Due to its vicinity to the Dalmatian islands, the city of Split, Croatia is the largest nautical center in the Dalmatia region of the country. Its warm, seasonable weather conditions make it a great home base for your Sailing Croatia vacation holiday. Croatia sailing offers some of the most popular trips for tourists in the Dalmatia region, and Split offers excellent sailing routes along the coast and islands in the Adriatic Sea. Seven days may be altogether too short for a voyage around the central Dalmatian islands. Each island could lend itself to several days of wandering and exploring, and there are dozens of places to see. One could enjoy the bays of Solta, the sights of Vis and Bisevo, and the variety of the Bol – Vrboska – Jelsa – Stari Grad triangle of islands. It would take another few days to tour the Paklinski island coves, and even more would be necessary to soak in the sun on the southern coast of Korcula or enjoy the challenges of Lastovo Island. Even two weeks would probably not suffice to get a full tour of the central Dalmatian islands. To make it simpler, we have developed a seven-day sailing route to give you a taste of the natural beauty of the region.

Sailing Day 1 – Saturday

Day 1 begins in Split, the largest port in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. Beginning Saturday morning, we will sail toward the island of Brac. Brac’s west coast features thick pine forest and is home to Stipanska Bay, where we will spend the first night. The bay is sheltered by the winds on all sides, and we will berth in the bay at a depth of 9 metres. Cliffs and shallows along the western edge of Brac will prevent us from coming closer to the coast. If you would prefer to berth at a marina instead of along the bay, the small town of Milna on the island offers two marinas. Between Milna and Blaca Bay to the south, sailors can find many safe, beautiful shelters to rest and take in the natural surroundings. One shelter is Osibova Bay, which features a sandy bottom and rocky beaches. Another is Lucica Bay, with five separate branches offering opportunities for exploration. Depending on the wind, each branch of Lucica Bay can be an excellent shelter. At the bay’s western edge, about 20 buoys allow for many boats to moor at Brac. These buoys are conveniently located by a small restaurant which serves delicious local cuisine. Should the winds not be favourable for your Croatia sailing experience, you may wish to moor in a peaceful harbor on the southern coast of the island of Solta. Safe shelters include Jurja Bay, Tatinja Bay, Senjska Bay and Stracinska Bay, all of which feature crystal clear sea and small restaurants nearby, perfectly suited to those on a sailing Croatia adventure.

Sailing Day 2 – Sunday

Sailing Croatia at daybreak on Sunday, you begin exploration to explore new bays. You sail your Croatia yacht charter south along the coastline of Brac. Blaca Bay is most famous for Blaca Monastery, or Pustinja Blaca, a hermitage built by monks seeking refuge from 15th century Turkish invaders. A steep wooded path leads to the monastery. The view from Blaca Monastery was described in the renowned novel, “The Name of the Rose.” After viewing the sights of Blaca Bay from your Croatia yacht charter, you will continue your sailing Croatia adventure heading south toward the island of Bol. In an area filled with of attractive beaches, the one you want to visit is Zlatni rat, or the Golden Cape. Zlatni rat is one of the largest beaches along the Adriatic Sea. Situated on a peninsula, it extends nearly half a kilometer into the sea. Continuing your sailing Croatia journey by heading toward the eastern edge of Bol; this island houses a Dominican Monastery and a museum full of archaeological treasures. The town center is home to a Renaissance-Baroque palace, art gallery, and several baroque style summer cottages. You can enjoy lunch on the beach or in the midst of these architectural beauties as well as water sports and shopping for historical treasures. In the afternoon and into the evening, you will sail your Croatia yacht charter to the island of Hvar and drop anchor in Zukova Bay. Forested beaches surround the bay, and a beautiful old stone house watches over the wilderness. Nearby, Tiha Bay provides welcome shelter. The bay consists of seven smaller bays close to the antique town of Faros, known today as Stari Grad. Stari Grad features many Romantic- and Renaissance-era buildings. Tvrdalj Petar Hektorovic, a fortified summer house with arcades and pleasure gardens, typifies this architecture. The small town also offers plenty of restaurants and taverns for travelers to sample the local cuisine.

Sailing Day 3 Monday

You will have to begin sailing Croatia early Monday morning to get a berth in the popular city of Hvar. The largest city on the island, Hvar is one of the best holiday spots for evening parties. The cocktail bar “Carpe Diem” is a lovely spot to have a drink and a good time after berthing your Croatia yacht charter. The parties start early and last all night! If you’d prefer a slower pace, consider touring the cultural sites of Hvar. Fortica, a 16th century fortress, is built right above the old part of town. Old Town Hvar also features a stunning cathedral in the main square, a Franciscan 15th century monastery and one of the oldest stage theaters in Europe. It may be difficult to find a place to berth at the Hvar port for your sailing Croatia vessel, but you can drop anchor in the Palmizana marina on the nearby island of Klement. Then take a dinghy or taxi boat to the Hvar. If you don’t want to berth your Croatia yacht charter in the marina itself, anchor along the southern edge of the bay and tie the stern to the shore. You may also enjoy the island of Klement. Not quite as fast-paced as Hvar, Palmizana nevertheless provides an entertaining experience, including the Menegelo restaurant and art gallery near the marina.

