Tucked away in a quiet corner of Sipan, the largest island in the Elafiti Archipelago, Sipanska Luka is a pretty, picturesque, and protected harbour town. Dotted with numerous architectural monuments from the Middle Ages, the port is backed by lush green hills adorned with the occasional terracotta roof and impressive holiday homes built by the Dubrovnik aristocrats of a bygone era. In the port itself, there is an echo of exoticism with a palm-lined promenade and a hint of colonial grandeur in each of the beautiful buildings. Boasting an ancient allure, the island has been inhabited for millennia, a fact made tangible by the ruins of the roman villa dotted close to the center of town. Drop anchor and spend your time kicking your flippers through crystalline snorkelling spots and hiking around the stunning walking trails.
A captivating cluster of evergreen islands, the Elafiti archipelago is quintessential Adriatic beauty. Nestled along the coastline just northwest of Dubrovnik, there are no less than six islands to explore, but only the three largest, Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan are inhabited. Dotted with fragrant citrus groves and centuries-old pine forests, each island is encircled by pale pebbled beaches and crystalline coves. Favoured by Dubrovnik aristocracy in years gone by, the islands are adorned with impressive stone houses, exotic gardens, and charming harbour towns. With fine fortresses and ruins of roman villas, there’s plenty of history to be enjoyed and endless sheltered, turquoise bays flanked by rolling hills of verdant green. With a certain tropical allure to be found in the palm-lined ports, blended with far-flung abandon and sweet serenity, this assemblage of islets has it all.
A small village on the western end of Mljet, Pomena still holds steadfast to its fishing roots making it an idyllic Croatian retreat. Only a handful of residents and an economy focused on fishing, farming, and making the most of the picturesque harbor, Pomena is all peace and charm outside of the high summer months. During the busy season, the influx swells slightly as visitors pass through this gateway to the Mljet National Park. A pine green strip meets dazzling blue water and a smattering of restaurants and loungers for propping up with a cocktail or two, Pomena is all birdsong, boats, and bliss. With bicycle trails passing by the national park lakes and a sheltered cove for dropping anchor, Pomena is an easy spot for rest and play.
Badija is an idyllic Croatian island located off the coast of the city of Korcula in the Adriatic Sea. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and picturesque harbors. Although it sits uninhabited, its inviting atmosphere lures visitors from all over to experience its unparalleled beauty and adventure. Badija provides the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing and tranquil getaway, with its crystal clear waters, breathtaking landscapes, and private. Whether it's for a day, a weekend, or a summer holiday, the island of Badija surely offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience like no other.
Mljet comes cloaked in forest and is also home to two interconnecting salt lakes. Located in the Mljet National Park, these lakes are fascinating for any history lover as they date back over ten thousand years and were once freshwater lakes until the Christian era. The melody of the deep green forest meets vibrant blue waters, creating a natural paradise for rest and play. On the tiny islet of Veliko Jazero, you'll find the 12th-century Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary. Charter guests can dive, cycle, swim in clear waters against fragrant pine backdrops, and visit the cave of Odysseus, said to be the spot that kept him hostage for seven years after a storm ruined his boat.
Generating even more hype as an alternative holiday spot to buzzing Croatia, Peljesac is all about wine and grapes hanging heavy from the vine, sprawling coastal stretches, empty shingle sands, and lashings of space to call your own. This dreamy Dalmatian charter spot is home to tip-top wineries that can even give the French vineyards a run for their money. Sip and swirl long into the afternoons with a plate of glistening oysters at your side. Active sailors can leave their yacht behind and take up windsurfing in the winds of the southwest corner down in Viganj. History lovers can explore 15th-century monasteries still thriving with a modern-day monk population. Walk the walls of Ston and dive down to find historic shipwrecks. Whatever mode or mood you are in, Peljesac has something special to offer you.
A favoured holiday jaunt for Croatia’s aristocrats, Lopud is one of the most beloved of the Elaphite Islands. Sitting almost 20km from the bright lights and fortified walls of Dubrovnik, Lopud is all about embracing the art of relaxation and offering stunning scenes that encompass sandy bays, citrus groves, and stunning stone homes. Trails crisscross through the forests, Sunj Beach entices with its heavenly horseshoe bay, and the museums and monasteries carved from old stone capture the rustic grace of the Dalmatian Coast. Pint-sized bars serve up fresh fish, 16th-century altarpieces adorn stashed away churches, and botanical gardens dating back to the 19th century permeate the air with magnolia and eucalyptus. With no cars on the road, luxury residences, and a glut of sea and sun, Lopud is a lucky find indeed.
Delightful Dubrovnik with its golden city walls and pearl of the Adriatic status looks every inch at the fantasy series setting it is famous for. Dating back to the 7th century, exploring Croatia’s capital is all baroque beauty, UNESCO delights, and limestone pavement strolls that will deliver something extraordinary with every corner turn. Walking the city walls is a must to get a feel for the place and to soak up those blue and balmy sea views. Sip a coffee on the pedestrian street of Stradun, see 16th-century paintings from Raphael in the Cathedral, and visit ancient forts and towers. Of course, for fans of the HBO hit series, a Game of Thrones themed tour is a must.