Explore the sunniest part of Croatia with the most beautiful islands in the world. Central Dalmatia is rich in stunning bays, romantic and touristic beaches, medieval towns, and unspoiled places. A week-long holiday won’t be enough for you to explore it all. The following sailing itinerary is a sneak peek of what is ahead of you during your 7-day sailing trip south of Split.
As soon as you get your boat in Split (for example, in ACI marina Split, which is closest to the city centre), you have got two options: enjoy a stroll through the historic streets or, especially in the high season, set sail on Saturday in the afternoon to avoid traditional boat traffic.
This itinerary will offer you the best places for sailing starting from Split. But before you plan your sailing trip, do not forget to consider sailing conditions. Factors like the best season for sailing and maritime infrastructure are covered in our article with many other recommendations for your sailing holiday in Croatia.
Islands worth visiting on your 7-day sailing trip are Šolta, which is less visited by tourists, Vis – an island frozen in time, worldwide known islands of Brač and Hvar, peaceful Šćedro island, and if you still didn’t run out of time, visit the lush green island of Korčula and the neighbouring, almost untouched Lastovo island. You are not going to forget them any time soon!
Tip: Once the strong Jugo wind is about to be blowing for a week straight, give it a thought and sail north of Split.
Suggested 7-day sailing itinerary: Split - Šolta (Šešula/Jorja) - Vis (Komiža) - Šćedro (Manastir) - Hvar (Vrboska) - Brač (Milna) - Split
Getting your itinerary ready for such a stunning area popular with tourists can be a tough one, especially in high season. Many cruise ships and ferries, including yachts, sail along the islands. We recommend you book your mooring spot in popular marinas and bays via the app MySea or SeaSy. Furthermore, reserving a berth in advance will ensure that you won’t have to wait. Depending on the location, Croatia’s mooring fees can be costly. Be sure to look at the price lists before choosing a spot.
You can easily adjust the suggested itinerary to your sailing skills and the mood of your crew aboard. The strong bora or jugo can surprise you here as well. We also included in your itinerary a stopover on the island of Vis. By any means, you will not regret visiting this farthest offshore, inhabited Adriatic island. However, if you feel like some routes between the islands of Vis, Šćedro, and the northern part of Hvar are way too time-consuming, opt for an overnight stay in one of the well-protected bays on Pakleni archipelago.
In the high season, you can skip some popular spots, such as the most photographed Meditteranean beach of Zlatni Rat on Brač island or the blue cave of Biševo. Visit them instead in the low season because crowds of tourists can ruin your experience.
Here are our recommendations for your sailing routes from Split.
Overall, this sailing itinerary is approximately 140-150 nautical miles (nm).
Day 1 (Saturday): Check-in at Marina Split (0 nm)
Day 2 (Sunday): Split - Šolta (Šešula/Jorja) (14 - 18 nm)
Day 3 (Monday): Šolta - Vis (Komiža) (24 nm)
Day 4 (Tuesday): Vis - Stiniva (Vis) - the island of Šćedro (32 nm)
Day 5 (Wednesday): Šćedro - Dubovica beach on the Hvar island, or Pakleni island with a bay of Soline/Vinogradišće - Hvar (Vrboska) (35 nm)
Day 6 (Thursday): Hvar (Vrboska) - Brač (Blača) - Brač (Milna) (21 nm)
Day 7 (Friday): Brač - Šolta (Ragač) - Split (17 nm)
You can find the route on Google Maps on this link.
The route for the Navionics map is here.
Day 1 (Saturday) - Split
Saturday is a chaotic day within every marina, and it applies especially to one of the largest Dalmatian marinas. So, once you get everything ready and settled, start your onshore exploration. Split – the second largest city in Croatia – is truly worth visiting, and you can reach the city centre from the marina in 30 minutes. While walking along the coast, head to the extensive and busy Riva promenade, lined with palm trees. The street artists will make your walk pretty enjoyable, and you will also be pleased by the view of the historic buildings and the sea. Before reaching Riva, you can also stop by at Fabrique pub for a massive portion of grilled food. The interior is excellent, and the staff is handy. In addition, there are several cafés to choose from in the Riva pedestrian zone. While in the city centre, you can also enjoy a delicious dinner in the Makarun – almost a Michelin-level restaurant.
For a stunning view of the open Adriatic sea, head to the Marjan forest park, or you can also hike up to the Belvedere viewpoint or the Vrh Telegrin.
Day 2 (Sunday) - Split - Šolta (Šešula/Jorja) - 14 - 18 nm
Tourists often skip the island of Šolta; however, it is a beautiful and unspoiled place that will win your heart for its Dalmatian authenticity, dense green forests smelling of pine trees, and famous local gastronomy.
