A guide to sailing in the Dubrovnik area
Setting sail on a yacht charter in Croatia is a wonderful basis for a holiday. Giving you a chance to explore the nation's superb Adriatic coast, such breaks also allow you to discover the wonderful culture, history and heritage of Dubrovnik.
A medieval walled town, Dubrovnik has an incredibly rich past, while in recent years its additions of chic and modern attractions have made this destination an extremely popular one.
Team this with the region's line-of-sight navigation, fabulous, reliable sailing conditions, beautiful climate and delicious cuisine, and you have an idyllic sailing holiday combination.
Situated in the southern Adriatic, Dubrovnik is the ideal place for exploring the 'coast of a thousand islands' - as this area is often referred to - and offers outstanding coastal cruising. When sailing in Croatia, you can expect consistent winds, generally coming from a north-westerly direction at between ten and 20 knots during the summer months.
Exploring Dubrovnik before heading off to peruse the picturesque nearby islands is an absolute must, as this fascinating location has much to offer. It is well worth walking a full circuit around the city on its famous walls, which offer splendid views of the old town and the coast.
Taking some time to simply stroll through the streets of the old town, with their enchanting mix of different architectural styles, is an excellent choice, while you may also enjoy stopping for a refreshing drink at Luza Square - the centre of the this area - and soaking up the atmosphere.
When you have finished exploring the joys of Dubrovnik, set sail for Sipan Luka. This pretty island is the ideal place to discover by bike or on foot, and while you're here make sure you visit the attractive waterfront village of Sipansta Luka, the buildings of which centre around an ancient, vast plane tree.
After finding a quiet spot for a swim, you can continue your idyllic voyage on to Kobas Stronski Canal. As you travel down this waterway to Stron, there are several good places to stop, including Kobas. Hidden amid trees, this hamlet dates back to Roman rule and is a lovely spot to visit, as is the nearby village of Broce. Before leaving the latter to continue on to Stron, make sure you check that the canal has been dredged.
Your next destination could be Polace on the island of Mljet. Home to Mljet National Park, this island is considered to be one of the most picturesque in the entire Adriatic. Moor up at Luka Polace, which is overlooked by a ruined castle and the remains of a Christian basilica, before exploring the lakes of the national park on foot or by bicycle.
One of the Adriatic's greenest isles, Korcula is another essential place to sail to. While you're here, visit Korcula Town, which is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and enjoy its numerous attractions. These include St Mark's Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady, as well as shops and great places to dine.
Sparsely inhabited, the island of Scedro has a wonderful coastline to explore, dotted with many scenic coves. Sailing to the sheltered anchorage of Uvalaa Manastir, you can enjoy a pleasant, quiet swim.
Then, you can sail to one of the most charming islands this region is home to - Lastovo. Perhaps its most notable feature is simply how unspoilt by tourism it is - something that is in part owed to the fact it was out of bounds to overseas visitors for many years. Nestled among uninhabited isles, Lastovo is home to just 800 people and features densely wooded terrain.
While you're here, make sure you taste the local grilled fish and visit Lastovo Town, which plays host to fascinating historical buildings.
The next day, you can pay a visit to one of the best island beaches in Croatia - Lumbarda on the island of Korcula. The following morning, head back to Mljet to visit Pomena, which is home to a bustling resort teeming with great bars and restaurants, perfect for socialising with likeminded people.
It is also worth taking a boat out to the stunning St Mary's Island and visiting its charming Benedictine monastery.
Then, head on to the landlocked anchorage of Okuklje - again on Mljet. Surrounded by green wooded slopes, it plays host to excellent bars and eateries, and is a good spot for meeting fellow sailors.
Before heading back to Dubrovnik, you can visit the sleepy fishing village of Janska. The ideal place to unwind at the end of your break, this immensely peaceful spot is home to nothing but a few houses. Enjoy an overnight stay at this sheltered anchorage before concluding your getaway.
Whether you intend to learn to sail and take the helm yourself or opt for a crewed charter, this destination makes for truly memorable getaways.
