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Located west of the captivating walls of Dubrovnik, you’ll encounter the enchanting Elaphiti, a group of islands that decorate Dubrovnik’s coast. Owing its name to the Ancient Greek word for ‘deer’ (elaphos), this archipelago abounds in ragged reefs, sharp cliffs, and breathtaking seascapes with some of the Adriatic’s most stunning settings.

If your sailing holiday darts you down to Dubrovnik, you’ll likely take your time delving into the ancient core of the old town, embracing the 360-degree views from the mesmerizing defensive walls, and likely taking your sailboat to hop around the Elaphiti Islands to explore the best beaches, bays, and sunny days. And while many may think that beauty fails to extend beyond Dubrovnik and its Kings Landing fame, we believe that they have yet to meet one day-trip-worthy region just southeast of Croatia’s Games of Thrones paradise - the Konavle region.

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. International tourism has certainly taken note, exposing the ins and outs of this jewel to help rank it as one of Croatia’s most visited harbors.

When talking about Croatia’s southern coast, we are often limited to thinking about the Adriatic Pearl. But did you know the beauty of Dubrovnik extends even further and is found in a town just 20 kilometers south (and 5.5 nautical miles southeast)? Meet Cavtat, Croatia’s southernmost tourist resort and what many would consider pure bliss beneath the bustling Dubrovnik. Decorated by thick pine forest and scenic beaches, Cavtat is a hop, skip, and jump from Dubrovnik Airport (just 6 kilometers away), making it a foolproof destination to begin your sailing holiday.

Sailing into the port of Lopud, from afar, on your left, you can already see the Franciscan monastery peeking above the surrounding walls. As the boat comes closer the luxury resort Lafodia, on the right, looks more, and more imposing. As you throw the anchor or catch a spot in the small-town port there it is in front of you, the magical Lopud. Timeless, careless dalmatian heaven, with an amazing sunset. The Lopud waterfront is beautiful. It has the feel of a civilized Dalmatian fishing town, a place of culture and heritage and yet one of relaxation and informality. There is a song about Lopud that translated says something like this: “My friend, if you want to have heaven you should know, come with us and enjoy, Lopud is the place to go!” Maybe these lyrics promise a lot but allow us to justify just how wonderful this island is.

Did you know that Croatia boasts eight national parks, four of which are located along Croatia’s coast? We’re certain you’ve heard of the most popular Plitvice Lakes, best-known thanks to its 16 cascading waterfalls. However, it’s not the easiest to reach on your sailing holiday. Fortunately for all sailing guests, there are many other national parks that pack the same punch - and we’re here to map out your park-perfect sailing route to make sure you don’t miss a beat while wrapped up in Croatia’s natural world. Let’s start in the north.