South Dalmatia Route with a visit to Dubrovnik

This beautiful archipelago on Hvar Riviera is one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic.

Discover, dive and taste one of Croatia’s youngest Nature Parks! Boaters find it especially interesting because here they enjoy the well-known beauties of the archipelago and its magnificent bays with fewer crowds.

Untouched nature, the island’s mysticism, olive groves, vineyards and rich forests are ideal to explore the rich flora and fauna and to peacefully enjoy the pristine beauty of the natural surroundings.

These salt evaporation ponds have remained faithful to the tradition and the natural way of salt production, which has not changed since ancient times.

Mysterious and legendary, as if enchanted with fairy powder, Dubrovnik synthesizes all beauties and values of the Mediterranean.

Whoever decides to sail around it, a 60 nm route is to be sailed. However, if you prefer sightseeing, do not miss to spend a night in Korčula, situated on the eastern side, or at Vela Luka, on the western side of the island.

Total sailing distance: 210 Nm

It offers a breathtaking view of the neighboring island Korčula. Here you can enjoy some sunbathing, swimming, leisurely walks and many restaurants that offer the best of Dalmatian cuisine. A beautiful and unique sunset is also what Zaklopatica is famous for.

It got its name because it cannot be seen from the open sea – Skrivena luka in Croatian literally means “hidden port”. It’s also known as “Porto Rosso ”, as the Italians call it. In the middle of the southern side of the island of Lastovo, at the entrance to the bay of Skrivena Luka, lies the Cape of Struga where the lighthouse of the same name was built in 1839. The lighthouse lies at the height of 70 m, at the very edge of a steep cliff that offers a splendid view of the open sea. Its total capacity is 14 persons, divided in four apartments for 2-5 persons. The apartments are heated and open all year long. If you are adventurous, try some of the beautiful diving spots on Lastovo, as underwater diving will reveal the undiscovered world and beauty of the Adriatic Sea.

You’ll see corals, algae, fish and shell fish, old boat wrecks and amphora. Numerous bays, cliffs and an island group called Lastovnjaci on the eastern side are a real sub-marine “heaven” for divers. If you want to learn to dive, the island offers two diving schools (“Ancora” in Zaklopatica and “Diving Paradise – Lastovo” in Pasadur). Diving is allowed only if you are accompanied by a diving guide from an authorized diving center.

Some of the special locations for diving are:

• islet Bijelac – underwater passage through the island;
• islet Tajan – underwater cave;
• cape Struga – vast walls of gorgonias reaching down to 80 m of depth.

There are several villages, two salt water lakes – Veliko and Malo Jezero – and a Benedictine monastery on the island of sv. Marija (St. Mary).

Preserved from the Illyrian period, there are many fortifications and tombs, and the best preserved are those on the hill of Veliki Gradac, Veliko Jezero and the fortress at Vodice, above the water source at Vodice at Babino Polje. The Roman Palace, which is the third-largest complex from the Roman era in Croatia – after Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the Arena in Pula, is a part of the valuable heritage of the island of Mljet.

It is legendary for its mussel and oysters-growing farms since the Roman times and the oysters from Ston (ostrea edulis; an acknowledged natural aphrodisiac) have made this region world-famous.

Not far from Ston is the beautiful Bay Prapratno with its centuries old olives trees, Mediterranean macchia thickets and clean sandy beaches, and the site of one of the loveliest camps in this region. The two small towns of Kobaš and Broce, protected from the wind in the Ston channel, are known to experienced yachtsmen. The Pelješac peninsula has, since ancient times, been adorned with grape vine plantations; wine production has a long tradition and it’s one of the most important commercial activities on the peninsula.

At every corner of this city, regardless of the “skaline” (stairs) you take or whichever little street you choose, a memorable surprise awaits – be it a square to take a rest, a restaurant according to your taste, or a photo you would like to have in your photo album.

Its sun-lit square and Stradun, the longest promenade, are vivacious and attractive all year long, while the monumental fountains provide water to the lips thirsty for new memories.

Dubrovnik is the city which offers attractive programs to all generations and types of guests – guests who wish to have crazy fun, who just want to take a romantic stroll, as well as those who want to enjoy various cultural events taking place in the authentic historical ambiances under the open skies every evening during the course of summer.

Dubrovnik is the city of life, the fairytale city, the dream city.

Even those who are not fond of history will surely be charmed once they have been captured the beauty within the ancient city walls. One of the most controversial theory goes that Marco Polo was born there.

A local cultural association exhibits the findings and you can also visit the site itself (hike, bike or arrange a transfer). The little restaurant “Pod bore” offers many specialties and provides an excellent service.

During these 1700 years the Palace slowly turned into a city, which to this day lures with its rich tradition, glorious history and beauty of its natural and cultural heritage.