#sailing from Zadar | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jaydeemedia · 8 months

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[ad_1] I often credit Croatia with my love of slow travel. My first month-long backpacking trip saw me traverse the country from tail to toe, exploring with a tent, guidebook and an ad hoc itinerary. But if you’ve not got as much time to spare, you can certainly fit many of Croatia’s highlights into a 10-day Croatia itinerary. If you can spare two weeks, even better, you could also include a detour to the hidden gems of the Istria peninsula. This 10-day Croatia itinerary packs in plenty, mainly focused along Croatia’s Adriatic coast. From storied Dubrovnik to Split and the slightly more underrated cities of Zadar and Zagreb, via some of Croatia’s best islands, you’ll get a great first overview of the country. Still, if you want to make your itinerary a little more laidback – this is one of Europe’s best beach destinations, after all – you could cut an island or national park from the route below to enjoy some more downtime. Hvar is a highlight on any Croatia itinerary How to get around Croatia: ferry, cruise, car or bus? Between April and October, getting around Croatia is a breeze. Plenty of ferries, tourist buses, and tour options make exploring the islands and interior of the country straightforward. Outside of this holiday season, you’ll need to do a bit more research to ensure that schedules align with your plans and that the destinations you pick are fully open and not shuttered for the winter – most of these inclusions should be. That’s not to say Croatia is a bad winter destination, just that you’ll have more freedom and longer days to explore during the warmer months. You might also want to consider exploring the Dalmatia coast exclusively by boat and then switching to bus or car from Split onwards. There are plenty of small ship Croatia cruise operators to choose from, offering a range of itineraries covering different islands and cities in varying levels of comfort and price points, so research is key to finding your perfect sailing. But even if you’d prefer to travel DIY, I’d not recommend hiring a car for the first week of this 10-day Croatia itinerary. Parking costs are high, car ferries are less regular than foot-passenger ferries, and it’s easy enough to cover some of the islands and southern cities without a car. Then, once arriving in Split, you can decide whether to continue the rest of the journey by bus or if you’d prefer the freedom of doing a road trip between Split and Zagreb. Either way, I’ve included advice, routes and stops for either option below, luggage storage (you might want to download a travel app such as Bounce) suggestions for those travelling by bus, and parking-friendly hotels too. Orebić is a worthy detour if travelling by car ferry 7, 10 or 14-day Croatia itinerary: which is best? These Croatia itineraries are aimed at covering as much ground as you can, so it’s fairly fast-paced. Personally, the reason I fell in love with Croatia is the chilled vibes and the fact when I first crossed the country, I did it slowly, with no real plan. So, keep in mind it’s a lengthy country, and if you don’t feel the urge to go to a particular place, just cut it out to make these 10 or 14-day Croatia itineraries slower-paced. Or, if time is precious, opt for a 7-day Croatia itinerary instead. This 10-day itinerary starts in Dubrovnik and ends in Zadar or Zagreb, depending on where you choose to fly out from. If you’d prefer to cover the Dubrovnik to Split section by boat, then these one-week cruises around Croatia that flit between the islands and Adriatic cities would work, and then you could pick up a car for the final days, or use buses if you’d prefer to leave the driving to someone else. 10-Day Croatia Itinerary: Dubrovnik to Zadar Day One: Arrival & Dubrovnik Day two: Dubrovnik Day three: Korcula Day four: Hvar Day five: Split Day six: Split Day seven: Trogir & Sibenik Day eight: Zadar Day nine: Plitvice National Park Day ten: Zagreb and departure

Plan for early starts in Dubrovnik to try and avoid crowds Day One: Arrival & Dubrovnik Sleep: Dubrovnik for two nights (Budget suggestion: Hostel Angelina | Parking included: Hotel Excelsior) Getting around: There are public and shuttle bus options available from the airport. If you’re hiring a car for this 10-day Croatia itinerary, keep in mind that parking is difficult and expensive in the Old Town, so try to find a hotel with parking included. Afternoon Dump your bags and take an orientation walk around town to get your bearings, or slink off to Plaža Banje for a swim and sunbathe to ease into your trip with views of the Old Town. Before sunset, take the cable car up to Mount Srđ for perfect panoramas across the city’s terracotta roofs to watch the crimson sun disappear. Enjoy dinner from a high at Restaurant Panorama, or head back into the Old Town for a more peaceful meal now the cruise ships and day trippers departed. Looking across Dubrovnik’s historic wall Day two: Dubrovnik Morning Wake up early to make the most of the city before the crowds descend – especially as this is the only full day in Dubrovnik on this 10-day Croatia itinerary. Take a brief walking tour from Pile Gate down the main thoroughfare, Stradun, admiring the 15th-century Onofrio Fountain, Franciscan Church and Monastery, Zvonik (Clocktower), Church of St. Blaise and the Palača Sponza. Continue out to the waterfront at Porat Dubrovnik and then explore some of the small side streets in the Old Town. As day trippers arrive and the heat starts to pick up, double back to visit the interiors of some of those key attractions, starting with the Franciscan Church and Monastery, which closes at 2 pm. Afternoon After lunch, you’ll have time to visit another monument or museum. The Palača Sponza’s courtyard (free entry) is a fantastic example of 16th-century Renaissance and Venetian architecture. Or head inside the Rector’s Palace, which doubles as a museum. Closer to sunset, but before closing time, head up to walk the Old Town walls (check hours; they vary by season) so you can linger until the very end and try to get a few brief moments of serenity. There are combined tickets available for the walls and some other attractions. Enjoy a fresh seafood feast in the Old Town. Dubrovnik’s Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Day three: Dubrovnik and Korcula Sleep: Korcula for one night – or two if you’d rather skip Hvar and go a bit slower (Budget suggestion: Hostel Korcula | Cheap parking: Aminess Liburna) Getting around: The direct foot passenger ferry from Dubrovnik to Korcula takes around two hours. If you’re travelling by car (or fancy a detour by bus), then head to Orebic (around 1:45) and take the car ferry from there (15 minutes) – the journey times are similar either way. Morning Start early again to beat the crowds and head to Fort Lovrijenac for its opening time (usually 8 am). Allow yourself an hour or two to explore this historic defensive fort and enjoy the Adriatic views over to the Old Town. An alternative, or a bonus, is to take a kayak tour around the fort (try and get an early departure, around 10 am) for another perspective. Afternoon Enjoy a quick lunch before travelling onwards to Korcula Island. Ferry schedules vary by season, but aim for the 13:00 departure or the 15:00 departure if you’ve done a kayaking tour. Book these tickets in advance. The first island of this 10-day itinerary is Korcula, and you’ll arrive around two hours later into the 10th-century Old Town, often referred to as ‘Mini Dubrovnik’. Dump your bags and have a wander. The Korcula Town Museum, housed in an old palace, is open into the evening, while the Saint Mark’s Church bell tower offers some pretty views over the island and sea. Enjoy a delicious sunset meal outside the walls, next to the lapping waves. Fresh seafood here is first-class and pairs well with the island’s own wines.

