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A beginner’s guide to sailing in Croatia

Croatia‘s 2,000 kilometers of ruggedly stunning Adriatic coast are among the most idyllic in the world.

Ancient Roman ruins patrol sheltered harbors, olive groves climb over twisting backstreets of crumbling villages, and sleek resorts back palm-fringed bays along this spectacular stretch.

More than 1,000 islands and islets dot the turquoise seas offshore, housing everything from isolated pebble beaches to hedonistic party cities.

Croatia is one of Europe’s most popular sailing destinations because of its beautiful archipelagos, which are paired with the country’s nice summer climate.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to sailing in Croatia for the first time.

What do I do – and for how long?

The southern Dalmatian islands are by far Croatia’s most popular sailing destination, and an excellent place to start if this is your first trip to the region.

The majority of itineraries include round trips from Split or Dubrovnik, as well as one-way trips between the two.

For the Split–Dubrovnik sailing itinerary, you’ll need about a week, but most businesses allow eight days or so (or vice versa).

Go tailor-made and book with your own personal local specialist to make the most of your time.

Itineraries like ‘Sailing Croatia’ can be customized to meet your specific needs.
To get a quote, call your local specialist today.

Hvar

With its inlets, pebbly coves, vineyards, and stone settlements, Hvar has a well-deserved reputation.

It’s all really family-friendly and moderately priced.

Hvar Town’s trendy bars and restaurants, as well as historic Stari Grad and its UNESCO-listed plain, are common stops.

Brač

Brač is Croatia’s third-largest island, and it can handle any degree of activity.

Milna on Brač is known for its laid-back beauty, while Bol has the Zlatni Rat beach, which is suitable for windsurfing.

Šolta

On the islands, you can also find plenty of isolation.

On the sleepy Šolta, the village of Stomorska has just fifteen moorings for visiting boats.

Despite its proximity to Split, Šolta is a tiny island that is not on most tourist maps and is suitable for cycling or walking while on dry land.

Pakleni Islands, Sveti Klement

A night in Palmižana harbour helps you to visit car-free Sveti Klement, one of the forested Pakleni Islands, a tiny group of islands to the south of Hvar that are conveniently accessible from Hvar Region – a great sailing route in Croatia.

Vis

The most isolated island from the mainland is unspoiled Vis, which was inaccessible to visitors until the early 1990s due to military action.

It’s host to the majestic Blue Cave, where sunlight reflects into a break in the cave’s wall, bathing it in a bright, aquamarine glow.

Korčula

If you’re looking for some beach time while sailing in Croatia, Korcula’s sandy bays and tranquil coves on the island’s southern coast are the island’s pride and joy.

It’s also surrounded by pine trees, vineyards, towns, and olive groves, allowing for a lovely backdrop as you enjoy the calm water.

Mljet

Mljet has grown in popularity in recent years, due in part to its stunning National Park.

Mljet, on the other hand, is unspoiled and serene, with the exception of the lively atmosphere around Pomena.

When is the right time to go sailing in Croatia?

Croatia’s high summer can be crowded, but the weather is absolutely stunning.
In July and August, expect gentle average temperatures of 26–27°C – and, even better, sea temperatures of about the same.

Snorkeling, paddle boarding, diving, or just splashing about in the shallows are among the most enjoyable aspects of visiting the Adriatic.

The sailing season in Croatia runs from May to September, and you can stick to these dates.

Although end-of-season or early-season discounts might sound appealing, with temperatures hovering about 15°C in October and many businesses closing for the year, you will not be able to take the trip you had imagined.

How can I go about finding a yacht?

Booking a skippered yacht is the most comfortable way to get started sailing in Croatia.

You might pick up a few sailing skills along the way, but you’ll mainly be able to relax and enjoy the scenery (or the local wines).

We can be your sailing guide in Croatia that knows the right boats and routes to get you out on the water.

The last thing you ought to be concerned with is getting to Croatia.

Your skipper will be an essential part of your tour, recommending and adjusting routes based on the conditions and directing you to the best swimming spots, sights, and restaurants.

You may also like to hire a host or hostess to take care of the cooking and cleaning for you.

A “bareboat” charter is an option for experienced sailors.

Operators can have various standards, but you’ll need complete qualifications, such as the ICC (International Certificate of Competence).

What do I expect until I’m on board?

When sailing in Croatia, not all yachts are created equal, ranging from cozy, close-quarters setups to floating paradigms of unbridled luxury.

Most businesses have various degrees of comfort; study the various boats provided by your favorite operator and be reasonable about your requirements for space and amenities.

Smaller, older vessels with crowded cabins and communal toilets are available at the lower end.

Modern, high-end catamarans have a very different experience, with plush furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, and plenty of deck space.

If you’re a single traveler, keep in mind that scheduling a group trip with a budget or youth operator may mean sharing a cabin or even a “double” bed.

Is it a smart idea to participate in Yacht Week?

You may have heard of Yacht Week or seen their glitzy publicity reels, but be careful of the hype.

This mega-flotilla travel for well-heeled twenty-somethings may be a once-in-a-lifetime treat, but it’s not affordable and definitely not reflective of Croatian society.

Local fishermen are concerned about safety because the skippers are inexperienced with the area’s waterways, and some towns are apparently pushing back against “Sodom and Gomorrah at sea” by refusing to give moorings to the inebriated masses.

Prior to and after my sailing adventure

Croatia has a lot to sell visitors of all ages and desires.

Explore Zagreb for a few days before your cruise, or stay a little longer and visit Dubrovnik or the Plitvice Lakes.

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