7 Days At Sea: The Highlights Of Sailing In Croatia

Back in September, my boyfriend and I swapped city life in London for any ocean lover’s dream, to sail from Dubrovnik to Split in Croatia – minus the pressures of trying to figure out how to actually drive a boat. And we couldn’t have felt any further away from the big smoke on our dreamy adventure escape into sea life. We made memories and shared moments with new friends and each other that we’ll keep forever… which is why I’m so excited to tell you all about the best bits!

Although life at sea pretty much sums up the entire trip, turns out it’s not all about sailing (although you do get the chance to get pretty hands on up on deck). Exploring, adventuring and making awesome new friends are just as much of a big deal. Where to start when it comes to telling the story of 7 days spent sailing the Adriatic is overwhelming to say the least, which is why I’ve hand-picked the highlights of our trip to share with you. Whether you’re an active adventurer, long-term traveller or looking to take your summer holiday away from the mass crowds of resorts, taking to boat life for alternative relaxation and exploration vibes is dreamy.

1. STARI GRAD PLAIN

Sunset in the plains overlooking Stari Grad on an organic farm…with wine tasting AND a full 3-course meal? I’m in! And if that’s not enough, the organic wines and olive oils you’ll taste are made from scratch on the farm from produce grown on that very farm.

As the farm’s host Ana always states:

Everything you try we make, and if you don’t try it, it’s because we don’t make it.

It’s not difficult to see why this experience on the island of Hvar made the cut.

2. GETTING ACTIVE IN THE WATER

From jumping off the side of the boat on an inflatable unicorn, to getting active and exploring on a paddle board — those moments when we dropped anchor were pure magic. Everyone went into big-kid mode, threw away their phones, and simply enjoyed every ounce of fun a person can possibly have in the turquoise waters.

3. BEING LAZY ON THE ROCKS (AND NOT FEELING GUILTY ABOUT IT)

If you’re lucky, you might drop anchor near seemingly deserted islands, which of course any curious explorer can’t resist. I loved those opportune moments where we boosted over on the paddle board to an island inhabited only by a seagull and warmed up on the rocks lizard style.

4. GOLDEN SUNSETS

Even though it was the end of the season, Croatia put on a serious dusk show daily. Whether reflecting off the sea or drenching the land in gold, that light was pure dreamy and made for a memorable highlight of the trip.

5. BIKING IN MLJET NATIONAL PARK…

… And taking a refreshing dip in the turquoise saltwater lake. We biked 12.5 km from the small marina where we moored on Mljet island, to the huge saltwater lake in the National Park. It was THE endorphin-inducing adventure I’d been craving while sailing. There were uphills and downhills, but everyone in the group smashed it. So whatever your level of biking ability may be, don’t let the first uphill put you off –you’ll be rewarded with a magical lake to cool off in soon enough.

6. COCKTAILS IN A TURRET!

Cocktails – check. Turret – check. And there you have it: cocktails in a turret. There’s not much more explanation needed. Just hold off wearing a dress (unless you’re amazing at climbing a ladder in a dress!), put your order in and get ready to watch sundown with your favourite cocktail in hand. IN. A. TURRET.

7. THE GROUP

It’s that age-old story you learn fast when you travel – the people you meet along the way are always pivotal in making a good experience into a freaking awesome one! And a sailing trip in Croatia is no different. So, once you’ve bonded over unicorn jumping, organic wine tastings, and cocktails in a turret — how can you not be friends for life?!

READY TO EXPERIENCE ALL OF THESE HIGHLIGHTS AND MORE IN CROATIA? JOIN A MEDSAILORS CROATIA TRIP AND START MAKING MEMORIES!

Lou Burton was a guest of MedSailors and author of Tanned Toned & Travelled, a blog all about the constant quest for adventure.