Moreska sword dancing is one of Korcula’s most treasured customs, and while performances aren’t daily, ask around to see if there’s a show you could try and catch this evening. The dreamy waters around Korcula Day four: Korcula and Hvar Sleep: Hvar Town or Stari Grad (Budget options are few and far between in Hvar, so shop around to find the best choice) Getting around: The direct foot passenger ferry between Korcula and Hvar takes around 90 minutes. If you’ve hired a car, there are no direct car ferries to Hvar from Korcula. You would need to go first to Split (Korcula’s car ferry departs from Vela Luka) and then take a car ferry to Stari Grad (not Hvar Town). As such, you might want to spend an extra day exploring Korcula instead and skip Hvar. Morning Enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a little beach time. If it’s summer, it’s already going to be warm. Pebbly Luka Korculanska near the Old Town is an easy choice, or you could make the short excursion to Badija Island. Mid-morning, aim to book a wine tasting tour. These under-the-radar wines are great, and they will give you the chance to see a little more of the island while someone else does the driving. Some tours also include lunch. Alternatively, head underwater – I found the scuba diving decent here, although they weren’t my most memorable dives. Afternoon Again, check ferry schedules for the month you’re visiting, but aim to take the foot-passenger route onwards to Hvar Town around either 13:00 or 17:00 (if you’ve joined a wine tour). On arrival, stroll the storied streets, grab a drink in Saint Stephen’s Square across from the Baroque cathedral, and then, at sunset, head up to the Hvar Fortress (Fortica). A defensive structure has been here since the Byzantine times, and the vistas are incredible. It’s a small entrance fee but well worth it; just check on closing times (usually around 9 pm). For dinner, there’s no shortage of upscale restaurants to pick from – Hvar has long been a haunt of the rich and famous. After dining, you’ll likely have plenty of choices for a party, too, especially in summer. Hvar Old Town is anchored around the harbour Day five: Hvar and Split Sleep: Split for two nights (Budget suggestion: Hurricane Hostel | Free parking: very few hotels close to the Old Town have free or cheap parking, so you’ll likely be looking at paying around €20+ per day) Getting around: The direct foot passenger ferry between Hvar Town or Stari Grad and Split takes between one and two hours, depending on which sailing you take. Morning To make the most of this 10-day Croatia itinerary and avoid doubling back, I’d suggest crossing Hvar Island to visit Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia, for a couple of hours this morning. This way, you can leave your bags at the hotel and pick them up before the afternoon ferry. You can take them to Stari Grad if you wish and take a ferry from there, but there isn’t any official luggage storage near that port. Take the morning bus from Hvar Town to Stari Grad around 9:30 (check seasonal schedules) and spend a couple of hours strolling around the historic streets. Head back to Hvar Town around 12:30 for lunch and a final wander before taking the afternoon ferry. Afternoon Check seasonal schedules, and choose from a ferry onwards to Split around 14:30 or 17:00. The ferry port in Split isn’t too far from the Old Town, so you can choose to walk if you wish. This enchanting Unesco-listed city is one of the country’s finest. The Old Town is a former Roman emperor’s palace – the Diocletian’s Palace – and it creaks under the weight of its historic importance and tales. After ditching your bags, enjoy a walk along the Split Riva waterfront, lively by the evening, before exploring the Old Town. Particularly magical at night, there might be traditional performances happening (check in advance for tickets), but it’s just as special to enjoy from a table outside a konoba (tavern) on a back street or lively Pjaca Square.

Dine on local specialties such as oysters and black risotto. Inside Split’s historic Old Town Day six: Split Morning With a full day to tour Split, you might be feeling ready for a sleep-in, but this is one of Croatia’s most popular destinations year-round, so an early start will allow you to explore the Old Town with fewer fellow visitors. Head back into the Diocletian’s Palace and wander the streets while they are still quiet. By mid-morning, it will be busy, so tour some of Split’s top attractions, such as the Underground Cellars, The Peristyle and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Afternoon Post lunch, enjoy a lazy afternoon outside the Old Town walls. Walk along the Split Riva esplanade towards Marjan, a forested hill that offers some fantastic views – I highly recommend walking up to the viewing platforms for sunset. Make the most of the afternoon sun by chilling on one of the nearby beaches, such as Obojena or Kasjuni. Or, hide away from the sun and visit the excellent Mestrovic Sculpture Gallery. Walk up Split’s Marjan, a forested hill with fantastic views Day seven: Trogir & Sibenik Sleep: Zadar for two (if flying out of Zagreb) or three nights (if flying out of Zadar). If you’re going to make this into a two-week Croatia itinerary, stay for two nights here and then have a night in Pag if you want to party. Budget suggestion: Sky Hostel | Free parking: Hotel Kolovare) Getting around: While the rest of this itinerary is best by public transport, hiring a car at this point (from Split to drop off in Zadar or Zagreb) will be handy as you can enjoy a few more detours, won’t have to worry about luggage storage, or be constrained by timetables. While this is especially true if doing the 14-day itinerary to Istria, it also will be helpful for visiting the national parks on the 10-day Croatia itinerary. See further details in the plans below. Morning Leave Split early in the morning to visit Trogir, a World Heritage Site. It’s a 30-minute drive, or you can take the FlixBus (very early departure) or one of the local companies, Promet or Samborcek. In the summer, the Bura Line ferry offers an alternative (foot-passengers only) way to cross between the two, with some lovely views from the water. Luggage can be stored at Trogir bus station for a small fee – just ask at the desk. Small and compact, pretty seaside Trogir is easily explored on foot in a couple of hours, with the historic core set on a small island. Venetian, Renaissance and Baroque architecture dazzles here, with architectural wonders such as the San Lorenzo Cathedral, Clock Tower, and the closed-to-the-public Cipiko Palace being standouts. Afternoon option one: Sibenik From Trogir to Sibenik, it’s around a 50-minute drive or bus journey. Again, FlixBus serves this route (if you want to book in advance), as do some local operators. When you arrive at Trogir bus station, check the timetables and book your ticket to depart before or after lunch. Luggage storage is available at the bus station. Sibenik is a little different from its neighbours in that Croats founded it, although the architecture is quite similar. It’s a handsome city touching the Adiratic, and well worth a tour after enjoying lunch. The arrow-like Saint Nicholas Fortress is a little pricey but worth a visit if of interest, as is the Saint James Cathedral, though it’s also a great city just to explore on foot, hopping between wine bars and pretty plazas. From Sibenik to Zadar, it’s around an hour’s drive or 90 minutes by bus. There are public transport options into the evening with the same various companies, so you can plan to leave and continue to Zadar whenever suits you. If you’re planning to drive the road closer to the coast, it will take around 90 minutes, but you’ll have a couple of pretty stop-off points en route, such as Turanj. Afternoon option two: Sibenik and Krka National Park (if you have a car) If you have a car, then you could have a quick

