The term that describes South Adriatic the best would be legendary. Here you will find the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo, the Odysseus Cave, an island that even pirates feared, and, last but not least, it served as a filming location for the phenomenal Game of Thrones saga. So follow in the footsteps of historical and fictional heroes and create your legendary sailing adventure.
The area is known for its unspoiled atmosphere, wilderness, and isolation. Because it is more remote, you can enjoy the semi-empty bay even in the summer and find good moorings in the marinas.
South Dalmatia is a popular area for more experienced sailors. The weather can get you by surprise, and the density of safe harbors is slightly lower than the countless possibilities in the Zadar or Biograd area. Longer distances are also an attraction for night cruises — a favored challenge is the crossing to the deserted island of Palagruža, which has the features of an ocean voyage.
However, the magical South Dalmatia is perfect for recreational sailors, families with children, or sailors looking for absolute tranquillity. Therefore, this itinerary presents the best for a relaxing cruise — one that you will enjoy to the fullest without stress and rank in your logbook as one of the TOP.
Suggested seven-day sailing itinerary: Dubrovnik - Mljet (Polače) - Lastovo (Zaklopatica) - Korčula (Korčula town) - Mljet (Okuklje/Sobra) - Šipan (Šipanska Luka/Sudurad) - Lopud - Dubrovnik
The ideal starting point for your South Dalmatian sailing adventure is Dubrovnik. This beautiful town is a great attraction, so you spend plenty of time exploring it. There are two marinas to choose from — ACI and Marina Frapa. Frapa is the only marina with piers protected by plexiglass, which you’ll appreciate in the rain or heat.
From Dubrovnik, we will head north and northwest. Two gorgeous green islands of Mljet and Lastovo are a must-see, and you should not cross them off your itinerary. Both are national parks, and their pristine beauty truly deserves proper protection. If you need to recharge the batteries (yours, of course), you will discover an excellent energy source here. If you’re in the mood for livelier places and superb cuisine, don’t miss the island of Korčula, with its picturesque town of Korčula nicknamed “Little Dubrovnik”. At the end of the week, you’ll also visit a few tiny islands comprising the Elaphiti archipelago near Dubrovnik.
You can sail, in total, approximately 140 - 160 nautical miles (nm).
- Day 1 (Saturday): Check-in at ACI marina Dubrovnik/Marina Frapa (0 nm)
- Day 2 (Sunday): Dubrovnik - Mljet (Polače/Pomena) (33 nm)
- Day 3 (Monday): Mljet (Polače/Pomena) - Lastovo (Zaklopatica) (25 nm)
- Day 4 (Tuesday): Lastovo - Korčula (22 nm)
- Day 5 (Wednesday): Korčula - Mljet (Okuklje/Sobra) (28 nm)
- Day 6 (Thursday): Mljet (Okuklje/Sobra) - Mljet (Saplunara) - Šipan (Šipanska Luka/Sudurad) (11 nm)
- Day 7 (Friday): Šipan - Lopud - Dubrovník (16 nm)
You can find the route on Google Maps on this link.
The route for the Navionics map is here.
Alternative itinerary
If a cruise to Lastovo is off your plan, add a stopover on the Pelješac peninsula. Orebič and Ston are popular and safe locations.
- Dubrovnik - Mljet (Okuklje) - Mljet (Polače) - Korčula town/Orebič - Ston/Žuljana - Šipanska Luka - Dubrovnik.
What to look out for in this area
The winds are usually favorable in the summer, but stronger bora and local Jugo can be a nasty surprise, especially in recent years. Fortunately, the Jugo can be predicted well in advance, though it lasts a few days. It is recommended to avoid the western part of Mljet when a strong bora is expected, as wind gusts can be powerful. On the Pelješac peninsula in the bay of Žuljana, such gusts can reach a force of up to 10 Bf.
The island of Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula is divided by the Pelješac Channel. Avoid this strait in case of powerful bora. Due to the strong jet effect (the effect of two nearby islands on the strength of the wind), the NE and SE winds in the strait are up to 2 Bf more potent than on the open sea.
Day 1 (Saturday) — Dubrovnik Film World
When you say Dubrovnik, at least two things pop up: Games of Thrones and the city’s massive walls. The two are related, as the stone walls were a film set. Once you’ve picked up your boat, head into the city centre — Dubrovnik is a historical gem on a pan-European scale.
It takes less than 20 minutes to get to the old town from the ACI marina, either by taxi or bus, which departs every few minutes from the main road. The Frapa Marina is much closer to the city centre.