Places worth seeing
Take a break from sailing in one of the northern bays, Stomorska or Nečujam. If you fancy sandy beaches, you will enjoy your time at the hidden and small bay Šipkova. The most beautiful and emptier beaches are on the island’s south side; we recommend the bays of Tatinja, Jorja, and Stračinska.
Šolta is also known for several gastronomic specialities. Treat yourself to the local Dobričić red wine made from local grapes. In addition to wine, the island is known for its traditional beekeeping, and local rosemary honey will make a grateful souvenir. The local olive oil is of high quality.
Anchorages
Although tourists visit Šolta less frequently, we recommend booking moorings in advance. Marina Maslinica in the sympathetic town of Maslinica is a well-known marina. It is, however, relatively expensive, smaller, and sanitary facilities are usually occupied.
If you don’t feel like spending the night in the marina, moor on a buoy in the neighbouring and well-protected Šešula bay. Arrive there early and make a reservation because it is often crowded in the summer. For a quality and affordable dinner, visit the peaceful restaurant Konoba Šešula which has friendly and helpful staff.
Other famous bays in the north are Nečujam (mooring with an anchor) and Stomorsk (mooring lines). These bays, however, do not provide enough protection during bora.
On the southern side of the island, in the bays of Tatinja, Senjska, and Stračinska, drop an anchor and tie your boat to the shore. Neither one of the bays is protected against the jugo. The “secret” tip for a visit is a lovely Jorja bay, where it is possible to anchor on a buoy if you eat at an excellent local restaurant Lero. Moreover, Jorja bay is an exceptional place for a sleepover. Your reward for today’s cruise will be a breathtaking view from the restaurant on the hill.
Day 3 (Monday) - Šolta - Vis (24 nm)
The island of Vis is a positive surprise for every visitor. Vis was closed off from foreign visitors until 1989 when it ceased being a military base. Today, it feels as if time has stood still. Tourist resorts, large hotels, or vast beaches are absent – you will find here pristine nature, experience a long fishing tradition, and visit several most beautiful beaches in the country.
Places worth visiting
The charming port town of Komiža will win you over for its friendly atmosphere, delicious fish, and local wines of vugava and plavac. Komiža was founded back in the 12th century by Benedictine monks, and the port kept its ancient atmosphere until today. The town of Vis on the opposite side of the island is also worth a visit. By the way, both of these ports served as a backdrop for the sequel to Mamma Mia.
Vis is known for its diverse beaches every step of the way – there are pebble, rocky, sandy, and several nudist beaches. If you have some free time left on the following day, pay a visit to the wild and romantic Stiniva bay and its beach, which has long been rated one of the TOP beaches in Europe. Once there, you can observe an interesting phenomenon – half of the beach is always in the shade because of the cliff.
Numerous local vineyards, citrus and olive groves, exotic palm trees, and pine trees emphasize the island’s purity, and the citrus scent will accompany you throughout your whole stay on Vis. In addition, divers will be attracted by several wrecks hidden in the depths of the sea.
The small island of Biševo, with a stunning Blue cave that creates magical scenery on the water's surface, is nearby. Come by between 9:30 and 11:30 to experience the incredible display of colours and lights. Although the cave is beautiful, don’t feel compelled to visit it during summer, for there are huge crowds of impatient tourists. In recent years, anchoring the ship here and driving to the cave has been forbidden, so you will need to rely on the nervous cave operators. However, the bay of Biševska Luka, with a lovely sandy beach and a restaurant, is also worth visiting in the high season. Unfortunately, the bay is not well-protected from strong winds.
Another beautiful cave, Zelená, is on the tiny neighbouring island of Ravnik. Like Blue cave, get ready for crowds of ships in front of it in high season. If you long for a cave visit, opt for the good and so far little-known spot – the biggest cave on the island of Vis – Kraljičina (Queen’s cave). It is located in the northern part of the island, nearby to Oključina bay. You can visit the bay with a cave, a small pebble beach, and a half-empty town on your way from Šolta to Komiža.
Anchorages
We recommend you moor on a buoy in a bay in front of the town of Komiža. A local water taxi will take you onshore. An alternative is to tie up your boat at the town harbour’s pier. During your stay in Komiža, we recommend you dine at Jastožera restaurant, known for its fresh lobsters, which you get to choose for yourself. Even if you opt for a different dining place, it will not be a bad call as most local restaurants offer a quality gastronomic experience.
Overnight stay in the Vis port is much more difficult. Not only due to noise but also because of the east winds, waves created by ferries, and, unfortunately, frequent sewer odours.