visit to Sibenik and then go to Krka National Park today, as it’s only a 20-minute drive from Sibenik, and then continue to Zadar in the evening. Still, as Plitvice National Park is included in this Croatia itinerary, you might want to skip it. That’s not to say they aren’t both worth visiting, so do your research and decide if you’d like to tour both. If you’re reliant on public transport for timetable and luggage reasons, I’d suggest either skipping Krka or visiting tomorrow from Zadar. Day eight: Zadar Getting around: If you’re staying in Zadar today, enjoy a chill one; park the car and just explore on foot. Morning Enjoy a slow walk ambling around Zadar’s compact Old Town today before a lazy afternoon of swimming and sunbathing. Flit between the historic city walls around Five Wells Square, the ruins of the Roman Forum backed by the Church of Saint Donatus, and climb the bell tower at St Anastasia’s Cathedral for some city panoramas. Afternoon Enjoy a lazy afternoon on the beach. Some of the best not far from central Zadar are Kolovare and Borik. Or, for a sandy option, go a little further to Bilotinjak. At sunset, head down to the Sea Organ, my favourite spot in Zadar. The Sea organ is a set of underwater pipes that create a musical instrument played by the waves and tides. From the marble steps leading down to the Adriatic, you can walk amongst the sounds while watching the sunset. After dark, Greeting to the Sun installation is the place to be. A vast, circular glass platform along the waterfront, this nightly light show is a playful sight. Finish up the night with some drinks at the bars along Stomorica. Krka National Park alternative (and two-week itinerary) If you prefer to visit both Krka and Plitvice, then you can take a day trip today instead of having the full day in Zadar. Take the bus to Skradin Krka. Check the seasonal timetable, but the first departure is usually around 9:00, taking 50 minutes, with return buses at 15:00 or 17:00. If you’re following the two-week version of this itinerary, then today would be the day to head to Krka. Zadar’s Greeting to the Sun installation Day nine: Plitvice National Park (or Krka National Park) Sleep: Zagreb (Budget suggestion: Chillout Hostel | Free parking: Admiral Hotel) Getting around: The drive from Zadar to Plitvice takes around 90 minutes. By car, it’s then around two hours to continue onto Zagreb if you want to spend a night in the city before flying home. Without a car, it’s also possible. There is free luggage storage at some of the park’s entrances. Morning & Afternoon If you want to DIY this trip, then the Prijevoz Knežević buses (seasonal) to Plitvice depart around 8 am and return at 17:00. They also have connections onwards to Zagreb in the late afternoon. Alternatively, if you’re coming back to Zadar, then you might want to book a tour bus trip for ease of access. Plitvice National Park is the largest in the country, and it’s one of my favourite memories of my time in Croatia. Plan to spend the full day in the park, as while the waterfalls and lakes are absolutely the main draw, the forested area and trails extend far beyond the lake walking routes. There are a few different routes you can follow (plan in advance using the official website), including a boat ride and a short panoramic train – included in the price. Evening It will be evening by the time you arrive in Zagreb. So, ditch the bags and head out to the lively Tkalčićeva Street to sample some of the excellent wine bars. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a beauty Day ten: Zagreb and departure Wrapping up this Croatia in 10 days route, your final day will depend on where you’ve decided to depart from. If you’ve managed to get an evening flight out of Zagreb, great, you can spend today exploring the city (see some tips in the 14-day itinerary below). Or, if you’re flying out from Zadar, you can just enjoy a chill day on the beach before departure. Morning

Away from the coast, you’ll find a big shift in scenery and pace of life as you explore the melange of architectural styles that Zagreb offers, a far cry from the Venetian looks you’ve got used to. Start your visit in the Lower Town, as you’ll likely arrive in time for a quick visit around the Dolac Market before peeking at other popular attractions, including Zagreb Cathedral or the Art Pavilion and its surrounding gardens. Colourful Tkalčićeva Street is a good place to stop for lunch. Next, head to the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the oldest part of the city, to stroll the cobbled streets between sights such as St Mark’s Square and the flag-tiled roof of St Mark’s Church. The Museum of Broken Relationships is also well worth a visit – I found the quirky space fascinating. Book a late afternoon or evening flight out of Zagreb to maximise your day. The fascinating roof of St. Mark’s Church, Zagreb 14 Day Croatia Itinerary: Dubrovnik to Zadar (including Istria) Day One: Arrival & Dubrovnik Day two: Dubrovnik Day three: Korcula Day four: Hvar Day five: Split Day six: Split Day seven: Trogir & Sibenik Day eight: Zadar (and/or Krka National Park) Day nine: Zadar and Pag Day ten: Plitvice National Park Day eleven: Rovinj Day twelve: Pula Day thirteen: Zagreb Day fourteen: Zagreb & Departure To make the 10-day Croatia itinerary into a two-week route, including Istra, follow the itinerary already detailed until day eight. From day nine, there will be some slight changes to avoid doubling back on yourself. These are as follows: Day nine: Zadar and Pag Instead of heading to Plitvice National Park on day nine, head over to Pag Island for another chilled beach day. Pag is renowned for nightlife, so you can spend a night here partying. Day ten: Plitvice National Park Head to Plitvice for the day before continuing on to Rijeka to spend the night. Pin it: 10-Day Croatia Itinerary Day eleven and twelve: Istria Peninsula Exploring the gorgeous Istrian peninsula using either Pula or Rovinj as a base. These are some of Croatia’s prettiest corners, with Roman amphitheatres, temples, and postcard-perfect small villages allowing for delicious seafood pauses. Day thirteen and fourteen: Zagreb Drive to Zagreb (if you’re travelling by bus, then the 5 am Autotrans departure is perhaps the best option to enjoy a full day in Zagreb) to spend an afternoon and the following day exploring the city before your onward flight. Other suggestions to extend your Croatia itinerary There’s always the option of adding on some of the neighbouring countries, too, if you have more time. Day trips to Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina, or slinking off to the Vipava Valley wine region in Slovenia are easily done and highly recommended. But however you spend your 10 days in Croatia, remember to make time to slow down and soak it all in. That’s what the Mediterranean lifestyle is about, after all. [ad_2] Source link

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sailingroutescroatia · 11 months

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Sailing from Venice to Dubrovnik

Sailing from Venice to Dubrovnik: A Memorable Voyage through the Adriatic

Embarking on a sailing adventure from Venice to Dubrovnik is an unforgettable journey through the Adriatic Sea, filled with stunning landscapes, charming coastal towns, and rich cultural experiences. This maritime odyssey offers the opportunity to explore the hidden gems of the Croatian coastline, from Venice's enchanting canals to the historic streets of Dubrovnik. Here's a detailed itinerary of this remarkable voyage:

Venice: The Beginning of an Epic Journey

The adventure commences in Venice, a city unlike any other. Navigating its intricate maze of canals and elegant bridges, you'll find yourself enchanted by the grandeur of St. Mark's Square, the artistic treasures of the Doge's Palace, and the serenity of the canals. Sailing away from this iconic city, you'll bid farewell to the ornate architecture and immerse yourself in the unspoiled natural beauty of the Adriatic.

Rovinj: A Gem on the Istrian Peninsula

Your first destination is Rovinj, a picturesque fishing town on the Istrian Peninsula. The colorful houses perched along the shoreline give Rovinj its unique charm. Explore the cobblestone streets, visit the impressive Church of St. Euphemia, and savor fresh seafood in the quaint harbor-side restaurants.

Brijuni National Park: Nature's Paradise

Brijuni, a collection of fourteen islands, is your next stop. Part of Brijuni National Park, it's a natural paradise. Explore its lush forests, encounter exotic animals, and marvel at ancient Roman ruins. The harmony of nature and history in this archipelago is truly captivating.

