Island of Pag

The island with the most rugged coastline and the windiest island of them all – due to its position just at the foot of the second highest mountain in Croatia, Velebit, from which the strongest wind in Croatia – Bura – starts its dance. The fact that the wind lifts the sea salt and covers the island completely is why Pag is often called a moon-like island, as most of its surface is covered in stones and rocks only. The salt brought by the strong gusts of Bura, cover the island and the vegetation does not have the chance to spread in these harsh conditions.

Nevertheless, the life on Pag made it through the windy days, and for years Pag is known for its award-winning exquisite goat cheese making tradition and lamb.

Even though its stone moon-like surface covering parts of the island may sound daunting, Pag has a lot to offer.

Numerous bays and beaches overlooking great mountain Velebit on the east, or more tamed coast on the southern and western part, will make you enjoy this salty gem of the Adriatic.

Starting at the very entry point on the island, the Pag bridge that connects the mainland to the island, you will find deeply indented bay, in some parts more on the shallow side, but very calm and relaxing. Another bay, bit further from the Pag bridge is Vlašić bay. The town of the same name is situated on the coast and it thrives in lovely sandy beaches and relaxed, quieter ambient.

Going further along the coast, you will pass by two small islands of Veli and Mali Sikavac and arrive to another quiet and clear bay of Smokvica town and beach. Pag has numerous small and quiet bays and beaches, and these are just few among them in which you can simply relax and enjoy the sea and the sun, which on Pag island shines more than 2 500 hours per year.

First bigger town and bay you will reach from Smokvica is Povljana, which is thought to be populated already since Roman era and early Christian era. The town is proud of its historical and cultural monument of inestimable value – old pre-Romanesque church of St. Nicholas. Near Povljana, you can find ornithological reserve for wetland birds Malo and Veliko blato, that helped in preserving some endangered species and it represents a rare well preserved wetland reserve in Europe. West from Povljana, there is a lake Segal, known for its healing mud, helping with different kinds of pains and diseases.

On your way from Povljana to Šimuni, you can make a stop is small bays of towns Proboj and Košljun. These are all quiet and very relaxing bays, with lovely sandy and pebble beaches.

Šimuni, fisherman’s town and very popular camping and holiday destination, surrounded by beautiful pine woods, is a perfect stop during your sailing time. Whether you want to enjoy some nice local food, such as famous Pag cheese or lamb, or a nice glass of wine, or you need to fill up the fuel tank and stay the night in ACI marina, you can do it in Šimuni. Special recommendation is to wake up earlier in the morning to catch up with the fishermen coming back from the fishing – maybe you will be able to get some extra fresh fish or some other seafood. You can also make a stop in small port of town Mandre, or you can set sail to one of the beaches on the way to town of Novalja  - beach Girenica and Kolanjsko blato.

Once you are in Novalja, the well-known and very popular town during the summer, you can enjoy and relax in one of the restaurants outside of the strict bustling town centre, or if you are a fan of good party, then you can go to the nearby Zrće beach where the globally known summer festivals are held. If you are more of natural phenomenon aficionado, then a few kilometres away from Novalja is the place for you - Pag triangle - a megalithic footprint in the middle of a sharp rock shaped as isosceles triangle.

If you go all the way up north of the island, you will find some smaller bays and beaches along the coast. On the northernmost point of the island lies the town Lun, known for its thousand-year-old olive tree gardens. So, don’t miss the opportunity to stop there and taste the sweet olive oil.

On the eastern side of the island, the one facing the Velebit mountain, the surface is rougher, but the sea is mesmerizingly clear. The one bay that you will want to anchor is, especially on a nice summer day with no wind is Jadra beach bay. To anchor and keep yourself safe during the wind, you can enter the indented bay of Stara Novalja. If you find yourself more around the area of city of Pag, then you should visit Bošana beach, or go sailing towards town Metajna and surrounding area and make a stop in the bay of Ručica beach. Crystal clear water in opposition to the white stone surrounded by aromatic Mediterranean flora will make an impact on you. If you decide to make a stop in Metajna, you can go on hiking to Ručica beach or even to Beriknica or Beritnica beach, known for big stone rocks set in the sea and climbing rock tower Stogaj that just makes you want to climb it and enjoy the stunning view.

