Croatia is a country with a rich history and culture; the old towns, monuments, people, and traditions are the ambassadors of its unique history. It also has 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 15 sites and monuments on the ‘Tentative’ List. Many of these sites can be visited during a sailing holiday in Croatia. The beauty of Croatia only enhances your sailing experience and it’s no surprise why the Adriatic Coast today is a hotspot for sailing holidays and charter guests in the summer months.

DAY 1. Dubrovnik - Šipan

Šipan is the largest island in the Elaphite Archipelago and boasts two port villages - Suđurađ (a port located on the eastern part of the island) and Šipanska (situated to the west). Given that these two towns are the largest on the island, one can expect restaurants, cafes, and shops - and should you want to explore them both, they’re only 5 km apart on land. And consider yourself lucky, because Šipan is the only island that allows cars!

When in Šipan we recommend:

• Visiting Stjepović Skoćibuha castle and tower, Pakljena Benedictine monastery, and St. Mary’s Church.
• Hiking from Šipanska luka to Velji Vrh. If you’re on a trip with your kids, Šipan is a perfect place for you to be active. The island is pretty quiet with very low traffic, and all hiking and cycling trails are easy and pretty Safe.
• Cycling in Šipansko Polje valley between Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ.

DAY 2. Šipan - Mljet

Famous for its precious natural heritage, like historic sea caves and pristine bays, Aleppo pine and holm oak forests, saltwater lakes, limestone and dolomite cliffs, and karst valleys, Mljet is pure paradise and one of Mother Nature’s finest creations. With its highest point reaching 514 meters tall and a rugged coastline that continues to surprise thanks to concealed coves, imperceivable islets, and radiant reefs, Mljet is a true sanctuary for sailors.

What to do in Mljet?

• Walking & hiking - if you love spending your time outdoors.
• Cycling - for more active visitors, we suggest renting bikes and exploring the island on two wheels. If interested, you can bring bathing suits and jump into the lakes and enjoy your afternoon in nature.
• Visit Odysseus Cave - which you can enter from the sea by a small boat. There are also many other attractive and lovely caves such as Ostasevica and Morvica which are parts of the mountain in the center of the island.

DAY 3. Mljet - Lastovo

Located 13 kilometers south of Korčula, Lastovo is made up of 46 islands and islets, ss one of the richest and best-preserved botanical areas in the Mediterranean. With a tiny total population of under 800, most of its inhabitants are settled in the island’s largest town - Lastovo. Decorated with dense pines, unusual nature, trademark chimneys, and military history, Lastovo is one of the most captivating islands on the Adriatic Coast.

When in Lastovo we recommend:

• Explore Lastovo’s old town - located under high peaks which form the base of the amphitheatrically shaped settlement. The town consists of medieval family houses full of characters dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Each house is featured with Lastovo’s famous trademark chimneys known as Fumari.
• Hiking - did you know that Lastovo has over 200 km of marked trails for hikers? The best is the educational trail “Via the present to the past,” which highlights the natural beauties and cultural heritage of Lastovo. For those looking to reach new heights, Lastovo’s highest point is Hum (418 meters). Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the islands.
• Military history -explore the remains of the Yugoslav military bases, like abandoned underground tunnels, military installations, and hideouts!
• Churches - did you know that Lastovo has 38 preserved and ruined churches in total? Or that 21 of them are registered as protected cultural property? Mostly built from the 12th to the 15th centuries, a great way to explore Lastovo’s churches is by walking a trail connecting several churches on the island.

DAY 4: Lastovo - Vis

Vis is the farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland and neighbors Korčula to the east and is surrounded by an archipelago of smaller islands, like Biševo (famous for the Blue Cave), and Palagruža. It’s also only 60 miles away from the Italian coast! An island of fishers. A former Yugoslav military base. A famous Hollywood film set. And home to one of the best beaches in Europe. Even these accolades hardly scratch the surface of what Vis has to uncover as one of Croatia’s most exciting islands.