Pula: Roman Heritage and Vibrant Culture

Pula is famous for its remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater, one of the best-preserved in the world. Stroll through the charming old town, discovering its intricate history. Pula is also a cultural hub with lively festivals, which might be happening during your visit.

Island Unije: Tranquil Oasis

The island of Unije offers a serene escape from the bustling cities. Its crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere provide a perfect opportunity to relax, swim, or enjoy a quiet afternoon on the beach.

Mali Losinj: A Seafarer's Paradise

Mali Losinj is a sailor's paradise with a vibrant marina and a charming old town. Its fragrant pine forests, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life make it a must-visit destination. Explore the town, dine on fresh seafood, and take in the sunset views over the harbor.

Illovik and Molat: Hidden Retreats

Illovik and Molat are two islands rarely frequented by tourists. The secluded beaches and rustic charm of these islands offer a peaceful respite. Enjoy the tranquility and immerse yourself in the local way of life.

Zadar: An Ancient and Dynamic Port

Arriving in Zadar, you'll be captivated by its rich history and contemporary energy. The city boasts Roman ruins, medieval churches, and modern art installations like the famous Sea Organ. Sample delicious seafood dishes at the numerous waterfront restaurants.

Rava and Kornati Archipelago: Unspoiled Beauty

Sail to Rava, a serene island with untouched natural beauty. Then, venture into the Kornati Archipelago, a collection of 89 islands and islets known for their untouched wilderness. It's a sailing paradise, offering numerous anchorages and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling.

Skradin: Gateway to Krka National Park

Skradin is a gateway to the stunning Krka National Park. Take a trip up the Krka River to witness the jaw-dropping waterfalls and explore the lush forested area. Skradin itself is a quaint town with narrow streets, charming restaurants, and a warm atmosphere.

Zirje: A Hidden Gem

Zirje is a small, pristine island where you can truly unwind and appreciate the beauty of the Adriatic Sea. With few tourists, you'll feel like you've discovered a hidden gem.

Vis: A Historic Island

Vis is known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. Explore the ancient Roman ruins, taste local wine, and enjoy its pristine beaches. One highlight is the Blue Cave, where sunlight creates a mesmerizing blue glow in the water.

Split: A City of Contrasts

Split, the largest city on the Dalmatian Coast, offers a fascinating contrast of ancient history and a modern vibe. Wander through the Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the city's vibrant cafe culture.

Golden Horn Beach, Brac: An Iconic Landmark

Golden Horn Beach, on the island of Brac, is a unique natural formation. Its ever-changing shape and crystal-clear waters make it a postcard-perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Hvar: A Blend of Lavishness and Natural Beauty

Hvar is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively nightlife. Visit the charming old town, dine at exquisite restaurants, and experience the vibrant nightlife that Hvar is famous for.

Korcula Town: Marco Polo's Birthplace

Korcula Town, the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo, is a walled medieval city with a rich history. Wander through its labyrinthine streets, visit the Marco Polo House, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Island Mljet: Nature's Retreat

Mljet is a nature lover's dream. The western part of the island is home to Mljet National Park, where you can explore saltwater lakes and lush forests. A Benedictine monastery on an islet in one of the lakes adds to the island's charm.

Elaphit Islands: Island-Hopping Paradise

The Elaphit Islands offer a chain of idyllic islands for some relaxed island-hopping. Explore Sipan, Lopud, and Kolocep, each with its unique charm, pristine beaches, and charming villages.

Dubrovnik: The Grand Finale

Your journey culminates in Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." The city's ancient walls, stunning architecture, and historic charm will transport you to a different era. Stroll along the city walls, visit the Old Town, and take in the breathtaking views from Mount Srd. Dubrovnik is a city filled with memories waiting to be made.

Sailing from Venice to Dubrovnik is a maritime adventure filled with natural beauty, historical treasures, and the warmth of Croatian culture. It's a voyage that promises to leave you with cherished memories of the Adriatic's enchanting shores and the vibrant towns and islands that dot its coastline.

#sailing route Croatia

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cruises-trips-news · 1 year

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Silversea’s Silver Nova Departs On Maiden Voyage

Today, Silversea’s inaugural Nova-class vessel, Silver Nova, sets sail from Venice, Italy, marking her first voyage!The ship will sail around the Adriatic for seven days, stopping in Piran, Slovenia; Zadar, Dubrovnik, Split, and Rovinj in Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro. As the 12th ship for Silversea, Silver Nova is the first vessel launched this year for Royal Caribbean Group, […] The post Silversea’s Silver Nova Departs On Maiden Voyage appeared first on BOAT CRUISES TRIPS NEWS. https://boat-cruises-trips.news-6.com/silverseas-silver-nova-departs-on-maiden-voyage/

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odysseyzadar · 1 year

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Past weekend me and my friends decided to go on a boat trip. The sun was shining brightly, and the sea sparkled with inviting shades of blue. With our spirits high, we set sail, ready for a day of exploration and fun.

As we cruised along the coastline, passing by charming villages and rocky cliffs, we couldn't help but be captivated by the natural beauty surrounding us. The islands near Zadar are renowned for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and hidden coves, which made it an ideal destination for our adventure.

Our first stop was a secluded bay with a mesmerizing sandy beach. We dropped anchor and eagerly dove into the refreshing sea. The water was cool and invigorating. The sea was full of life with hermit crabs, tropical fish and sea urchins who were keeping the sea clean.

After working up an appetite, we returned to the boat for a delightful feast. They had prepared a delicious spread of local delicacies, including freshly caught seafood with vegetables, and a tomato pasta. The boat's deck transformed into a floating picnic spot, where we savored the flavors of the region while sharing laughter and stories.

We set sail onto the next island, where we enjoyed a beautiful lake along with refreshing beverages and flavourful icecream.

But it was not all sunshine and rainbows...

As the day was coming to a close, a storm closed in on us leaving us with nothing but rain and thunder. At the end of the day we sailed back through the storm and rough waves.

Fortunatly the surrounding islands protected us from the worst waves. We arrived in Zadar without to much scrapping and we could look back on a day filled with adventure, joy, feast and summer vibes.

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novostisvijeta · 2 years

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Sailing around Croatia tips

Book your holidays early There are numerous early bird discounts, most of the bareboat sailboat charters in Croatia are still available and you get to pay by 2-3 installments. Advanced fee is 50% at the booking, balance should be covered 5 weeks before departure.

Hire a Sailboat or a Catamaran Croatia is a Mediterranean country with the tradition of welcoming sailors. The sea, the sun and the rugged landscapes left a remarkable impact on the islanders, their unique culture and laid-back easy going philosophy.

If you want to blend in and feel this land's true heartbeat, hire a sailboat or Croatia catamaran charter instead of a motor yacht. Not only, that the sailors are considered cooler, hiring a Croatia sailing charter is also the most affordable and also authentic way of travelling.

Take your trip in summer months High summer on Adriatic might be busy, but the weather is simply glorious. Considering the Croatia weather conditions, you will hit the spot, if your book the trip in July or August. The streets are buzzing the traffic is heavy, but the weather is perfect. It might get bit crowded in marinas and restaurants, but you can always find a quiet place to moor. Check the weather before your departure and pack accordingly. Please read about what to pack for a sailing trip.

