The island of Šipan – the prince of the Elaphites

This picturesque string of islands in the vicinity of Dubrovnik scattered within the Deer Archipelago consists of 13 evergreen islands, islets and rocks. Situated between Dubrovnik, theIsland of Mljet and Pelješac Peninsula, and surrounded by the waters of the Koločep and Mljet Channel, they were first mentioned as the Elafite Islands by Gaius Plinius Secundus Maior in his work Naturalis historia in the 1st century A.D.

There are two main anchoring spots on the island – Suđurađ in the east and Šipanska Luka in the west, while a third one is located in the Harpoti strait, although big sailboats need to be careful of the electrical cable stretching above it. When you sail into Šipanska Luka, you will find a small berth for yachts on the north side, and a few buoys opposite it.

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The main attraction and most unusual feature of Mljet National Park is the two inland salt water lakes called Malo Jezero (Small lake) and Veliko Jezero (Big lake). The are connected to the sea by a narrow canal. Stroll along the lakes on paths shaded by pine trees, rent a bicycle to explore the park, kayak rent is also available, don't miss to paddle the along the lakes or simply swim in the crystal clear, blue water. In the middle of Veliko Jezero is the small islet of Sv. Marija (St Mary), featuring a Benedictine monastery dating from the 12th century. The Islet of Sv. Marija is accessible by regularly scheduled boats.

Vis, a town situated in an indented cove, became the first and most significant Greek colony in the Adriatic for many reasons. The breath-taking beauty of this maritime tourist Mecca is best represented by the Franciscan monastery and Priovo peninsula, a magical promenade along the coast, and harmonious stone houses perfectly “anchored between blue sea shades and surrounding green slopes. Today it is also famous for its biggest natural berth in the Adriatic, which is always packed during the sailing season

Hvar, also known as the Croatian Saint-Tropez, is one of the most beautiful island towns in the Adriatic. A spectacular view of winding stone allies, a photogenic town harbour, long promenades along the coast and turquoise lagoons from the intertwining Pakleni islands, can be found from the hill above the town where the symbol of Hvar is located, the Fortress of Fortica overlooking the town from above and containing, among other things, the oldest theatre in the world. It is equally magical to approach Hvar from the sea while sailing virtuosos – the barkarijoli of Hvar – are masterfully going around you. This is just a short preview of the atmosphere and beauty of the town recognised by many sailors, celebrities and night-life enthusiasts.

This is the second largest city in Croatia, and an urban and cultural centre at the crossroads of Dalmatia. It straddles a peninsula at the foot of the Marjan hill, with the Kozjak and Mosor mountains ascending behind the city and waterfront. This increasingly popular tourist destination had its ‘official’ beginning in the year 300AD. In that year the Emperor Diocletian began the construction of his palace here, which combined the elements of an imperial villa, a Hellenistic city and a Roman military fort. However, there are archaeological findings attesting to a more ancient history of Split.

The historical centre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979, and the number of annual tourists is steadily increasing.

In the former home of Diocletian, you cannot miss the well-known Peristyle, nor the Cathedral of St Duje with its wooden doors fashioned by Andrija Buvina.

For culturelovers, Split offers a theatrical and exhibition programme, including the international festival of opera, concerts, drama, dance and street theatre. Due to various sporting events that are organized here, as well as the fact that Split has produced many top athletes, Spalatians call their city the sportiest city in the world. The city is connected with smaller islands in the Split archipelago by ferry. The archipelago includes Šolta, whose name is believed to come from the Greek word olynthia, which means ‘unripe fig’.

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