Sailing through Croatia, with Yacht Getaways, for one unforgettable week on a catamaran is nothing short of a dream brought to life. With a seasoned captain at the helm guiding you through the turquoise Adriatic Sea, and a friendly skipper preparing thoughtful breakfasts and lunches each day, your only task is to embrace the rhythm of the sea. From the charm of hidden coves and quiet island villages to the vibrant energy of cities like Hvar and Dubrovnik, each stop reveals a new layer of Croatia’s beauty. Dive into crystal-clear waters whenever your heart desires, swim among untouched bays, and let the sun-soaked breeze carry your worries away. It’s a journey of freedom, discovery, and soul-deep relaxation where every sunrise promises a new adventure and every sunset leaves you more in love with the sea. This was our second adventure with Yacht Getaways, and I already see a third booking in the future.
DAY ONE – ELAPHITI ISLANDS:
1) Fuel Up Before Boarding
Before setting sail on your Croatian catamaran adventure, stop for lunch at Zephyrus Restaurant & Pool Bar, conveniently located at the Dubrovnik Marina. This vibrant spot offers the perfect pre-departure experience, with a lively atmosphere, upbeat music, and a bustling patio filled with fellow travelers and locals alike. Guests can relax beside a large pool, enjoy a stunning view of the marina, and fuel up with a well-curated menu. Standout dishes include the wood-fired pizza, the creamy pistachio burrata, and the fresh, flavorful octopus salad- all served with flair and generous portions. Whether gathering with your crew or enjoying one last land-based meal before the open sea, Zephyrus combines great food, great vibes, and a perfect location to kick off your sailing journey.
Step aboard a 45-foot catamaran and settle into the comfort of your floating sanctuary featuring four bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. The layout is designed for both social connection and quiet retreat. Inside, the catamaran is immaculately clean, well-stocked, and tastefully outfitted, with ample natural light pouring through panoramic windows and sea breezes drifting through open hatches. Whether sipping morning coffee in the airy salon or unwinding in your cozy cabin after a day in the sun, every detail is designed to make you feel at home while at sea.
3) Explore an Island Populated by 200 people
Tucked away on Šipan Island, one of the lesser-known gems of the Elaphiti Islands, Suđurađ is a peaceful coastal village that feels like a world apart. With just three charming cafés and one quaint hotel, this quiet harbor town offers a slice of authentic Adriatic life- slow, scenic, and beautifully simple. Surprisingly, everything stays open until midnight, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy a lazy sunset dinner or a late-night espresso by the sea. A long, rugged path leads to the island’s main town, adding to your adventure. Days here are best spent in the crystal-clear waters, where you can swim, snorkel, and float undisturbed, surrounded by natural beauty. But the real magic begins after dark when you sit by the water and gaze at the night sky as it deepens, with neighboring cities twinkling in the distance, blending softly with the stars above. Suđurađ is not about excitement; it’s about stillness, starlight, and serenity- the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you leave.
We had a delightful dinner on the outdoor patio at Hotel Bozica, overlooking the calm sea on a little island removed from the rest of the world. The truffle beef filet was rich and tender, the sea bass fresh and perfectly cooked, and the cheese ravioli full of flavor. With the breathtaking view and serene setting, it offered a relaxed and memorable meal. This hotel is quite magical and a perfect escape for those seeking solitude by the sea.
1) Caffeinate Like Never Before
Waking up to endless blue seas outside your window, stepping out of your perfectly cooled cabin to find a fresh pot of coffee waiting, and sipping it in solitude with only the gentle rhythm of the waves and the embrace of Mother Nature is a dreamlike way to start your day.
Emma, our hostess, prepared a lovely morning meal of French toast, fresh fruit, and a yogurt spread. Since I am the cook at home, I love a vacation where someone cooks for me.
3) Swim and Stare into Serendipity
You can reach certain hidden, pristine, and untouched places on this planet by boat only. A journey on water allows you to uncover the world’s best-kept secrets. To park in the middle of nowhere and get lost in the aqua waters and gorgeous backdrop is a blessing you will forever cherish.
4) Breezy Bites on the Bluest Water
While you’re swimming in Paradise in the clear, blue waters of Mljet, your hostess will prepare a scrumptious homemade lunch to be ready upon your arrival back on the boat. We were treated to a delectable meal with grilled halloumi, beef kebabs, and a yummy salad.
