Croatia Sailing Itinerary - Split
- Day 1 (Saturday) Split - Pučišča (Brač) 16NM
- Day 2 (Sunday) Pućišća - Stari Grad (Hvar) 30 NM
- Day 3 (Monday) Stari Grad - Bol - Pakleni Islands (Hvar) 20 NM
- Day 4 (Tuseday) Pakleni Islands - Korčula (Vela Luka) 20 NM
- Day 5 (Wednesday) Korčula - Vis (Komiža) 32NM
- Day 6 (Thursday) Vis - Šolta (Maslinica or Drvenik island) 25 NM
- Day 7 (Friday) Solta - Split 13NM
- Day 8 (Saturday) Disembarkation
Day 1. Split - Pucisca (Island Brac)
Leaving Split yacht charter base behind, we set sails south towards the largest Dalmatian island Brač known of its amazing pebbled beaches.
A welcoming getaway from the buzzing streets of Split is a small island village Pučišča - the stone kingdom of Croatia. Charming town at the end of a long bay is well-known of a unique white marble.
The gleaming white stone, indigent to the island and a remarkable Renaissance architecture, make this village one of a kind. Its white roofs are creating a true ambient atmosphere of a typical Dalmatian town. The village is also called a “13 towers port” since it used to have 13 towers guarding it against repeated attack by pirates centuries ago.
The charming village Pucisca
...A stone quarry, stonemason’s school and workshop are definitely worth visiting. Be sure to buy a souvenir carved out of the white marbel. if you have some extra activity time, rent a bike to visit old shepherds village Gornji Humac and Pražnica about 7 km south of Pučišča, at an altitude of 391m (1.200 f.t)
I recommend to dock at the small town harbour at the South side of the basin. 25 berths with water and power are available
DON'T MISS OUT:
- try the local olive-oil, wine, sheep cheese and figs
- rent a bike and visit shepherds village Gornji Humac
- taste traditionally prepared island lamb and fish "under the bell"
Day 2. Pucisca - Stari Grad (Island Hvar)
Heading south along the scattered bays of Brač it would be a sin not to stop for a quick dip or a midday snack. In the afternoon we sail along the famous Bol and the Golden Horn beach to catch the afternoon wind in the Hvar-Brač channel.
Stari Grad is situated in a beautifully carved bay on the island of Hvar. As you sail along densely wooded landscapes, you can already feel the scent from purplish lavender fields. Hvar island is well known of its purple lavender fields and local products of this fragrant plant.
The literal translation of its name is "Old Town". No wonder, since it's one of the oldest towns in Europe, and a part of it falls within the UNESCO Protected World Heritage Site of the Stari Grad Plain...
A perfect chance to taste organic local products
...Stari Grad itself is a hidden treasure. Here you can find the beautiful heritage from collision of the ancient empires. 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.
DON'T MISS OUT:
- try the agricultural home-made local products
- explore still preserved 2400 year old Greek plain
- taste local delicacies based on fish and home-grown vegetables
- Plavac slected wines and exclusive olive oil from island Hvar
Day 3. Stari Grad - Pakleni Otoki (Hvar)
Say farewell to Stari Grad and don't forget to stock the yacht's lockers with fresh fruit and veggies, that you can find at the town market.
Later we drop the anchor in one of the well sheltered bays of Pakleni islands at a doorstep of popular Hvar town. It is much easier to take a fast motor boat that will transfer you downtown then searching a free berth in always busy city port.
You will soon get a chance to take a stroll along one of the most popular and extravagant promenades in the world. This jet-set town is known for its bohemian nightlife and vibrant heartbeat of busy streets, where various celebrities often come across.
A spectacular view from epic fortress, guarding the city is really rewarding after a short ascend. Just let yourself be embraced by this Dalmatian pearl where old and new meet in a remarkable fusion.
The famous Hvar town
If you are looking for dance clubs and bars, this is the place that will keep you partying until dawn. If you prefer more tranquillity, you will find that in peaceful surroundings of Pakleni Islands. Restaurant Bacchus offers fresh local delicacies in an amazing natural atmosphere.
