This cruise in the Elaphite archipelago with detours to Mljet National Park and the salt pans of Ston provides pure relaxation with its short strokes. Anchor bays with gently sloping sandy beaches invite you to go snorkelling, while the fresh scent of the pine forests encourages you to take a walk in the woods.
The green vegetation of southern Dalmatia is a remarkable contrast to the rather barren coastal landscapes of northern Croatia. This makes this region very popular with charter crews, which unfortunately means that harbours and buoy fields are quickly filled to capacity. Fortunately, there are plenty of free and beautiful anchorages available as an alternative.
Day 1: Dubrovnik-Lopud (9 nm)
The trip begins with a short river trip on the Ombla, before setting course for what is probably the most beautiful island in the Elaphiti. The beach in the anchorage bay in the north-west of Lopud is lined with palm trees, in front of which there are several mooring buoys from various konobas. The church of St Mary of Spilica and the neighbouring Franciscan monastery are the most important buildings in Lopud and are definitely worth a visit.
Day 2: Lopud-Sipanska Luka (10 nm)
From Lopud, we sail past the uninhabited island of Ruda along the east coast of Sipan, the largest Elaphite island, round it to the north and then head south towards the small town of Sipanska Luka. There are good anchorages and mooring buoys here. The town centre has a special charm thanks to its old stone houses, impressive palaces and a park with lemons, palm trees and oleanders.
Day 3: Sipan-Mljet (9 nm)
We pass between the narrows of the westernmost tip of Sipan and the island of Jakljan to sail five nautical miles across open water to Mljet National Park with half the wind. The maestral can blow a little stronger on this section. However, the beautiful lagoon at the eastern end of Mljet is well protected. Among other things, there are five mooring buoys from the upmarket restaurant "Stermasi". As the spot is very popular, it is advisable to arrive early.
Day 4: Mljet-Ston (10 nm)
We return north-east between Olipa and Jakljan, then continue towards the Stonski Canal. The fairway passes under the recently inaugurated canal bridge. You can moor at the old quay wall or soon in the new town harbour, which is just as rustic in nature. The salt pans are worth a visit; salt harvesting begins in August.
Day 5: Ston-Pakljena (12 nm)
On the way to Dubrovnik, stop in the marvellous Pakljena bay in the east of Sipan. Moor at the restaurant jetty or at one of the three konoba buoys.
Day 6: Pakljena-Dubrovnik (10 nm)
Passing Lopud, Kolocep and Daksa, we return to the Ombla on the last day, this time upriver to the ACI marina. If you are not yet familiar with Dubrovnik, you should definitely not miss out on this World Heritage city.
Territory character Dubrovnik
Southern Dalmatia is not only fantastically beautiful, but also offers inexperienced crews good conditions for a successful trip. The few critical traffic points such as harbour entrances or shallows are buoyed, otherwise the entire area is sufficiently deep until just off the coast.
Wind & Weather
The Maestrale, the reliable north-westerly sea breeze with wind speeds of eleven to 21 knots during the summer months, is accompanied by fine weather and dispels the summer heat. In the course of the evening, it is replaced by the Burin, an offshore wind. The notorious Bora and Jugo storms can also occur here. However, the bora in particular is not as violent this far south in Croatia as it is further north in the large Kvarner Bay.
