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By
Ken Jones
Croatia is
situated on the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy, in the Northern
Mediterranean. With a history going back over a thousand years, it first
appeared on the political map of Europe in 1992, following the break up
of Yugoslavia after a bloody civil war.
Weather -
The climate is typical of the Mediterranean and provides for pleasant
holidays throughout the year. The best season for sailing in Croatia is
early summer with good winds in May and June mainly from the S/SE.
Mornings tend to be calm with the wind increasing later in the afternoon
to around 15 - 20 knots. The months of July and August see calmer
conditions which is OK for those who don't mind motoring. Summer
temperatures average between 26 to 30°C and the sea temperature in
summer is about 25ºC.
Sailing Area
- Starting in the north
The Brioni
Islands - Formally the summer residence of President Tito, these islands
were closed to the general public. Today they are open but the
facilities are a bit rundown, as little money was spent on their upkeep
following the death of the President. The group of islands consists of 2
larger ones and 12 smaller ones. They were given National Park status in
1983. The largest island is Veli Brijun, just is 2km from the coast. It
is very green being covered with vegetation.
Cres &
Losinj islands - Covering nearly 400 square km, Cres is the second
largest island in the Adriatic. It is grouped with Losinj and another 28
smaller islands. The harbour of Mali Losinj is said to be the most
beautiful in the entire Adriatic. Cikat bay, which is well known for its
beach and good windsurfing, is the tourist centre. While the town of
Veli Losinj is much quieter. Cres Town is also popular and is
reminiscent of an Italian village due to the fact that for several
centuries it was ruled by Venice. The island of Susak is well worth a
visit. The population speak their own dialect, which is not easily
understood by other Croats. And the women often dress in a colourful
costume, a short, multicoloured dress, red leggings and a white blouse.
Krk is the
largest island in the Adriatic, covering 405.78 square km, and is also
one of the most populous islands.. It is very busy with tourists being
by bridge to the mainland. It is not the most beautiful or the greenest
of the islands. The main towns are Baska, Krk town itself, Malinska,
Omisalj, Punat and Vrbnik. Krk Town is famous for the Cathedral of St.
Mary.
Rab island
is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic and probably one of the
most magical. It is has beautiful sandy beaches and is covered with pine
forests. Rab Town, the main resort, is full of medieval buildings, built
under Venetian rule in the 13th century. The old town walls are still
visible in some places.
Pag is the
second longest island in the Adriatic. It has little in the way of
vegetation due to strong wind of Bora. In spite of this Pag has a lot of
charm. It is well known for its lace making and the Pag Town is
beautifully preserved.
Primosten,
on the coast, is one of the most popular resorts on the Adriatic coast
and boasts the best of Croatia from yesterday, stroll the narrow,
cobbled streets of the old town centre set on a small, hilly peninsula
and today, the Hacienda all night disco is just a 10 minute taxi away.
The Kornati
islands - 140 islands make up this archipelago and it covers an area 300
square km. The majority of the area is a National Park, designated so
because of it's numerous coves and crystal clear blue waters. It was
described by astronauts as having the bluest water on earth seen from
space .It is truly beautiful. George Bernard Shaw said of the island
group "On the last day of Creation God desired to crown His work, and
thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath." Most
of the area belongs to the people of Murter island who come to look
after the olive groves, vineyards and orchards. They in stay cottages
during the agricultural season but there is no permanent population.
Hramina is a private marina on Murter Island with good facilities
including a choice of restaurants.
Dugi Otok is
home to the large, beautiful bay at Telescica. The small fishing town of
Sali here is famous for summer events celebrating local folklore with a
fun donkey race and a procession of illuminated boats. Brbinj higher up
on Dugi Otok is a quiet, sheltered stop surrounded by pine woods and
olive groves.
The city of
Split is a UNESCO world heritage site famous for the Palace of the
Emperor Diocletian.
Visit
Skradin on the mainland and venture up-river to the famous waterfalls at
Krka.
Brac is the
largest island in Central Dalmatia and the third largest in the
Adriatic. It is also one of the sunniest with 2,700 hours per year. Brac
is renowned for its agricultural products, figs, olive oil, nectarines,
wine and other fruits. However the main export is the famous Brac stone
from which many buildings in the world have been constructed, including
the home to the presidents of the United States of America, The White
House in Washington DC Bol is said to have the most beautiful beach in
the Adriatic. Other resorts include the Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat), Milna,
Sumartin, Supetar and Sutivan.
Hvar is the
fourth largest island in the Adriatic and is even sunnier than Brac.
There is however enough rain to keep the island green and to maintain
the beautiful fields of lavender, marjoram, rosemary, sage and thyme
together with the vineyards. In the spring Hvar smells like a herbalist
shop. The lavender oil is the island's major export. The main resorts
are Hvar Town, Jelsa, Stari Grad, Sucuraj and Vrboska. Hvar boasts the
country's oldest public theatre dating from 1612.