Book one-week sailing trip in Croatia In the peak season months, you can rent catamaran in Croatia for the duration of 7 days from Saturday till Saturday. However, it is possible to book a 2-week Croatia yacht vacation or even short 3-4 day tour in the off season.

How much for a yacht holiday? Ask your charter agency for the exact cost for a sailing holiday and beforehand specify what you wish to have included on board (Wi-fi, SUP, Hostess, Cook, Water toys,…). Specific yacht charters in Croatia already come with multitude of inclusions on board. Like Croatia crewed catamarans. Don't let the unexpected costs surprise you.

Keep things simple Don't over pack and rather bring soft duffel bag instead of a hard suitcase. Double cabins in a sailboat or catamaran are bright and spacious, but they can get uncomfortable when 2 large suitcases are blocking your passage. Don't forget your passport, ID and take enough cash. Although you already prepay most of the inclusions, there are still some extras you have to pay at spot (fuel, provisions, tourist tax, marina fees, national parks, transfers and food). Exchange enough local currency KUNA at the official bank before your embark!

Set your destination Focus on a specific area or a destination in Croatia. There are four main sailing destinations in Croatia. All nearby major Croatian airports with good flight and road connections: Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. Discovering one destination is just enough for 7-day itineraries. If you like one place more, you can stay there longer. Sailing itinerary is entirely flexible. If you wish to explore more, book a 2-week Croatia sailing cruise.

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aliatori · 2 years

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Rolling in here with a F&F-themed ask....I am predictably asking about beloved Aurele. Any tidbits of xyr backstory you have for me, I will devour greedily. <3 <3 <3

Oh, my beloved Aurele Lovette. Thank you for asking about xyr, and I will try to keep my commentary some kind of coherent.

Under the cut for length and F&F spoilers.

I think the best place to start for Aurele is to talk a little bit about exactly why a limited number of necromancers are casually hanging out in the very insular fold of pirates (aside from the fact necromancers are cool, duh). Fate and Furor touches on this a bit, but I can expand it here.

Essentially way back when, when Zadar was up to his shenanigans and before the fold became… what it is as of just before Fate and Furor concludes, the Exiled gods were a bit more interconnected with one another’s affairs. (And I feel like I’ve mentioned this before somewhere, but ‘Exiled’ and ‘Exalted’ is more a matter of cultural approval, though obviously the Carnage gets points for being the closest thing to ‘objectively’ bad this verse gets). In this interconnectedness, there was always tension between the Demise and Zadar; with death being the Demise’s domain and destruction the Carnage’s, the liminal space between those two places was hotly contested. Zadar’s ability to bring people back into a false half-life (as seen in Fate and Furor) was a sticking point for the Demise, who felt robbed of their rightful offerings when those folks operated on borrowed time.

Fun fact but NOT tangent: The Demise has a name, but it’s considered so taboo to speak it (blasphemy for xyr acolytes, superstition that it would bring xyr attention down on them for anyone else) that it’s essentially forgotten in the mortal world. This is why Aurele almost always refers to the Demise as ‘the Honoured Demise’, to differentiate.

Anyway! Because of the Problematic Divine Polyamory situation between Xeheia/Vidakai/Zadar, the Demise was already pushed to the fringes and mostly stayed out of the affairs of the living. Xe wasn’t really interested in getting involved in all that, particularly because of xyr special hatred for Zadar. For the most part, xyr acolytes followed suit, not the least of which because of the somewhat shocking physical appearance of the Demise’s acolytes.

When Zadar started going off the deep end and endangering not only his realm but every other realm, forcing Xeheia and Vidakai to contain his essence to its prison in The Storm’s Eye, it wasn’t just them who helped. It was mostly them. But the Demise, given xyr closeness to parts of Zadar’s realm, was beseeched to help. And because the deities of this world are petty, fallible, and very human, the Demise agreed… for a price. Xe would help shore up the defenses between the realm of living and dead and give Zadar less fodder to work with as Xeheia and Vidakai attempted to break him from his realm and imprison him, but in return, Xeheia would provide shelter for xyr acolytes (among other terms), who were often shunned or worse in the wider world.

Fast forward many, many years later, and you have a small but thriving contingent of the Demise’s devotees within the fold. Most of them served as healers at Watcher’s Cove and had their own group within an insular group; not many of them are interested in sailing aboard a ship, so it’s considered a great honor (and partially why Aurele gets away with murder—pun fully intended—the other reason being skilled surgeons are prized with how injury-prone the fold is).

The Demise’s worship is hard to label, but I would call it a reverence for the entropy of life to death. Despite Aurele’s frankly questionable medical ethics, xe would never in a million years intentionally murder someone in xyr care who had a chance to be saved; to do so would be an affront to the Demise’s principles. Even taking vital energy from sentient creatures (for a given value of sentient, the philosophical nature of which we won’t get into here) requires consent, hence why Aurele asks Gab before draining him of vitality.

Murdering someone or something NOT in xyr care as an offering/to fuel xyr own power? Yeah, that happens, and though we don’t see it on page, you can assume a lot of navy sailors met an unfortunate, life-sucking demise (again, pun fully intended) at Aurele’s hands in the end of Fate and Furor.

For all that Aurele is a healer, it has little to do with xyr Demise-given gifts. In the most severe cases, xe can facilitate an exchange of vital energy from one individual to another, which comes with its own severe set of risks and isn’t guaranteed to fix the issue. The domain of ‘magical’ healing as we think of it, creating restorative life energy in and of itself, belongs to Ouraine, and though the Demise and Ouraine aren’t as diametrically opposed as one might think, magical healing is definitely her thing alone (and not without its limitations either).

Fun fact and only SORT of a tangent: For your emotions, consider that a scene that didn’t make it into the epilogue is various crew members volunteering for this exchange to help out Gab and Hugo, who are both in very, very rough shape by the end of Fate and Furor.

Anyway! The Demise’s gifts largely revolve around statis, energy transfer, and manipulation of souls in xyr afterlife realm. And of course, the skeleton ripping, which Gab has a LONG conversation with Aurele about once he’s feeling better LOL. This is less like, a connection to the actual bones and more Aurele playing puppetmaster with freshly dead spirits borrowed from the Demise’s realm, which is my favourite kind of fucked up. As is alluded to in Fate and Furor, being bonded to the Demise means you foot the bill for your own gifts with your energy, hence the vampiric-like appearance; the reason Aurele’s bondmark starts bleeding is because xe’s drawing too heavily from xyr own body, an early warning system. (Don’t worry. Xe feasts very shortly after and is the pink-cheeked, shiny-blond, peachy skinned picture of health and destruction).

Now that the worldbuilding info has been relayed (thank you for letting me soapbox), onto Aurele xyrself! I’ll start with an apology to xyr for changing my mind on xyr pronouns and eventually going with xe/xyr/xyrs instead. If you saw me ninja edit things, no you didn’t.

Aurele is nonbinary of the agender variety, both as a nurture thing (Hugo mentions in F&F that all Demise acolytes use the same pronouns) and as a personal thing; what is gender when there are bones and flowers. Xe is exclusively attracted to women but is deeply aromantic. Romance, much like gender, is just not a thing xe has any interest in. Aurele is also neurodivergent, the particular brand of which I will leave up to reader interpretation; as a neurodivergent weirdo, I wanted a neurodivergent weirdo in the cast.