The town is interwoven with romantic streets and resembles a maze. Leave the map behind and be surprised by where each alley takes you — it might lead you to one of the many markets. On Friday, stop by the market in the old port of Gruž.
The town centre with a pedestrian zone is divided by the vibrant Stradun Street, lined with small shops and cafés. The Franciscan Monastery is one of Europe's oldest yet still functioning pharmacies, dating back to the 14th century. The town’s magnificent fortification is a unique monument and has three entrances. Two kilometres of these massive walls are accessible to tourists, and along the way, you will see six fortresses, of which the most striking is Minčeta.
Other exciting attractions are the Rector’s Palace, the Church of St. Blaise, and the Onofrio Fountain, which once served as one of the few drinking water sources. Prepare to get some exercise on your wanderings around the city — you can take over 5,000 steps.
Enjoy a magnificent view of the town and the sea from the cable car that leads to the Srd hill.
Experience an unconventional sunset by swimming at the Banje beach, a toll beach near the Ploče city gate. You might even bump into some foreign celebrities here. If you crave a 360-degree view of this magical town from the ramparts and want to experience Michelin-quality culinary artistry, make a reservation at Restaurant 360.
The other recommended gastronomic choices are the Nautika restaurant near the coast, Bistro Tavulin near the famous St. Blažej Church, and the fast “(sea)food” Barba. You will find food for more affordable prices outside the centre in the previously mentioned old harbor of Gruž.
Day 2 (Sunday) — Green Pearl of Mljet (33 nm)
As Mljet is more than 70% covered with forest, it is no wonder that its nickname is “the green pearl”. Sailing to this green island is like nothing you have ever experienced before. The longest stretch is ahead of you today, so set sail early with full sails. Your reward will be an island of divine tranquillity and pristine nature.
Places worth seeing
The island of Mljet will strike you with its almost kitsch nature splendor and sights that won’t blend in with other places in your memory. According to legends, it was the island of Mljet where Odysseus spent seven years in captivity of the nymph Calypso.
Today you will head to the natural park on the western part of the island. The small towns of Polače and Pomena are the entrance gates into the garden, where the entrance fee is collected. It is valid until noon the next day. Polače is the oldest settlement on the island, and its origins date back to Roman times. The Roman ruins are proof of this.
The lakes Mali and Veli Jezero can be reached in half an hour from Polače by a pleasant path in the forest. There is a tiny island of Sv—Marija with a Benedictine monastery in the larger lake. You can reach this small island by taking a mini ferry. The other option is to rent bicycles already in Polače and arrive near the shore, where you wave the orange flag (it is visibly placed), and the local skipper will come by small boat and take you for a free boat rides to the island. A visit to the lakes and the islet is worth it.
Swimming or drifting in the strong current under the stone bridge of Mali bridge that connects the two lakes will also be a fun part of the program. The direction of this current changes according to the tide. The lake water is 4 degrees warmer than the sea and even saltier, which you will feel while swimming. Since entering the island of St. Marija in swimwear is prohibited, we recommend you save the swimming activities for later.
If you decide to explore the park by bicycle, and we highly recommend doing it, stop by the bridge of Veliki Most. Adventurous tourists like to jump from this bridge into the water. If you have enough time, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of this greenest Adriatic island with its numerous bays, caves, and small coves from the Montokuc hill near the village of Soline or the lower hill of Veliki Gradac near the lake.
Where to moor?
Almost all the restaurants in the bay have moorings and buoys. The bay with the harbor town of Polače is the safest and best-protected one on the island. Be aware, however, that mooring in a very strong bora can be uncomfortable due to wind gusts. A stormy Jugo, on the other hand, causes swells.
You can enjoy a tasty dinner at the Ankora and Stella Maris restaurants, with an excellent price-to-performance ratio and friendly service.
Day 3 (Monday) - Mljet (Polače) - Lastovo (Zaklopatica) (25 nm)
Enjoy a slow-paced morning today. If you didn’t get enough of the beauty of this part of Mljet the day before, take a stroll in the national park. You have another day of adventurous sailing ahead of you. The final destination will be another island of unbridled charm — Lastovo, Croatia’s most remote inhabited island.
Places worth visiting
Apart from being one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic, Lastovo is also one of the sunniest islands regarding sunny days per year. Don’t expect rain here in summer. The town of Lastovo is the largest settlement. The city is spread over the steep hillside, facing away from the sea. This is unusual compared to other small Adriatic islands, generally located on the coast.
