T R AV E L |
2021
THOUSAND ISLAND DE-STRESSING Croatia’s calm conditions and balmy climate, coupled with an ever-improving superyacht infrastructure and luxury tourism proposition, are proving increasingly irresistible to the international sailing set. KARL CUSHING
Sobriquets such as ‘Land of 1,000 Islands’ offer one hint to Croatia’s burgeoning appeal for superyacht owners. Come summer the crystal clear waters off the main islands throng with mariners who come to drink in the natural beauty rising out of the Adriatic. Memorable sailing is assured amid archipelagos such as the protected Kornati Islands, while Croatia’s mainland coastline stretches almost 1,800km. On land, vineyard tastings, beach clubs and beguiling, stonehewn towns and villages are but some of the tempting diversions, while the cuisine owes much to fresh local produce, from seafood and olives to Istria’s revered ‘tartufi’ truffles. Among Croatia’s most emblematic sights, Dubrovnik, the historic jewel to the south of the mainland, needs little introduction. Served by Gruž port, ACI Marina and the resort of Cavtat, its terracotta-topped buildings, corralled by defensive walls, hover teasingly above the sparkling Adriatic waters below. Anchoring off nearby Lopud, one of the Elaphiti Islands, offers welcome respite from Dubrovnik’s summer crowds. The car free, carefee isle is known for its opulent mansions, built by local merchants in the 1600s, and sandy beaches such as Šunj. And so the island hopping begins. Further offshore, the sheltered bay of Luka Polače lures sailors to Mljet, and its scenic island trails, or onwards north to Vis and Korčula, reputedly the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo. Visitors to picture-perfect Korčula Town, meanwhile, with its majestic St Mark’s Cathedral, may experience some déjà vu, the town’s similar appearance having earned it the tag ‘Little Dubrovnik’. Rocky islets such as Vela Stupa dot the waters between Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula, inviting sailors to drop anchor and explore, while
››
66
O N LY M A G A Z I N E