Day 4 – Tuesday

Beginning early in the day, you will take your Croatia sailing charter from Hvar and its many-flavored delights toward the island of Vis. Good winds in Vis chanell will give you chance to display your prowess at sailing in Croatia. The steep shores and wild beauty of Vis make landing at this island a great accomplishment for sailors, and its rich cultural heritage makes the island a must-see location for travelers.

The first stop on Vis will be the small fishing town of Komiza. The winding streets are surrounded by 5-story narrow stone houses, making it a unique experience. The remains of a 12th century Benedictine Monastery look over the town on a grassy hill within walking distance of Komiza. You can also find the 16th century church to Gospe Gusarice, “Our Lady of the Pirates,” as well as a Venetian castle. Komiza is also famous for its seafood dishes, including the komiska pogaca, a savory flan with sardines, onion and tomatoes. Many food and drink enthusiasts also recommend the lobster at the restaurant Jastozera or the pub fare at the tavern Bako. You can berth your Croatia sailing charter in the town for the night or, if weather permits, travel to the town of Vis or the Rukavac Bay to the north.

Day 5 – Wednesday

From Komiza and the Vis island, your sailing in Croatia adventure will take you to several islands in the Vis archipelago, including Bisevo and its famous Blue Cave, Svetac, the former home of the Mediterranean monk seal, and the volcanic islands Brusnik and Jabuka.

Bisevo is a magical location for Croatia sailing charter travelers, as the cave walls sparkle blue and the water glows silver when the rays of the sun hit it just right. The cave can be entered with a dinghy.

After exploring the archipelago, make your way to the town of Vis. Along the way, you should stop at a number of bays, including Mala Travna Bay, where you can enjoy Senko Karuza’s delicious home cooking and Stiniva Bay, with beautiful stone cliffs and deep reefs. Berth in a small flank at the entrance to the bay. If you enjoy diving, be sure to take a look at the sea bed configurations in Stiniva Bay, which is designated as a protected nature reserve by the Croatian government.

When you’ve had your fill of these bays, check out the islet of Ravnik, home to the Green Cave, which will offer similar beauties as the Blue Cave. The nearby island of Budikovac offers lagoons for swimming and snorkeling, while Rukavac Bay offers the Dalmatina tavern where you can find a good meal and a stiff drink. If weather allows you , you could stay at Rukavac Bay or nearby area for the night, otherwise you can continue on to Vis town, home to twin fortresses, renaissance palaces and antique churches. You can find great food and a mooring place in Vis should you wish to get off the boat and walk around.

Day 6 – Thursday

From the town of Vis, you can set sail for the island of Solta in the morning. Sesula Bay will provide a good during day base after more then 20NM sailing from Vis. Surrounded by vegetation, Sesula will offer you good shelter from any winds. If you need a break, get some refreshments at the Sismis grill nearby, or walk to the town of Maslinica nearby.

Only coupple Nautical miles away is an ancient town Trogir which we highly recommend to be seen. Trogir is established in 3rdcentury BC and is home to a unique setting known as a town-museum. You can berth in the marina and take part in this unique village where, despite the modern rhythms of life, people still live in an intimate, old-fashioned way. Attractive, historic taverns and art collections throughout the town will excite travelers, who will feel as though they are walking through an entire living space devoted to the pursuit of beauty.

Day 7 – Friday

Your last day of sailing in Croatia will see you traveling all around the islet of Mali Drvenik and Veliki Drvenik. While the northern edge of Mali Drvenik is inaccessible, the south side offers a night forested bay for you to berth. Five small hamlets are located on Mali Drvenik.

On Veli Drvenik, you can berth in one of several bays. Try to berth at Krknjasi Bay to visit Ivica Spika’s restaurant. One of the best fisherman in the Adriatic, Ivica Spika has a knack for finding the tastiest, rarest fish and preparing them exquisitely according to local traditions. The owner is a quirky, eccentric character (his nickname is “the Kommunist,” but his food is delicious and he is sure to show you delightful hospitality.

After this delicious meal, you can go for a swim in the bay or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful area on your last day in the Adriatic. In the evening, you should pack up your Croatia sailing charter and head back for Split, where you will spend your final night.