As we drop anchor and I step off the swimming platform into the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic sea, it’s a feeling like no other. I might be on a cruise, but with only 18 cabins, my Sail Croatia trip feels like the very antithesis of a voyage on a large cruise liner.
The Olimp
The company offers plenty of choice for seafarers, from private yacht charters (complete with Captain!) to flotilla sailing holidays and a range of small ship cruises. I opted for an ‘Elegance’ cruise onboard one of their most luxurious vessels, sailing an itinerary designed to immerse guests in the natural, cultural and historical sights of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.
My home for the week, the 47-metre Olimp, has been custom built and is more akin to the vessels you might see on an episode of ‘Below Deck’, which incidentally filmed two series in this part of the Mediterranean.
Her modern, sleek design creates a sense of grandeur and luxury. Each of her air-conditioned cabins has an en-suite bathroom, which is surprisingly large by ship standards and with a dining room, bar, lounge and expansive sundeck, you can always find a quiet corner to yourself.
We kicked off our Croatian adventure in the UNESCO protected city of Split, Croatia’s second largest city, where we met up with our fellow passengers and crew and quickly settled into a daily routine. With only 36 guests on the boat and a handful of staff, our cruise felt personal and friendly, and we soon got to know our fellow travellers from the US, Australia, UK and Mexico.
A Coastal Itinerary
Unlike a traditional cruise ship which sails overnight, Olimp spends each morning sailing to her next destination, leaving us free to chill onboard – reading, relaxing and watching the world go by. It’s really rather idyllic as we sit with a drink in hand, watching out for dolphins & flying fish!
By mid-morning we are ready to cool down with a quick dip so we anchor in an uninhabited cove. Olimp’s swim platform is a real treat, allowing us to simply walk down a ramp off the back of the ship and into the sea. Getting out is just as easy. Forget trying to wrestle yourself up onto the boat, you simply stroll back up the platform and head to the sundeck to dry off in the Croatian sunshine.
By the time we finished our included three course lunch each day, we had arrived in our next port, where Olimp moored up until the following morning.
Korcula: Old Town Island
Our carefully thought-out itinerary ensured that every day produced new experiences and places to explore. Unsurprisingly on a cruise that visits the UNESCO protected cities of Split and Dubrovnik, there are opportunities to take in Croatian history, culture and stunning architecture, while in Korcula, rumoured to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, we hop onto buggies and drive ourselves through olive groves to a secluded beach.
Mljet: National Park Bliss
One of the highlights of our trip was an afternoon exploring Croatia’s greenest island, Mljet, a national park covered in pine forests and saltwater lakes. Many of our fellow guests set off to cycle round the lake, but we decided on a slightly slower pace, ambling along the lake shore, stopping only to take a cooling dip.
Hvar: Party on Deck
In contrast, Hvar is Croatia’s answer to the French riviera and offers more of a party vibe. Sitting on the top deck, surrounded by superyachts and with a drink in hand we partake in a little celebrity spotting. In each of the destinations we visited we were free to roam for as long as we liked and to make our own arrangements for the evening.
Beyonce, George Clooney and Tom Cruise have all holidayed here and it’s clear to see why it attracts the A-list crowd. The town remains authentic to its roots, with its cobbled streets, historic architecture and 7th century fortress overlooking the town.
The surrounding area is famous for its lavender production and everywhere you go, you will see an abundance of lavender themed gifts. Be sure to try the local speciality, lavender ice cream!
Genuine Hospitality
Sail Croatia’s owners are passionate about supporting local businesses along the coast. Each of their cruise ships is owned and run by a local family, giving a more authentic feel to the experience. It’s for that reason that on most evenings guests are encouraged to eat in harbourside restaurants and support the local economy. There are plenty to choose from in each port and the Sail Croatia team always have some interesting recommendations.
Croatian cuisine is influenced by various regional and historical factors, being a mix of Mediterranean and Central European cuisine. Included in our cruise was an evening spent enjoying a traditional local dinner of ‘Peka’ at a farm on the Unesco protected Stari Grad plain.
Peka actually refers to the domed lid that this dish is prepared in, typically metal or clay variations. Vegetables, with either meat or seafood, are marinated with herbs and then cooked over hot coals, resulting in a rich flavour that takes several hours to achieve. In our case, we were served a delicious meal of lamb, along with a surprisingly good selection of Croatian wines.
Hidden Oasis
And whilst it may not be as famous as its French and Italian counterparts, Croatia has been producing wine since ancient times. What the country lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Today, more than 130 native grape varieties call Croatia home, producing up to 700 wines annually.
Dalmatia, where I am cruising, has made a name for itself as the most diverse wine region in Croatia. Its varied topography, elevation and climate create perfect conditions for a range of different grapes, producing exceptional red and white wines. If you fancy sampling the local tipple, try the Plavac Mali, a full-bodied wine with notes of blackberry and black cherry, or the crisp fruity white Grk.
Croatia is one of those magical places that rightfully deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. From the lavender scented isles to the pumping beach bars of Hvar and the jaw-dropping castle city of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic is a truly enchanting corner of the Mediterranean, and I’ll definitely be back for more.
To preserve a unique memento of this unforgettable journey, Custom Enamel Pins are an excellent choice for travel souvenirs.You can incorporate iconic elements from your trip, such as the waves of the Adriatic Sea, the silhouette of Dubrovnik’s ancient castles, or the lavender fields of Hvar Island, into the design to create personalized commemorative pins of the Dalmatian Coast. Pins are flexible and quick to design, with a short turnaround time and delivery cycle.
Whether you attach them to your travel backpack to capture memories of your travels or share them as gifts with fellow travelers, these custom pins will allow the romance and beauty of Dalmatia to linger with you for a long time. Order your adorable pins quickly at GSJJ.com.au.
To find out more, visit: www.sail-croatia.com
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All imagery from Sail Croatia.