Day 1: ACI marina Dubrovnik, Komolac, 0 NM
Beautiful ACI marina Dubrovnik, located in the bottom of long and narrow bay of Rijeka Dubrovačka, is a port of departure for this cruising route in southern Dalmatia. Even in the marina you can see the lovely ancient Sorkočević summer mansion, which announces long-standing history and opulent tradition of Dubrovnik town and its surroundings.
Make the most of the first evening on board and take a walk through the impressive old town, just a few kilometres away. Dubrovnik is without doubt most renowned tourist spot in Croatia whose mighty fortified city walls still protect rich treasure collected for centuries by its wise citizens, courageous sailors and skilled merchants. There is so much historical and interesting facts to discover in the old city and its bustling streets. When tired find a nice bar or restaurant and celebrate beginning of your dream holiday.
Day 2: ACI marina Dubrovnik – Luka Šipanska, Šipan island, 15 NM
Relaxed two to three hour navigation through Koločep channel or Haropti passage will take you to Luka Šipanska, village in the vast bay on the Šipan island, small but pretty green and peaceful destination. Along the way to Šipan there are many nice coves on Koločep or Lopud perfect to drop the anchor and swim in the turquoise sea.
For the night in Luka Šipanska there are several berths on the waterfront and buoys scattered around in the spacious and well protected bay, but anchoring is another convenient solution as well. If it is overcrowded and you search for tranquillity, head to the nearby Ljubljana island and anchor in lovely coves of Veli Jakljan or Lokardina.
Walk around the village, enjoy its peaceful surrounding and the beauty of opulent Mediterranean vegetation and dine in one of the few fine restaurants. You can explore some of the even 42 old renaissance mansions and 34 churches on the island. If you have bicycles take a relaxing ride through Šipan field to Suđurađ, only 5 kilometres away.
Day 3: Luka Šipanska – Pomena, Mljet island, 25 NM
From Šipan head in north-west direction for 25 miles to reach magnificent bay of Pomena, located on the western part of “green island” of Mljet. In this small fishing village you will find waterfront with berths in front of the hotel as well as several taverns with their own piers. Of course, berthing in front of the restaurant imposes the dinner. The whole bay is also a safe anchorage.
From Pomena only 15-minutes walk is to the entrance to Mljet National park, stunning and well preserved area with magnificent vegetation and beautiful saltwater lakes. Afford yourself a few hour-visit and walk around those magical lakes, swim in crystal clear and warm water and enjoy the unique landscape.
On the lakes in the park there is a small passage boat that takes tourists to the islet where ancient monastery can be visited. Pomena and Mljet National Park are indubitably one of those places with pleasant atmosphere you will remember for life.
Day 4: Pomena – Zaklopatica cove, Lastovo island, 20 NM
Next destination is mighty island of Lastovo, the farthest larger populated island in the Adriatic. All the effort you made to come to Lastovo will be paid off by the beauty of the nature, virginity of the sea and by almost every other aspect of this astonishing archipelago protected as a natural park. During the stay rangers will approach your boat to charge for the entrance ticket.
Other possibilities for safe mooring or anchoring on Lastovo include capacious Velji Lago bay, with several berths at the waterfront in Pasadur, or Skrivena Luka bay. Recommendation is Zaklopatica cove on the north coast, where berths can be found at the local waterfront or at the piers of three or four nice restaurants.
On the way to Lastovo if you decide not to stop for a refreshment at Lastovnjaci isles and you moor in Zaklopatica, do not miss to take a 30-minute walk to the old town of Lastovo up in the hill before dinner or in the morning. Specific architecture together with interesting urban structure not visible from the sea, as well as centennial heritage of the town will enthral you.
Day 5: Zaklopatica – Korčula, Korčula island, 22 NM
If you haven’t stopped at Lastovnjaci isles en route to Lastovo, you can do it when heading for Korčula town. Otherwise, there are several convenient spots around Lumbarda to make swimming-pause. It is recommended to book on-line in advance berth in Korčula in quite small and very crowded ACI marina, as Korčula is extremely popular boating destination.
Alternatively, there is another small marina in nearby Lumbarda village or anchorage in Luka cove. If the weather forecast for the night is favourable, you may also look for a berth at the town’s waterfront on the western side of peninsula. Exceptionally picturesque and attractive Korčula old town is almost completely fortified with massive stone walls.
Walk through its narrow and bustling cobbled streets is unavoidable, together with a visit to a Marco Polo house. Some say famous traveller Marco Polo was born here, but more likely he was just staying for some time. Nevertheless, centuries-long history and many interesting facts are worth to be explored, as well as Marco Polo house or numerous bars and taverns.
Day 6: Korčula – Polače, Mljet island, 17 NM
Perky atmosphere of Korčula town is to be replaced with quiet Mljet environment again. For the night you can choose one of several scenic and safe bays such as Polače, Prožura or Okuklje. Marvellous and vast Polače bay with the homonymous village could be the smart choice as there are berths on the piers of a dozen of taverns, as well as there is plenty of space for anchoring.
Polače village is just 17 miles or around three hours of sailing from Korčula town, and another important fact is that this popular bay is protected from all the winds. If you decide to anchor, for a safe sleep tie a stern line to a rock or tree on the coastline. In Polače you may enjoy fine dining but you will also find untouched nature.
You can explore the village and the remains of ancient Roman palace, or visit nearby Mljet National park again or if you missed the opportunity when in Pomena. Relaxing meditation on the deck will fill your batteries and prepare you for return to reality.
Day 7: Polače – ACI marina Dubrovnik, 34 NM
About 34 nautical miles are left for the last day of this interesting cruising route to reach home port, ACI marina Dubrovnik. It requires about six hours of navigation, but as your berth is waiting for you in marina, take your time and choose one of the numerous bays along the way for a pause.
Maybe sandy Šunj cove on Lopud island could be your choice, but Donje Čelo on Koločep island or Zaton bay on the coast are worth to visit as well. In the evening definitely visit Dubrovnik old town again or if you missed to do it on arrival.