, sample wines made from the unique Vugava varietal. Stop by some of the shops for a souvenir then walk along the beach before returning to your yacht.
Day Four: Today we are on our way to the “St. Tropez of Croatia” Hvar, an elegant island located just a short sail to the East. Lavender fields, olive groves, vineyards and beautiful beaches suggest why the island is compared to the gem of the French Riviera, but Hvar also boasts a grand Old Town showcasing Medieval and Renaissance architecture, and a festive nightlife scene. Spend the day touring the sophisticated island, walk along the seaside trail to the Hula Hula beach bar for great music and cocktails, and plan to stay up late as you should see Carpe Diem or other late night locales to fully soak up the celebratory atmosphere, especially if it’s a full moon.
Day Five: Just across the channel from the town of Hvar are a chain of small isles named after the resin once used to waterproof ships. The Pakleni Islands are full of serene beaches bordering secluded coves, so today is a day to unwind and enjoy the water. Bring out the water toys and play to your heart’s content or relax on shore with a good book and a glass of wine. Whatever you prefer, today is your day to soak in the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea and enjoy a beach picnic under the sun.
Day Six: Following a day spent cavorting in the water, today you sail a short twenty or so nautical miles to Milna, an historic fishing village on the western shores of Brac Island. If you want to continue playing in the water and are a certified scuba diver, this is one of the best sites in the area. For action on land, mountain biking and hiking are popular pastimes and for less active guests, sightseeing and wine tasting are possibilities. After any option, savor a healthy lunch incorporating fresh fish and local olive oil alongside a glass of locally made wine. At the end of the day, return to the yacht for cocktails on deck as you recount the highlights of your Croatian charter holiday. Tonight’s special meal on board will be thoughtfully prepared with the bounties of the sea. Alongside fresh ingredients, wonderful wines, and creative cocktails, this last dinner aboard is a celebration of your ideal journey.
Day Seven: The last leg of your charter will take you to the Dalmatian capital of Split. This ancient city is the largest coastal city on the Adriatic and showcases a wide range of cultural sights, particularly in Old Split which is built around the Roman palace of Emperor Diocletian. After saying farewell to your friendly crew, spend some time touring this historically diverse city. If you enjoyed some of the unique Dalmatian culinary delights that you sampled along the way, Split has one of the most incredible food markets in all of Europe. Perhaps you might take back some olive oil or black risotto to try and replicate some of your favorite dishes when you return home. You will also have many wonderful memories to take back with you after your amazing adventure in the eastern Adriatic.
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