Last but not least, stop by in the city of Pag, and enjoy its tradition and heritage. From the sea salt making factories, the biggest one today being the Solana Pag, old salt warehouses just steps from city’s sandy beach Prosika, to the tower Skrivanat and Benedictine monastery in which up till today the traditional biscuits, so called baškotini are made. City of Pag is well known for its traditional lace embroidery that is today recognized as immaterial cultural heritage and it is protected by UNESCO. The same Benedictine nuns are keeping the cultural heritage and tradition of Pag’s lace embroidery preserved and alive.

Mljet

Whether you visit it in spring, summer or even fall, Croatia's greenest and southernmost island of Mljet will make you fall in love with it.

Located in the southern Dalmatia and southern part of Adriatic, and traffic connected with peninsula Pelješac, Mljet thrives in rich flora and fauna. Its location further from the coastline made the island rich in both natural and cultural peculiarities.

The island was already captivating the attention in ancient Greek and Roman era. Even Homer in Odyssey wrote how Calipso, the goddess of beauty, kept Odyssey for seven years in a cave on the island named Ogigija, the island that is believed to be Mljet in fact. Numerous descriptions of island's beautiful bays, inexhaustible fountains of youth and natural riches do indeed match with what today is called Mljet. There are four inexhaustible sources of water on the island that can be connected with Homer's fountains of youth, and there is even a cave which characteristics match the legendary seat of nymph Calipso. Another curiosity that connects the island to the Homer's testimonies are the names of several locations on the island, named after „baba “, in Croatian „grandma, old women “. As it is believed that the ancient owner of the island was a queen who grew old on the island, some residents still believe that the queen is actually nymphe Calipso.

If the historical curiosities of the island already caught your attention, the wildlife and sea surrounding the shores of Mljet will impress you even more. Due to its endemic and somewhat endangered wildlife species, vast forests of Aleppo pine and holm oak, and oceanographic phenomena of Malo and Veliko jezero  (Small and Big Lake), that are in fact flooded island's bays, Mljet is the place to be and the place to explore.  As a confirmation of its natural and cultural importance and peculiarities, the National Park of Mljet island was founded in 1960.  It covers the northern part of the island, and protects island's riches.

There are four bigger towns inside the National Park: Pomada on the north, Polače connected by ferry with Pelješac peninsula, Goveđari in inland, and Soline located at the entrance to the island's lakes Malo and Veliko Jezero.

Each of these towns has its story to tell. Polače has been founded already in ancient Greek and Roman era and have been developing since. Archaeological sites such as remains of terme and roman villae rusticae and ancient residential complex – roman palace, are witnesses of island's and town's long history. The town and its port are located in one of the safest and biggest bays on the coast facing islands such as Tajnik, Kobrava and Ovrata. So, if you find yourself near during the not so favourable weather or just want to enjoy it, anchor in Polače's bay and explore the island.

Pomena, situated north from the inland town of Goveđari, is a younger among the towns, but still has its importance. With the foundation of the park, Pomena gained its importance as the central place for accommodation for all visiting the Park. Its neighbouring islands such as Pomeštak and Šilj are known to be locations of hydro-archaeological findings (amphoras, ancient anchorages) and ancient settlements.

If you anchor in Pomena, or in Polače, you can take your time and explore the island on bike or by hiking. You can easily reach town Goveđari if you start both from Pomena or from Polače and from there reach other small island towns such as Babine kuće, situated at the very coast of one of two island’s lakes – Veliko Jezero (the Big Lake). The towns offer great and memorable view of the lake and the island of St. Mary.