Activities and guided tours we recommend in Vis:

• Blue Cave Tour - natural phenomena of the world.
• Military Tour - a guide will take you all around the island, through the inland and off-road trails to the most hidden Yugoslavian military undermines and the story of the "Forbidden Island".
• Wineries - winemakers have thrived on Vis since the Greeks roamed the island, with Vugava and Plavac being the trademark grapes of Vis. We suggest the unique Lipanović winery, with its cellar housed in a Yugoslav military tunnel.
• Bike Tour - enjoy your bike ride with rapidly changing amazing landscapes, breathe fresh sea air and discover remarkable history points.
• Rent a scooter/Quad - if you are not interested in guided tours, rent a scooter or quad and discover the island on your own!

DAY 5: Vis - Hvar

Did you know that Hvar is the only island in the world with six UNESCO heritage protections? Or that Hvar is the birthplace of organized tourism in Europe, dating back to 1868? Or that the first public theater in Europe was born in its best-known town in 1612? Or that it is Croatia’s sunniest island, bringing in 2760 hours or around 115 sunshine days per year? Hvar is undoubtedly the Adriatic’s most popular summer hotspot. This island knows no bounds and has something for all types of travelers, no matter their generation.

What to do in Hvar?

• Walk around and discover the center of the city - St.Stephen Cathedral & Square, Arsenal, Venetian Loggia and Clock Tower.
• Zipp around with a scooter and discover inland of the island,
• Hike up to the fortress Fortica and enjoy beautiful views.
• Dine in authentic surroundings.
• Taste some of the best Croatian wines, for which this island is famous.

For guided tours we recommend:

• Hvar Wine Tasting Tour - don’t miss a chance to try Plavac Mali, which is the most indigenous grape in Dalmatian Region.
• Lavender Tour includes an expert guide to take you through the aromatic fields, where you will learn the harsh realities of life in Dalmatia before tourism.
• Cycling Tour that combines pleasure and workout to explore the island.

DAY 6: Hvar - Korčula

Korčula is an island with over 20,000 years of history, heavenly white wine, vibrant sword dances, and unequaled beaches. It is an island where tourists can experience the Mediterranean as it once was, without the footsteps of tourists that trample Hvar and Dubrovnik. It is lit up by local life, quaint villages, and fertile fields. It is a fantasy destination for foodies and history buffs. But more than all, it is a sanctuary for sailors.

When in Korčula, we recommend:

• Wine tasting Tour - visit one or more of the various wineries and sample delicious local wines, especially white wines such as Grk, Rukatac, and Pošip.
• Korčula Old Town Tour - learn about history and architecture with a local guide.
• Visit various museums, churches, Marco Polo’s house and St. Mark’s Cathedral.
• Mountain Bike Tour - discover inland and small villages with a professional tour guide.
• Rent a buggy or car - discover new places on your own.
• Listen to Live Music - numerous bars & restaurants offer live performances nightly, from modern covers to traditional Croatian folk music and the beautiful harmony of a local Klapa (a cappella) group.

DAY 7: Korčula - Dubrovnik

Lord Byron once called Dubrovnik ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic’, and it’s impossible to think of Croatia without mentioning the glory that abounds in this ancient walled city. Dubrovnik’s celebrity status is seen in countless postcards and travel brochures, and its numerous inclusions on Europe’s ‘best-of’ lists have promoted it to one of the continent’s leading destinations. Dubrovnik’s charm is seen in all of its corners, filled with history, picturesque streets, squares, and steep alleyways that lead to unparalleled views.

Perfect to visit when in Dubrovnik:

• City Walls guided Tour - anybody visiting Dubrovnik should be sure to explore every nook of the city’s world-famous walls and old town. Since Game of Thrones showcased the city’s fabulous architecture visitors have flocked to Dubrovnik to see “King’s Landing”, “Qarth” and the gardens of the “Red Keep” in real life.
• Explore the center of the town - visit Dubrovnik’s Cathedral, Lovrijenac fort, St. John’s fortress, Franciscan Monastery, Sponza Palace, and Orlando’s Column.
• Cable car - undoubtedly the best view of Dubrovnik can be had from the crest of Mount Srđ, which looms 412 meters above the city a short way inland.
• Trsteno Arboretum - this lovely park on a hillside next to the sea is from the 1400s, making it one of the region’s oldest arboretums. Dubrovnik’s role as a center of trade furnished the arboretum with tree species from around the world.
   

Now, all that’s left to do is book a yacht, relax and enjoy. Contact Otium Yachts today and let’s talk about creating YOUR perfect sailing holiday.