Xe is also the youngest of the Squall’s named crew at (*checks notes*) 25 by the time Fate and Furor concludes. Xyr mentor, the Squall’s previous surgeon Michele, died a couple years after Gab became captain, and Aurele decided to follow in xyr footsteps.

Despite xyr sometimes… questionable ability for social interaction, xe’s well regarded by the crew and is well loved in return. Gifts of Aurele’s favourite things—flowers/herbs of all sorts, a sweet that is essentially saltwater taffy but made with actual salt water, and of course live vermin and interesting dead creatures—often get left outside xyr door. In return, the crew might find prettily wrapped packages containing herbal remedies, medicines for an illness they hadn’t gotten a chance to see xyr about, bottles of scent, or bone-jewelry in their berth or outside their quarters. Xe loves dominoes as mentioned, and though xe doesn’t often go ashore for various reasons when the Squall is docked anywhere but the Cove, can sometimes be cajoled out if there is a known apothecary or herbalist of some repute in port.

Xe has a long running feud with the shipcats aboard the Squall over the vermin that find their way to the decks, and while I’m not saying xe’s been caught in several compromising positions regarding this feud, I’m not NOT saying it. Aurele has also been known to appear out of the ether after battles (provided no one needs tending) and essentially go corpse shopping, which is an activity the crew either finds hilarious/mildly amusing (Luc, Gab, Camille, Hugo if he had been xyr captain) or disturbing (Del, Sparrow, Cazal). Everyone has learned it’s best not to ask what is done with them, however.

I feel like I could talk about Aurele forever; I had to develop xyr a lot because of the worldbuilding and backstory foundation required to slot xyr into the ship and texturize the fold, and xe’s just a favourite of mine. Thank you for asking and for loving xyr as much I do!!

#the forsaken and the forsworn #ch: aurele lovette #ali answers

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heretotravel · 5 years

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Sunset Cruise in Zadar, Croatia

Zadar, Croatia is often described as having the best sunset in the world. We couldn't resist finding out for ourselves whether it was true.

With the help of Zadar Adventure, we set sail on a sunset cruise where we put the world to rights with a couple from the US over tasty sharing boards and local wine.

Read our story at https://heretotravel.com/zadar-croatia-sunset-sailing/

#travel #travelling #traveling #zadar #croatia #travelblog #travelblogger #europetrip #sailing #sunset

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apartments-vrtlici · 5 years

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Villa Casa Mia is situated in Sabunike, only 200m from sea and main sand beach locally called "Kraljicina plaza" or world famous known "Queen Beach". Sabunike is suburb of Privlaka and is located inside of Nin laguna. This attractive area is the finest jewel of the Zadar riviera. Villa Casa Mia is offering you four, full equipped, modern apartments. Two big apartments have 3 rooms with double bed, kitchen, dining and living room, 2 big bathroom and 2 big terrace with beautiful view on sea, house garden and big house swimming pool. All apartments have air condition, flat TV, Netflix, Sat and free flat high speed Wlan internet. Next two smaller apartments are almost the same, but one have 2 rooms with double bed and another one 1 room with double bed. In garden there is a fireplace that is always available to use and big sheltered, protected and heated swimming pool which will guaranty you perfect comfort and privacy during your vacation. In-font of the house there is also covered car parking and free berths on sea for guests boats. Close by, there are many good restaurants, diving centers and beautiful sand beaches. Villa Casa Mia combines the best of Mediterranean ambiance and modern amenities to create a truly memorable vacation experience. Located alongside the picturesque laguna of Nin, you will be perfectly poised for the ultimate vacation in the sun. A capacious and stylish seafront residence, Villa Casa Mia has also become a favorite locale for families and youth. Cool off in house big swimming pool or in the crystal clear sea that is just 200m from the house, sunbathing on sand beach or right in front of the house, swimming, diving, all kind of water sports, sailing, fishing, jogging, biking and many other daily activities are always available.

https://www.villacasamia.com/

#villa casa mia #Sabunike #Privlaka #Zadar

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tennisholidayscroatia · 5 years

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5 reasons why Croatia is the best tennis vacation destination

If you’re looking for a tennis holiday destination, here’s why you should choose Croatia.

An introduction to Croatia - undiscovered tennis vacation paradise

What if I asked you – what makes a perfect tennis vacation destination for you?

Forget your standard of play for a moment. Or whether you are traveling on your own, with your significant other or with kids. Try to imagine - how does this perfect holiday haven look like?

Is it a fancy, large resort isolated from the every-day local life? Dozens of immaculate tennis courts, with a private, sandy beach? Am I missing palm trees and some cocktails from an all-inclusive bar nearby?

If you're nodding your head, I'd suggest you stop reading this article.

Just skip it.

This one is for tennis lovers who seek to truly enjoy their favorite game. In a sunny place, connecting with their immediate surrounding and people around them. Forget about the car and pack an extra pair of tennis shoes.

Experience Croatia, the best tennis vacations in Europe.

You may have traveled to some of the world. Visited renowned tennis holiday destinations. Stayed in luxury resorts in Spain or Florida or enjoyed cheap tennis holidays. Or the immensely popular France, Turkey, Italy in the Mediterranean.

Let’s talk about Croatia in the context of tennis. Most of you will instantly think of Goran Ivanišević, 2001 Wimbledon champion. He is famous for his colorful and entertaining character. If we're lucky, there might be some other names or tournaments held in Croatia mentioned.

Well, tennis in Croatia has a long and rich history and it is high time to put Croatia on the world’s tennis vacations map. Create some serious competition to Goran. And possibly outshine other tennis holiday destination beauties in the Mediterranean.

Tennis holidays in Italy? Portugal? Mallorca? Algarve? Nah, choose Croatia!

Here are 5 reasons why Croatia is a superb a tennis holiday destination. Destination worthy of every bit of your attention.

1. Many tennis facilities across the stretched Croatian coast

There are many great tennis facilities across the stretched Croatian coast. Some of the hotels possess all the necessary infrastructure to blow off some steam on the court.

Croatians pride themselves on having many famous tennis players. Those players have contributed to the increased popularity of tennis as a sport. This is why you can find a tennis center in almost every coastal town. They welcome players of all ages and abilities and are open for residents and tourists. Often you might find yourself challenged by a local to take on a match and show what you know.

2. Red clay tennis courts in stunning natural settings

No matter where you land on the Croatian coast, two main colors will follow you. The rich palette of green vegetation and changing colors of the deep blue Adriatic sea. Some of the country’s best tennis courts lie in the most stunning natural surroundings. It's this idyllic landscape that allows you to enjoy the play with full senses.

Beautiful tennis courts in Biograd, one of Tennis Holidays Croatia destinations

3. Behind every great tennis court lies an even greater beach

Walking to the courts to swing your racket, you’ll be tempted to skip the tennis sessions and hit the beach. You can also go to the beach to stretch for tennis, before or after the match. In Croatia the beaches are very friendly, inviting you to spend as much time as possible.

What makes them so appealing?

