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Islands of Croatia and Coastline
- Christine
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
Beyond the mainland, Croatia boasts over 1000 islands, 48 of which are inhabited. During our month-long journey along the Croatian coast, we weaved around hundreds of islands and crags, stopping by some of the most scenic islands of Miljet, Korcula, Old Town Trogir and Hvar interspersed with visits to several towns along the coast. We barely scratched the surface!
Croatia turned out to be one of the most expensive countries in the Mediterranean to sail in, as we were charged even to drop an anchor, with no services except maybe an occasional trash pick-up.
Dubrovnik
Hidden cafes and swim holes
Our approach into Dubrovnik by sea. Different perspective than when we stayed on land in 2012
Korcula Island
We spent a day in Korcula Old Town, a fortified medieval town, where Marco Polo is said to be associated with through family members in the shipbuilding business. Our boat was anchored near the Old Town in what we thought was a protected bay. But at 2 am, we were rudely waken by a violent storm with disco lightening and gusty winds, necessitating Dale to run up to the flybridge, quickly start our engines, and maneuver our boat through strong winds to avoid hitting swim lines, the rocky shore and other boats. Special thanks to our guest Tim for helping Dale out on the flybridge while getting soaking wet and Jeanette for making hot tea for us. The storm cleared after a very intense 45 minutes.
Trogir
At the suggestion of one of our guests, we visited this UNESCO-listed photogenic town in the next bay west of Split. We fell in love with Trogir's Old Town the minute we stepped foot on this picturesque island connected by bridges to the mainland. It reminded us of a Croation version of Venice. Its medieval buildings and fortress were built from white stone and white marble, all with red-tiled roofs, creating a stunning image along the sea.
Bird's eye view from the steeple of St. Lawrence Cathedral
Top (L-R): Breakfast at Tinel Coffee Shop; St. Lawrence Cathedral; St. Sebastion's Church
Bottom (L-R): Waterfront promenade; Kamerlengo Fortress
Rovinj
This was by far one of the most stunning towns along the coast of Croatia. Old Town Rovinj was not on our radar screen until we sailed from a distance by this peninsula hosting a mix of colorful Venetian homes and Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings surrounding the iconic steeple of St. Euphemia Church at the top of a hill. SInce we needed to get to another destination that day to drop off guests, we made a note on our chart plotter to definitely stop by upon our return in this direction. It did not disappoint. We enjoyed winding through the cobblestone streets as we made our way up to St. Euphemia Church, where we had a terrific view of the vast Mediterranean Sea.
Old Town used to be an island port before the 18th century when the narrow channel was filled
Pula
As we sailed towards Pula, my binoculars caught site of this massive Roman amphitheater, which was a defining and impressive entry into Pula. Constructed in 1 AD, it hosted gladiator fights and other forms of entertainment. Today, it continues to be an iconic entertainment venue, hosting many concerts.
Temple of Augustus Fish Market Old Town
Hvar Island
Known for it's lavendar fields, olive groves, vineyards and beaches, Hvar is one of the most popular islands to visit. We only had time to visit a remote anchorage there and Stari Grad, one of the oldest Old Towns in Europe.
Charming waterfront of Old Town Hvar