DON'T MISS OUT:
- ascend up to the fortress Spanjola for spectacular view
- try Gregada - local fish stew
- taste a little bit of nightlife in Carpe Diem or Hula Hula bars
- swim in one of the emerald coves of Pakleni Islands
Day 4. Pakleni otoki - Korcula (Vela Luka)
Tuesday is the day when we set our sails towards Korčula island. On our way there be sure to make a stop in one of the bays on island Šćedro.
Surrounded by densely forested hills, covered with olive groves, and aromatic plants Vela Luka was always welcoming sailors. To experience its unique atmosphere dock your sailboat in new marina Korkyra near the town centre and just blend into pulse of this charming town.
If you prefer to spend a night on anchor and explore this charming town the next morning, there are well-sheltered anchorages at a doorstep of Vela Luka. I recommend beautiful islands Ošjak or Proizd famous of beautiful pebbled beaches.
You can anchor in one of many protected bays
DON'T MISS OUT:
- anchor near Proizd island and discover its white pebbled beaches
- try the famous Wines of Korčula Grk and Pošip
- try best restaurants in Vela Luka town - Skalinada or Bata +385 20 812 457
Day 5. Korcula - Vis (Komiža)
Today we sail up north to the historic island of Vis. Still covered in the veil of secrets, Vis is also called the island of legends. This remarkable island is a blend of wild intact landscapes, natural caves, military history and picturesque buildings and should be on your bucket list.
With only 2 towns of altogether 5000 inhabitants and no industry miles around, this is the perfect place to go swim or explore the underwater habitat. Island was all through its turbulent war history a natural Adriatic impregnable fortress claimed by Illyrians, Greeks, Venetians, British and French. Find a berth and dock your sailing yacht in iconic Komiža village.
On a fair sunny day, you climb up on mount "Hum"(585m) and admire the spectacular views. Charismatic fishermen, traditionally built wooden vessels in town port, narrow streets and exhibiting local artists, are completing the charm of this old picturesque village...
If you have time, explore the whole island in 1 day
...For its pristine setting, many movies are lately being filmed on the island. Renting a beetle or a scooter is a great way to discover the inland. Please bear in mind that in the summer months you need to be early to get a free berth in the port. If not, just take one of the buoys. Getting ashore and back with the dinghy is also an adventure.
DON'T MISS OUT:
- to take your time and discover the whole island
- visit the famous "Blue Cave"on Biševo island and Stiniva cove
- try the local speciality "Komiža pie" and local Vugava wine
- have a cup of coffee in the town bar next morning
Day 6. Vis - Šolta (Maslinica)
Following morning, you can take the water taxi to visit the spectacular »Blue cave« on Biševo island. In this naturally formed cavity you can witness colorful game between the sun and the sea, which generates a unique blue light. The tour usually takes 1 hour and you won't regret it. Instead of an early lunch, you have to try the local delicacy "Komiža cake". It is advisable to fill your stomach before we set sail.
Early afternoon sailing towards the "green island" Šolta, might give us a close encounter with a group of playful dolphins or a tuna flock.
Šolta in translation means "olive tree". The agriculture on this island was recognized by Austro-Hungarian empress nearly 200 years ago, that is why local farmers proudly present home-grown olive oil products to the visitors. Overnight in a small town Maslinica...
If you feel like spending a night at anchor
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 friendly locals infront the local pubs and a few family-run restaurants right by the sea.
If you feel like spending a night at anchor, some of the nearby islands provide a good shelter. Especially island Drvenik with beautiful emerald coves Rina and Krknjaši.
DON'T MISS OUT:
- to taste olive oil in the nearby gift shop
- visit the blue lagoon Rina on nearby island Drvenik Mali
- enjoy in a glass of wine in a romantic mansion in Maslinica
Day 7. Šolta - Split
On our last day we'll have plenty of time to swim, snorkel and chill in secluded coves of Šolta or Drvenik island before docking in our home base.
If you didn't get the chance to visit Split old town, you can take a walk along the evening promenade, buy some souvenirs, or just have a nice romantic dinner in one of the many restaurants downtown.
Fell free to discover the old town to check out the beautiful Diocletian palace, a spectacular monument from Roman empire or to have a quick snack at the city square.it is only 10 minute walk from the marina...
Visit downtown is Split for your last night aboard
Stuart Cole, Sidney AUS