The Croatian coast is paradise for cruising yachtsmen. There are many unspoilt islands with sheltered anchorages and quiet shores.\r\n\r\nHvar is a pretty town on an island of the same name. The houses are typically built (or faced) with local limestone and their distinctive roofs are layered with terracota tiles that glow warmly in the sunshine. \r\n\r\nThe harbour is very busy during the summer. Yachtsmen who manage to find a berth can step from their boat straight into a bar or restaurant. There are shops and banks but the Post Office is out of town and not easy to find.

Hvar town is built round a small, narrow, well-sheltered inlet. We anchored in the bay just a few meters from the middle of town. A short row in the dighy got us ashore where we could buy provisions and check our e-mail.

We visited Rovinj, on the mainland, and rented bikes to have a look around. The old town is built on a hill so the return trip was much quicker than the outward and upward drag. The streets were bumpy but who cares when there is a fresh delight around every corner.