Sailing Around Croatia: From Split to Dubrovnik

One of the many coves we explored during our week-long sailing adventure in Croatia

Croatia should be at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list due to the amazing scenery (think crystal clear waters and charming historic towns) delicious food and warm hospitality. Boasting 1000 islands, the best way to truly explore Croatia’s incredible coastline is by boat. We recently chartered a beautiful catamaran and had an incredibly memorable trip exploring the beauty of Croatia. Think sailing between ancient towns, stopping at seaside taverns for lunch at places only accessible by boat, and lazing away the afternoon sunning yourself with cooling jumps in the Adriatic. If you’re interested in sailing around Croatia, we’ve put together a guide to make your next trip a reality.

Enjoying the beautiful catamaran.

Planning and Preparation

The first thing you need to do when chartering a boat is to find a reputable sailing charter company offering crewed charters in Croatia. There are so many to choose from, but we went with Sail Croatia and selected a catamaran with a Captain and Hostess. We ended up selecting a catamaran rather than a monohull sailboat because they are more stable and less likely to cause seasickness. Be sure to discuss your preferences, itinerary, and special requests with the charter company to customize your sailing experience. Sail Croatia were experts in this region and helped select an itinerary that gave us a mix of culture, great food, some wineries, a little bit of nightlife and lots of time for swimming in gorgeous bays.

One of the many beaches in Vis

Embark: Split

Where to Stay in Split:

The night before we met our boat we stayed at Le Meridian Lav in Split. This hotel sits directly on top of a marina, allowing us to wake up, walk a few steps outside and board board our boat. The boat literally pulled up mere steps from the hotels back door. Based on the location of this hotel, I would highly recommend it as a place to stay before your sailing trip.

Walking into Hvar old town from the marina

Things to Do in Split

• Explore Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through its narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and galleries.

• Climb the bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius for panoramic views of Split and the Adriatic Sea.

• Visit Marjan Hill for scenic walks, hiking trails, and picturesque viewpoints overlooking the city and islands.

  
  

  Day 1:

  The first thing you’ll receive when stepping on board is a warm welcome aboard your private sailing yacht and familiarize yourself with the vessel's layout, safety equipment, and amenities. You’ll also enjoy a welcome drink as you set sail from Split's bustling harbor, soaking in views of the historic city and surrounding coastline.
  
  

  
  First Stop: Hvar

  
  You’ll first cruise southwest to the island of Hvar, where your crew will anchor in a secluded bay or marina. Relax on deck or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters while the crew prepares a delicious lunch onboard. Explore Hvar's charming towns, beaches, and cultural landmarks with your captain as your guide, or simply unwind and enjoy the tranquility of island life.

  
  Things to Do in Hvar:

• Visit Hvar Town and explore its historic attractions, including the 16th-century Spanjola Fortress and the Franciscan Monastery.

• Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and local delicacies.

• Experience Hvar's vibrant nightlife with cocktails at beach bars, live music, and dancing under the stars. This is probably the best place for nightlife in all of Croatia, so if you are looking for a night out on the town, this is probably the night to do it.
  
  

  Second Stop: Vis

  
  Next, sail southeast to the remote island of Vis, known for its unspoiled beauty and rich history. You’ll probably drop anchor in a picturesque bay and indulge in a gourmet dinner prepared by your onboard chef using fresh local ingredients.
  Be sure to explore Vis Island's hidden treasures, from ancient ruins and vineyards to pristine beaches and underwater caves, with personalized excursions arranged by your crew. Our captain was from Vis, and he arranged for us to go to his mother’s house to enjoy some traditional Croatian hospitality. This was a highlight of our trip.

  
  Things to Do in Vis:

• Visit Vis Town and explore its charming streets, historic buildings, and waterfront promenade.

• Discover the Blue Cave (Modra špilja) on the nearby island of Biševo, known for its stunning blue light effects.

• Enjoy snorkeling, diving, and water sports in Vis Island's crystal-clear waters, or relax on secluded beaches like Stiniva and Srebrna.

• Check out a winery
  
  

  Third Stop: Korčula

  You’ll next continue your journey south to the island of Korčula, where you'll moor in the historic port of Korčula Town. Fom there you can embark on a guided walking tour of the town's medieval streets, stopping to admire landmarks like St. Mark's Cathedral and the Marco Polo House. Afterward, enjoy a sunset cocktail on deck as you watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange over the Adriatic Sea.
  
  

  
  Things to Do in Korčula:

• Explore Korčula Town's medieval walls, narrow streets, and historic sites, including the Marco Polo House and the Revelin Tower.

• Visit local wineries and vineyards to sample Korčula's renowned wines, including the indigenous white grape variety, Pošip.

• Relax on Korčula's beaches, such as Vela Pržina in Lumbarda or Pupnatska Luka, and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

  
  
  Fourth Stop: Mljet

  
  You’ll next cruise southeast to Mljet National Park, home to lush forests, tranquil lakes, and pristine coastline.
  Spend the day exploring the national park's hiking trails, kayaking on the lakes, or simply relaxing on deck surrounded by nature's beauty. After exploring the park, we recommend you dine al fresco under the stars with a gourmet barbecue prepared by your chef, as there are not a lot of dining options on Mljet.
  
  

  Things to Do in Mljet:

• Explore the saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park, including Veliko and Malo Jezero, and visit the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on St. Mary's Island.

• Hike or bike through Mljet's forests and coastal paths, discovering hidden coves, viewpoints, and ancient ruins along the way. We recommend an e-bike as the park can be hilly.

• Enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sailing around Mljet's pristine coastline and secluded bays.

  
  Final Stop: Dubrovnik

  Conclude your sailing adventure in the iconic city of Dubrovnik, where your crew will assist with disembarkation and luggage handling. Live out your Game of Thrones fantasy and explore Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed old town, walking along the ancient city walls and visiting historic landmarks like the Rector's Palace and Dubrovnik Cathedral.
  

  
  Things to Do in Dubrovnik:

• Walk the city walls for panoramic views of Dubrovnik's red-roofed buildings, the Adriatic Sea, and nearby Lokrum Island.
  

• Visit the Dubrovnik Cable Car for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding coastline from Mount Srđ.

• Explore Dubrovnik's cultural attractions, including the Franciscan Monastery, Sponza Palace, and the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum.

Overlooking the walled city of Dubrovnik

Almost every evening we enjoyed beautiful sunsests from the boat