Oh, Croatia! This summer, I had the pleasure of sailing through the stunning Adriatic Sea, and let me tell you, it was an absolute dream. From the breathtaking islands to the delicious food, I’m here to share all the highlights from my trip that’ll make you want to pack your bags and book a flight ASAP! We started our trip in Dubrovnik and ended in Split (our recaps are coming soon!), but I wanted to start our Croatia series with a few of our favorite islands. Keep reading to learn more below:
Mijet: The Island of Biking Bliss
Our adventure kicked off on Mijet, one of the closest large islands to Dubrovnik. Now, while Mijet may be classified as “big,” it’s small enough that we could explore most of it by bike. We hopped off our yacht at the Polace dock, and guess what? The bike rental shop was right in front of us! Talk about convenience!
We decided to go electric—thank goodness! Mijet has some hilly terrain, and let’s be real, who wants to arrive at a restaurant panting like they just ran a marathon? With our e-bikes, we cruised along the stunning coastline, soaking in views of the National Park without breaking a sweat. Honestly, we saw more cyclists and walkers than cars, which added to the island’s charm.
After working up an appetite, we took a short boat ride over to Saint Mary’s Islet for lunch at Restaurant Melita. Can we just pause for a moment to appreciate the risotto? It was one of the best dishes I had on the entire trip! After that, we hopped back on our bikes, ready to burn off that delicious meal.
Korcula: Beach Vibes and Buggy Rides
Next up was Korcula, where we spent two fun-filled days! Our first day started with a visit to Moro Beach Stupe. Picture this: snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, swinging on a picturesque swing, and devouring the freshest fish straight from the chef’s catch. We even got to peek behind the scenes as they prepared our lunch! As we were leaving, the atmosphere shifted from chill beach vibes to a lively beach club scene with a DJ setting up for the party. Talk about a transformation!
The following day, we strapped into some buggies for an exhilarating tour of Korcula’s rugged landscape, vineyards, and white sand beaches. I mean, driving in a line through quiet Croatian towns while feeling like absolute badasses? Yes, please! At the end of our adventure, our tour guide invited us into his home for a delicious lunch and homemade rakija. Cheers to that!
Hvar: Chic Beach Clubs and Nightlife Fun
Ah, Hvar—the crown jewel of Croatian islands! Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, we spent two fabulous days soaking up the sun. Our first stop? The chic Hvar Beach Club. Sipping champagne while watching boats sail by from our private dock? Absolute paradise! We even had a ladder right into the water for those oh-so-refreshing dips.
As night fell, we got ready to hit Hvar town. The people-watching was top-notch! From college kids strutting down the marina with magnum bottles of Grey Goose to dancing queens in glamorous outfits, the scene was electric. We kicked things off at Kiva Bar, where the vibe was casual and the music was a nostalgic mix of early 2000s hits.
Around 1 AM, we ferried over to Carpe Diem, a beach club on its own island. Feeling the salt air and breeze was the perfect refresher after the bustling bar scene. We spent our night under the trees, dancing to the DJ’s beats, soaking in the magical atmosphere. If Hvar isn’t on your Croatia itinerary, you’re missing out!
Vis: Mamma Mia Magic!
Our adventure continued to Vis, the stunning island famous for being the backdrop of Mamma Mia 2. With its gorgeous beaches and charming town, it’s easy to see why! We hopped on a speedboat (looking fabulous, of course) and jetted off to the Blue Cave.
As we zipped across the water, we jammed to classic US tunes—nothing like a little Sweet Home Alabama to set the mood! Once we arrived, we boarded a smaller boat and had to cozy up to squeeze through the tiny entrance of the cave. It felt like an adventure right out of a movie!
From biking on Mijet to dancing the night away in Hvar, my Croatian yacht adventure was a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Each island offered its own unique charm, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re dreaming of a summer getaway, trust me—Croatia should be at the top of your list. Now, where do I sign up for round two?
Have you been to Croatia or planning a trip? Share your favorite experiences in the comments below!