5) Rent an E-Bike and Explore a National Park
Renting an e-bike is a great way to explore the unfathomable beauty of Mljet National Park at your own pace. The forested trails wind gently around the park’s clear, turquoise lakes, offering peaceful views and cool shade as you ride freely through the picturesque landscape. One of the highlights is taking a small boat to the island in the middle of Veliko Jezero, where you can visit a historic monastery and enjoy a cold drink and ice cream at the quiet lakeside restaurant. Along the way, there are plenty of remote spots perfect for a quiet swim, without a soul in sight. The €25 per person entrance fee is on the higher side, but we spent four hours riding, exploring, and relaxing in the tranquil setting, and it felt well worth the price tag. This piece of heaven is one of the most magnificent you’ll ever visit.
6) Eat a Meal Prepared for Hours
Konoba Antika, a well-loved restaurant in the Polače region of Mljet, offers a truly memorable dining experience, especially if you plan ahead. Their “under the bell” specialties, a traditional way of slow-cooking meats for hours over hot coals, must be ordered two days in advance, but the results are more than worth the wait. We savored a long, relaxed seaside meal that showcased the best of local flavors: rich cheeses, warm, freshly baked bread, a vibrant octopus salad, hand-rolled pasta, and perfectly grilled sea bass caught just that morning. But the standout was the “under the bell” lamb – tender, deeply flavorful, and served in a large, rustic pot that was returned to the kitchen completely emptied. Every bite was a celebration of slow food done right.
1) Breakfast with a Breeze
Waking up to breakfast already made, surrounded by the vast blue sea and a light breeze, is a simple kind of comfort. It’s a perfect, quiet start that makes the morning easy and unhurried.
2) Play in the Middle of Nowhere
Having a boat gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. You can stop in a quiet cove or drift aimlessly, enjoying the sea without anyone around. There’s no schedule, just an open space and time to take it all in.
3) Mesmerizing Moments at Monastery Bay
Words hardly do justice to the stunning beauty of Monastery Bay, with its turquoise waters, scattered islands, and the gracefully preserved monastery watching over it all. Gliding through the bay on paddleboards felt like drifting through the Garden of Eden, pure, untouched, and completely breathtaking.
4) Lunch with a Lovely View
Today, our hostess made us a loaded baked potato with grilled veggies and a fresh salad, enjoyed with chilled wine and, of course, the most beautiful backdrop of blue waters and lush, green mountains.
5) Disembark to Discover Korčula
Gelato aRoma offers the most enticing flavors of creamy and glorious gelato to help you cool down on those hot, summer European days. The flavors are absolutely divine; I went for the peanut butter crisp and hazelnut.
6) Wander Through Stone and Sea
Korčula, a charming Croatian island, boasts a café-lined promenade offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and passing sailboats. Its architecture blends Venetian Gothic and medieval styles, with terracotta rooftops and stone facades evoking centuries of coastal history. Winding alleys lead through the fortified old town, home to historical landmarks like the purported birthplace of Marco Polo. You’ll love strolling through this lovely town.
Aurora called our name with its waterfront views, cocktail menu, and availability of fresh, local oysters. This is a perfect spot to cool down, people watch, and regroup for more explorations.
8) Savor Culinary Masterpieces
LD Restaurant is the only restaurant on the island of Korčula to earn a Michelin Star. It is a true culinary gem that perfectly marries Mediterranean cuisine with delicate Asian influences, creating a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Every dish showcases incredible attention to detail, where each bite is thoughtfully crafted to balance flavors, textures, and presentation flawlessly. Their tasting menu is not only a feast for the eyes with beautifully plated creations, but also a masterful journey for your palate, making LD truly deserving of a Michelin star.
9) Celebrate Half New Year’s
Celebrating “half” New Year’s on June 30th is a Korčulan tradition that brings hundreds of locals to the street as they celebrate in themed costumes with their groups, singing and dancing happily while parading on the promenade. The playful parade is followed by a large party at the town square with live music, food vendors, and plenty of fun.
Wake up to another tempting breakfast spread, accompanied by a pot of freshly brewed coffee. Today, we enjoyed our meal on the move, drifting past islands as we headed toward Hvar. Sipping coffee while taking in the spectacular scenery creates a peaceful rhythm, a perfect pause that turns the journey into a cherished part of the adventure.
A highlight of island hopping on a catamaran for a week is the daily stretches of sailing that last two to three hours in the open sea with a vast blue landscape dotted by green islands and occasional lighthouses. The solitude out at sea provides a sense of serenity like no other.
