Island Hopping in Croatia
- Early Start for Island Adventure
- Beautiful Beginning: Setting Sail
- Exploring Iconic Locations: Hvar, Blue Lagoon, and Blue Grotto
- A Culinary Experience in Bol
Embarking on an island-hopping adventure the following day necessitated an early wake-up, one which may have felt unwelcome on vacation. Nevertheless, the prospect of sailing through Croatia’s stunning landscapes provided ample motivation to leap out of bed and head downstairs for breakfast.
The sunlight was already bright (even at that early hour), and with no breeze to disturb the air, the sea mirrored glass.
We eagerly boarded our boat, setting out shortly to uncover the beauties of Croatia.
Our initial destination was a brief exploration of a cave formerly used by the military, now a dwelling for fishermen, who can still be seen throughout the day conducting their activities…
Our subsequent stop was at Hvar, a quick visit that allowed us just enough time to experience the allure of this charming city.
Hvar’s history is impressively diverse—over time, it has been influenced by multiple cultures, including Greek, Slavic, Turkish, Roman, Venetian, Hungarian, Bosnian, Austrian, French, British, and Italian.
After enjoying a refreshing drink to combat the morning heat, we proceeded to explore Hvar’s picturesque streets.
It is strongly recommended to visit the local theater while you’re here, as it ranks among the oldest surviving theaters in Europe, dating back to 1612.
After some time spent lounging by the sea, it was time for us to make our way back onboard our vessel for our visit to the Blue Lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon offers an idyllic setting for a revitalizing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Croatia.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Hvar, the soaring temperatures (around 35C / 95F) made this refreshing experience even more appealing.
We moved seamlessly between swimming and relaxing on the boat, occasionally pausing for a chilled beer before diving back into the refreshing waters.
Next, we set our sights on exploring the Blue Cave, also known as the Blue Grotto, with a brief stop at the Green Cave where swimming is permitted.
Due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, access to the Blue Grotto is now regulated, and free swimming as enjoyed in the past is no longer allowed.
Visitors must switch to smaller boats with guides to reach the cave, given the narrow entrance.
Inside, the sheer beauty of the cave quickly becomes apparent, making the experience truly worthwhile.
The cave is illuminated by an underwater tunnel, exuding tranquility and beauty in equal measure. Let us explore it in more detail…
Thoroughly satisfied with the experience, our group visited Komiža for lunch, where we relished the local cuisine.
At last, our adventure concluded with dinner at Taverna Riva, a standout establishment in Bol on Brač Island.
We commenced with an exquisite lobster gnocchi and truffle gnocchi that tantalized the palate.
The success of our meal continued with calamari, both grilled and fried separately, alongside a flavorful grilled fish.
The lobster gnocchi was enjoyable, but the truffle gnocchi stood out for its exceptional taste, securing a place on our subsequent dinner menus throughout our stay in Croatia.
As night fell, we reflected on our exhilarating day while enjoying a local sparkling wine at dinner, savoring the moments shared exploring the exquisite wonders of Croatia.
