Sailing from Dubrovnik
Day 1: Dubrovnik - Šipanska Luka, Šipan island (15.00 NM)
Finally! After all the preparations, packing, and anticipation, we are standing in ACI Marina Dubrovnik. The boat has been taken over, the fridge is full, and the crew is excited like little boys. We raise anchor and leave the hustle and bustle of civilization behind. Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," slowly shrinks behind us as we set course for the Elaphiti Islands.
On the way, we pass the islands of Koločep and Lopud, which are perfect for our first swimming stop. The crystal clear water is so irresistible that even the most boring member of the crew jumps in. After a few hours of sailing and sunbathing, we arrive at our destination – Šipanska Luka on the island of Šipan.
This place is balm for the soul. A quiet, perfectly sheltered bay where time stopped sometime in the last century. We grab one of the buoys and enjoy the view of the stone houses and lush greenery. Did you know that Šipan is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the island with the highest number of olive trees per square meter? In the evening, we sit in a local tavern, eat fresh fish, and toast to the beginning of a perfect vacation.
Day 2: Luka Šipanska - Pomena, Mljet island (25.00 NM)
In the morning, we are awakened by the sun, and after a quick coffee and shower, we set sail for Mljet. We have a long voyage ahead of us, but the wind is favorable, and the boat speeds across the waves like a racer. Mljet is the greenest island in Croatia, and even from a distance, it is clear why. Forests cover over 70% of its area and reach all the way to the sea.
We anchor in Pomena Bay, which is the gateway to Mljet National Park. This place is simply magical. The entire bay is a safe anchorage, so a peaceful night's sleep is guaranteed. In the afternoon, we rent bikes and set off for the Big and Small Lakes. The water in the lakes is salty and a few degrees warmer than in the sea, so swimming is absolutely fantastic. In the middle of the Big Lake is the islet of St. Mary with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery – a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Day 3: Pomena - Zaklopatica cove, Lastovo island (20.00 NM)
Today we are planning to visit the most remote inhabited island in the Croatian Adriatic – Lastovo. Sailing on the open sea is an experience in itself. All around us is the blue sea and a feeling of absolute freedom. Lastovo is a bit of a different world. Thanks to its remoteness, it has retained an incredibly authentic atmosphere.
Our stop is Zaklopatica Bay on the north side of the island. It is a paradise for yachtsmen and gourmets. There are several renowned restaurants on the waterfront offering the best of the sea. We choose one of them, where the owner promises us "the best lobster of your life." And you know what? He probably wasn't lying. Dinner with a view of Korčula in the distance is simply unforgettable.
Day 4: Zaklopatica - Korčula, Korčula island (22.00 NM)
After a peaceful night in Lastovo, we weigh anchor and head for the island that served as our backdrop last night. Korčula! As we approach, it's clear that this is going to be amazing. The fortified old town looks like a miniature Dubrovnik and beckons us to explore.
We anchor at ACI Marina Korčula, which is a bit more expensive, but worth it for the comfort and location right next to the historic center. In the afternoon, we lose ourselves in the narrow streets, which are arranged in a herringbone pattern to provide pleasant ventilation in summer and protection from the wind in winter. We visit the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo and have coffee on the promenade. In the evening, the city is full of life, music, and laughter. Korčula simply has style.
Day 5: Korčula - Polače, Mljet island (17.00 NM)
After a busy day on Korčula, it's time for some peace and quiet. We return to our favorite green island of Mljet, but this time to Polače Bay. And what a change it is. Polače is a spacious, beautiful, and perfectly sheltered bay where you will find absolute tranquility.
There's no rush here. We moor at the pier of one of the local taverns, planning to come back for dinner in the evening. We spend the rest of the day swimming, reading books, and simply being. The remains of a Roman palace can be seen in the bay, proving that people enjoyed this place centuries ago. After crowded Korčula, a night in the quiet bay of Polače is exactly what we need.
Day 6: Polače - Kobaš, Pelješac (20.00 NM)
The sixth day is marked by gastronomic orgies. We sail to the Pelješac peninsula, which is famous for two things: fantastic wine (especially the Plavac Mali variety) and the best oysters in Croatia. Our destination is the small village of Kobaš in the Ston Channel.
The bay is perfectly hidden and protected, an ideal place for a final feast. We find a tavern where they serve us freshly caught oysters, mussels on the grill, and a bottle of local Dingač wine. What more could you want from life? After the third glass of wine, even the oysters start to feel like your best friends. This is Dalmatia in its purest and most delicious form.
Day 7: Kobaš - ACI Marina Dubrovnik (18.00 NM)
All good things must come to an end, and our week at sea is drawing to a close. On the way back to Dubrovnik, however, we don't want to miss our last chance to go swimming. We stop at the beautiful Zaton Bay, where we take our last dip in the azure sea.
Our arrival at ACI Marina Dubrovnik is a little melancholic. We return the boat, pack our things, and say goodbye to our floating home. But we won't mourn on our last evening. We head to the old town of Dubrovnik to see for ourselves why it is called the Pearl of the Adriatic. A walk along the ramparts at sunset is the best way to end our adventure.
