Best Places To Sail In Croatia

1. Kornati National Park

Renting a sailing boat from second largest Dalmatian city Zadar, will allow you to experience one of the Croatia's natural treasures - Kornati national park.

Since there is no traveling connection from the land, thsi area can only be reached from a boat. That is why chartering a sailboat in Zadar is a unique opportunity to experience this amazing natural habitat at your own pace. With near 100 islands, islets and reefs, Kornati are the most island dense area in the whole Mediterranean.

Tranquil environment, unspoiled nature and authentic maritime ambiance, make Kornati truly a unique cruising getaway. As soon as you enter the park, you will get the feeling like being on another planet. The typical yellow-colored cone tops allowing spectacular views await to be conquered by hikers. 

2. Island Kaprije

My personal favourite sailing destination in Croatia is the village Kaprije on the same-named island. You will find this secluded and uspoiled Dalmatian gem close to the province capital, UNESCO world heritage site Šibenik. A small community of 150 residents is dependable on a small ferry, supplying the residents. Chartering a yacht in Biograd marina is best option to reach this stunning location.

Extremely popular with sailors, Kaprije presents the ultimate getaway from tourist-dense towns. Nautical guests visit this idyllic island only to feel the true heartbeat of Dalmatia and renown local food delicacies.

Friendly fishermen with their easy-going lifestyle contribute a large part to this village's charm. Living in a synergy with untouched nature the residents of Kaprije still maintain typical Dalmatian temperament.

3. Primošten

Discover Primošten, the pearl of cental Adriatic. Best chance  to visit this vibrant town is to hire a catamaran in UNESCO site Šibenik or charter a sailboat in Zadar.

Primošten village is among most iconic tourist destinations of Dalmatia. Despite being extremey popular holiday spot this charming town still protects its small-town innocence. The old town centre of was actually merged with the mainland a long time ago by the locals because of farming and cultivating.

Nowadays, this vivid Adriatic pearl is crisscrossed with cobbled streets and typical Reinessance architecture. Monumental stone-built houses are now mainly upgraded into excellent restaurants, and stylish cocktail bars. Don't forget to taste locally produced "Babic Wine"  served with salted sardines and local goat cheese.

4. Veli Rat - Dugi Otok Island

If you prefer less crowded islands, then "Dugi Otok" is probably one of the most unique cruising locations to discover when chartering a yacht in Dalmatia. Direct translation means "Long Island" that is why taking longer time to explore its natural parks, hidden bays and villages is recommended.

Mostly uninhabited densely scattered islands of this area allow easy island hopping with small cruising distances and safe sailing grounds. Perfect for relaxing family yacht vacations. Best anchoring opportunities are in naturally protected Pantera cove in the north, where you can also visit highest lighthouse in Croatia "Veli Rat". Largest island town called Sali is traditionally welcoming sailors and is well-know of celebrating donkey races first week of August. 

5. Silba -  Island Silba

Silba in an island that tops my personal "best of" list. To experience this secluded gem, you can hire one of the Pula yacht charters or a bareboat yacht in Zadar. Although it is not on the bucket list for most of Croatia sailing 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 was know of being "the island of captains" since most of the local men went into seamen service. Nowadays this small community mainly survives on fishing and tourism. However, it's still largely dependable on yachting tourism and farming.

The island is surrounded with romantic sandy beaches, where you can stop for the afternoon swim. I suggest to anchor in coves Prapranica or St. Ante and then take a stroll and feel the vibe of this small community. All motorized traffic has been banned from the island, except for few electric vehicles, so the whole island is a pedestrian zone...

6. Bol - Island Brac

Island Brač, the largest and the highest Dalmatian island is also world-known of a unique white marble. However, the sailors usually tend to visit this island for its stronger winds, sandy beaches and the famous "Golden horn" is the main island attarction. Half-a-mile-long golden pebble beach changes shape with the currents and prevailing winds. Stronger channel (between Hvar and Brač) winds also attract many kitesurfers and windsurfers. Bol is only 3-4 hour sail away when you charter sailing yacht in Split.

Bol, with population close to 1.500, is a must-visit for the sailors. After your skipper moors your boat, 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 promenade, you can still find quiet in the evenings to enjoy and relax in a stunning maritime atmosphere.

7. Korcula Town - Island Korcula

Often called Dubrovnik in small, Korčula is world-famous of being the birthplace, of Venetian merchant Marco Polo. According to legend, Korčula was found by Trojan hero Anthenor in the 12th century bc. On this island you can find more legends, tales and history than anywhere else. Monumental architecture, impressive fortresses and epic Venetian defence walls contribute to a unique character of this Adriatic pearl. To reach Korčula you can either rent a sailboat in Split or sail less crowded routes of Dubrovnik sailing itinerary.

When you dock your boat in ACI marina you are already in the heart of this impressive town. Colorful streets, tiny museums, night bars and clubs, attractive stone houses and relaxed small-town atmosphere is embedded into densely forested hilltops. Due to the island's favorable sunny position this small community invested long years into self-sustainability and traditional local production. Which is a great invitation to taste some of the best local culinary delights based on fish and lamb.

8. Hvar - Island Hvar

Chartering a yacht in Split is the ultimate opportunity to experience world-renown Hvar town from a private sailboat. It will only take you about 4 hours of sailing to reach the most famous Croatian island and explore its stunning diversity. 

It is hard to find a free spot to moor in Hvar town port, so I recommend to find a safe berth on Pakleni Island. It is much easier and cheaper to take a 5-minute water taxi, then to search for free moorings among the impressive luxurious yachts blocking the harbour.

You will soon get a chance to take a stroll along one of the most popular and enchanting Rivieras in the world. This jet-set town is known for its buzzing nightlife and vivid streets where various celebrities often come across. A spectacular view from the Splanjola fortress guarding the city is rewarding after a short ascend over the town. Best way to explore Hvar is renting sailboat in Trogir old town.

9. Brac Pucisca - Island Brac

When you had enough of city hustle and bustle and prefer to dodge the crowds and escape into an iconic small-town island atmosphere this little gem is as close as it gets.
On the NE part of largest Dalmatian island Brač lies Pučišča village well-known of a unique white marble. Carved deep into a colorful bay with its gleaming white stone-covered buildings this charming little town awaits and welcomes everyone tired of crowded areas and busy promenades. This is the perfect spot for your ultimate yacht charter escape.

I recommend to dock at the small harbor at the south side of the basin. There are around 25 berths, equipped with moorings, water and power. Best way to visit this village is to charter catamaran in Split.

10. Komiža - Island Vis

The mysterious Vis, spread with natural caves, fishing tradition, cultural heritage, impressive military history and unique Mediterranean philosophy is the island you shouldn't miss out.

With only two small towns altogether counting 5.000 inhabitants and no industry miles around, this is the perfect swimming and snorkelling spot. Mainly for its unspoiled underwater habitat. The island was all through its war history a natural impregnable fortress claimed by Ilyrians, Greeks, Venetians, British and French. The island position makes this gem the perfect strategic point in the Mediterranean. On a fair sunny day, you can see all the way to Italy from the sun-soaked hilltops. Characteristic local fishermen, typical wooden vessels in town port, narrow streets and exhibiting local artists, are completing the charm of oldest Croatian fishing village Komiža.