On the southern part of the National Park, you can find small touristic town Soline, situated in the channel that connects Veliko Jezero to the sea. It was known as a salt manufacturing town on the island (hence the name: “sol” is croatian for salt).

The area of National Park, with its “lakes” and rich wildlife will mesmerize you, but don’t forget to go even more south and explore the island’s bays, enjoy the turquoise sea and stop by to some other towns as Sobra, main island’s port, situated on the northern part of the island, or Babino Polje, near which you can find and explore number of caves, such as the Ulysses cave.

All in all, Mljet is a magnificent island with great historical background, and even more beautiful natural beauties and precious ecosystem. Your sailing time through its bays and small coves will definitely be amazing and adventurous.

Eighty-nine islands, islets and reefs well known as National park Kornati situated in middle Dalmatia, have been a men’s fascination and interest already from the Neolithic era. The whole Kornati archipelago numbers 150 islands, islets and reefs situated between island Dugi Otok and island Žirje, and it is considered as the densest Mediterranean archipelago.

Romans, Byzantines, and Illyrian tribes have left their traces on thearchipelago that visually may seem robust and unwelcoming with their specific rocky surfacecovered in low and poor vegetation. Nevertheless, the Kornati archipelago has always been a safe place and a refuge for sailors and their crews in the moments when the sea was not as merciful.

Even though the archipelago hasn’t been permanently populated, there are plenty of historical remains of the cultures that have passed through and left their traces, such as Roman Villa Rustica in the channel Mala Proversa on the northern part of the archipelago, early christian basilica Gospe od Tarca, remains of an old fisher’s village and a churchon island Piškera dating from 16^th century, stanovi habitations (traditional shepherds habitations) and  traditional  stone wall constructions  or the maybe most prominent edifice – the byzantine Tureta fortress situated on the main island Kornat.

When sailing through the archipelago, the one thing that catches the eye are its natural beauties. Most distinctive feature that strikes the most, no matter how many times you see it, are the famous cliffs, so called “krune” (eng. crowns, lat.corona, hence the name of the main island and the archipelago). The cliffs are all facing the open sea. The longest of the cliffs is on the island Mana and the tallest one on the island Klobučar (82m). Other significant cliffs can be seen on the island of Obručan and Piškera.

Under all the striking cliffs and the rocky surface, you can discover the rich sea life with numerous endemic species. The sea is clear and transparent and lets the sunlight to penetrate deep under the sea level creating the perfect conditions for flourishing wildlife (such as different species of corals and fish). This juncture of raw surface and rich life under the sea are what makes the Kornati even more attractive and alluring.

Sailing time through the National Park offers you different kinds of activities: snorkelling, recreational fishing, enjoying the crystal-clear water and rich flora and fauna, hiking through the different hiking paths or simpleanchoring, and staying overnight in one of the 16 certified bays inside the Park or in Marina on the island Piškera.

Kornati island are a must see on your sailing journey, so do not miss an opportunity to visit and enjoy in mesmerizing nature’s scenery.

Before you start your sailing trip to Kornati, make sure to check the official website of the National Park and get all the necessary info regarding the rules of behaviour within the Park’s boundaries.

Island Brač

Whether you anchor in Supetar, Sumartin or Bol, you will feel the instant connection with one of Croatia’s largest islands - Brač. With the highest island peak on the Adriatic – Vidova gora, which is a great hiking, climbing or even paragliding destination, Brač stands out among other central dalmatian islands. There are few islands that can stand side by side with Brač - from hiking trips to Dragonjine spilje (caves) or Blaca hermitage, sailing from one bay to another and swimming on the beaches made of finest sand and gravel or anchoring in one of the safest bays such as Milna, to simply enjoying life and a nice glass of local wine, cheese or fish - you will experience it all on this Adriatic gem.

