Exploring Croatia with Go Croatia Sail

Cruising the Adriatic sea for 7 days with most of the days involved jumping into the sea and exploring towns. The different spectrums of blue water and the island scenery is beautiful.

I have been to Croatia at the age of 10, but the history and culture was a blank slate for me. The cruise on the Lastavica (Lah-stah-vitze) started in Split. Our first stop was Markaska known for its promenade and nightlife. From Makarska, we went to Mljet Island and National Park. Mljet to Dubrovnik (a fair amount of Game of Thrones was filmed there) and from there we went to two Croatian islands, Korcula and Hvar, before heading back to Split. Fun Fact: There are 1,200 Croatian Islands. Croatia is simply beautiful, it felt like a fairytale or stepping back into medieval times.

Split

Before departing from Split we wandered through markets, Diocletian Palace, Gregory of Nin (the important figure for Croatians a historical defender of Croatian culture and language) and the Old town.

As I explored, I recalled some memories from being there 11 years ago. The mountain range that surrounds Split is breathtaking. It reminds me of a part of the Cape (South- Africa) coastline.

Makarska

Locals make a living from fishing, olive oil and wine making, and tourism, but there’s still a rather pleasing, wild untouched feeling to the place. The settlements here remain small and villagey. The nightlife options are slim, but that fact is overcome by a unique and iconic club in a seaside cave. Makarska is the epitome of a classic summer-by-the-sea.

Mljet

It is argued that this Mljet is one of Croatia’s most beautiful and unspoiled islands (which I cannot argue with). Mljet is a quiet island with only a few sunset bars and one official hotel. It’s all about relaxation and taking in the natural beauty that is Croatia. We visited the National park, within the park are two saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero. The water is so clear you can see the bottom.

Dubrovnik

It is a beautiful city with most of the old building intact. The old town is surrounded by a magnificent wall overlooking the calm blue Adriatic. Dubrovnik is super touristy due with Game of Thrones tours and shops. We decided to ditch the old town and to go Zipline instead. The Zipline is 80m high and 300m long and stretches across a beach only accessible by boat. Standing on a steep cliff above the sea was quite an anxious moment. But, the view and the experience.. I am/was in awe. The beauty of Dubrovnik’s nature and architecture is spectacular. It is the best of both worlds.

Korcula

It is speculated that Marco Polo lived here. Although most streets and restaurant are named after him, there is no proof of him ever being on the Island. Medieval steps lead you into the old city which I found quite charming.

Hvar

Before we docked at Hvar we had a swim stop at Blato I have never seen so many different shades of blue. One of Croatia’s oldest cities. The view from the port and the Spanjola Fortress is a fairytale. It is amazing to see the mixture of centuries of architecture. To me, Hvar is the prettiest place we have been this whole trip. It is a quaint and charming place. Surprising, when you consider this is the island where celebrities from George Clooney, to Jay-Z and Beyonce, choose to holiday. From the white-washed towns and historic cobbled streets to the nightlife, it is a place for everyone.

Croatia is rich in history and culture, it is hard to describe the beauty of the country. Meeting people from Canada, America, Australia, New-Zealand, Brazil, Singapore and the Czech Republic was my favourite part of this trip. A special thank you to Go Croatia Sail, this experience could not have been possible without the amazing crew.

I would highly recommend exploring the beauty of Croatia by boat.

xoxo

Chante’


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