Well before you even set your feet on the warm, cozy pebble stones, you are simply immersed into the crystal clear blue color of the sea. It gets even better after taking a nice swim, drying in the warm sun and finding a perfect spot under the pine tree shadow.

Here’s one interesting thing about beaches in Croatia – they are public. Locals love the beach just as much as they love a cold beer at the beach bar.

There are also some private beaches as well, so if you are more ‘I love my privacy’ person, Croatia will deliver.

👉 Pasjaca beach in Cavtat has been voted as European Best Beach 2019!

4. Walking distance is the signature

Are you one of those people who simply want to forget about the existence of any transporting vehicle while on holiday?

This is one of the very few days in the year you’d like to completely switch off and have everything you need within easy walking distance.

In the case of Croatia, easy walking distance is the signature. This is the part where you will need those extra pair of tennis shoes from the beginning of the article. Or any type of shoes, as long as they are comfortable.

Tennis resorts, if we can even call them like that in our case, are not isolated. They live in residential surroundings. You stay at the hotel. Walk to the tennis courts. Walk to the beach. Walk into town for dinner. And if you like – do some more walking along the coast.

Everything is so easy to reach, right there – on the palm of your hand.

5. Perfect tennis holiday destination goes beyond tennis

Passionate tennis players would say, the best moments of a tennis holiday are the ones spent on the court enjoying the game. Especially if they are winning.

Tennis play in here is seriously challenged by so many exciting opportunities you could follow.

Let’s get more specific.

If you choose to stay in Zadar Region, you will be tempted to visit 5 National and Nature parks, all within easy striking distance.

Let’s get even more specific.

Do you like sailing and swimming in the sea? Go for National Park Kornati.

Prefer hiking or rock climbing? National Park Paklenica is your thing.

Enjoy cycling? I would advise Nature Park Vransko Lake.

It gets slightly complicated with National Parks Plitvice Lakes and Krka Waterfalls. In both cases waterfalls are in question, so you need to decide which one you like better. Or just go with both.

Let’s conclude by saying there is plenty to miss out on if you decide to spend your entire tennis holiday on the courts.

The best way to end it is to say: It’s your holiday. Make everything you do your choice. In Croatia, there is plenty of choice. All you have to do is make a decision.

And we believe this time you should skip all those places where everyone goes - Mallorca, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Corfu, Tuscany, Gran Canaria and choose Croatia as your tennis holidays destination!

Have any questions, or need help deciding the best tennis vacation programme for you? Contact Tennis Holidays Croatia here and we’ll prepare something awesome for you!

Or head out to Tennis Holidays Croatia website and browse our tennis vacations.

Question: What do you value most in a tennis vacation?

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grgop · 5 years

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Welcome to Dugi otok

It's been my wish for quiet some time to visit Dugi otok (Long Island), the long and the most distant of the Croatian islands located in the center of Croatian part of the Adriatic sea. Actually, I visited one part of it – the Nature Park Telašćica, when I was a kid more than 15 years ago…but never other places and with the new purpose. However, my wish had been granted surpassing all the expectation I had about this trip.

The main reason why I wanted to travel there was to find and record the locals who speak the local idioms. For those of you who've been following me for the last couple of years and especially my YouTube channel you know that this was a super exciting trip for me. These native speakers represent a national and cultural treasure in terms of lingusitic heritage and a history of the litoral and maritime people living here for centuries, with some of them being isolated or with little touch to the land (terraferma). Thus the excitement to hear the living past and a nice blend of the Croatian Slavic culture and the Mediterranean Latin influence.

Apart from finding the native speakers I was excited to find out more about being and living as an islander. So I had to chance to record, hear and take photos of stories and experiences of the local people from several villages including both youth and seniors.

How it all started

I was super lucky to be given the opportunity to stay for four days on the island and meet many people whose help I never expected. I got the accommodation for free at the local monastery of St Michael in Zaglav which was thrilling enough and especially valuable since they allowed me to stay during the festive days around Easter. As soon as I got the confirmation that it's not a hallutination but a reality I looked for help among friends and acquaintaes who could aide me in getting to know the island and the locals. Without them this trip would have looked totally different as I knew practically nobody there. In the end I made lots of friends and had plenty of fun while doing my mission. I spent literally days and hourse right before the trip to get the additional camera equipment, gather as much as valuable information about the locals as possible, creating my own map of the potential people for the intervju and preparing the daily routes.

But before we dive into the adventures here's a some info about the island.

About Dugi otok

What do you need to know about this paradise? Dugi otok is the largest of the North-Dalmatian islands situated in the central part of the Croatian Adriatic. Iti s also the last island before the open sea and Italy on the other side of the Adriatic bay. Just like the majoritiy of our islands it has many hills and small bays with its highest peak of Vela Straža at 338m. The island is around 45 km long (hence the name) but at some points its width ranges between 1 and 4 km. This contrast was especially visible when I was driving a car from the south and at one point I stopped and looked to my right – there you see the islands towards Zadar and Velebit mountain. Then you turn to the left and see the nothing except for the blue sky, horizon and the deep blue Adriatic sea. However, during the crystal day and with a good eye sight one can see the eastern Italian coast, more precisely – the Apenine mountains. After all, Italy is less than 200 km away across the sea.

Its western coastline bordering the open sea characterize the sharp contrasts: the southern part around the Nature Park Telašćica is surrounded with impressive cliffs that go up to 80m in height. Telašćica is one of the most beautiful place sin Zadar county and frequently visited by numerous tourists each year.

On contrary, on the other side of the island you can find more peaceful bays. The two most notable beaches are Sakarun and Veli Žal where Sakarun is the most famous one. However, last years due to growing number of visitors and greediness it no longer looks and is as it was 10 years ago. I also never went there but visited Veli Žal instead. All in all, the nature on this island is incredible and as the locals say – you hardly notice any seasonal change. It always looks as if the time had stopped between spring and early autumn. Always green and no leafs falling. In terms of nature this island will be a perfect place to escape the reality and the stress of the modern lifestyle spent in larger urban areas. Clean sea, peaceful nature and the welcoming locals.

People, customs and history

Speaking of locals the island has a population of roughly 1500 inhabitants spread in around 12 local villages. The largest of them is Sali in the southeastern part of Dugi otok with the population of around 800. On contrary, places such as Dragove or Veli Rat in the north have between 40-70 inhabitants statistically. However, accoridng to the stories, there's far less people who actually live for the whole year. The sad truth and reality is that these places will become ghost towns within 10-20 years as the majority of these locals are seniors over 80 years old. The thing is – apart from them most of the visitors are so called „weekenders“ – the islanders who live on the land (e.g. in Zadar) who come there over the weekend…or the other part that's present during the summer are the diaspora. These are the people whose parents, grandparents or further ancestors emmigrated to the United States, Southern America or Australia and New Zealand at the beginning of the 20th century or around the years of the WW2 in search for better opportunities and life across the sea. There are even some remains left of the WW2 bunkers and ship tunnels that I am going to describe you later (I couldn't resists visiting some of them). And even today one can find near the central part of the island a restricted zone which belongs to the military whose base is on top of the hill. It's said it used to watch over the potential threat that comes from the south or across the Adriatic sea.