Despite its Croatian population, this island was Italian until the Second World War. Its subsequent fate was similar to that of the island of Vis. It was also closed to tourists until the collapse of Yugoslavia.
The island of Lastovo is also shrouded in legends. The most famous one is the locals’ humiliating defeat of the Catalan pirates. After capturing the island of Korčula, the pirates sent a messenger to islanders on Lastovo with a message to surrender. The islanders, however, armed themselves and prayed for a storm that eventually sank the pirates’ ships which may still lie at the bottom of Lastovo’s rich underwater world. The legend of the islanders’ victory over the pirates is revived yearly at the Treasure Festival.
Another strange legend is about palm trees — their absence on the island. There is a superstition that palm trees bring bad luck to the inhabitants of the houses in front of which they would grow. On the contrary, several hundred species of medicinal herbs, olive groves, and orange trees exist. Lastovo is also renowned for many crawfish, lobsters, and moray eels. Fish specialities will taste even more special with the delicious local wine “maraština”.
An interesting fact is the equal number of churches and the area of the islands — there are 46 churches, and Lastovo has a surface of 46 square kilometres. Even the number of small and uninhabited islets near Lastovo is 46. In addition to the numerous churches, you will also notice the long and, in some places, decorated chimneys. The chimney is also depicted on the Lastovo coat of arms. It was believed that whoever had a bigger and more spectacular chimney enjoyed more respect. Nowadays, it applies instead to the number of olive trees.
A fascinating cultural event is the music festival at the end of July when more tourists arrive on the island than usual.
Where to moor?
The whole island is part of the national park. The entrance fee depends on the length of the boat. The island has four new buoy fields — Zaklopatica, Velji Lago, Skrivena Luka, and the neighboring island of Saplun. Tying up the boat to a buoy is slightly different from other areas, so don’t refuse the help of a park staff member. You moor to a buoy at both bow and stern; the result is that two boats in a row share three buoys.
In Zaklopatica Bay, besides the buoys, there are also several moorings, which are free for restaurant guests. Electricity and water are extra. We recommend making early reservations for the Triton or Aragusta restaurant on Monday. Both restaurants will please your tastebuds, and the staff will make your day enjoyable. If you are not planning on dining at a restaurant, you can find moorings (for a fee) with water and electricity on the west shore of the bay next to the Konoba Brain. Payments are collected by the Felicitas company, which also sells fresh fish and lobsters.
Another option is mooring at a buoy or using mooring sites in Skrivena Luka Bay on the island’s south. Nautika, a nice restaurant, has free moorings for guests. However, be prepared for strong wind gusts during the bora or jugo.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Lastovo - Korčula (22 nm)
Today you will sail to the island of Korčula. You will not regret it — the town of Korčula will enchant you with its unforgettable atmosphere.
Places worth visiting
With its numerous bays, the rugged island of Korčula certainly deserves more time to explore. If you have enough time, you can stop at the southern tip of Lumbarda island. Lovers of sandy beaches will enjoy the bay of Przina.
The town of Korčula will pleasantly surprise you with its well-preserved monuments. Thanks to its walls with turrets and fortification, it has earned the nickname “little Dubrovnik”. Locals like to boast that Marco Polo was born here. His birth house, as well as the Marco Polo Museum, are popular attractions.
The centre of the old town consists of narrow streets connected in the shape of a fish skeleton. This ingenious shape keeps it cooler and makes the overall temperature in town more pleasant in the summer and sheltered from the wind in the winter.
An old stone fortress, Forteca Svetog Vlaha, is less than three-quarters of an hour uphill from the town centre, with two lookouts. The fort has a lovely town view lit by the setting sun.
Don’t forget to refresh your stay with a degustation of the excellent local white wines. In addition, you can enjoy delicious food at the Konoba Aterina and Konoba Adio Mare. There may also be Dalmatian live music to make your experience more enjoyable. During the summer, dynamic dancing performances with sabres are organized all over the island. The so-called “moreška” is a popular dance in Korčula.
Where to moor?
If your destination is the second largest town on the island — Korčula, the most convenient and safest option is to stay at the ACI marina. The marina, as well as the whole city, are well protected from the wind. Part of the marina was completely renovated in 2021.
You can dip at one of several small pebble beaches in the town. Famous Banje Beach is near the marina.
Day 5 (Wednesday): Korčula - Mljet (Okuklje) (28 nm)
From Korčula, you will slowly retrace your boat’s course back to Dubrovnik. The ideal destination is the island of Mljet — this time, the eastern part. Although it is not a national park, it is just as charming.