3) Park in Pakleni Islands for Snorkeling and Lunch
The Pakleni islands are located off the island of Hvar, which provides numerous coves for boats to dock and for passengers to swim in the translucent water. This nook on earth is one of our favorites as the water is deliciously warm and pristine, and fish like to play here too. We felt like we were swimming in a massive aquarium with our new fish friends.
4) Take a Water Taxi to Hvar
The only way to get to Hvar is by boat, and many private taxis operate to get you from your boat to the island. €100 for a five-minute round-trip ride from Pakleni islands makes for a convenient, although expensive, commute.
Hvar is our favorite island in Croatia. It is a place where natural beauty and historic charm come together effortlessly. The cove, with its clear blue waters, is framed by pine-covered hills and dotted with yachts that glide in and out of the harbor. Along the waterfront promenade, cafés and restaurants buzz with life, offering front-row views of the sea while the scent of wild lavender permeates the air. The town’s architecture, a blend of Venetian elegance and Dalmatian stonework, lines narrow alleys that twist through the old town, leading to quiet courtyards and hidden stairways. Every step through Hvar is a brush with charm, inviting you to lose yourself in its Mediterranean magic.
You’ll want to cool down with another delightful cup of gelato from aRoma. This time, opt for the banana crunch. They really do have the best flavors to choose from.
For an epic view of Hvar‘s town and the surrounding Pakleni islands, make the trek to Fortica, the city’s fort built in the 13th century. The steep three-hundred-foot elevation takes about twelve minutes to climb, and you’ll be well rewarded with a stunning panoramic view.
Our captain recommended Lola Bar & Street Food based on positive feedback from previous guests. The reviews were outstanding, and the website promised a fun, trendy atmosphere, so we decided to give it a try. The cocktails were excellent, but aside from stopping in for a drink, I sadly wouldn’t recommend dining here. We had our one and only disappointing meal in Croatia here. Overall, the food scene is fantastic in this part of the world.
The sunset in Hvar is truly mesmerizing. As the sun dips, the entire town seems to blush, bathed in warm hues that make every moment feel dreamlike.
There are no words to fully capture the experience of waking up to fluffy pancakes topped with juicy island fruit and a cup of freshly brewed coffee, all while floating in the heart of the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.
We spent hours snorkeling off the coast of Pakleni. The water temperature is ideally inviting, so clear you can see down to the sea floor, and you’ll be surrounded by schools of fish asking you to stay and play. There’s nothing like diving from your breakfast table straight into the ocean.
3) Sail to Next Destination
Uvala Maslinica is an untouched cove that will offer you an indescribable state of bliss. With no one else in sight, we found ourselves alone on a secluded stretch of golden sand, embraced by the bluest, most inviting waters imaginable. It felt like stepping into a dream, a place where the world slipped away and only we existed. We floated together in the crystal-clear sea for nearly two hours, reluctant to leave what felt like our own private slice of Paradise.
The promise of lunch will gently lure you from the water each day, where a beautiful spread of fresh, vibrant ingredients awaits. Today, we were spoiled with a warm, homemade naan topped with hummus and grilled vegetables, served alongside fluffy couscous and a refreshing Greek salad. It was the kind of meal that tastes even better under the sun, with salt still on your skin and the sea just steps away.
5) Stay at a Hotel, Sort Of
Our boat was one of just three docked at Valamar Amicor, a stunning full-service resort nestled in Stari Grad. We enjoyed full access to the property’s exceptional amenities, including a waterfront beach club, inviting restaurants, and lively evening entertainment. From afternoon swims to sunset music, every detail of the resort felt thoughtfully curated, and we certainly made the most of it all. There’s something undeniably special about stepping off your boat and straight onto a secluded luxury resort, especially one just a scenic twenty-minute walk from town. We spent the day enjoying everything it had to offer, then wandered back aboard, lulled to sleep by the gentle rhythm of the sea.
6) Fall in Love With Stari Grad
Stari Grad is a magical place where time slows down and charm thrives. Its endless stone alleyways, rich with history and personality, wind through a UNESCO-protected landscape that feels untouched by the outside world. Unlike the more crowded spots along the coast, this ancient town remains blissfully free of tourists, offering a quiet, soulful beauty that’s impossible to forget. We took a ten-minute water taxi to town from our boat and then walked the twenty-minute scenic promenade back. The marina in town is very packed, and there are no swimming areas. Docking at the nearby resort is worth the tiny commute to this adorable village. Take your time getting lost in the labyrinth of alleys, stop to admire the historic sites like the Tvrdalj Castle and the Church of St. Stephen, find the hidden vineyards, walk the Riva (promenade), and savor all of the town’s simple beauty.
