We always say that sailing isn’t just a trip it’s a feeling. The kind that sticks long after the tan fades. We’ve seen people arrive stressed, busy, still half-connected to their emails – and then, somewhere between the Pakleni Islands and Šćedro, something shifts. The phones go down, the laughter gets louder, and the Adriatic starts doing what it does best: slowing everything down.

And yes, we visit the Blue Cave too. No one should miss that moment when the sea glows electric blue and everyone pretends their 147th photo is still spontaneous.

But honestly, the real magic happens everywhere in between: swimming in hidden coves, tasting local wine in Jelsa, or having dinner under the stars on an island with no cars and no noise.

That’s why we do this. Not just to show beaches or famous caves, but to watch people fall a little bit in love with the Balkans, the sea, and maybe even with the slower version of themselves. Every island, every swim, every shared meal tells a story, and somehow they all blend into that feeling you can’t pack in a suitcase.

Jelsa is a small seaside town tucked on the northern coast of Hvar, known for its laid-back charm and friendly spirit.

Life here moves a little slower, the streets smell of pine and sea breeze, and mornings begin with coffee on the promenade while locals chat about the day ahead. It’s the kind of place that feels instantly welcoming, where time stretches and worries fade away.

You might be wondering why visit Jelsa when you already have lively Hvar Town and historic Stari Grad?
Well, because Jelsa has its own kind of magic. It’s calm but never boring, small but full of character, and surrounded by some of the island’s best nature.

Olive groves, vineyards, and lavender fields roll right into town, and the beaches nearby are perfect for long swims and lazy afternoons. It’s where you come to slow down, breathe in the island air, and see what everyday life on Hvar really feels like.

Unlike the bustle of Hvar Town, Jelsa’s waterfront has a softer rhythm. Fishing boats sway gently in the harbor, children play along the stone pier, and old men sit under the pines sharing stories. The main square, lined with pastel houses and cozy cafés, is the perfect spot to watch it all unfold.

Grab a gelato or a glass of local wine and just take in the view – this is Jelsa at its best, calm but full of life.

Jelsa sits in the heart of Hvar’s wine country, surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves. The area is famous for Plavac Mali, Bogdanuša, and the rare Prč grape, grown only here.

Local winemakers often open their doors to visitors, happy to share tastings and stories about the land that’s been cultivated for centuries. Olive oil from this region is rich and aromatic, best enjoyed simply with fresh bread or local cheese.

Food here follows the same honest philosophy. Think grilled fish, octopus salad, and homemade pasta served in small family-run konobas. You’ll also find lavender honey, fig jams, and desserts that taste like sunshine.

Wander through Jelsa’s old streets and you’ll find a mix of Venetian stone houses, small chapels, and hidden courtyards draped in bougainvillea. The town hosts lively local markets where you can buy everything from fresh fruit and olive oil to handwoven lavender sachets. 

Jelsa is a place that may not shout for attention, but it leaves a lasting impression. It’s where you come to breathe a little deeper, eat a little better, and feel the heartbeat of Hvar beyond the crowds.

Just off the coast of Hvar Town lie the Paklinski Islands, a cluster of small forested islets that feel like a secret playground when you arrive by boat.

What you get here instead is pure paradise: hidden coves, turquoise lagoons, and tiny beaches that make you wonder if you accidentally stumbled into a secret world.

The first moments on Palmižana feel like a dream. The island bursts with colour and fragrance: rosemary, sage, lavender, basil, mimosa, and orange blossoms blend into a natural perfume that’s impossible to forget.

Back in 1906, Professor Eugen Meneghello began planting exotic species such as palms, agave, cacti, eucalyptus, and aloe vera, creating a lush garden that soon became a hideaway for travellers searching for peace and connection with nature.

Here, Dagmar Meneghello carries that spirit forward, blending art, nature, and slow living. Together with the friends of the Škorpion Art Gallery, she has spent decades discovering and promoting new artistic talent.

The gallery, often described as “the gallery at the end of the world,” is an open space where artists and art lovers meet, surrounded by pine trees, sculptures, and the timeless beauty of Palmižana.

Surrounded by pine trees and sculptures, the Meneghello Bar and Restaurant feels like a little world of its own.

It is a gentle reminder that the Adriatic is not just about sun and sea but also about creativity, heritage, and people who dedicate their lives to preserving something extraordinary.

The Adriatic here was shaped by rising sea levels after the last Ice Age, carving deep channels and secluded bays that are perfect for swimming or snorkeling.

Bring a snorkel or paddle-board to explore the underwater world where fish dart among rocks and eels hide in crevices.

The islands turn magical at sunset. Walking along a quiet beach with a glass of local wine in hand becomes unforgettable. The sky lights up gold and pink, the water shimmers, and everything feels perfectly still.

A few charming beach bars and family-run restaurants serve fresh seafood grilled over an open flame, paired with local wine and a view of the Adriatic. Every meal feels intimate, every moment relaxed, and every experience authentically Hvar. 

We promise, if Paklinski Islands don’t make you believe in magic, you’re doing it wrong. This is Hvar at its absolute best, wild, beautiful, and unforgettable – basically nature’s way of showing off.

Although it doesn’t officially belong to Hvar, Šćedro is an unmissable addition to our sailing route. Just a short sail from Zavala on Hvar’s southern coast, it feels like stepping into a world apart. Wild, quiet, and untouched, this island has a soul all its own.

Its name comes from the old Slavic word štedri, meaning merciful, because sailors once found refuge here during storms. The island is protected on all sides by the sea, offering deep coves, calm bays, and centuries of history.

Today, Šćedro is an eco-protected nature park where pine forests, turquoise waters, and sun-warmed stones tell the story of a slower, gentler life.

Start with Mostir Bay. Swim in crystalline water and explore the ruins of a 15th-century Dominican monastery. Wander through the pine forests to find hidden beaches and trails that lead to ancient terraces once used for lavender and olive trees.

Upon arrival, guests receive an eco box, complete with separate bags for recycling and a few local stories about Šćedro, a small gesture that captures the island’s soul – pure, gentle, and deeply respectful of nature.

Hiking here is magical, offering quiet moments and incredible views. Every step feels like walking through centuries of history and nature combined.

During our sailing, we often take our guests on a gentle evening walk through the pine forest to reach Porteruša Beach. The path is peaceful, fragrant with pine and wild herbs, and perfect for a slow stroll as the sun begins to set.

By the time you reach the beach, the water glows in shades of gold and pink, and the view feels completely untouched.

And just when you think it can’t get better – it does. On Šćedro, you can actually get a “boat delivery” of organic olive oil, honey, and rakija, all produced right here on the island. It sounds like a joke, but it’s 100% real – island life at its finest.

For dinner during our sailing, we’ve picked one of the island’s very best konobas, a family-run spot that’s been serving fresh, local dishes since the 1970s.

Everything here is made with care, strictly local ingredients, and a love for tradition. Guests can enjoy freshly caught fish grilled over an open fire, homegrown vegetables, local olive oil, and wine from nearby Hvar.

Dining here is more than a meal, it’s an authentic taste of Šćedro and a connection to its centuries-old traditions.

Šćedro is completely untouched. There are no cars, minimal infrastructure, rain-water tanks, and solar power. It’s a place to swim, hike, eat, or simply sit under the pine trees and let the world drift by. ts beauty, tranquility, authentic food, stunning hikes, and untouched nature make it one of the most memorable stops in the Adriatic.

Here, freedom, history, and simple pleasures meet, showing that paradise doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real.