Lumbarda - Eastern Hvar - Makarska - Eastern Brac
After the surreal Alpine dream in the heart of the Mediterranean we experienced in the islands and islets in front of Korcula and Lumbarda we continued our journey towards the gentle shores of eastern Hvar and Brac Islands! The first part of the navigation was made through the Pejlesac Channel, between Peljesac peninsula and Korcula Island. The Peninsula is a mountainous finger of land which stretches for some 90km from Lovište in the west to the mainland in the east. It’s an exceptionally beautiful place, with tiny villages and sheltered coves rimmed by beaches, and although it’s an increasingly popular holiday area, development remains low-key.
The high peaks of Peljesac protect Korcula and its southeastern coast from rough northerly winds. The dry terrain is covered with macchia in the north and dotted woth vineyards, olive orchards and fruit trees in the south. This place retains a thriving agricultural business especially in winemaking. Dingac and Postup wines are appreciated throughout Croatia and Peljesac vineyards are open for visits. Do sample the farmed oysters and shellfish from Ston that attract gastronomes from far away.
The high peaks of Peljesac protect Korcula and its southeastern coast from rough northerly winds. The dry terrain is covered with macchia in the north and dotted woth vineyards, olive orchards and fruit trees in the south. This place retains a thriving agricultural business especially in winemaking. Dingac and Postup wines are appreciated throughout Croatia and Peljesac vineyards are open for visits. Do sample the farmed oysters and shellfish from Ston that attract gastronomes from far away.
 Peljesac Channel form Korcula - Hvar Island On The Back |  Peljesac Channel |
Korcula Island From Peljesac
After a relaxing early morning navigation through this quiet channel the view opens up again on Hvar and on Vis Island on the back! Hvar South Eatern Shores are just 4 Miles from the most western cape of Peljesac Peninsula. Hvar coast is covered in Pines and Mediterannean macchia, it is soft and welcoming compared to the south western area we visited the first day of navigation. There are several relaxing and bright blue sea bays as Smokvina, Smarska, Mrtinovik, Zidigova making it and ideal place to have a day boat tour!
At the eastern tip of Hvar lies the pretty little port of Sućuraj. From there, it’s only 5 km, a short hop by ferry across to Drvenik on the mainland. From the island the effect is rather dramatic – you’re looking up at a 4,000 ft wall across the small channel, which looms ever larger as you sail across! The lightouse located at the most eastern point of Hvar Island seems coming out form a fairytale!
At the eastern tip of Hvar lies the pretty little port of Sućuraj. From there, it’s only 5 km, a short hop by ferry across to Drvenik on the mainland. From the island the effect is rather dramatic – you’re looking up at a 4,000 ft wall across the small channel, which looms ever larger as you sail across! The lightouse located at the most eastern point of Hvar Island seems coming out form a fairytale!
 Mrtinovik Bay. During Summer a local fisherman prepares fresh fish |  Sucuraj Village |
Zidigova Bay
Sucuraj Lighthouse
Generally most Dalmatia’s visitors head straight for the islands, as we did but the Makarska Riviera on the mainland coast, between Split and Dubrovnik, is home to some of the country’s loveliest stretches of beach. Running from Brela in the north and to Gradac in the south, the riviera is 38 miles long and centres on Makarska. We therefore decided to stop there on our way to Brac Island.
Makarska itself is built around a deep sheltered bay, and backed by the dramatic rocky heights of Mount Biokovo (circa 1700 meters), which acts as a buffer from the harsher inland climate. Biokovo’s sea-facing slopes are criss-crossed by well-marked trails, so besides swimming in the deep turquoise Adriatic, it’s possible to get in some hiking or mountain biking too.
Today, through summer Makarska’s main square is filled with open-air restaurants and cafés, while behind the church, in the shade, the daily open-air market sells fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. Along the harbour, overlooked by a string of cafés and pizzeria, wooden excursion boats offer one-day trips to Jelsa on Hvar and Zlatni Rat beach in Bol on Brac.
But the main draw here are the beaches, backed by fragrant pinewoods overlooking the glistening turquoise sea.
Makarska has a dual soul indeed: on one side a typical Mediterranean touristic destination with bright blue sea, tranquil atmosphere and a good sports offer, while on the other side the nights are much more active with many bars, clubs, restaurants and live music!
Makarska itself is built around a deep sheltered bay, and backed by the dramatic rocky heights of Mount Biokovo (circa 1700 meters), which acts as a buffer from the harsher inland climate. Biokovo’s sea-facing slopes are criss-crossed by well-marked trails, so besides swimming in the deep turquoise Adriatic, it’s possible to get in some hiking or mountain biking too.
Today, through summer Makarska’s main square is filled with open-air restaurants and cafés, while behind the church, in the shade, the daily open-air market sells fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. Along the harbour, overlooked by a string of cafés and pizzeria, wooden excursion boats offer one-day trips to Jelsa on Hvar and Zlatni Rat beach in Bol on Brac.
But the main draw here are the beaches, backed by fragrant pinewoods overlooking the glistening turquoise sea.
Makarska has a dual soul indeed: on one side a typical Mediterranean touristic destination with bright blue sea, tranquil atmosphere and a good sports offer, while on the other side the nights are much more active with many bars, clubs, restaurants and live music!
Makarska & Mount Biokovo
A Very Calm Day For Enjoying The Boat Trip: Mount Biokovo on the left and Brac island straight
View From Biokovo: Makarska, Brac Island and Hvar Island
After this coastal stop we just continued our planned trip towards eastern Brac Island shores where we visited some amazing deep bays like Rasotica close to Sumartin and the superb Luka very close to Povlja village. The first one is a very narrow bay where the anchorage is possible only with some ropes on the shores in order to leave some free room for other boats while the second one is made of several very deep fiords that will protect you from almost every wind! The Povlja fiords must be visited if you have the chance and do not forget to have a dinner in the dreamy atmosphere of Pipo restaurant, which can be reached only walking or by boat! No cars arrived there yet, and this is something very special!
 Rasotica Bay |  Pipo restaurant Organic Paprikas On The Beach |
Luke Bays Close To Povlja
Sumartin Beach: View On Biokovo
Pipo Restaurant