7) Dinner in a Croatian Courtyard
La Gitana is a cozy and intimate restaurant nestled in a charming courtyard on Škor Square. Its warm ambiance creates the perfect setting for a memorable meal. The menu is thoughtfully curated with fresh, local ingredients, offering dishes like truffle pasta and daily caught seabass that showcase skillful, elegant cooking.
Sunsets have always been bittersweet; overflowing with breathtaking magic, yet quietly reminding us that another day is drawing to a close, time is slipping away, and a cherished vacation is coming to an end. Stari Grad’s sunsets are among the most beautiful because they paint the sky with a stunning palette of warm hues that reflect off the calm Adriatic waters, creating a serene and almost otherworldly glow. As the sun dips behind ancient stone buildings and rolling hills, the whole town seems to pause.
On today’s menu, we were served shakshuka, warm bread, a fruit platter, and yogurt with lots of delicious toppings. We are so going to miss waking up every morning to vast ocean views and yummy meals prepared for us.
Being out at sea feels like stepping into a vibrant dance with wildlife. On this journey, we were lucky enough to spot playful wild dolphins, and each morning, schools of curious fish would swim right up to greet us by the boat. It’s an enchanting feeling – like we’re the big fish in this vast, sparkling aquarium called Earth.
We dropped the dinghy to explore Island Brac in Spacinza Bay covering more grounds than our usual paddle boards with an added thrill of learning to maneuver the boat and its somewhat difficult engine. Every day at sea brings a new adventure.
Emma treated us to a delicious Niçoise salad, crafted with the freshest ingredients Croatia has to offer. Alongside it, she served warm, fluffy focaccia, perfect for dipping into rich, local olive oil. We’ll deeply miss these thoughtfully prepared afternoon delights.
We dropped anchor in the dreamy Milna Bay, where calm, blue waters met the open, endless sea. The afternoon turned into a highlight reel: fun dinghy rides that had us bouncing over the waves, the surprise discovery of a nude beach, and epic jumping competitions off the boat. Sun-soaked, salty, and laughing nonstop- these are the moments that define summer.
4) Harbor in a Hidden Corner
Tiny Bobovišća feels like a secret whispered by the sea with just three charming restaurants, quiet stone paths, and endless views that beg you to slow down. The town may feel a bit random at first, but within hours, its quiet charm wears on you, slowly capturing your heart as the beauty of Croatia settles into your soul. A dip in the sea here is mandatory, followed by slow sipping of mojitos under an olive tree.
On the final night of your catamaran charter, your hostess will go above and beyond, preparing a special dinner in addition to the usual breakfast and lunch, a perfect way to toast six unforgettable nights at sea. For our farewell evening, Emma treated us to a delicious three-course meal: olive tapenade crostini, pillowy gnocchi in a rich blue cheese sauce, and vanilla ice cream topped with homemade churro chips. There’s something magical about savoring a thoughtfully prepared dinner on deck, then stepping straight off the boat for a golden-hour stroll through town.
6) Strolling through the Sunset & Sea
Walking along the coast of Bobovišća takes about an hour- a journey impossible to enjoy in the midday heat but utterly magical as the sun begins to set. When the temperatures cool, a stroll by the water reveals breathtaking beauty: the stillness of the sea mirrored by the vibrant colors painted across the sky creates a scene straight out of a postcard.
1) Breakfast with a Breeze
For this last breakfast aboard the boat, there’s a bittersweet feeling knowing your sea journey is coming to an end. Thankfully, Emma brightened the morning and the mood with a delicious vegetable frittata that made the looming goodbye a little easier to swallow.
2) One Last Stare into the Sea
Sailing the Adriatic Sea in Croatia offers a peaceful rhythm with calm, clear waters beneath you and a coastline dotted with quiet villages and rolling green hills. It’s easy to spend hours just taking it all in, letting the beauty of the landscape slowly unfold around you.
3) One Last Swim in the Sea
On our way to the marina in Trogir we made one last stop at Okrug Gornji island for a final dip in the Adriatic’s warm embrace. Gosh we will miss exploring secluded islands, paddleboarding with no one in site, and swimming for endless hours in remote sections of the sea.