Brač hides numerous spots where you can anchor and spend some time or use it to explore the island’s inland characteristics and treasures, such as historically rich town of Nerežišće, known as to be the seat of Brač dukes or Selca, town mostly known for its stonemasonry tradition, seen in almost every white stone-built house in the town.

If your first stop is Supetar, the largest town and officially the only city on the island, you will soon experience its romantic, coastal dalmatian spirit. In Supetar, you can enjoy relaxing in one of the local restaurants or konobas, or sightseeing and exploring remains of Roman vilae rusticae, or 18th century Church of the Annunciation.

Continuing your trip through the northern part of the island, your next stop can be Postira, small traditionally fisher’s town that is still keeping its charm. Near the town there are few great anchoring spots and beautiful bays where you can enjoy some tranquil time away from the town, emerged in the nature’s best. Some of the most known bays in Postira area are Konopjikova or Lovrenčina, well known for its sandy beach and archaeological findings, or smaller ones such as Dučac or Trstena.

Going furthermore, you will reach one of the safest bays and anchors on Brač - deeply indented northern bay in which town of Pučišća situated. Well known for stonemasonry – for which the whole island is renowned - Pučišća is a charming Adriatic/Mediterranean town. Its unique look, intertwined with baroque, renaissance and old folk style houses, some of which are covered by great white stone roofs, makes Pučišća a great place to visit, and perfect for the days when the weather is not favourable for sailing.

Another island’s town which thrives in great anchoring bays is Povlja. The town was founded during the ancient Roman era, and it represented significant anchoring point for Roman fleets. Today is a well-known relaxing town, away from bustling and more crowded touristic spots. The town is sorrounded by numerous crystal-clear bays, such as Travna – great for anchoring during the strong gusts of Bura (NE).

In the area of Sumartin town, which is well known ferry port, connected all year with the city of Makarska, you will find Rasotica bay, well indented into the island, providing great shelter and retreat, and Žukovnik bay, with its beautiful pebbled beach and surrounding pine woods.

On the southern part of the island, there is one big star well worth visiting. The town of Bol, and it’s Zlatni rat beach are definitely the most renowned places on Brač. Due to its specific shape made of golden and white pebbles, that keeps changing due to the currents and wind blows, the beach still mesmerizes all who visit it. Due to its popularity, the town and the beach may be a bit crowded, but there are still times when you can freely enjoy it and relax. The town itself is situated at the foot of 778m high Vidova Gora, and is a favourite holiday getaway throughout the whole year. It has great recreational offer – kite surfing, surfing, cycling, or diving. If you are a history and culture aficionado, you can visit famous Dominican monastery that has rich collection of archaeological findings, or one of the baroque mansions and folk stone houses surrounded by traditional Dalmatian squares, so-called “pjacete”.

If you are looking for a bay to anchor and enjoy in near Bol, you should definitely go to Dračeva Bay, with beautiful sand and pebble beach and nearby remains of monk housings from 15th century. Another bay to check out near Bol and neighbouring Murvica is Blaca bay, surrounded with vast pine forest. This bay not only has a lovely beach to spend the day on, but if you take the 2km forest path, you will reach famous Blaca hermitage founded in 16th century by Glagolitic monks.

Last but not least, on your sailing trip, you should make a stop in bay of Milna town, on the western part of the island, a very popular anchoring spot for sailors and boaters from around the world. Even today, Milna is known as the safest and most beautiful port on Brač. There are two marinas that will satisfy even the most demanding of the boaters. The town itself is a beautiful coastal town filled with old stone houses. Well known as a shipbuilding town, and a place of creation of traditional dalmatian boat type called bracera, today Milna is popular holiday retreat offering the best of local cuisine and wines, and great mix of natural and cultural beauties and coastal charm. For those who want to explore, it is worth visiting some of nearby bays, such as Bobovišća port, or Lučice bay with its five branches, perfect as a shelter from unfavourable winds.