Croatia 2024 (Dubrovnik) : Impressions.

Our another sailing trip in Croatia in 2024 is done!

Here is small report, how it went and what did we do during the trip :-)

First of all, this is report about [Fun with friends] Sailing in Croatia, so you can read and have picture for yourself, how it looks like to sail in skerres and archipelago. And of course JOIN to our next sailing trips!

Our recent sailing adventure along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, beginning and ending in Dubrovnik, was a perfect combination of exploration, relaxation, and immersion in history. With stops at Saplunara, Korčula, Polače, Sobra, and Slano, the journey took us through some of the Adriatic's most picturesque and culturally rich locations.

Our first destination, Saplunara, on the southeastern tip of the island of Mljet, greeted us with its tranquil, unspoiled beauty. Famous for its long, sandy beaches—rare in Croatia—Saplunara offered the ideal start to our trip. We spent the day swimming in its crystal-clear waters and sunbathing on the soft sands, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and warm sun. As one of the more remote spots on Mljet, Saplunara gave us a sense of seclusion and connection with nature.

After leaving Mljet, we sailed north to the island of Korčula. Steeped in history, Korčula is a stunning medieval town often referred to as “Little Dubrovnik.” Its well-preserved architecture, including Venetian palaces and fortified walls, offers a fascinating glimpse into its rich past. According to legend, Korčula is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and the town retains much of its maritime heritage. We spent hours wandering its charming, narrow streets before retreating to its pristine bays for a swim.

Next, we sailed to Polače, back on the island of Mljet, located on the edge of the National Park. Polače is known for its Roman ruins, including the remnants of a 5th-century palace, which is one of the largest in Dalmatia. This peaceful harbor provided the perfect base for exploring Mljet National Park. We hiked through the park’s lush pine forests and discovered its two stunning saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero, taking in the natural beauty and serenity of this unique landscape.

From Polače, we headed to Sobra, a charming fishing village that serves as another entry point to Mljet’s interior. The slow pace of life in Sobra was a welcome contrast to the more tourist-filled destinations. We enjoyed the village’s simplicity, with time spent swimming and hiking along its rugged coastline, soaking in the tranquility and the beauty of the Adriatic.

Our final stop before returning to Dubrovnik was the town of Slano, situated in a quiet bay. Historically rich, with remnants of Roman and Illyrian settlements, Slano is also home to a Franciscan monastery and the ruins of old fortresses. The peaceful ambiance of the town made for a relaxing end to our journey. With light winds, we were able to hoist our spinnaker sail, enjoying smooth sailing while letting ourselves be gently pulled through the calm, pleasant waters.

The entire trip was an unforgettable mix of adventure and relaxation. With perfect weather, calm seas, and plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and hiking, we explored Croatia’s coastal gems while savoring the joys of life at sea. The historical intrigue of each destination, combined with the natural beauty of the Dalmatian coast, made our sailing journey a truly magical experience.

First things first - shopping.

The first thing you do before starting a sailing trip is to stock up on supplies. You need to make sure you have everything you need for both your body and your soul—basically, food and some good wine! We stopped by a local supermarket before setting sail and filled up our bags with tasty snacks, fresh food, and a few bottles of wine to enjoy during our journey. Once we had everything we needed, we were ready to cast off and start our adventure!
First preparations

Next, we get the boat ready for the trip by checking all the equipment. We make sure the sails, rigging, and engine are in good shape. After that, we store all the food and supplies we bought and make sure everything is organized. Everyone gets assigned their spot, including their own bed and a place to keep their personal things, so they have a bit of privacy.

Then, we go over the safety instructions to make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Once all of this is done, we’re ready to set sail and begin our journey!
Leaving into the Adria

When the time comes, we cast off, but there’s no rush. First, we need to train the crew on how to handle the yacht. Everyone should know how to steer and stop the boat in case something unexpected happens. The more experienced crew members also practice bringing the yacht close to the pier and docking, which can be tricky, especially if there’s a current from a nearby river.

