Usually set on small distant islands, the lighthouses are not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a sailing vacation in Croatia. But it would be a shame to miss exploring them from the sea when you have the perfect means to do it – your charter yacht.
Rota Palagruzona or the Route of Palagruža first took place on June 12th 1593. A typical fishing boat at that time was gajeta falkuša, a traditional Adriatic wooden boat powered by both sails and pedals. Thanks to a few tradition lovers and enthusiasts the route has been revitalized.
The second and final part of our mini-series about sailing to Croatia’s distant islands describes reaching Palagruža, the remotest island in the Croatian Adriatic. After that, our crew goes back north to Vis and continues its journey to other distant islands in the open sea, Biševo, Brusnik and Jabuka.
If there is any Croatian island that can be described as “remote”, then that is definitely Palagruža. It is situated in the middle of the Adriatic Sea, between the southernmost point of Croatia and Italy. The island makes for an interesting sailing destination, and reaching it is a proof of your sailing skills.
Some distant and unpopulated Croatian islands are home to big lighthouses, which have their own keepers. Sometimes, an unpredictable situation may occur, and the keepers and their families need urgent medical assistance. In that case, call a helicopter!
The third day of our sailing trip to remote islands I was supposed to take over the helm and do the night shift from Mljet to Palagruža. I was so excited to have a chance to steer the sailing boat towards the remotest Croatian island! The night was bright and clear, with fair and favorable wind. The perfect conditions for a smooth and safe sailing, or at least I thought so…
When thinking about life at a lighthouse, one always thinks of a solitary and a bit lonely lifestyle. However, when you hear lighthouse keepers talking about their home, you soon realize that living in a lighthouse is much more than that. Take a look how one reluctant lighthouse keeper fell in love with her new life.