Day 4 (Tuesday) - Vis - Stiniva bay - Šćedro (32 nm)
If translated, the island of Šćedro means “generous”, and it is entirely accurate to say this small island will generously reward you with its stunning beauty and wilder character. Furthermore, due to the absence of cars, ferries, and protected nature, Šćedro holds a reputation as Croatia’s most peaceful island.
Anchorages
We recommend staying in the Manastir bay on a mooring buoy (3 meters long mooring ropes hang from it) and, just in case, making a reservation at the local restaurant Moster. From here, you can reach the ruins of an old 16th-century Dominican monastery. Be aware the bay is not well-protected from bora.
Konoba Moster in Manastir bay will pleasantly surprise you with locally grown ingredients, fresh-caught fish, and homemade wine. Konoba is owned by two brothers who live here all year round, and they run an ecologically aware and sustainable business. As a result, this restaurant is not among the cheapest.
Another famous bay in the area is Lovišće bay; however, strong gusts of wind can bother you at night. In such a case, it is safer to anchor in the western tip of the bay.
Day 5 (Wednesday) - Šćedro - Hvar (Vrboska) or Pakleni (35nm)
Get ready to sail longer distances today. Your route will take you from Šćedro towards the neighbouring Hvar, and if all is safe and sound, you will stop by the Pakleni archipelago. Sailing around Hvar while getting to know its bays and towns would be worth a week-long cruise.
Places worth visiting
Hvar is fairly considered a king among the Dalmatian islands. Croatia’s most beautiful and most popular island, Hvar, is also nicknamed a “lavender island”, for you can find lavender sachets for sale everywhere. Lush vegetation and the most significant number of sunny days make it a real Croatian Madeira.
On the way to your final destination for today, stop by a small Dubovica bay on the south side of Hvar and take a dip in the sea. You can also take a break and moor in Vinogradišće bay with a sandy beach (a fee for a buoy is charged also for a short stay) or head to Solina bay on the island of St. Clement. While sailing along the Pakleni archipelago, watch out for crowds of kayakers. Caution is also in place as you sail through Splitska vrata (the strait between the islands of Šolta and Brač) since most boats and ferries take this route.
Pakleni archipelago is confusingly translated as Hell islands, however, they are not even close to that. The tranquil Paklenis are breathtaking paradise islands with their name derived from the word paklina – the pine resin used for painting ships.
Hvar, Stari Grad, Vrbovska, Jelsa, and Sučuraj are the most beautiful towns on the island of Hvar. Hvar is a busy party town, visited even by celebrities, yet keeping its unmistakable ancient charm. The Stari Grad town is one of the oldest European towns, and it is significantly quieter compared to Hvar. Both Vrbovska and Jelsa are picturesque and peaceful ports. Due to its location on the eastern tip of the island, Sučuraj is often overlooked, which makes it an ideal destination for those who prefer intimate towns.
There are numerous beautiful and lonely bays worth anchoring on the eastern side of Hvar island. Even though this part of Hvar is not included in your itinerary, our recommendations go for the picturesque bays of Mrtinovnik, Smarska, and Pokrivenik.
Anchorages
If the wind and overall conditions are in your favor, set sailing to Marina Vrboska on the Brač island. You can choose either the town pier or a more distant and expensive ACI marina. The town of Vrboska was given the nickname of “Little Venice” for its renaissance style and numerous small bridges across the channel. There is also a pretty church resembling a fortress with a view of the surrounding region. If you crave a tasty dinner, you can stop by, for example, in Škojič restaurant.
In case you decide to sail for a shorter distance, you can stay for the night in one of the bays on Pakleni islands. Namely on St. Clement island, instead of anchoring on the ever-packed Vinogradišće bay, we recommend staying in Solina bay, where you can secure your boat with an anchor or use a mooring buoy. Several buoys belong to the pleasant Paradiso restaurant. You can also opt for an ACI marina Palmižana on the north part of St. Clement island, however, be aware of lower depth in the marina, strong waves during bora, and arbitrary handling of mooring lines by local staff, that might get caught in your propeller.
If the town’s nightlife doesn’t bother you, the beautiful Hvar is a good choice for an overnight stay, but there is a lack of space already in the early afternoon. Stari Grad, referred to by many as the most beautiful town on Hvar, offers good mooring with water and electricity.
Day 6 (Thursday) - Vrboska - Milna (21 nm)
In case you stayed overnight in the marina Vrboska, your final destination for the day is the island of Brač and the old fishing town of Milna. Brač is renowned for its phenomenal beach of Zlatni Rat – the largest coastal attraction and the most visited beach in Croatia. On the other hand, if you spent the night on Pakleni islands or in the town of Hvar, Vrboska can be your final destination today.
