Croatia
Lagoon 42
Crew: Paul, Angela, Al, Cookie, Corey, Scott
Blue Cave, natural light
Trogir: Explore the medieval walled city at Trogir which features architecture from the 13th century and don’t miss the 3rd century bas-relief of Kairos within the Benedictine Monastery of St Nicholas. Head to the port village of Maslinica on the Island Šolta, which overlooks an archipelago of seven islets.
9/18/20 - Land excursion, to Krka National Park, Skradin, Croatia
9/19/20 - 9/26/20 Sailing
Destinations
Šešula bay, Šolta
Šešula bay is the perfect distance from Agana base for your first day sail, it is only 12 miles. The bay is surrounded with lush vegetation and hardly any structures, making spending the night here peaceful. The two restaurants in the bay will introduce your pallet to delicious Croatian tastes. On the other side of the hill you can find Maslinica town, filled with charming clay-clad rooftops. You can also venture to Kaštelanac winery onl a 20-minute ride away - and find out where the famous Zinfandel draws its roots.
Mooring
Šešula bay has two restaurants: Šišmiš and Šešula. Both offer free of charge mooring buoys to guests if you dine with them. Anchoring is still possible, if you enter deep into the bay. Beware that it can get really busy in high season so it is better to have a reservation with the restaurant.
Things to do
Going ashore to walk to Maslinica town is a pleasant way to spend a late afternoon or early evening. Getting in touch with a local winery - Kaštelanac, and arranging a pick-up from Šešula will get you a glimpse into wine history of the region, discovering the ancestry of the famous Zinfandel wine and looking into traditional vineyards of the island. For the less curious - just relaxing on board in the quiet bay and swimming in its turquoise waters is one of the many joys of being on the boat.
Facilities
Mooring buoys and dinghy dock available.
Komiža town, Vis
Vis island was closed off to public until 1990's, so discovering it now is a privilege and a trip to history. Komiža town was primarily a fishermen's village, surrounded with lush forests of pine, olive groves and vast vineyards. The town is lively and picturesque, with a stunning backdrop of Hum hill, surrounded with numerous lonely beaches. Komiža has excellent restaurants, including a lobster one - exporting lobsters to Europe since the 16th century, and is well-known for its diving opportunities. Hidden beneath the surface are a couple of sunken ships and airplanes, together with a diverse marine-life. Renting a scooter or taking an island tour from Komiža is definitely worth the time. You will be rewarded with amazing sights and interesting facts. This little town is also the best starting point to venture an expedition to the Blue Cave, found on the little island Biševo. The light bends perfectly between 11am and 1pm to illuminate the cave bright blue.
Mooring
Town quay in the town is quite small and busy. If you can last the night without electricity and water on the dock, taking a mooring buoy is an excelent alternative. In high season the large mooring buoy field gets filled up quickly, so make sure to arrive before 4pm. Anchoring, although not specifically forbidden, is not recommended due to open waters around the island.
Things to do
Komiža gives plenty of options: discovering hidden lonely beaches, tasting lobsters or other seafood in delicious restaurants, taking scooters for a ride and soaking in the sights of the Vis's heartland, being adventurous and going for a dive, or heading to the Blue Cave in the morning. If you are heading to the Blue Cave alone, make sure to get a mooring buoy on the eastern side of Biševo island, and wait for an official dinghy to take you inside, as doing so alone would result in a fine.
Facilities
Dockage- electricity, water, toilets and showers; Mooring buoys, provisioning, restaurants, bars, ATM
Vis town, Vis
The furthest inhabited island from mainland Croatia, Vis is an old military island with a rich history and was only opened to the general public in 1989. There are many military structures still standing on the island, and military tours run from Vis town and Komiža. Today, Vis is well known for its wine production, with traditions dating back to ancient times, make sure to visit one of the local vineyards for a tasting. The large town quay gets very busy in the high season so arrive early for a space. There are also mooring buoys and plenty of space to anchor, however there is a fee. You can also try Kut village on the east side of the bay.
Mooring
The Vis town quay is the busiest in Croatia in high season. The one on the western side of the bay belongs to Vis town itself, but there is another on the eastern side, and it belongs to Kut village. The two are connected with a small promenade. There are also 4 large mooring buoy fields, which are payable. Anchoring is possible, but not recommended due to ferry swells.
Things to do
Arriving to Vis town early leaves you with plenty of time in the day to do some exploring. Head inland with a scooter or bicycle for some amazing sights and discover local, family-owned wineries and restaurants that serve delicious "peka" dishes. "Peka" means old iron bell, and it is a way to prepare food traditionally: lamb, veal or octopus are put in a dish and covered with the bell, which is then dug into coal, to slow-cook the food for a couple of hours. This delicious meal can also be a part of the island tour, as well as wine tasting. The best-known winery is just a 10 minute walk out to the outskirts of the town: Lipanović, that preserve their wines inside of an old bunker. Finish the night with a party in Fort George club - named after the English king, today Fort George offers some of the best nightlife around.