Once everyone is comfortable with the basics, we leave the Rijeka Dubrovacka Bay and sail under the beautiful Dubrovnik Bridge, marking the true start of our adventure.
Sails see the light!

Once we hit the open waters, it’s time to set the sails—not just because we love it, but also because we need to check everything works smoothly. We need to see how the reefing goes, make sure all the ropes are in good shape, and train the crew on sail handling.

Right away, it was clear the yacht hadn’t been out for a while—the ropes were stiff and a bit of a workout to use. But hey, that just means more sailing practice! After all, it’s a sailing yacht, not a motorboat, right?! So, the more time with the sails up, the better!
Mirror, mirror on the wall - how do i hoist?

Since I love flying the spinnaker, our light wind sail, I made sure to bring one for the trip. When the winds were just right, it was the perfect time to try it out. The only problem? I couldn't quite figure out which part was the clew and which was the tack! So, we ended up hoisting it the wrong way.

Even though we messed up, the sail still managed to pull us along nicely, but the wrong setup caused all sorts of confusion. I even called the base to double-check if they gave us the right sail! Once we figured out our mistake, setting the spinnaker was a breeze. Unfortunately, the next stretch was upwind, so we had to wait until our return to try it again.
First stop - first pleasure

Our first stop was the Bay of Saplunara, a peaceful and quiet spot on the southeastern tip of Mljet Island. The bay is surrounded by lush green forests and is known for its beautiful sandy beaches—something you don’t often see in Croatia. It’s a pretty secluded place, with just a few mooring balls available for boats like ours, which made it feel like we had our own little paradise.

Since we planned to visit a local restaurant anyway, it made sense to grab a mooring ball near the shore. After placing our dinner order, we spent the evening enjoying the simple pleasures—swimming in the crystal-clear water, relaxing on deck, and soaking in the beauty of the surrounding nature. The calmness of the bay, with just the sound of gentle waves and the sight of the setting sun, made it a perfect start to our journey.
Peka is the best

At the local restaurant, we decided to try a traditional Croatian dish—goat cooked "under the bell," or peka, as the locals call it. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but it turned out to be absolutely delicious!

The dish is prepared in a very special way. The meat, along with vegetables like potatoes, is seasoned and placed in a large, shallow dish. Then, it’s covered with a heavy iron or clay bell-shaped lid and cooked slowly over hot coals. The slow-roasting process makes the goat incredibly tender and full of flavor, with the juices from the meat and vegetables blending perfectly.

We paired this feast with some local house wine, which was light and fruity—just right for a warm evening by the sea. With the tasty food, the good wine, and the relaxed atmosphere, we finally felt like our holiday had truly begun.
Smooth ride to Korcula

The next day, we decided to head to Korčula, a charming little town on the island of the same name. After a nice breakfast, we set our sails and began our journey around the southern tip of Mljet. Mljet is one of Croatia’s greenest islands, full of pine forests and clear, calm waters, and it’s known for its natural beauty and quiet beaches. Sailing around its rugged coastline, we could see small, hidden coves and thick green hills—a perfect backdrop for our day.

At first, a gentle breeze carried us toward Korčula, making for a peaceful ride. But soon, the wind began to fade. Luckily, with patience and a bit of skill, we made use of every tiny gust to keep moving forward. Along the way, we were lucky enough to spot a few dolphins playing in the water nearby. Watching them swim and jump around our boat added a bit of magic to the journey!

After a full day of smooth, slow sailing, we finally reached ACI Marina Korčula just as the sun began to dip. The marina was nestled right beside the old town, giving us a stunning first view of the medieval walls, narrow stone streets, and red-roofed buildings. It was a perfect end to a long, beautiful day on the water.
Charme of Korcula

That evening, we wandered through the cozy streets of Korčula, discovering little shops, hidden corners, and charming squares of this beautiful old town. To me, Korčula isn’t really “a small Dubrovnik” like people say—it’s more of a “cute Dubrovnik”! There are way fewer tourists here, giving it a laid-back, authentic vibe that’s hard to find in more crowded places.

