Croatia Island Hopping With MedSailors 🇭🇷⛵️

Okay everyone, it’s finally time. Here are some of my top highlights from the Dear Community Croatia trip with MedSailors in Croatia!

Before this trip, I had never done anything like this before. This was my first time going overseas without my parents, and I was joining a group of people I had never met before. Kinda scary, but also so much fun!

The whole idea behind the trip was to bring together a group of solo-travelling girls who wanted to travel, meet other girls along the way and explore somewhere completely new together. It basically felt like we were living out our Mamma Mia dreams.

Our skipper was incredible and so experienced, which made the whole week feel really easy. There was such a good balance between exploring somewhere new, relaxing on the boat, jumping into the sea whenever we wanted and actually having time to get to know everyone.

So, here are my top highlights from each place we went on the trip...

Dubrovnik 

We started our trip in Dubrovnik, and if there is one thing I wish I had done differently, it would be to give myself more time here.

I only had a couple of hours in Dubrovnik before meeting the group, but honestly, try to give yourself at least a full day or two if you can. Even if it means booking a slightly less convenient flight, I think it would be worth it.

Getting from Dubrovnik Airport to the Old Town is pretty easy, with the Platanus Croatia Airport Shuttle Bus taking you directly towards the Old Town.

And when you arrive... WOW.

The Old Town genuinely felt like paradise. Think huge stone walls and tiny winding streets. The city is also famous for being used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, so there are plenty of recognisable spots to explore if you’re a fan.

One of the things I wish I had known beforehand? Bring your bikini!

There are so many gorgeous places around the Old Town where you can swim, and you can even go kayaking. 

Suđurađ 

Then it was officially time to get on the yacht.

Our first stop was Suđurađ, a small village on the island of Šipan.

This was where everything actually started to feel real.

We arrived, settled onto the boats and had some time to explore before our first group dinner. We walked together from the boats to the restaurant, took our first boat group photos and properly met the people we’d be spending the next week with.

Sitting down together for dinner was the perfect way to break the ice. Then, if you were still feeling social, there was a local bar by the boats for drinks, dancing and music. My advice is to don’t feel like you have to have everything figured out on the first day. It really about settling in, meeting everyone and getting into the rhythm of the trip.

Pomena + Mljet National Park 

Next stop: Pomena on Mljet.

And this was definitely one of the more adventurous days of the trip.

After docking, we headed towards Mljet National Park, where we spent the afternoon cycling around the park.

Mljet is known for its incredibly green landscape and its two saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero. There are walking and cycling paths around the lakes, and you can also swim, kayak and visit the little island of St Mary in the middle of Veliko Jezero.

If you decide to bike, bring a small backpack with your towel and bikini so you can stop for a swim along the way. I did it with a tote bag which kept getting stuck in the wheels ... wasn't the greatest LOL. 

Korčula 

Korčula is one of those places where you can just wander around without really knowing where you’re going and somehow end up somewhere beautiful.

The medieval Old Town is full of cute shops and beautiful architecture, with St Mark’s Square sitting right at the centre.

Lovište 

After Korčula, we had one of my favourite types of days: a slow one.

We headed towards Lovište, stopping in a beautiful bay for swimming, relaxing and soaking up the sunshine before anchoring for the night.

And I think this is something I really appreciated about doing a sailing trip.

You wake up, have breakfast, jump in the sea, sail somewhere new and then spend the afternoon exploring.

Not every day needs to be packed.

Some days are for exploring a new Old Town, and some are for lying on the front of the boat, jumping into the sea and soaking up the sun with a book.

That balance made the trip feel like an actual holiday rather than one giant checklist.

We then headed ashore for dinner, taking the dinghy from the boat into town before coming back to the yacht afterwards.

Stari Grad + Hvar 

Then came Hvar, and this was definitely the place to lean into holiday mode.

Hvar has that glamorous European island feeling beautiful restaurants, rooftop bars, cocktails, gorgeous views and plenty happening once the sun goes down.

If you’re looking for a mix of sunset drinks + nightlife, Hvar is the place.

We also explored Stari Grad, which is one of the oldest settlements on the island.

Trogir + Split 

And then suddenly, it was time to say goodbye.

Our final stop was Trogir Baotić Marina, where we packed up our things, said goodbye to our skipper and headed off to our next destinations.

A lot of the girls went straight to Split, but personally, I think it’s worth taking some time to explore Trogir. You can store your bags somewhere there before heading into Split, which is only around a 30-minute drive away.

And then there was Split.

It was one of those places where we really just wanted to wander around and see where the day took us. We spent the morning exploring the little streets of Diocletian’s Palace, stopping for food and taking in all the beautiful old buildings.

So, what is it ACTUALLY like travelling Croatia with a group of strangers?

This was probably the biggest thing I was nervous about before the trip.

I didn't know who I'd be sharing a boat with, whether we'd get along or whether it would feel awkward.

But I think that's what made it so special.

You start the week sitting at a group dinner with people you've never met.

Then you're swimming together.

Then you're getting ready for a night out together.

Then you're sitting on the front of the yacht talking until midnight.

And suddenly you're saying things like:

"Wait, you have to come visit me when we're home."

The yacht really does bring everyone together.

You're all experiencing the same places, the same sunsets, the same swims and the same little chaotic moments.

And because you're following a group itinerary, you don't have to worry about planning every single detail yourself.

You just turn up and experience it. That was the whole reason I loved this trip. It was for girls who want to travel but don't want to travel alone. You don't need to wait until someone else is ready. You can just go. And yes, you're technically arriving with a boat full of strangers but at the end they really are your friends.

So if you've been wanting to travel but keep thinking: "I just need to find someone to go with." Maybe you don't. Maybe your people are waiting for you on the other side of the world 🤍⛵️

- Peyton xx