There are few better ways to experience the Croatian coast than from the deck of a crewed catamaran from Dubrovnik. With Dubrovnik as your starting point, a week is long enough to discover some of southern Dalmatia’s most beautiful islands, while keeping the sailing relaxed and leaving plenty of time for swimming, exploring and enjoying long lunches.
The secret is not to try to do too much. The waters around Dubrovnik are wonderfully compact, with the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet, Korčula and Lastovo all within easy reach.
Day 1 – Dubrovnik to Šipan
After boarding in Dubrovnik, head north into the Elaphiti Islands. A first swim stop could be on Koločep or Lopud before continuing to Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti. The pace is deliberately easy: lunch on board, an afternoon swim and a quiet dinner ashore. It is the perfect introduction to life on a catamaran.
Day 2 – Šipan to Mljet
Cruise south-west towards Mljet, one of Croatia’s greenest and most beautiful islands. With dense pine forest, clear water and secluded bays, Mljet feels worlds away from Dubrovnik. Spend the afternoon exploring the National Park, swimming in its famous saltwater lakes or simply relaxing on board.
For a crewed charter, this is where the experience really starts to shine. While the crew take care of sailing, lunch and drinks, guests can simply jump into the sea from the back of the boat.
Day 3 – Mljet to Korčula
Continue north towards Korčula, stopping for a swim along the way. Arrive in Korčula Town in the afternoon and explore its atmospheric medieval streets before dinner. The town combines beautiful stone architecture with excellent restaurants and wine bars, making it one of the highlights of southern Dalmatia.
Day 4 – Korčula to Lastovo
Today is about getting away from it all. Head south-west to Lastovo, one of Croatia’s most unspoilt islands. Once a restricted military zone, Lastovo has retained a remarkably peaceful character and is now protected as a nature park. Its remote location helps keep the crowds away.
Spend the afternoon swimming around the island before enjoying dinner in one of the small waterfront restaurants.
Day 5 – Lastovo to Mljet
Rather than rushing onwards, return towards Mljet, perhaps stopping at a secluded bay that the crew know well. This is a day for doing very little: paddleboarding, snorkelling, swimming and lunch on deck, followed by sundowners as the sun disappears behind the islands.
Day 6 – Mljet to the Elaphiti Islands
Cruise back towards Dubrovnik, but spend your final night away from the city. Šipan or one of the smaller Elaphiti Islands makes a beautiful final anchorage. Enjoy a last dinner on board, prepared by your chef, with nothing but the sound of the water around you.
Day 7 – Dubrovnik
After breakfast, make the short cruise back to Dubrovnik. If time allows, take one final swim before stepping ashore.
The beauty of a crewed catamaran charter is that the journey itself becomes the holiday. There is no packing and unpacking, no searching for taxis and no need to decide where to eat every night. Instead, you wake up somewhere beautiful, swim before breakfast and let the crew take care of the rest.
Seven days, four spectacular islands and a completely different way to experience Croatia.