My intimate knowledge of Croatia has offered me personal explorations that are so precious to me. Croatia’s approximately 1200 gorgeous and distinctive islands are dotted along the famed Adriatic Coast – The sapphire, turquoise, and emerald colors of the Adriatic Sea arouse my inquisitiveness – I have tried to reach as many islands as possible during numerous sailing trips over the years.

I recall so many extraordinary experiences had on the sea over the years…

I have called out “ima ribe?” to the silent fisherman as he navigates his boat filled with sparkling fish. The sea air commingles with the aromas of lavender and rosemary.

I have feasted on sardelle drizzled with pure Dalmatian oil, accented with golden drops of plump, fresh lemons of the Neretva Valley of Dubrovnik.

I have enjoyed my passeggiata along the second longest protected wall of the world, in a town simply called Ston on the Peljesac Peninsula. There, the ancient oyster beds still offer their sensual fruit.

I have explored the limestone street’s of the Pearl of the Adriatic, the magnificent jewel that is Dubrovnik.

One of my fondest memories took place some years ago, in the beginning of August, sailing about Croatia’s Kornati Islands National Park on the S/Y Vanessa…

Inebriated by the golden sunset and Bastianich grappa, four girl friends lay down on deck to pay homage to the majestic sky of Croatia. As it turns from a pristine turquoise to indigo blue velvet, it is not long before the night sky is studded by millions of golden diamonds. The moon hangs low and furnishes a halo of light, as if demurely asking for permission to join us. Soft waves accompany the warm breeze to serenade us with a lullaby it has perfected through the ages. As the coolness of the night envelops us, we reach below deck to don airplane socks. We dismantle our bunks to retrieve the blankets. Now, the four of us dressed in the same caftan. All fashion sense tossed to the wind, as nature’s beauty reigns supreme, we surrender to it. Back on deck, we resume our positions and are delighted by the spectacle of Falling Stars… Le Notti di San Lorenzo!

We spend the night as explorers taking ownership, based on who saw it first, and baptizing the luminous plumes crossing the sky.

Lulled to sleep by the rocking motion caused by the gentle waves, we dissolve into colorful dreams and restful sleep.

As the sun of Zora (dawn) begins to warm the Adriatic, we stir and stretch our limbs. After a breakfast wetted by hot and black espresso, we dive in the new day that will offer fresh pleasures to our Adriatic Adventure. We treasure the day, we savor the sights, but await the night for another evening under the stars.

These dear memories evoke such emotion and nostalgia. I will forever be dazzled by the dramatic vistas offered by the Adriatic Coast of Croatia, and the everlasting memories that I can never replace nor possibly reinvent…

There are only new adventures to uncover!

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About the Author:

Founder and President of Tasteful Croatian Journeys, Wanda S. Radetti, has dedicated the past three decades of her life to unveiling the hidden treasures of her ancestral and spiritual home of Croatia to sophisticated travelers of the world. She has gained recognition as one of the world’s top Croatia specialists from both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines. Learn more about Wanda here.