Discover hundreds of intact islands from a sailboat on your sailing holidays in Croatia. If you really want to experience this country's highlights, renting a private sailing charter is the most authentic way of travelling through these beautiful landscapes and exploring the islands of Croatia. Personally, I find it difficult to make the selection of top 10, considering the fact that there are over 1000 mostly uninhibited islands bursting from the azure blue Adriatic. When you hire a yacht charter in Croatia, your trip shouldn't last less then 1 week. However, it is impossible to discover everything in 7 days. To sail around some of the most attractive ones in normal pace, takes at least 2 days. My suggestion is either to take a 2-3 week trip or discover some of the in your next visit. Here's my personal selection of must-visit islands on Adriatic, where the green and the blue "dance" with typical Mediterranean temperament of the local people.
To visit this little gem in the middle of the Kvarner gulf, you need to rent a yacht charter in Pula in Istra. One of the most isolated and charming islands on Adriatic is the perfect place to take a relaxing break from the fast-paced world.
As you approach the island, you will soon smell the irresistible scent of rosemary and lavender. Emerald coves and crystal clear sea engulfing the green pastures create an amazing contrast. It is best that you anchor on eastern side of the island, in a well protected cove "Maracol" and walk up to a half an hour distant cliffs, shaped through the millions of years by forces of the sea.
Make sure to discover the only village on this island, only 15 minutes walk from your anchorage. The community of less then 100 mostly fishermen and farmers is nowadays more and more investing into eco production and trying keep the pace with the outside world...
With its white stone houses and blue window shutters Unije really makes an impressive site. One of the best places to stay in a quiet picturesque setting of densely forested surrounding pastures.
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Though it is not on the beaten track for most of the itineraries, this small island with 300 permanent residents deserves your visit. “The Gates of Dalmatia” it is called, for it lays on the border between northern and central Adriatic. Rent yacht charter Zadar to visit Silba.
A few centuries ago, Silba used to be the island of captains, sailors and farmers. Nowadays, this small community mainly survives on fishing and apartment rental. However, it’s still considered an unknown destination for many boaters, is still largely dependable on yachting tourism.
The island is surrounded with romantic sandy beaches, where you can stop for the afternoon swim. I suggest to anchor in pristine coves Prapranica or St. Ante and take a short stroll through the pine forest to the town. All motorised traffic has been banned from the island, except for few agricultural vehicles, so the whole island is a pedestrian zone...
Make sure you climb up Silba’s most popular landmark the Tower of love. An impressive octagonal lookout tower with a spiral staircase is a sad reminder on his unfulfilled love. It was built as a memorial by the island captain in the 19th. century As a wow to his fiance before he left at sea.
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Called the "Long Island" this is the largest island in Zadar archipelago. Northern part of Dugi otok (Long Island) is probably one of the less populated and touristic areas in Dalmatia. It's a perfect getaway to charge your batteries and retreat from big city hustle and bustle. Dugi Otok and densely scattered Zadar islands are perfect for honeymoon trip, a family tour or activity sailing holidays.
The island is actually one of the most distant island chains in Croatia and you will probably need 2 days to encircle it. It has the most beautiful sandy beaches and emerald coves in dense area just a few miles one from another.
In the southern part you will find a nice fishing village of Sali - one of the most visited and "coolest" destinations for sailors. Try one of the best cocktails on Dugi otok (The Long Island) in Maritimo bar. Here you can also stock your boat lockers with provisions.
You won't regret if you stay on the anchor during the night under the sky full of shooting stars in Telaščica national park, more to the south...
...or on the far north in Pantera bay. Take a stroll through the pine aromatic forest and visit the highest lighthouse on Adriatic. This stunning scenery will make you want to stay for one more day.
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Kornati national park is one of the pristine wonders in Croatia and one of the most idyllic Adriatic destinations. To visit Kornati, take you time to explore and hire a sailboat charter from Zadar. Cruising through the park between unique yellow-coned hill tops feels like you are sailing on another planet.
The continental part includes only ¼ of the surface of the park, while the rest belongs to the rich marine eco-system and is protected by the state authority since 1980. No shops or cars can be found in completely intact island chain which consists of over 100 islands islets and rocks.
So I suggest that you focus on 2 or 3 islands that you should explore. My suggestion is Smokvica in the south, the Village Vrulje in the middle and Levernaka with one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia - Lojena.
I recommend the overnight surrounded by a beautiful natural ambience in front of stone-made fishing "tavern" where you can taste a freshly caught fish and enjoy in a quiet romantic night under the million stars...
I highly recommend to have a nice dinner in family-owned restaurant Piccolo (+385-22-643-688) on island Smokvica before entering the park.
Tip - You can buy much favourable entrance ticket for the park at the restaurant.
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One of the most popular sailing destinations in Croatia is the village Kaprije on the same-named island. This little Dalmatian gem is a part of Šibenik-Knin municipal, not so far form the province capital Šibenik. A small community of 150 residents is only dependable on a small ferry, that delivers basic supplies twice a day.
This islet might be the ultimate getaway from the crowds and busy mainland streets. Most of the sailors choose this island just to feel the real heartbeat of Dalmatia. Friendly locals with their easy-going lifestyle contribute large part to this village's authenticity. Basically, these hidden Adriatic gems are sometimes the main reasons to take a Croatia sailing holidays.
You can choose to anchor in the azure cove in front of the town port, or you can take one of the 20 mooring lines to dock on a small pier...
I highly recommend a dinner in a typical restaurant "Kod Kate" app. 50 meters uphill from the main square. The grilled grouper or squid is fantastic. Or take a tour to the southern side of this small island to the cove Nozdra and experience G8 restaurant and traditional island dish "Octopus under the bell."
