Split, Croatia and the surrounding islands seem like heaven on earth. Historic buildings, cathedrals, shops, great restaurants, and gorgeous beaches. The water is clear and the beer is cold. The islands near Split, Croatia had us at ‘hello’.
If you would rather listen to our two amazing trips to Croatia (over 3 weeks total) check out our episode Podcast 23: Croatia Island Travel (Yacht Week & 2 More Weeks Exploring).
Come Sail Away With Me
Three words. The Yacht Week. Prior to hearing about TYW, I had never been on a sailboat before. The concept is simple yet ingenious. You choose your friends, choose your destination, choose your yacht, choose your week, and then anxiously await your departure.
You can go with a group of friends that you already know or you can seek out new friends via social media or use the crew finder to help fill up your boat (boats sleep 6-12 depending on the boat you choose to cruise in). The company is constantly adding destinations to its ever-expanding list, but currently, you can sail around Croatia, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Italy, and Thailand.
Yacht prices vary depending on the size of the yacht you choose and amenities you desire to have while sailing, you will also need to hire a skipper if you do not have a friend who knows how to sail a yacht and you have the option to hire a hostess that can cook and clean the boat while you sail.
Every day we sailed for approximately 2-4 hours along with 50 other yachts. The yachts would either tie up together in the middle of the Adriatic Sea to stop for a quick swim in the clear blue water or sail to the next destination/ port to stock up on food, grab a lunch or dinner at a local restaurant, or attend an open-air party on the water’s edge.
We sailed for 7 days. We sailed from Split to the Island of Vis where we went to Vis Town and Komitza then to the Korkula Island where we visited Vela Luka. We then sailed to the island of Scedro then to Havar where we visited Palmizana and Hvar Town. We then went to BRAC Island where we visited Milna then to Solta Island where we visited Rogac. On the very last day, all 50 yachts partook in a regatta to our final destination, Split.
Travel Tip: Be sure to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your information on your laptop when accessing the internet when traveling around the world. There are several good solutions out there but we trust in ExpressVPN. Find this and other tips on our Travel Tools Page.
Friends were made and I took many memories with me of this week-long adventure. Jacques Cousteau said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever”, this statement could not be truer.
Traveled July 2012