If you have been thinking about cruising in Croatia, this snippet should push you over the edge and booking that trip!
In 2023, our friends Bruce and Nadine Tedder bought a 2006 42’ Custom Lobster Boat, built in Trieste, Italy. They took the boat to Croatia, using the time to get to know the boat and the geography of the area. This summer of 2024, they returned to visit old haunts and explore new gems along the Croatian Island Chain.
From Nadine:
On the 8th of July we left Italy! Puttered across to Portoroz in Slovenia to fuel up then first stop Novigrad in Croatia to clear customs and immigration and get the cruising permit. Quaint port town, all was smooth and effortless. The Istrian peninsula is beautiful, thickly wooded, azure waters and like so much of Croatia rich in history. This part in particular has much Italian influence because of its proximity to Italy and Venice which was the super power centuries ago.
Next stop Rovinj. Picturesque, romantic, historic and filled with old, charming, pastel and ochre coloured buildings. Truly a dream spot and still very much an active fishing harbour too. Then we crossed the Kvarner Channel to begin the real Croatian Island hopping. Eased into it en route by anchoring off this little lighthouse for a quick lunch stop in the middle of nowhere. Our real cruising had officially begun!
Cruising brings the simple life! Having time to just be at one with nature and the elements. Highs far outweigh the lows. Revisiting the Croatian archipelago has been a treat. Boat has also behaved well this season. I guess we have gotten to know it better and Bruce has a good handle on all its systems and idiosyncrasies. Less stress than last year.
Didn’t take long for us to morph into the cruising lifestyle of peaceful anchorages, insane sunsets, balmy ‘al fresco’ dinners. Salt water washing off the stern by moonlight, followed by a fresh water rinse off. Really nothing to beat it when it’s good! We have managed to go ashore most mornings around 6-ish to do a hike, run or walk before the intense heat. Exploring little villages inland, hiking up mountains to capture the best view and meeting the locals en route. End off back in the port, hit the bakery or market and back to boat for swims in this delicious water and then breakfast. Great way to start the day.
Croatian Islands bring with them turquoise, clean and clear waters. I never stop marvelling and enthusiasing as we anchor in this inviting water. Just jumping over the side and swimming or snorkeling for hours. Slowly we headed South, revisiting some of our favourites and exploring many new Islands.
Anchoring in Olib felt like coming home. Walked the windy, stone walled roads marvelling once again at all the vegetable gardens. Met ‘Drago’ an American/Croat who like many left the Island when the Communists took over. Most headed for New York and New Jersey but they love to come home here to their roots for summer holidays. Such an interesting long chat with him. He had just harvested a sack of baby potatoes. Insisted that on our way back from our walk that we pop in and take a bag back to the boat with us. Extra yummy they were.
On Ugljan Island after one of our long hikes we met Rajko the fisherman who spoke good English. Curious as always we like to find out local knowledge and history of the area. He was born and bred on the Island then worked on the ships, visited SA a few times. Later that day he bought me from his garden THE biggest tomato I have ever seen along with others. Honestly the best I have ever tasted! Sweet and juicy! Such a treat ..
There is more! But we will leave Bruce and Nadine right there and you can go and visit the area yourselves.