Facilities
Dockage- electricity, water, toilets and showers; Mooring buoys, provisioning, restaurants, bars, ATM
Vinogradišće bay, St. Clement (option A)
Everybody arriving to Croatia wants to visit Hvar town on the same-named island. And rightfully so, as it is known as the "St. Tropez" of Croatia. However, getting to the town with a yacht is no easy feat in the high season - the harbor and mooring buoys are always busy. That is why we recommend Vinogradišće bay, which can be found on the south side of St. Clement island, the biggest one of Pakleni archipelago that is just across the channel of Hvar town. Both Vinogradišće bay and its neighbour on the north side of the island - Palmižana marina, are known as the "IT" places to visit, and main points to be if you'd like to discover Hvar town itself. It is recommended that you get a reservation for a mooring buoy before heading to the bay, as no free anchoring is allowed. The bay has a small sandy beach and is filled with high-end restaurants, like Toto's, Meneghello, and "Laganini" beach club, bringing in numerous crowds guaranteeing a lively evening full of memories.
Mooring
Vinogradišće bay is filled with mooring buoys. Although they belong to Toto's restaurant, they are only bookable through thier internet page, and payable for reservations, day and night stays. Free anchoring isn't allowed. On the north side of the island is the ACI marina Palmižana, and there are more payable buoys on the west side of the archipelago. Other mooring buoys that you can see throughout the Pakleni island belong to various restaurants and are free if you dine there.
Things to do
Just chilling and exploring the bay with a kayak or SUP is wonderful here, but beware of many boats in high season. Getting on the island will open many footpaths between tropical plants, one of them leading to Meneghello's and their always-open art exhibition, or through private vineyards to the tiny village of St. Clement. For those who came to party, head to "Laganini" bar, or into a water taxi and to Marinkovac island for beach bars like "Hula Hula". Hvar town will definitely not dissapoint with its clubs, restaurants and bars, while visiting the fortress above the town during the day fills the mind with images of the past, especially the open dungeon. Make sure you DO NOT take your own dinghy between all of these locations.
Facilities
Mooring buoys, restaurants, bars and water taxi are to be found in Vinogradišće bay, while a short walk to ACI marina Palmižana will get you access to an ATM and a small shop.
Day 4 (option B): Make for Hvar, an island full of beautiful lavender and herbs, as well as a reputation for being rather upmarket. Walk around Hvar Town’s harbor, the piazza, the huge fortress that dominates the skyline and St Stephen’s Cathedral to get a great view from the bell tower.
Jelsa town, Hvar
One of the most picturesque towns on the island of Hvar; Jelsa is nestled in amongst hills dense with pine woods. The town quay extends all the way around the harbour with numerous laid moorings. Walk around the town to see old stone streets, squares, churches and parks. Enjoy a coffee in the main square and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere of this bustling town. The food in Jelsa is some of the best in the Adriatic; choose from many excellent restaurants and sample local Hvar wines in Tomić winery. Hire a bike or a scooter to soak in the amazing lavander fields dotted along the island or visit the adrenaline park.
Mooring
Like any town along the Croatian coast, anchoring in the bay isn't allowed. There are also no mooring buoys or marina to be found in Jelsa town, but there is a well-organised town quay in the center of the town, spread on both sides of this alluring bay.
Things to do
The town is pretty lively in high season, with street performances and numerous bars and restaurants. For those who are a bit more active- a crisp walk can take you to an amiable ancient chapel at the top of the hill, or you can rent bicycles and explore why Hvar island is said to have the best cycling trails around. Enjoy a ride through lavender fields, or to the next town. Hvar island also has plenty of vineyards, many of them belonging to winery Tomić. The winery, with its ancient cellar, is a shame to be missed to any wine-enthusiast, where professional staff is delighted to share their insight to different local wine sorts, whether you are dressed in a toga or not.
Facilities
Town quay, electricity and water, showers and toilets; ATM, Provisioning, Restaurants, Pattisiere, Bars , Car rental, Bike rental
Day 5 (option B): Sail around to the north of Hvar to Vrboska, a 15th century village near UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain. Marvel at the patchwork of paths and walls that cross the agricultural flats.
Milna town, Brač
Milna is a historic fishing town and safe harbour boasting three marinas; two in the centre of town and Marina Vlaška located at the entrance to the channel. The Venetian architecture in the town is typical of Dalmatia and mainly constructed from Brač’s famous white stone, also used in the construction of a number of famous buildings; including the White House in Washington D.C. There are several good restaurants in the town and bars along the waterfront to enjoy a coffee or cocktail. Closer to Marina Vlaška is a pebble beach for swimming and a cafe on the veranda overlooking the bay; perfect for sunsets!
Mooring
There are three marinas in Milna town: One at the northern entrance of the town: Marina Vlaška, one right next to the fueling dock on the south side of the bay: Yacht Center Marina, and one tucked all the way at the end of the bay: ACI Milna. Town quay extends on the lenght of the northern shore in the center of the town, there are no mooring buoys, but anchoring is free in the southern bay before entering the town itself, although exposed to numerous weather conditions.
Things to do
Milna is a quiet town, with a long waterfront that just invites to a drink. Swimming and snorkelling at the beaches a little out of town is nice and relaxing, and after it you can head to town to choose one of the many restaurants to dine in. Renting a car, scooter, or bicycle to head to country is also growing in popularity in Milna town.
Facilities
Town quay, Three marinas: Vlaška, Yacht Center Marina and ACI; electricity and water, showers and toilets; ATM, Provisioning, Restaurants, Bars , Fuel, Car rental, Bike rental
Note: This is from Moorings.