Explore Southern Dalmatia: By yacht on the Adriatic, by bike along the coast
Why is Southern Dalmatia different?
It's simple. It's further. For many people, Croatia ends at Makarska. Beyond that, it's "too far". And that's why southern Dalmatia retains an aura of untouchedness and a kind of pleasant isolation. You're much more likely to stumble upon a half-empty bay where you're all alone. And that, my friends, is a priceless luxury these days.
This area is a paradise for more experienced sailors who are attracted to longer passages and sometimes treacherous weather. But don't worry, even if you're a first-timer or you're going with kids, Southern Dalmatia is a great choice for a relaxing cruise full of peace and quiet.
Yachting on the Adriatic: Adventures on the waves
Picture it: the sun is scorching, the sea is sparkling and you are standing at the helm with the wind in your hair. The only stress you'll experience will be deciding whether to have fresh fish for lunch in a cove on Mljet or whether to drag it all the way to Korcula for a glass of local wine.
Ideal starting point: Dubrovnik
There is no better place to start than Dubrovnik. This "pearl of the Adriatic" is a huge attraction in itself, so allow at least a day for it. Walking the walls, getting lost in the stone streets and soaking up the atmosphere is simply a must. For yachtsmen, there are two marinas to choose from: ACI and Frapa. The latter, by the way, is the only one in the world that has piers protected by Plexiglas, which you will appreciate if you are surprised by a summer storm or, on the contrary, by the oppressive heat.
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Jewels of the Adriatic: Islands and National Parks
Mljet National Park: A green oasis of peace
Mljet is just love. It is the greenest island in the Adriatic and its northwestern part is a national park, with two salt lakes, the Great and the Small, connected to the sea. The water in them is a few degrees warmer, so swimming here is an absolute delight. In the middle of the Great Lake there is also the island of St. Mary with a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century. Rent a kayak and paddle there. The tranquility is addictive.
National park Lastovo: For wilderness lovers
If you are looking for something even more remote, Lastovo is your choice. This island was a military zone for a long time, so tourism has only recently started to develop here. As a result, it has retained an incredibly wild character. The archipelago is made up of 46 islands and reefs and is a paradise for divers, fishermen and anyone looking to escape civilization.
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Island of Korcula: Little Dubrovnik with a lively atmosphere
Fancy a bit of life? Anchor at Korcula. Korcula is nicknamed "Little Dubrovnik" and rightly so. Stone streets, massive walls, great restaurants and bars. Moreover, it is the alleged birthplace of the famous traveller Marco Polo. Whether this is true, we'll probably never know, but it certainly adds to the atmosphere.
Elaphiti Islands: Relaxation and swimming
A short distance from Dubrovnik is the Elaphite archipelago - Šipan, Lopud and Koločep. These are smaller, quiet islands, perfect for the last day of your cruise when you just want to swim, relax and enjoy the sun before returning to reality.
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Proposed 7-day sailing route
Here's a little inspiration on what your dream cruise could look like. In total, you'll sail about 140-160 nautical miles (nm).
- Saturday: Check-in in Dubrovnik (ACI or Frapa) and first night in the marina (0 nm)
- Sunday: Dubrovnik → Mljet (Polac or Pomena anchorage). (33 nm)
- Monday: Mljet → Lastovo (anchorage in Zaklopatica Bay). (25 nm)
- Tuesday: Lastovo → Korcula (town marina). (22 nm)
- Wednesday: Korcula → Mljet (quiet bays Okuklje or Sobra). (28 nm)
- Thursday: Mljet → Šipan (port Šipanska Luka). (11 nm)
- Friday: Šipan → Lopud Island (swimming) → return to Dubrovnik. (16 nm)
Cycling along the coast: discovering the beauty on two wheels
Did you think Croatia was all about swimwear and sunscreen? Wrong! Southern Dalmatia is also a great place for cyclists. The combination of yacht and bike is absolutely brilliant. You wake up in a deserted bay in the morning, have breakfast, hop on your bike and explore the island's interior. What more could you ask for?
Rent a bike in Croatia
You don't have to bring your own bike. You'll find rental shops on every corner, for example the Bike Rental Croatia network has branches in Dubrovnik and Korcula. Prices vary depending on the type of bike, but expect to pay roughly €12.50 to €65 per day. The longer you rent a bike, the lower the daily rate.
Approximate price list of Bike Rental Croatia:
| Type of bike | 1-2 days | 3-7 days | 8-14 days |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cyclocross bike | 25,00 € | 23,00 € | 20,00 € |
| Road bike | 27,00 € | 25,00 € | 22,00 € |
| Electric bike | 45,00 € | 38,00 € | 33,00 € |
| Children's bike | 12,50 € | 11,50 € | 10,00 € |
Important information for cyclists
A few things to know before you pedal:
Alcohol: In Croatia, cyclists have an alcohol tolerance of up to 0.5 per millilitres.But be warned, if you are under 24, you have zero tolerance! So have that post-performance beer when you're relaxing on the boat.
Helmet: Helmets are compulsory for cyclists under the age of 16.But hand on heart, everyone should wear one.
Where to go on bike tours?
Around Dubrovnik: If you start your journey in Ploče, you will come across the Baćin Lakes - seven lakes full of salt water, connected to the sea by canals. A beautiful ride is guaranteed.
The island of Korcula: This is a cycling paradise. You'll find dozens of marked trails here. For example, there are three in the vicinity of Lumbarda, six in Blato and four in Vela Luka. You just have to choose.
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Connection of sea and land
Southern Dalmatia is simply a place where everyone will find their own. Whether you're a sea wolf who feels most at home on the open sea or a keen cyclist who likes to discover hidden corners from the saddle of a bike. Or, like me, you love a combination of both.
The freedom of not knowing where you'll dock in the morning, and the feeling of jumping off the boat into the clear sea after a day's cycling is simply priceless. So, are you packing up? Create your own legend in Southern Dalmatia.
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