If you are coming sailing in Croatia, the chances of it raining all week are very slim, but nature is still nature and she will have her way from time-to-time, so here are some rainy-day activities to keep you entertained.
Rain. Not exactly the word you want to hear when you are coming sailing in Croatia, but it can and does happen, it’s just part of rolling the dice when we book a summer holiday – especially in the months of June and September.
I personally love June and September because there are fewer crowds, the weather is pleasant, the sea is warm and it just all-around has a more chilled vibe. However, while the weather is pleasant, it can be changeable and you should be prepared for this.
No need to worry though, there are plenty of ways you can keep yourself not only entertained but make a truly wonderful experience. After working at sea for five years, first on ‘party boats’ as a tour guide, then luxury yachts as a hostess, there were a few tricks I learned.
I woke up to the sound of rain and the wind is currently howling through my apartment, so it seemed the perfect inspiration (and timing) for this piece.
1. Vino: No amount of rain can dampen a wine tasting
In case you didn’t already know, Croatia has a wide variety of autochthonous grapes (more than 130 varieties) which make for incredible wines. Whether you are sailing south, central or northern Croatia, you will never be far from vineyards and wineries – which have been the staple and tradition among many families for generations. In Dalmatia keep an eye out for Plavac Mali – the king of red wines in Dalmatia, Grk and Pošip around Korčula, Bogdanuša on Hvar and Dobričić on island Šolta; around Primošten you will want to try Babić and further north into Istria be sure to sample their Malvazija. There are too many fabulous wineries to list and we would hate to be biased but if you happen to be near the Pelješac Peninsula when bad weather strikes, anchor safely and organise a transfer to Korta Katarina, a gorgeous and stand-out winery along the coast. Or if you aren’t on the islands, but maybe in Split, check out Zinfandel Restaurant who are famous for their extensive wine list and autochthonous wine tasting. For more information about the wine varieties of Croatia, visit Total Croatia Wine here.
Credit: Romulic & Stojcic
2. Food, glorious food
Come rain, hail or shine, there is nothing that can get in the way of food and sometimes, the best meals are eaten in the cosiest locations. If you took full-board, you can skip this part – or maybe not, I may just entice you out. A rainy-day is the perfect environment for losing yourself in a quaint little konoba for a long afternoon. There is some of the world’s finest olive oil and cheese to be sampled, followed by pršut (prosciutto), anchovies and fresh pates and this is all just the appetizers. For mains, you definitely want to pre-order peka or even lamb on a spit. Seriously, picture this, the rain is pitter-pattering outside while you are tucked into a warm tiny, family-run konoba, the smell of lamb fills the air and you are enjoying long conversations with friends and family. You are quite possibly rosy in the cheeks, thanks to a little tipple or a full wine tasting of the domače wine (because #2 clearly goes hand-in-hand with #1). I bet you are starting to wish for a rainy-day now, huh?
Credit: Trogir Portal
- 3. Life is more fun if you play games
Games. Some of my fondest memories aboard boats stem from rainy-days and games nights. When I was a guide on a ‘party boat’ I tried to be more creative than just getting people drunk. I have organised poker tournaments, talent shows even a good-ole game of Mafia typically warmed up a crowd and was a lot more entertaining than you would suspect.
Travelling with board games is not really an option, however, many boats may have some on board. But I did see plenty of groups bring cards, UNO and a great game I saw over the last two summers – Bananagrams – a more dynamic version of Scrabble which was enjoyed by the young and young at heart. Also, bringing along movies and colouring books are a good idea for children. One group brought ‘Cards Against Humanity’ (obviously not for children), which provided hours of entertainment on a cooler night.
Credit: mcmahanphoto.com
4. Art for the soul
Not all activities along the coast require sunshine. Just because it is raining, it doesn’t mean you should be confined to your boat, there are plenty of gorgeous museums and art galleries all along the coast which you may miss otherwise. Some unique options are the Batana Museum in Rovinj, Buktenica gallery on island Šolta, the Franciscan Monastery on Hvar, the Pučišća Stone Mason school on Brač, the Meštrović Gallery or Archaeological museum in Split and in Dubrovnik, you can easily spend an entire afternoon visiting all of the city’s museums, galleries, churches and cathedral.
Credit: Tash Pericic
5. Adventure never stops
If it is just a little rain and not complete storms, adventure doesn’t need to end. Sometimes, I find when it’s raining, it is the nicest time to swim. You can still swim, kayak, SUP or even try a little more adventure and go rafting on the Cetina if you are near Omiš – I mean come on, you are going to get wet anyway!
Credit: Blue Sun Hotels and Resorts
As an added bonus, I will throw in one more thought…
6. Put your feet up and relax
Sometimes, on holiday we can get so caught up ticking off the to-do list, running here and there to fit everything in that we can forget to just chill. If there is a little rain falling outside your cabin window, why not sleep in? Or, get up and sit with a cup of coffee taking in the world, what about losing yourself in a good book? There are worse things in life and a rainy-day at sea shouldn't even come close. Turn a perceived 'negative' into a positive and you may be surprised with the outcome.