Vis - At 24
miles from the mainland this is the most westerly of the larger Croatian
islands. Vis is the oldest established town in Dalmatia founded in 397
BC. The island was major base for British troops during World War II.
After 1945 it was closed to the public the Yugoslav military and
reopened in 1990. Some of Croatia's finest wines are produced there,
such as Plavac and Vugava. The two main towns are Vis Town and Komiza.
Vis is especially peaceful and relaxing.
Bisevo is
home to the famous Blue Caves and this is the perfect snorkelling spot
Korcula is
known for its dense forest. Marco Polo, the famous adventurer, was born
on Korcula, and his house still there. Korcula known as "Little
Dubrovnik", Vela Luka and Lumbarda are the main resorts.
On the
mainland, Ston, is one of the most beautiful fortified towns you are
ever likely to see. It is famous for its many cultural monuments and
impressive defensive walls. The local restaurants serve delicious dishes
of oyster and other fresh seafood. Spend the afternoon on it's sandy
beach lined with olive trees.
Mljet is 23
miles west of Dubrovnik and is the southern most of the larger islands.
The western half of the island is a National Park and over two-thirds of
the island is forested with. According to legend, Odysseus fell in love
with the island and stayed there for seven years. You will find numerous
good anchorages and sandy beaches on the southern coast, the best of
which is Saplunara
The Elafit
islands - Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan - In ancient times these islands were
home to a large deer population and take their name from the Greek word
elafos, meaning deer. There are in fact six islands in the group and it
is reputed the most skilful mariners came from here. Once again the
islands are very beautiful and are a must visit. Lopud is little more
than two hills which are connected by a beautiful valley. Follow the
footpath through to the bay called Sunj, a round white sand beach
perfect for a swim.
Dubrovnik is
an immaculately preserved 13th century fortified city. Ancient walls
surround the old town enclosing a fascinating mix of Renaissance, Gothic
and Baroque architecture. Tall ramparts and towering spires rise
dramatically from splendid squares packed with colourful bars, markets
and restaurants. The whole city is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Food and
Wine - Croatian cooking is typically Mediterranean with fish, shellfish,
fresh vegetables and olive oil taking centre stage. Varieties of fish
include dog's tooth, gilthead, grouper, mackerel, sardines and sea bass.
You will find cuttlefish, octopus and squid, lobsters, mussels, oysters
and shrimps. These are presented grilled or in stews and risottos. The
local smoked ham is very good. Lamb is also highly regarded, especially
baked on an open fire. There are some interesting local dishes, some
found on individual islands, to be sought out or avoided. Take Vitalec
as an example - lamb's offal wrapped in lamb gut and spike-roasted, not
everybody's idea of culinary heaven. Regions with a plentiful supply of
fresh water, the Neretva valley, Trilj and the Cetina basin, are well
for their frog, eel and river crab dishes. Pag and Dubrovnik produce
high quality sheep's cheese. Pag's is known as Paski-Sir, a hard,
distinctively flavoured cheese. The unique flavour comes from the method
of rubbing the cheese with olive oil and ash before leaving it to
mature; in addition, the sheep eat a diet that includes many wild herbs
such as sage. Dalmatian desserts are good too. The most usual
ingredients include almonds, eggs, honey, local fruit, dried figs and
raisins. Try Orehnjaca, a sweet bread with walnuts or poppy seeds.
Palacinke are pancakes usually served with jam or chocolate. Dalmatian
wines have been regarded highly since ancient times. Famous wines
include Babic from Primosten, Dingac and Postup from the Peljesac
Peninsula and Plancic from the island of Hvar. There are also good local
brandies and liqueurs.
Ken Jones
runs a
Sailing Site.
More information about Yacht Charter can be found
here
Find other Marine Services in Croatia
here.
Article
Source:
http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ken_Jones
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Croatia Gullet cruise
New Gullet "Nostra Vita"
Specifications:
Year 2005
Length 29.50m
Beam 7.30m
Deep freezer; 2 Ice machines
Hull - Mahogany; Deck - Teak
Spacious saloon in mahogany
Galley with a bar
Spacious sun deck with 10 sun-bathing matresses
Large table on stern area with teak chairs
Air-conditioning
Intercom with receiver in each cabin
Cruising speed 10.5NM, max speed 14NM
Electricity 12V, 24V, 220V; Generator 30KW
Notebook with internet facility
4 sails: 2 mainsails, furling Genoa, furling Mizzin
Recreational facilities:
Fishing gear
4.8m tender with an outboard engine 50HP, set of water skiis, 2
doughnuts,
Plasma TV
Set of board games
Accommodation:
Two master cabins
Two double en suite cabins
One twin en suite cabin
Click to enlarge
Sailing routes
Sailing
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