Why you should charter a yacht in Dubrovnik – advice from our experts

⚓Sail in Dubrovnik

The capital of Croatia, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is the ideal sailing holiday destination. From the iconic monuments in the old town to the rich history around every corner, Dubrovnik is one of the best destinations in which to begin your next yacht charter. Usually, yacht charters in Dubrovnik are offered from Sunday to Sunday.

This blog was written with the help and expertise of GlobeSailor advisor Nathalia, who recently spent a week onboard a Leopard 45, sailing from Dubrovnik. Discover everything you need to know about why you should charter a yacht in Dubrovnik, including what to do, where to sail, what to see and where to eat.

⚓About Dubrovnik

Situated on the Southern Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik has often been referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. The old town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and is completely car-free!

When you start to explore Dubrovnik, you may realise that you have already seen some of the sites on your TV! Dubrovnik is a silver screen favourite with movies and TV shows such as Game of Thrones, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Robin Hood having been filmed there.

Dubrovnik airport (DBV) is located around 20 km from the city center, with direct flights year round from major EU cities, and seasonal flights from the US. From the airport, you can get to the city via a shuttle bus, or a taxi. Alternatively, you can contact your GlobeSailor advisor to arrange your transfer to and from the airport.

⚓What to do in Dubrovnik

If you are looking for an authentic Croatian dining experience, be sure to make a reservation at Konoba Dubrava, located on the hill above Dubrovnik, offering panoramic views of the Old Town. Try the traditional dish hoba ispod peke (octopus under the bell). Dalmatian Peka is the oldest method of food preparation in the Adriatic. An array of vegetables and meat or octopus made in an iron pot (peka), and placed in the embers of a fireplace until baked to perfection.

*Please note it takes at least 3 hours to prepare meals under the iron bell, so we kindly ask you to make order in advance

The Pile Gate is the most famous entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, and was constructed in the 15th century. Featuring stunning medieval architecture and a large statue of Saint Blaise (patron Saint of Dubrovnik) – this entrance is not to be missed.

The Stradum is Dubrovniks main pedestrian street that divides the Old Town, and is flanked by countless historical buildings, restaurants and cafes. The limestone street stretches from the Pile Gate all the way to the port.

There is also a cable car you can take up Mount Srd to enjoy the most spectacular, panoramic views of Dubrovnik. Built in 1969, it was the first and only cable car in the Adriatic! The fort you will reach at the top was built by Napoleon and is called the Imperial Fort, it was also known as the Siege of Ragusa.

Lovrijenac Fortress (also known as Lawrence’s Fortress) is a medieval hilltop fortress that sits on a large sea cliff just outside the city, Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognise this as the Red Keep in King’s Landing. If you’re planning a yacht charter from Dubrovnik during the summer, you also may be able to enjoy some of Dubrovniks Summer Festival, in which Lovrijenac Fortress becomes a large, open air stage.

Sponza Palace, built in the 16th century in Dubrovnik’s classic Gothic-Renaissance style, was the busiest commercial center of the city and a meeting place for those who wished to talk about the arts, science, and literature. Today it is home to the Dubrovnik Archives.

Rector’s Palace, once home to the governor of the city, is now Dubrovnik Museum. Built with influences of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, the palace features old, portraits, period furniture and official documents. Visitors can take a step back into Dubrovniks history, all while exploring the old prison cells, bed chambers and grand halls.

⚓When to sail

The sailing season in Croatia is from April to October. However, when you decide to sail depends on what kind of holiday you are looking for. The shoulder seasons are from April to June, as well as from late September to October, chartering during the shoulder seasons allows you to fully experience Croatia in pleasant sailing conditions, with quieter marinas and without as many other tourists. June, July and August are peak sailing months, with warm, sunny weather and pleasant waters.

⚓Where to sail

When you rent a boat in Dubrovnik, you can either sail north to explore some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, or you can decide to sail south to Montenegro. Almost every boat that is chartered from Dubrovnik has permission to sail to Montenegro. Please don’t hesitate to discuss your ideal sailing itinerary with your GlobeSailor advisor.

