Best islands to sail in Croatia

1. Unije -  forgotten gem on the northern Adriatic

To visit this little gem in the middle of the Kvarner gulf, you need to rent a yacht charter in Pula, on Istra peninsula. One of the most isolated and charming islands on Adriatic is a 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...

2. Silba - isolated romantic getaway

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.

A few centuries ago, Silba used to be the island of captains, sailors and farmers. Nowadays, this small community mainly survives on fishing and tourism. 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...

3. Dugi Otok - the pearl of northern Dalmatia

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...

4. Kornati Islands - perfect creation from Gods

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...

5. Kaprije - favourite nautical destination

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 little island might be the ultimate getaway from the crowds and tourist dense cities. 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 the main reason for taking 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...

6. Šolta - the blue and the green of central Adriatic

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 coves 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.

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....

7. Brac - Dalmatia in small

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...

8. Hvar - a unique balance between old and new

As the longest island in Croatia, Hvar should be on everybody's a bucket list and sailing itinerary.  Although it is considered stylish to visit this colorful island on a sailboat, that you can rent at Split yacht charter. To sail around the island in 1 day is almost impossible, so I recommend to explore the northern part with two main towns:

The oldest Croatian city - Stari Grad and the notorious party town of Hvar. Take your time to do that. The sent of lavender will welcome you as you approach the green vegetation of sun-soaked hills and coves around Stari Grad. Before docking, drop the anchor in one of the emerald bays and take this advantage to swim in crystal 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...

9. Vis - the legendary fortress of Croatia

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...

10. Korčula - island of merchants and wines

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...