Where to visit when sailing in the Dubrovnik area
If you are thinking of getting away from it all and setting sail in warm, sunny climes, why not consider a yacht charter in Croatia? Here, you could explore the wonderful city of Dubrovnik and the nation's gorgeous Adriatic coast.
Whether you plan to take the helm yourself, learn to sail first or embark on a crewed yacht charter, a sailing getaway in the nation's superb cruising grounds really is the perfect way to shake off the cobwebs and rejuvenate.
So, what can you expect when sailing in Croatia - and where are the best places to visit?
Dubrovnik is situated in the south of the Adriatic and is the ideal base for exploring the 'coast of a thousand islands', as the local coastline is often referred to. The sailing here is simply splendid, offering reliable winds and conditions, good weather, delicious cuisine and line-of-sight navigation.
This combination of fabulous sailing conditions and appealing attractions makes it the perfect spot for sailing holidays. Similarly, Dubrovnik itself has plenty to offer visitors before they head out and explore the numerous idyllic islands that pepper the coastline.
Brimming with a mixture of rich history, culture and a chic atmosphere, this medieval walled city is a delight to discover. To really soak up the city's past, climb up the battlements and walk a circuit around its famous walls - a trip that will give you great views over the old town and the coast.
Then, head into the old town to admire its captivating medley of architectural styles, as well as its lovely cafes in Luza Square.
Having seen the sights of Dubrovnik, you can sail over to the pretty village of Sipansta Luka, which sits on the waterfront on the island of Sipan Luka. The buildings here centre around an ancient plane tree, making it a particularly fascinating place to visit.
Then, sail down the Kobas Stronski Canal, stopping at the villages of Kobas and Broce on the way to Stron. When in Broce, it is worth checking the condition of the canal from here - if it has not been recently dredged, it may best not to continue on to Stron.
Next, cruise to the island of Mljet - the location of the immensely beautiful Mljet National Park. Here, you can moor up at Luka Polace, an anchorage overlooked by a ruined castle, before heading inland to discover the scenic lakes of the national park.
With a reputation as one of the greenest islands to be found in the Adriatic, Korcula is another essential destination to see during sailing holidays here. Be sure to visit Korcula Town, which is home to an abundance of excellent eateries, shops and historical attractions, such as the Church of Our Lady and St Mark's Cathedral.
Once you have finished seeing the sights of Korcula Town, sail over to the sparsely inhabited island of Scedro, which is dotted with scenic coves just waiting to be explored.
A wonderfully unspoilt island, Lastovo can be your next destination. Nestled in amongst uninhabited isles, it was closed to tourists for many years and is now home to approximately 800 people. Covered in woodland, it is a delight to visit, and it's well worth either walking or taking the bus to Lastovo Town, where you will find some great historical buildings.
If you are eager to spend some time relaxing on one of the best island beaches Croatia has to offer, sail over to the Lumbarda on Korcula. After soaking up the sun here, you can cruise back to Mljet and discover the popular resort at Pomena, which is a great place to socialise and tuck into some tasty dishes.
Okuklje, which is also situated on Mljet, is another good place to head to if you are keen to meet likeminded sailors - and here you'll find scenic wooded slopes and a host of great restaurants.
Before setting sail for Dubrovnik and bringing your break to a close, sail to the sleepy fishing village of Janska. This is the perfect spot to unwind and spend a night bathed in tranquillity in a sheltered anchorage ahead of the journey home.
Whether you're interested in historical sites or are simply itching to soak up the sun, sailing around Dubrovnik makes for a fantastic, memorable getaway.