Places worth visiting
The saying goes that while being on Brač island, you should relax at least for a while on the sandy beach of Zlatni Rat. Ideally, however, in the off-season. Brač may also be best known for its radiant white limestone, which adorns Diocletian’s Palace in Split. It has also been used for building many local houses. As the highest island in the Adriatic, Brač offers you the possibility to hike the Vidova Gora with a rewarding view of impressive beaches and nearby Hvar.
Popular destinations such as towns Milna, Sutivan, and Supetar will delight fans of historic and fishing ports. The local gourmet speciality of the island of Brač is not fish but lamb. Its taste stands out even better if combined with the local red wine.
Tip: In case you stay on Brač longer, there is a romantic beach in a bay near Murvica settlement with a secret Dragon cave. It contains carved religious paintings whose author and meaning remain a mystery. The cave is locked from the public, it is necessary to organize a tour in advance with a local guide. Since the tour and the hike take approximately 4 hours altogether, we recommend visiting this attraction in case of a longer stay on Brač.
Anchorages
Anchoring near Zlatni Rat beach is prohibited. On your way from the marina Vrboska, you can moor in Bol, a popular holiday destination, and relax on the famous beach. Blača bay is a nice and uninhabited spot suitable for swimming or overnight stays. The former Blača Hermitage monastery is just 45 minutes away on foot. When anchoring in this bay, tie up your boat ashore. Be careful when throwing an anchor, there is a tree with branches at the bottom, and the bottom is also rocky in some places.
While in Milna, you can stay overnight in the marina Vlaska or ACI Marina Milna. Both marinas are well-protected from all winds. There is even a nice beach near the marina Vlaska where you take a pleasant evening dip.
Milna is a small town that you can explore in a short time. If you visit during summer, you might get lucky to experience one of the numerous local cultural events. Tasty Bago restaurant is just behind the corner from marina Vlaska (in addition to fish, they also serve lamb). A good place for taking a bite near the ACI marina is Palma restaurant.
Day 7 (Friday) - sailing towards Split (17 nm)
Enjoy your last day at sea by relaxing in one of the bays on the eastern side of the Brač island. Bobovišće bay (mooring buoy) or Stipanska (anchoring) are good spots for a pleasant swim.
Tip: On Friday afternoon, large rows of ships gather near the ACI Marina Split, in front of the gas station. We, therefore, recommend avoiding the chaos and refueling in Rogač on the island of Šolta, or in Milna on Brač island.
Alternative itineraries
Boost your inspiration with other sailing possibilities south from Split.
- For more experienced and sailing-greedy yachtsmen we recommend leaving Split already on Saturday afternoon and including in your itinerary Lastovo – the most remote, inhabited island in Croatia. This is an example of your sailing itinerary: Split - Vis - Korčula Vela Luka - Lastovo (Zaklopatica) - town of Korčula – Šćedro island - Hvar (Hvar or Vrboska) or Brač (Milna) - Split.
- Beginner yachtsmen or families with kids would enjoy safer sailing conditions between the Croatian coast and the islands of Šolta/Brač/and partially, Hvar.
- Split - Pakleni islands (ACI marina Palmižana or Luka Soline bay) - the town of Korčula with a stopover on the island of Šćedro - Korčula Vela Luka - town of Hvar - Milna on Brač island - Split
We believe that after a week-long cruise in this beautiful area, you will be coming back for there are many more attractive places to explore. A call of the Adriatic sea can be powerful. And Boataround team will be happy to help you with the choice of your boat or the itinerary.
Note: We used the Navionics app to calculate the route length. As an example, we used a boat with a length of up to 15 meters, a draft of 3 meters (such as Elan 50), and an average speed of 5 knots per hour.)
Telephone numbers you might need:
Emergency – 112
Police – 192
Fire department – 193
Ambulance – 194
Search and rescue at sea – 195
Road assistance – 072 777 777
Tourist information, Split – +385 (0)21 345 606
(Croatia's country calling code is +385 )
If you need more inspiration and you are looking for some useful information about sailing in Croatia, check out our other articles and guides:
Sailing around Istria – Tito's hidden paradise
Five excellent marinas along the Croatian coastline | Boataround
Easter Sailing Holiday - Best Sailing Destinations for Easter | Boataround
Sailing from Zadar – 7-day itinerary | Boataround
Breathtaking bays and secluded beaches — 7 days around Kvarner | Boataround
Sailing around Biograd – 7-day itinerary | Boataround