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Dense forests and azure blue seas create a perfect colour contrast of this charming island that is often missed out by the sailors. And it is not a coincidence that ancient Greeks named it "the green fig".
Before you make a berth in the evening, be sure to discover some of the most beautiful secluded bays where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear seas surrounded with pine forests.
If you prefer peaceful surroundings, I recommend to berth in a small port Rogač on the eastern side of the island and take a 30 minute stroll to the picturesque village Grohote. The view over the Split archipelago is really impressive. You can enjoy in a wonderful night view towards the mainland and a sight of a milion lights glittering in the city of Split.
But if you like more vibrant places, then visit a nautically very popular village Maslinica is the north. There is a completely new marina with impressive 18th. Century castle renovated into a luxury resort....
With the exception of nautical guests, here, you will mostly meet chatty locals in front of the seaside pubs.
If you wish to truly feel the island spirit, keep exploring the rhapsody of flavours nurtured by the unspoiled nature. Whichever place on Šolta you decide to visit, do not forget to try their locally grown vegetables and fruit. Traditionally produced fragrant extra-virgin olive oil and honey are legendary. And so is the cuisine in some restaurants.
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I know it is impossible to explore this massive island in just 1 day. So rent a yacht at yacht charters in Split to follow the route that I strongly recommend and experience so many highlights that Brač has to offer.
On the NE part of island lies the hidden village of Pučišča, the stone kingdom of Croatia. Charming town at the end of a along bay is well-known of a unique white marble. The gleaming white stone, indigent to the island and a unique Renaissance architecture, make this village one of a kind. It is also called a “13 towers port” since it used to have 13 towers guarding it against repeated attack by pirates centuries ago.
A quiet place where you can chill and feel the typical Dalmatian island spirit. If you decide to overnight here, follow eastern coast of the island the next morning and sail around southern part to reach the town Bol...
...and the famous "Golden Horn". A 450-meter long white pebble beach changes shape with the currents and prevailing winds. With population close to 1.500, Bol has a complete opposite character from Pučišća, but definitively a must-visit for the sailors. After you moor your boat at the beautifully constructed new town port, feel free to take a walk along promenade and choose form multitude of bars and restaurants.
Despite the tourist hustle and bustle at the shore avenue, you can still find quiet in the evening to enjoy the stunning sunset from your yacht.
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As the longest island in Croatia, Hvar should be on everybody's a bucket list and sailing itinerary. Although it is considered stylish to explore this popular island on a sailboat charter that you can rent from Split. To sail around the island in 1 day is almost impossible, so I recommend to explore two main towns in the north.
Take your time to visit the 2nd. oldest Croatian city - Stari Grad and the notorious party town of Hvar. The scent of lavender welcomes you as your yacht approaches the sun-soaked hills and alluring coves around Stari Grad. Before docking, drop the anchor in one of the emerald bays and take a swim in a glittering clear water.
The town itself is where medieval-meets-Mediterranean splendour. The collision of old Roman and Greek civilisations left a deep impact everywhere. Explore the cultural and architectural renaissance monuments and feel the laid-back pulse of this little gem. Be sure to walk the maze of stony streets and try some locally-grown products including one of the best wines in the island...
There is only 3-hour sail from Stari Grad to Hvar town, but you should get there early for a free berth. I recommend to find safe anchorage on lovely Pakleni Islands. It is much easier and cheaper to take a 5-minute water taxi, then search for free moorings among the enormous super yachts in the town port.
You will soon get a chance to take a stroll along one of the most popular and enchanting towns in the world. This jet-set town is known for its buzzing nightlife and vivid streets where various world-known celebrities often come across. A spectacular view from the Splanjola fortress guarding the city is rewarding after a short ascend over the town. If you are looking for dance clubs and bars, this is the place that will keep you partying until dawn. This is the place to see and to be seen.
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Well, this is the one you don't want to miss out, when you take a sailing trip in Croatia. Until recently the whole archipelago was forbidden area due to its military purpose. With only 2 towns (Vis and smaller Komiza) and no industry miles around, this is the place to go snorkelling and explore the underwater habitat.
The island was all through its war history a natural impregnable fortress claimed by Illyrians, Greeks, Venetians, Austro-hungarians, British and French. Set almost in the middle of Adriatic, this was strategically best natural defence location in Mediterranean. On a fair sunny day, you can see all the way to Italy from the hill top above Komiža town.
I recommend to overnight in a picturesque village Komiža. Characteristic local fishermen, typical wooden vessels in town port, narrow streets and exhibiting local artists, are completing the charm of this old village...
Please bear in mind that in the summer months you need to be early to get a free berth in the port. It might be easier to take one of the many buoys. To get ashore with the dinghy is also an adventure. Renting a beetle or a scooter is a great way to get around the island and also visit the capital of the island, the town of Vis.
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This is the island, that I could call the Croatian paradise for sailors. Ideal sailing conditions with soothing moderate winds, well protected bays, secluded villages, unique cuisine and 2 typical Dalmatian towns Vela Luka and Korčula to explore. Often called a small Dubrovnik, the town Korčula is mainly famous of being the birthplace, of the Venetian merchant Marco Polo.
Renaissance architecture, impressive fortresses and epic defence walls are building the unique character around this Adriatic pearl. This ancient town embodies everything that you took your vacation in Croatia for.
Here you'll find: colorful streets, monumental history and museums, rich cultural heritage, authentic cuisine, night bars and clubs, attractive stone houses and relaxed small-town atmosphere embedded in dense green forest and fig trees...
The island's sunny position is actually the main reason that the local community tries to promote their eco-oriented agriculture and traditional production. Numerous farms and wineries in the area are tempting enough to unwind and taste everything with a brand "produced locally".
If you don't like hustle and bustle you can berth in a small town Lumbarda and take a 5 minute taxi to Korčula town.
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