4) One Last Lunch by the Sea
Pasta salad, stuffed red bell peppers, and caprese salad wrapped up our epic week as sea. This last lunch prepared by our hostess left us wanting more. More sea, more sun, and more glorious days of summer vacation.
5) Recap of One Week Sailing at Sea
Spending a week sailing on a catamaran in solitude is a soul-soothing experience like no other. Each day begins with the gentle rocking of the sea and the soft light of morning spilling through your cabin window, revealing the endless stretch of ocean. After a peaceful night’s sleep cradled by the waves, you’re greeted with a delicious breakfast prepared by your hostess, setting the tone for a day of quiet indulgence. Mornings melt into lazy swims in remote, untouched bays where the only sound is your own laughter echoing across the water. A fresh, flavorful lunch awaits you back on the boat, followed by golden afternoons exploring a new village, town, or hidden coastal gem. With no rush, no crowds, and every day unfolding at its own rhythm, it’s the most incredible way to summer: simple, slow, and completely unforgettable.
Our boat dropped us off in Trogir, where we had a driver waiting for us to transport us to Dubrovnik, three hours away.
Perched on a cliffside with sweeping views of the Adriatic, Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is a 5-star haven where luxury meets coastal charm. With a serene spa, a stunning sea-view terrace, an acclaimed restaurant, and sleek modern decor, every detail is designed for comfort and indulgence. The professional staff ensures a seamless stay, while the Old Town is just a short, scenic walk away making it the perfect base for exploring Dubrovnik in style.
The rooms are spacious and modern, featuring walk-in closets and breathtaking views of the sea from their clifftop perch. Thoughtful touches like decadent candied pecans at turndown, luxurious bath products, and plush linens elevate the experience to pure indulgence.
The hotel is a convenient twenty-minute walk from Old Town Dubrovnik, a beautifully preserved medieval walled city, where cobblestone streets wind past centuries-old buildings, baroque churches, and bustling squares. The city is a maze of narrow stone alleys, stairways that seem to climb endlessly, and hidden corners that reveal quiet courtyards and charming cafés. Climbing the famous city walls, said to bring luck to those who walk their full length, offers sweeping views of terracotta rooftops and the glistening Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik is considered one of the most popular destinations in all of Europe, attracting travelers from around the world. You’ll definitely feel the tourist overload here. In recognition of its remarkable medieval architecture and impressive fortifications, UNESCO inscribed the Old City of Dubrovnik as a World Heritage Site.
Pre-dinner gelato is a must, and this time we chose Mostro, a spot that proudly brands itself as couture gelato. With exquisite, inventive flavors, choosing just one is nearly impossible but sampling helps narrow it down. The Chocolate Dubai, a rich blend of dark chocolate, pistachio, and knafeh crumbs, is nothing short of outstanding.
Dining at Nautika is more than just a meal – it’s an experience that blends world-class cuisine with one of the most iconic views in Dubrovnik. Perched just outside the city walls with a front-row seat to the sea and Fort Lovrijenac the setting alone is unforgettable. But the food more than matches the backdrop: refined, seasonal, and deeply rooted in Croatian tradition, elevated with modern technique. The Pretty Woman cocktail, a delicate blend of vodka and lavender syrup, arrives in style, served on a gleaming silver platter with a meringue accompaniment that adds both flair and sweetness. The truffle tortellini is unforgettable, rich and indulgent, with generous shavings of fresh truffle added tableside for an aromatic finish. The sea bass is a standout as well – expertly cooked with a crisp skin and tender, flaky interior that showcases the kitchen’s precision and respect for quality ingredients. Every detail, from the candlelit terrace to the final course, reflects Nautika’s commitment to excellence. It’s a splurge, yes, but one that delivers on every level. For a truly memorable night in Dubrovnik, Nautika is simply unbeatable.
The views from the rooms and the hotel’s terrace are simply breathtaking. Wake up to a frothy cappuccino, savoring each sip as you breathe in the salty sea air and take in the stunning landscape. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on your vacation and feel grateful for the opportunity to travel and explore the world.
2) Say Goodbye with Breakast
Enjoy one last Croatian breakfast with the hotel’s bountiful buffet and a la carte menu. The baked beans and soft boiled eggs were a great send off.
All good things must come to an end, sadly. The last eight days in Croatia were pure perfection from start to finish, making it incredibly hard to say goodbye to this remarkable country, home to warm, hospitable people, consistently delicious meals, spectacular sunsets, and the vast, inviting Adriatic Sea.
