Sail Croatia 2022 Highlights:
Week 1
After two incredible Sail Croatia trips in 2021, I was so excited to bring this incredible trip back for 2022! And again, we had two sold out back to back weeks.
Check out the 2021 highlights here: Week one & Week two
From swim stops in the Adriatic, to hiking to hidden caves or partying on private island nightclubs…here is everything we got up to in the first week!
Day 1: Split
Everyone began arriving in Split for our first day! After a surprise rainshower, we kicked things off with a welcome meeting aboard our ship, IKA. We then headed out for a walking tour of this incredible, historic town.
After some free time to explore, we headed back for a drink on our boat (open bar everyday from 12-10pm!) then went to our welcome dinner on a coastal restaurant serving Croatian cuisine.
That night we did a walk to the viewpoint on the hill overlooking the Split harbor before heading out for a fun night on the town!
We wound up dancing the night away at the nightclub, Vanilla and indulging in all sorts of fun/unique shots at my favorite bar in Split, Shotgun Shooters.
Day 2: Ziplining, Fish Dinner & Cave Bar in Makarska
The next morning our boat set sail from Split early and we headed towards Makarska.
With construction on the Omis port, we took a bus transfer to go ziplining. The port may be closed this year but this excursion is too epic to be missed out on!
After we conquered Europe’s longest and most intense zipline, we headed for a seafood dinner onboard a fishing ship docked in Makarska.
That night, it was off to the cave bar, DEEP. Located right off the ocean, you can see the waves and hear the ocean crash as you take to the dance floor inside this naturally occurring and very visually stunning cave.
Day 3: River Rafting, Eco Farm Dinner in Stari Grad
Our group was picked up early for a rafting adventure in Omis! The views along the river in Omis are truly spectacular. So with some very quirky guides (we’re looking at you “Croatian Jesus”), we set off in our rafts down the river.
This was a highlight of the trip for many! Especially when it came time for the “BOMBA” section. Here the rapids are more intense and require a special maneuver of leaping into the raft in a seated position to avoid being tossed out. It was a BLAST.
After rafting, we set sail towards Stari Grad, a quieter and lesser known port.
On this little island, we went for the most beautiful dinner on the eco farm, Hora.
We took far too many photos at this beautiful property before indulging in a wine tasting, olive oil tasting and amazing 4 course meal. It was an unforgettable evening!
Day 4: Hvar
We started the day with a swim stop just outside of Hvar. The water in the Adriatic is super salty and therefore, it’s really easy to swim in because you are so buoyant! It made for really fun days at sea hanging out in our floaties and splashing around.
After a gorgeous swim stop, we took a water taxi into the town, Hvar!
Known for its nightlife. luxury yachts and celeb spottings, this town is a lot wilder and busier than quiet islands like Stari Grad.
We had free time to wander and check out the sights like the bell tower and historic theater before meeting in the town square for a sunset picnic hike up to the fortress!
Easily the best place for sunset in all of Hvar island.. and we had a front row seat!
That night we went out to a row of street bars and had a blast dancing & mingling! At midnight, we headed to the private island nightclub that is super famous in Croatia, Carpe Diem!
Day 5: Korcula
We set sail in the morning and stopped for a swim stop along the way!
Around 3pm, we took a water taxi into one of my favorite stops, Korcula.
This tiny medieval town is STUNNING. Easily one of my favorites in all of Croatia! After some free time spent wandering the tiny cobblestone streets, we headed for a Croatian wine tasting in the heart of the old stone city.
After a sampling of Croatian wines, our group went for one drink along the coast before heading to our traditional Peka dinner. We indulged in more incredible food & local wine!
That night, some of us ladies stayed out to go dancing at Dos Locos. It turned into a super late but really fun night out!
Day 6: Mljet & Odysseus’ Cave
The next day, we arrived in the stunning national park, Mljet.
Our transfer picked us up and drove us to the start of the hike to Odysseus’ Cave. This lesser known gem is a bit tricky to get to but worth the hike!
Once at the cave, we cliff jumped into the vibrant blue waters and spent the next few hours swimming through the cave, taking underwater pictures and soaking in the sun.
That night, we docked at sea and had a sailor/pirate theme party onboard.
Day 7: Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik was our next and final destination in Croatia. This iconic city boasts insane views, incredibly well-preserved medieval walls and for Game of Thrones fans, countless filming locations. It was King’s Landing after all!
Some wandered and shopped while others joined a Game of Thrones tour.
That night we had our farewell dinner at the stunning Port 22 restaurant with views of the Dubrovnik harbour at sunset.
We briefly swung by the nightclub Revelin before heading back to our ship IKA for a final hangout and some wine onboard.
Day 8: Goodbyes!
After an incredible week, there were many tearful goodbyes!
I’m so thankful for each and every person that made this trip what it was…I hope to see you all on a trip again soon!
To join a group trip, check out the “Travel With Me” section!
Past group trips include: dog sledding in Minnesota, Southwest USA, Sail Croatia, backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail, Christmas in NYC, Iceland, Morocco, Turkey, Ireland, and more!