The population of the island was thus much larger, actually surprisingly larger. However, the Great War in 1918 and the Second World War had taken the toll with great consequences. Many of the islanders died or were killed during those time, especially the young people, men, who were meant to start new families. Those who survived either stayed or moved to new places. Some places used to have a lot of children attending the schools. Now some say it's „a success“ when they managed to gather up to 10 children of the elementary school in total. And they come from different villages.

Being on the island many of the locals have traditionally been turned towards the sea and what it offers. It's not unusal to find people who have spent their lives sailing around the world. Some have been fishermen. Some are into agricultulre and what it offers. Unlike us who live on the mainland here you can't have super large fields but smaller ones where you take care of goods and cultures such as figs, oranges, lemomns, tomatoes, potatoes, salad and olives. In Sali there is a fish factory which provides employment for good amount of the locals. There is another important factor in the lives of the islanders and that is the Church and religion. It's not unusual to find many of them to be (kinda) devoted Catholics who go to the church every Sunday. After all, as some explained me, it's also a social thing or event, when you think about it. And living there for centuries, relatively isolated and surrounded by nature and vast sea surface, one shouldn't be surprised to see faith and religion rooted deeply in the locals. And being an islander does not mean living an easy life, as you are going to find out. Speaking of religion there is this Franciscan monastery of St Michael in Zaglav with a church that was built in mid-15th century. That's the place I stayed at.

The places on the island are connected with one main road from which you have amazing views over the surrounding islands and area. The island has also got quiet good connection with the mainland via trajects and speedboats (catamaran). There are four catamaran lines that go daily from Zadar to Dugi otok. If you are planning a trip on Dugi otok by car you will arrive by traject to Brbinj in the northern part of the island. The same goes if you want to leave the island by car. Speaking of cars the only gas station on the whole island is located in Zaglav in the south. That's also the place I arrived to and stayed at for four days.

What else to add? During the summer season many are some festivals related to religious events, local music and traditional kitchen. Those who prefer to spend their time actively they can go exploring the area, follow many hiking roads, visit the caves, Park Telašćica or National Park Kornati. If you are more into sports then I suggest finding some diving locations or courses, try running, trekking, biking, trail, sailing etc. At the northernmost point of the island at Veli Rat there is another landmark of Dugi otok - the lighthouse of Veli Rat.

I forgot to mention some of the older history of the island. Here are a few interesting things to know. The island was already inhabited with settlers in the early ages in paleolithic and mesolythic. Several years ago scients discovered the human skelleton that date back to 11 000 years BC. This discovered male Dalmatian known as „Šime“ died unnatural death at the peak of his retirement age of 40.

One can find the remains of the settlements and stuff of the ancient Illryians. There are also several caves on the island and around Telašćica park one can find tomb hills dating back to Iron age 800-400 BC. The last thing I'd add here is the Grpašćak Fortress on the western coast above the cliffs of Telašćica. It was built in 1911 by the Austro Hungarian Monarchy which served as a military patrol base. I came close by my first evening on the island but more about it in the next post..

Time for a break

Alright! I hope you have some idea about Dugi otok. More in details on specific topis as we surf through the days. Grgo

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sailingroutescroatia · 11 months

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Sailing route from Split to Rijeka: A 13-Day Odyssey through Croatia's Adriatic Beauty

Sailing along the stunning coastline of Croatia is an adventure like no other. Exploring its picturesque islands and historic towns by catamaran promises an unforgettable journey through the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Our 13-day sailing voyage will take us from the ancient city of Split to the charming town of Rijeka, with numerous stops along the way. With a skipper at the helm, we'll embark on a thrilling maritime adventure, discovering hidden coves, pristine beaches, and centuries of history.

Day 1: Departing from Split

Our journey begins in the historic city of Split, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its Diocletian's Palace, a well-preserved Roman palace complex. After boarding the catamaran, we'll set sail towards our first destination, the mesmerizing Golden Horn Beach on the island of Brac.

Day 2: Golden Horn Beach, Brac

We'll wake up to the serene beauty of the famous Golden Horn Beach, known for its distinctive horn-like shape. Spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming, and enjoying water sports. The crystal-clear waters of Brac are an invitation to explore the underwater world.

Day 3: Hvar Town

Hvar, one of Croatia's most famous islands, welcomes us next. Its main town, Hvar, is known for its Venetian architecture, bustling square, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the old town's narrow streets, savor local cuisine at charming restaurants, and experience the island's lively atmosphere.

Day 4: Pakleni Archipelago, Vinogradisce Bay

We'll sail to the Pakleni Archipelago, a beautiful cluster of islands near Hvar. Our destination is the tranquil Vinogradisce Bay, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The archipelago's untouched nature and pristine waters make it an ideal stop for peaceful seclusion.

Day 5: Island Vis

The island of Vis is our next destination, a place with a rich history, including its use as a military base during the Yugoslav era. Visit Vis Town, explore its ancient streets, and don't miss the opportunity to taste fresh seafood at local taverns. The secluded Stiniva Beach is a natural wonder worth visiting.

Day 6: Skradin

We'll sail to Skradin, a charming town that serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Krka National Park. Explore the lush forests, swim in the crystal-clear river, and marvel at the stunning waterfalls. Skradin itself is a picturesque town with a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 7: Islands Zirje & Kaprije

Our journey continues to the islands of Zirje and Kaprije, both relatively untouched by mass tourism. Enjoy the serenity, swim in secluded bays, and explore the islands' natural beauty. These hidden gems are perfect for relaxation and unwinding.

Day 8: Kornati Archipelago

The Kornati Archipelago is often referred to as a sailor's paradise, offering 89 islands and islets with untouched wilderness. We'll explore this natural wonder, with its numerous anchorages and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling. The striking landscapes of the Kornati Archipelago are a feast for the eyes.

Day 9: Sakarun Beach, Dugi Island

Sakarun Beach, located on Dugi Island, is our next stop. With its white sands and emerald waters, it's often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. The idyllic surroundings make it a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.

Day 10: Zadar

Our voyage brings us to the historic city of Zadar. Known for its Roman ruins, medieval churches, and modern art installations like the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, Zadar offers a unique blend of ancient and contemporary. Sample delicious seafood at the numerous waterfront restaurants and explore the city's rich cultural heritage.

Day 11: Pag Island

Pag Island is renowned for its lunar-like landscape, particularly on its northern side. Explore the charming town of Pag and savor the island's famous cheese and lamb dishes. The island's unique scenery is a photographer's dream.

Day 12: Rab Island

Our penultimate stop is Rab Island, a place rich in history and natural beauty. Discover the town of Rab with its medieval walls and charming squares. Relax on the sandy beaches and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this captivating island.

Day 13: Arriving in Opatija

Our incredible journey ends in Opatija, a lovely town near Rijeka. Explore its historic architecture, stroll along the Lungomare promenade, and indulge in the local cuisine at the town's restaurants. Opatija's tranquil atmosphere provides a perfect conclusion to our 13-day sailing adventure.

This 13-day sailing odyssey from Split to Rijeka promises a thrilling exploration of the Adriatic's breathtaking beauty, historic treasures, and captivating culture. With a skipper guiding the way, you'll discover hidden gems, pristine beaches, and the rich history of Croatia's coastal towns. Each day offers new adventures, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

#sailing routes Croatia

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