Bareboat Dubrovnik, Croatia

Overview

The Republic of Croatia is situated on the Adriatic Sea east of Italy. Slovenia and Hungary lie to the north, to the northeast is Serbia, and to the east is Bosnia-Herzegovina. At the far southeastern end of Croatia is a small border with Montenegro. The 789-mile coast of Croatia is indented with countless coves and inlets, and between Dubrovnik and Istria are 1,185 large and small islands. Only 66 of these islands are inhabited, while many of the others are national parks. The coastlines of the mainland and islands combined have an area of 3,617 square miles, creating one of the finest places to sail on Earth. The most famous cruising grounds are in the Dalmatian Islands, which stretch from Dubrovnik northwest to Zadar. A Dubrovnik sailing vacation unveils the charming anchorages, rocky islets, ancient villages, and translucent waters of the islands northwest of the city, including lovely Mljet, Korcula, and Lastovo, and the fabulous harbors and coves along the rugged Peljesac Peninsula and the nearby Elafiti Islands. Pristine beaches, lively nightlife, fine cuisine, secluded coves, fascinating historic sites, and unspoiled natural beauty make a Dubrovnik yacht charter an unforgettable sailing adventure.

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Sailing in Dubrovnik

A Dubrovnik sailing vacation on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is a cruise through paradise. The passages between anchorages are short, providing plenty of time to enjoy all the pleasures of sailing as well as for sojourns ashore to explore, sample the local cuisine, and to sit idly with a cocktail at a café to soak in the wonders of Croatia. The sailing season runs from April to November, though the best time to go is in May and June. Gentle and warm westerly winds seldom exceed 15 knots in these months, making a Dubrovnik yacht charter very family friendly for couples with younger children or skippers with less experienced crews. During July and August there are frequent calms. Land and sea breezes are common. In autumn and winter, a potentially strong wind known as the bora can blow from the north. The tidal range is just one to two feet and therefore tidal currents are not a concern. A Dubrovnik yacht charter is well within the reach of sailors who have basic skills in coastal navigation. The average daytime temperature during the cruising season is 73°F (23°C).

Dubrovnik Highlights

A Dubrovnik sailing vacation is distinctly historic in character. It couldn’t help but be otherwise in a region so steeped in the past. But a Dubrovnik yacht charter is also all about the sailing. The larger Dalmatian Islands are wonderful places to explore aboard a graceful yacht, with sandy beaches ideal for swimming and snorkeling, snug anchorages, and picturesque harbors where boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs blend tastefully with the medieval surroundings of centuries-old cities and towns. It’s not unusual to linger in an open-air market beneath the imposing walls of a castle, or to walk the narrow lanes of villages that hark back to the Middle Ages. The many uninhabited islets in these waters are home to abundant wildlife, and sailing among them is a pure delight.

Dubrovnik

Less than four miles from the Moorings Base at the ACI Marina in Mokosica is the more than 1000-year-old city of Dubrovnik, a UNSECO World Heritage Site known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. The port is impressive from the sea, its largely intact defensive walls, built in 800 A.D., rising in stunning relief to heights of 80 feet; they are 60 feet thick in places. A walk along the top is a great way to get a sense of the Old Town, as the pedestrian-only city center is called. The main thoroughfare is the Stradun, made of limestone worn as smooth as ice from centuries of use and lined with cafés and shops restricted by law to keep signage to a minimum, ensuring that the new blends with the old. Among the many attractions are the Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery – all well worth building time into a Dubrovnik sailing vacation to fully experience.

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Mljet National Park

Untamed, undeveloped, with only one road of any size, the island of Mljet 20 nautical miles west of Dubrovnik is a sailor’s paradise with numerous coves, bays, and islets much the same as they were thousands of years ago. Fully two thirds of the island is covered in dense pine and oak forests, and half of the land is a national park. Two saltwater lakes, Malo and Veliko, are ensconced in the forests of the park, with lovely paths and bicycle trails all around them. Renting a bicycle or simply walking into the park from nearby Pomena or Polace is delightful. A small boat takes sailors out into Veliko Jezero to visit the old Benedictine monastery, now serving as a restaurant. Exploring Mljet National Park is a highlight of most Dubrovnik sailing vacations.

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Korcula Town

One of the most beautiful resort areas in the southern Dalmatian Islands, Korcula Town nevertheless remains subdued in its many pleasures. Situated at the eastern end of Korcula Island on a narrow peninsula, this charming port is locally known as Little Dubrovnik and is famous as the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo (other locales also claim Marco Polo as their own). The Venetian architecture dates from the 15th century and is absolutely captivating. The Towers of the Governors (one large and one small) and the majestic St. Mark’s Cathedral are just two examples of the impressive buildings in the town center. There are also two museums. When visiting Korcula Town, it’s almost obligatory to view the dramatic Moreska sword dance, which features flashing sabers and colorful costumes.

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Sunj Beach

The Elafiti Islands (also spelled Elaphiti) are a sub-group of the Dalmatians mere miles from the bustling and historic city of Dubrovnik. Although mostly uninhabited, verdant, and wild, three of the islands – Sipan, Lopud, and Kolocep – are tourist destinations, with ferry service from the nearby big city. Lopud is known for Sunj Beach, one of the best in the region. An expanse of fine white sand extends along the shore of a picturesque cove fringed with pine forests on steep slopes. It’s a favorite among local sailors and a jewel of the Elafiti isles.

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