A Half-Day Escape to Three Adriatic Islands from Makarska
4 minSomething about the Dalmatian coast invites you to drift between islands, swims, and moments of complete stillness. On a warm June morning in Makarska, I gave in to that invitation and boarded a boat for what promised to be a half-day tour, but felt more like a journey through Adriatic dreamscapes. A perfectly unhurried escape was unfolding across three islands: Hvar, Brač, and a little dot of paradise called Zečevo.
Pokrivenik Bay and the Small Blue Cave on Hvar Island
Approaching a peaceful island village by boat, where turquoise waters meet quiet coves and timeless stone houses
We started strong from Makarska harbour, where we met our skipper, Berto, who welcomed us on board and where we met other travellers who shared the motorboat with us. The first stop was the Pokrivenik Bay on Hvar, where the deep turquoise water practically begged us to jump in. Not long after, we floated beside the entrance of the so-called small Blue Cave, a tiny, quiet, and glowing from within like a secret. Some travellers decided to enter the cave and they really enjoyed it!
A quiet moment on the Adriatic: taking in the views near Pokrivenik Bay, where cliffs meet calm, open sea.
Jelsa: Where Time Slows and Coffee Lingers
Jelsa on Hvar welcomed us with that unmistakable island charm that makes you instinctively slow your step and breathe a little deeper. The harbour shimmered in the early morning light, framed by bobbing boats and stone houses with faded shutters. I found a quiet corner café, where locals lingered over tiny cups of strong coffee as if the clock had stopped ticking. Naturally, I joined in, ordered a macchiato and let time stretch.
Coffee and ice cream with a harbour view in Jelsa -the perfect pause between swims and sailing
Just a few steps away, I discovered what might be the best ice cream I’ve had in Dalmatia. Creamy, rich, and just sweet enough, it melted faster than I could eat it, which only gave me an excuse to sit a little bit more on the terrace of the charming bar. There was no rush in Jelsa, just the soft rhythm of people chatting, sea lapping, and a breeze that seemed to whisper: stay a little longer.
Sailing into Jelsa: a postcard-perfect harbour town framed by hills, palms, and timeless Mediterranean charm
Zečevo Island and Žirje Beach on Brač – Where the Sea Feels Endless
A hidden Adriatic retreat on Zečevo island: rustic cabanas and sea views set the tone for slow island afternoons
Later, we stopped near the islet of Zečevo for another swim, one of those swims where you forget time exists, and finally dropped anchor by Žirje Beach on Brač. Crystal-clear shallows, soft white pebbles, and that perfect, midday light made it feel like a private cove carved just for us.
Arriving by boat to a hidden corner of the Adriatic – Zečevo island, where shaded cabanas peek out from pine trees and the sea is impossibly blue
Back on Board
Departing from Jelsa: towels ready and sunglasses on
As we made our way back toward Makarska, the boat felt like a floating lounge, sun-warmed and happy. Our skipper, Berto, played a chilled-out mix of summer classics that drifted perfectly with the sea breeze, just loud enough to get a few feet tapping. A few guests swapped stories and suncream, while others leaned back with their faces to the sky, eyes closed, soaking it all in.
Practical Tips for Future Travellers
Crystal waters and calm seas – the perfect day for exploring the Adriatic by boat, one hidden cove at a time
A few practical tips if you’re thinking of joining the trip: wear your swimsuit under your clothes to make the most of every swim stop, and don’t forget to bring a towel, plenty of sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Light footwear is ideal for wandering around the island town; flip-flops or sandals will do just fine. There’s no need to overpack either; you’ll spend most of the time in your swimwear, with the sun on your skin and the sea never far away. And above all, lean into the relaxed pace – this is a laid-back escape, not a guided tour, so let the day unfold as slowly as the Adriatic allows.
Back in Makarska, where boats rest beneath the mighty Biokovo mountains and the Adriatic sparkles with stories still to tell.
It was more than just a boat tour; it felt like we’d all briefly joined the same easygoing island tribe, somewhere between the waves and the warmth. If you’re in Makarska and looking for a half-day that feels like a full reset, this is it!