Korčula has some fascinating history, too. It’s believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and its medieval walls and narrow streets were built by the Venetians, who ruled the island for centuries. You can feel that rich past as you explore, with each stone seeming to hold a story from long ago.

After all that exploring, we wrapped up our night with some of the best pizza around, crispy and delicious, just perfect after a day on the water and a night in the heart of this lovely little town.
Spinnaker in the air

The next morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast with a "Royal Sandwich" and cappuccino, all with a fantastic view over the Pelješac Channel. After a relaxing walk and a quick stop for some souvenirs, we got ready to cast off. The weather couldn’t have been better—light winds, sunny skies, and bright blue water.

Once we cleared the nearby islands, it was time to raise the spinnaker again. This time, we made sure to set it up correctly, and it looked perfect, catching the wind just right! Sailing in light wind is always tricky—it takes skill to make the most out of every little breeze. But with patience, we managed to get 2 knots of speed out of only 3 knots of wind! It was a great feeling to glide along slowly but surely, making the most out of every gentle puff of air.
Drogue series of happy sailors

Sailing slowly under a sunny sky comes with its own challenges, but it also has incredible perks. With the light wind just gently pushing us along, we had time to fully enjoy the moment. We took turns flying drones to capture the stunning scenery from above, giving us a new view of the sparkling sea and the islands scattered around us. We even pulled out some snacks, enjoying the little treats that somehow tasted even better out on the water.

Eventually, we just couldn’t resist—one by one, we slipped into the clear blue water, holding onto the boat’s line and letting the yacht pull us gently along. There’s nothing quite like floating on your back, looking up at the endless sky, and feeling the cool water around you as the boat glides forward. We probably slowed down the yacht a bit, but honestly, none of us cared. It wasn’t about the speed; it was about savoring the ride, soaking in the simple joy of sailing, and feeling completely free.

If there’s one thing I’d tell anyone planning their next sailing trip, it’s this: don’t rush it. Take time to enjoy the light wind days—they’re perfect for swimming off the boat, lounging on deck, and just being in the moment. These little moments are what turn a trip into a memory you’ll never forget.
Team work over a potatoe

After all that fun, we were starving—and motivated! So, everyone jumped in to help make our next meal. Potatoes were peeled, peppers were chopped, and garlic was smashed; you could tell this dinner was going to be amazing.

I love it when the whole crew gets involved, all hands on deck, even if our “mission” was just getting dinner on the table! There’s something hilarious about a bunch of sunburned sailors arguing over the best way to peel a potato. But hey, when the goal is a good meal, teamwork always kicks in!
Where is the Comet!?

After a full day of sailing, we arrived at the peaceful village of Polače and dropped anchor in Uvala Rogač, the quiet bay just in front of town. With the sun setting and a gentle breeze coming in, we decided to keep things simple and stay on board for the evening.

We gathered together on deck, each with a glass of wine, watching the sky turn from sunset colors to a deep night blue. Soon, the moon began to rise, casting a soft glow over the water and highlighting the beautiful, green hills of Mljet in the distance—it was like something from a dream. We even tried to spot the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet, searching the dark sky for any hint of it, though sadly, we didn’t manage to find it.

But none of us really minded. Sitting there together, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the peaceful sounds of the bay, was more than enough. Moments like these make sailing special, letting you relax, connect, and truly enjoy the night under a wide-open sky.
Aimless wandering in the park

The next day was all about exploring Mljet National Park, a stunning area that covers nearly a third of Mljet Island. The park is famous for its two saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero (the “Big Lake”) and Malo Jezero (the “Small Lake”), both surrounded by lush pine forests and serene hiking trails. There’s also an island within the Big Lake, home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery, which was at the top of our list to see!