⚓Here is a suggested 4-day itinerary sailing north from Dubrovnik, based on Nathalia’s trip:

Day 1: ACI Marina Dubrovnik – Korčula

Begin your yacht charter in ACI Marina Dubrovnik, after having spent the previous day exploring all that this beautiful city has to offer. Hoist your sails and sail to Žuljana, to explore the pristine bay surrounded by green hills, far from the busy hustle of the city. There is a small harbour village home to about 200 people, and there are only 3 restaurants, two shops and a bakery in the village. Žuljana is known for its beautiful beaches, kayak and snorkelling spots, as well as its hiking paths.

After a dip in the water and a wander around the village, set off for Badija Island. It is famous for its Franciscan monastery and pebble beaches. There is one restaurant, that is only open during high season – this is the perfect spot to enjoy an onboard picnic after building up an appetite from snorkeling, paddle boarding and swimming.

After a peaceful afternoon, set off again for Korčula, a very short sail away. Dock in ACI Marina Korčula for the night. We suggest visiting Korčula’s Old Town, and exploring the beautiful, historic streets.

🍸 If you fancy going for an evening drink, Nathalia suggests Cocktail Bar Massimo, a beautiful bar with an outside terrace and sea views, just around the corner from the marina.

🍽️ For dinner, Nathalia suggests the Bistro Cocktail Bar Academia, for delicious food and live music.

Day 2: Korčula – Polače, Mljet Island

Wake up nice and early on your second day of charter, to allow you to explore Korčula some more. Then make your way to Polače, a village the northern coast of Mljet Island. Saplunara bay, has a large sandy beach with mooring bays and two restaurants, perfect for a lunch stopover. If you happen to get caught in some bad weather, Okuklje is a very well sheltered, protected spot with docks, buoys, and the well known Restaurant Maestral.

Nathalia also suggests exploring Mljet National Park via a bicycle tour. Here you can discover Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero, two interconnected saltwater lakes – a rare natural phenomenon! In the center of Veliko Jezero, you will find Melita, a small island home to a 12th century benedictine monastery – now a restaurant. Spend the night in Polače.

🍽️ For dinner in Polače, Nathalia suggests Konoba Antika, for excellent sea views and fresh seafood.

Day 3: Mljet – Lopud Island

Take a dip in the sea when you wake up, and say goodbye to Polače as you sail to Plaža Pržina, Lumbarda. Spend a few hours exploring the water by snorkeling, swimming and paddleboarding, or relax onboard with a good book. Take the dinghy ashore for a local lunch. Later, raise anchor again and head for Šipanska Luka, a calm anchorage with plenty of moorings and restaurants. Visit St. Stephens church and wander around the village.

Finally, make your way to Lopud Island, anchor or moor in the beautiful and protected bay. If you’re lucky – you’ll arrive in time to watch the sunset!

🍽️ For dinner, Nathalia suggests Restaurant Dubrovnik, for fresh seafood by the sea.

Day 4: Early sailing from Lopud to ACI Marina Dubrovnik

Set sail early in the morning and make your way back to ACI Marina Dubrovnik, take the time to have a final dip in the sea, and to wander around Dubrovnik one last time before finishing up your sailing holiday.

⚓Some extra tips from Nathalia:

Ston Marina, located at the beginning of the Pelješac Peninsula, is a unique place with lots of history. You can explore the salt farms or visit the local oyster and mussel farms.  On the way to Ston, on the left-hand side, there’s a bay called Kobaš. Kobaš is like a gastronomic heaven in this area – especially the restaurant Gastro Mare, which is a must-try.

 If you’re up for a bit more distance, consider visiting or taking a tour of Lastovo, a former military island. The most famous bay is Zaklopatica, which offers plenty of space to moor and several restaurants. From Zaklopatica, you can either walk or take a short 5-minute taxi ride to Lastovo town, which lies farther inland.