Places worth visiting
Indulge in the charm of peaceful nature, the smell of the sea, and pine trees. The northeastern part of Mljet is sparsely populated and tranquil. However, those still wanting to experience something new can call a taxi after mooring and visit Odysseuses’ cave in the south. It’s a beautiful cave with better access from the mainland. The cave is shrouded in Greek mythology, where Odysseus was imprisoned. It’s about 15 minutes from Tommy’s car park, and you can watch the impressive play of light inside it between 12:00 and 14:00.
A secret tip is the stunning Sutmiljhoska beach in the island’s south, about a 20-minute taxi ride from the Okuklje homestead.
Where to moor?
We suggest staying in Okuklje Bay, Sobra Bay or Prožurska Luka. These bays have buoys and moorings for restaurant guests.
The charming and calm bay of Okuklje is well protected from all types of wind. The unwritten rule saying that it’s better to go for dinner in one of the restaurants with a varied range of dishes applies here. This way, you will secure free mooring. The Maran and Maestral restaurants have a good reputation. You can enjoy several gastronomic experiences also in Sobra Bay — for example, at the Riva or Mungos restaurants. Unfortunately, the tranquillity is occasionally disturbed by the arrival of a fast ferry.
In Prožurska Luka Bay, a good choice for those looking for more peace is Marijina Konoba on the bay’s eastern side, where you can tie your boat to a mooring buoy. But booking a spot in advance is better, especially in August. There are red and paid buoys that are operated by the municipality. The west side of the bay with the Barba restaurant is a little busier. Overall, avoid the bay in northerly winds (N, NE).
Day 6 (Thursday): Mljet (Okuklje) - Šipan (Šipanska Luka) (11 nm)
It is time to travel to the nearest Dubrovnik islands, the so-called Elaphites. You will spend the night on the largest island, Šipan, where time has stood still.
Places worth visiting
Those who have not yet had enough of the island of Mljet can stop at its southeastern tip in Saplunara Bay, which is famous for its beautiful sandy beach. There are relatively few anchorages with suitable depth. You should, therefore, use one of the restaurant buoys.
Upon arriving on the island of Šipan, you will probably be surprised by the number of olive trees. Šipan holds the record for the most olive trees per square meter. The vegetation thrives because the island has one of the few freshwater sources. The town of Šipan itself is a typical Dalmatian fishing village.
Where to moor?
You can spend the night on a mooring or a mooring buoy in Šipanska Luka Bay, which is well sheltered from all directions except the NW wind. When this wind blows, moving south to Sudurad Bay is better. Jugo is accompanied by strong wind gusts of up to 3 Bf.
It is worth visiting the Konoba Tauris and Konoba U Balda restaurants in the bay of Šipanska Luka. A good choice in Sudurad is the family-run restaurant Tri Sestre.
Day 7 (Friday): Šipan - Lopud - (Lokrum) return to home marina Dubrovnik (16-25 nm)
You can perk up your return to your home marina with a stopover at another one of the Elaphiti Islands — on Lopud island; you will visit one of Croatia’s most beautiful bays.
The beach of Sunj will teleport you to a tropical destination. Enjoy the turquoise sea and a long sandy beach overlooking cliffs. The only way to anchor safely in the bay is by using an anchor. The bay is not sheltered in N, SE, and E winds.
Another place worth mentioning is the small island of Lokrum, south of Dubrovnik. It is not inhabited by people but peacocks brought over by the Habsburgs. Several easy hiking trails lead to the saltwater Dead Sea lake or the unique exotic botanical garden. This uninhabited island is also associated with a legend, probably why nobody is allowed or wants to spend the night there. Lokrum is nicknamed “The Cursed island”. The code has it that, long ago, the Benedictine monks were banished from the island and cursed the Dubrovnik nobility. Since then, every other island owner or lodger has died suddenly. You can anchor here (for a higher fee because the island is home to the botanical garden) at a depth of 10–15 meters on the southeast side.
Tip: When returning to ACI Marina Dubrovnik, be careful at the gas station. There is often a strong current coming from the outside of the pier. Thus it is better to sail to the pier against its direction.
—-------------------
George Bernard Shaw once said, “Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik.” If Shaw were a sailing enthusiast, he wouldn’t have limited this statement to Dubrovnik alone. The whole surrounding area is magical and will pleasantly strike all your senses.
If you need advice about boats or itineraries, the Boataround team is here every day.