After getting to shore and making our way to the park, we hopped on a small boat that took us out to the island monastery. It was like a scene from a fairytale—a medieval stone structure surrounded by turquoise water. Once there, we relaxed with cappuccinos and a light breakfast, soaking in the views. Before we knew it, we had missed our boat back! No problem, though; we took our time wandering around, discovering hidden corners and little coves on the island.

Our next stop was Malo Most, the bridge connecting the two lakes. We had hoped to rent bikes to ride around, but in the end, we decided to follow one of the scenic trails on foot. One wrong turn turned our planned 30-minute stroll into a two-hour adventure through the forest! But we didn’t mind a bit—the extra time gave us even more chances to take in the beautiful scenery and feel truly immersed in nature.

By evening, we returned to the boat, took a refreshing swim, and cast off toward our next destination: the quiet port of Sobra.
House wine of Sobra

The little port of Sobra may be tiny, but it has its own unique charm and a few quirks worth noting. Nestled on the eastern side of Mljet Island, it’s known as the main ferry connection to the Croatian mainland. This means that, despite its small size, Sobra has been a key link between Mljet and the rest of Croatia, quietly bustling whenever a ferry comes in and then quickly returning to its sleepy, relaxed pace.

One interesting fact about Sobra is that it’s surrounded by some of the island’s best-hidden swimming spots and small coves, perfect for exploring if you’re up for a short hike or swim. The waters here are beautifully clear and rich with sea life, thanks to Mljet’s marine biodiversity. The area is also dotted with ancient ruins and remnants of old stone walls, hints of the island’s long history that date back to the Greek and Roman eras.

After docking at one of the few restaurants, we enjoyed a meal prepared by the owner, who told us a little about life in Sobra—simple, peaceful, and steeped in local tradition. As we sipped the house wine, the quiet atmosphere and the stories we heard added a touch of mystery to this tiny village. It was the perfect spot to unwind, chat about travel dreams, and soak up a bit of Sobra’s hidden charm.
Best dinner is self cought dinner

The next day, we sailed over to Slano, a small but picturesque harbor town on the Croatian mainland. Slano sits in a sheltered bay surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves, with a mix of charming stone houses and a few grander old buildings, all telling stories of the past. Though it has a peaceful vibe now, you can still see some traces of the Croatian War of Independence from 1991, as a few buildings bear scars from that difficult time. This blend of beauty and resilience makes Slano feel both charming and deeply rooted in history.

Since we arrived fairly early in the day, we had plenty of time to explore. Some of us strolled through the town, checking out the old church of St. Jerome and the remnants of a Franciscan monastery from the 14th century, while others headed down to the water with fishing rods in hand, ready to try their luck. It turned out to be a bit of an adventure! A few fish actually landed in the bucket, while others managed to wriggle free just in time. But we didn’t mind—we only planned to keep what we’d eat.

By evening, we’d caught enough for a delicious dinner. The star of the meal was a freshly caught dorade, grilled up with a touch of olive oil and local herbs. It was simple, but as fresh as it gets. With full bellies, the feeling of a successful catch, and the quiet evening settling over the bay, we felt like true, happy sailors. Slano’s blend of history, beauty, and a laid-back pace made it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the fruits of our day.
End of the journey is he beginning of the next journey

On our last day, as we made our way back to Dubrovnik, we finally caught some wind and enjoyed a short but delightful sail upwind on our Hanse yacht. For some of the newer sailors in our group, the heeling of the boat was a thrilling experience that brought a mix of excitement and a touch of nervousness. Meanwhile, the more experienced crew steered the yacht with ease and joy, skillfully working to sail as high into the wind as possible without sacrificing speed.

This final day was the perfect way to round off what had otherwise been a wonderfully relaxing journey. Throughout our trip, Croatia showed us its best side: the endless blue skies, warm waters, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.

If you’re looking for a sailing adventure that combines the joy of sailing with the beauty of sightseeing, this journey is ideal. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Croatia while learning the ropes of sailing. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting, this trip offers something special for everyone.