Dream cruise: sailing to the Blue Grotto and the beauty of the Adriatic

Why choose sailing in Croatia?

Because it's freedom. Total and unadulterated. No schedules, no crowds, no compromises. You like this cove? All right, let's drop anchor. Want to explore this remote island you've never heard of? Why not! Sailing will open doors to places the average mortal in sandals and a pate in a backpack can't get to. And that's what our cruise was all about.

Day by day: dream cruise itinerary

Our plan was simple: to see the best that Southern Dalmatia has to offer, while avoiding the biggest tourist traps. And I have to say, it worked out perfectly.

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Day 1: Quiet Solta and Stomorska

It all started in Seget Donji, a small village near Trogir, which is practically one big port. Here we boarded, bought supplies (mainly wine and beer) and we weighed anchor, feeling like we owned the world. First destination: the island of Solta. Specifically, the village of Stomorska, one of the oldest on the island. Originally a fishing village, it still retains an incredibly lazy and relaxed atmosphere. We anchored, jumped in the water and spent the evening in one of the waterfront taverns with a plate of fresh fish. What more could you ask for in an introduction?

Day 2: Hvar - Jelsa and Vrboska, Little Venice

When you say Hvar, most people think of parties and celebrities. But we avoided the capital and headed to the quieter side of the city. Our first stop was Jelsa, a charming town surrounded by pine forests. Perfect for a stroll along the coast and soaking up the true Mediterranean atmosphere.

Then came the highlight of the day: Vrboska. The narrow bay cuts deep into the mainland and the stone bridges take you to a tangle of stone streets. It's a place with an incredible genius loci. And being on Hvar, of course we had to try the local wine. A visit to a small family-run winery was a must.

Day 3: The island of Vis and the gate to the caves

Vis is an island that has been closed to tourists for decades because it served as a military base. And it shows. It's more... raw and authentic. Our base was the village of Rukavac, which is an ideal starting point for visiting two of the area's biggest attractions: the Blue and Green Caves.

In the evening we then sailed to Komiza. This little town is a fishing legend. Once one of the most important fishing centres on the Adriatic, it still holds its reputation today. And dinner in a local restaurant? Gastronomic heaven. Ordering freshly caught fish, prepared on the grill, is simply a must.

Day 4: Lastovo - Zaklopatica bay and historical town

The island of Lastovo is another pearl off the main route. We anchored in Zaklopatica bay, which is so beautiful it hurts. The crystal clear water directly encouraged diving and snorkeling. Then in the afternoon we went to explore the capital city of Lastovo. This is an architectural unique - it doesn't lie by the sea, but is tucked away in the hills, spread out on a steep hillside like some kind of natural amphitheatre. And yes, you guessed right. We tasted some great local wine here too.

Day 5: Korcula - Racisce and wine-growing Lumbarda

Korcula is mainly known for its capital city, which is nicknamed "Little Dubrovnik". But we were looking for peace again. We found it in the bay of Racisce, a safe and popular anchorage on the northern coast.
The afternoon belonged to Lumbarda. This area is famous for its vineyards, which produce excellent white wines, especially the Grk variety. A walk among the vineyards with a view of the sea, ending with a tasting in a local cellar... yes, this is exactly how I imagine a holiday.

Day 6: Peljesac Peninsula - Wines, walls and oysters

If the white wines from Korcula are great, the red wines from Pelješac are divine. This is where legends like Dingač and Postup are born. For a red wine lover like me, it was literally heaven on earth.
But Pelješac is not just about wine. We visited the historic town of Ston, which boasts an incredible fortification over 5 kilometers long. It looks like someone tried to move a piece of the Great Wall here. And while you're in Ston, you have to try the oysters. They're said to be the best in the world. And I have no reason not to believe it.

Day 7: Return to Seget Donji and farewell

All good things come to an end. On the way back to our home marina we made one last stop in one of the picturesque bays, took a last swim and slowly accepted our return to reality. In the evening in Seget Donji we symbolically ended our cruise with dinner and a toast to all the experiences.

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The Blue Cave: an unforgettable natural phenomenon

When you say "natural wonder of the Adriatic", the Blue Cave (Modra špilja) on the islet of Biševo is probably the first thing that comes to mind. And rightly so. It's not a huge cave complex, it's only 24 metres long. But what goes on inside is out of this world.

The sun's rays penetrate the cave through an underwater opening, reflecting off the white bottom and bathing the entire cave in an incredible, almost unearthly blue light. Everything underwater takes on a silvery glow. It's best to arrive between 11am and 12pm, when the effect is strongest.

Now for the bad news. You're not the only one who wants to see it. In high season, be prepared for queues that can last several hours before you can enjoy the five minutes or so in the cave. It's just a classic "tourist trap". But still... is it worth it? Definitely yes. As one American traveler who has reportedly flown four million miles around the world said, "It's something amazing, something you have to see in person." And the swimming? Forget it, it's strictly forbidden.

Green Cave: bathing and legends

Just a short distance from the Blue Cave, on the islet of Ravnik, is its lesser-known but no less fascinating sister - the Green Cave (Zelena špilja). It is bigger than the Blue one and its charm lies in the hole in the ceiling through which sunlight penetrates and colours the water emerald green.

And the best part? You're allowed to swim here! You can swim, snorkel, and the more adventurous can even climb the rock and jump into the water. Plus, there's a legend attached to the cave: whoever swims through the ray of light will live for 100 years. Well, don't try it, right?

Practical tips for your sailing holiday

• Timing is everything: If you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy the beautiful weather, go in late May, June or September.
• Watch out for urchins: When swimming in secluded coves, water shoes are your best friend. Trust me.
• Be flexible: You can't beat the weather at sea. Have a plan B in reserve in case the wind decides differently than you.
• Book early: Boats for the high season are disappearing at the speed of light. Plan ahead.
• Don't forget cash: You often can't pay by card in small family-run condo on remote islands.

A week on a boat goes by like water. But the experiences, they will remain. The feeling of standing at the helm with nothing but endless blue sea in front of you. Sunrises over deserted islands. Evenings with friends and a glass of wine under a starry sky. These are moments that no all-inclusive hotel can offer.

So next time you're thinking about where to go to the seaside, try looking at the Adriatic from a different perspective. From the deck of a boat. Because you can make this dream come true. The Adriatic is waiting.