Split, with its magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, bustling Riva promenade, and convenient international airport, is one of Croatia’s premier sailing hubs. Starting your adventure here opens up the stunning islands of Central Dalmatia – a sailor’s paradise brimming with hidden coves, ancient towns, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking natural beauty. What better way to explore this incredible region than aboard a spacious and comfortable catamaran?
Catamarans are perfectly suited for island hopping in Croatia. Their stability provides comfort for families and groups, ample deck space is ideal for soaking up the Adriatic sun, and crucially, their shallow draft grants access to secluded bays that deeper keelboats can’t reach.
This suggested 7-day itinerary is designed with catamaran sailors in mind, offering a fantastic blend of popular highlights and relaxing anchorages. It’s a well-paced route, but always remember – one of the joys of sailing is flexibility! Consider this a well-researched starting point, ready to be adapted to weather conditions and your crew’s preferences. Ready to explore? Let’s set sail!
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The Route Overview:
- Day 1: Split/Trogir to Milna (Brač Island)
- Day 2: Milna (Brač) to Hvar Town (Hvar Island)
- Day 3: Hvar Town to Pakleni Islands Exploration (Anchor)
- Day 4: Pakleni Islands to Vis Town (Vis Island)
- Day 5: Vis Town to Komiža (Vis Island) via Green Cave & Stiniva Cove
- Day 6: Komiža (Vis) to Maslinica (Šolta Island)
- Day 7: Maslinica (Šolta) back to Split/Trogir
Day 1: Split/Trogir to Milna (Brač Island)
- Approx. Distance: 12-15 Nautical Miles (NM)
- Approx. Sailing Time: 2-3 hours
Embarkation & Departure: After completing check-in procedures at your charter base in Split (ACI Marina) or nearby Trogir (ACI Marina or Marina Baotić), familiarize yourself with your catamaran. Once ready, cast off the lines and head south-west across the Split Channel towards the island of Brač.
Route Highlights: Enjoy your first taste of Adriatic sailing! Keep an eye out for dolphins as you leave the mainland bustle behind. The coastline of Brač will loom larger as you approach.
Destination: Milna: Milna is a charming, deeply indented bay on the western side of Brač, known for its picturesque harbour and safe shelter. It has a long maritime tradition and offers a relaxed, authentic Dalmatian atmosphere.
Things to Do: Stroll along the waterfront lined with traditional stone houses, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local konobas (taverns), or simply relax with a coffee and watch the boats come and go.
Mooring/Anchorage:
- ACI Marina Milna: Offers secure berths with water, electricity, and facilities. Booking ahead, especially in peak season, is recommended.
- Town Quay: Limited space, often requires Med mooring (stern-to or bows-to).
- Anchoring: Several well-protected coves outside the main harbour offer anchoring possibilities, perfect for leveraging your catamaran’s stability.
[Recommended Catamaran Anchorage near Milna - consult SkipperCity for specific bay recommendations based on wind]
Tip: Milna is a great spot to enjoy your first peaceful sunset of the trip.
Day 2: Milna (Brač) to Hvar Town (Hvar Island)
- Approx. Distance: 15-18 NM
- Approx. Sailing Time: 3-4 hours
Route Highlights: Sail south from Milna, passing the western tip of Brač. Depending on the wind, you might enjoy some exhilarating sailing across the channel towards the glamorous island of Hvar. The approach to Hvar Town, with its imposing hilltop fortress overlooking the harbour, is truly spectacular.
Destination: Hvar Town: Hvar is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, chic restaurants, beautiful Venetian architecture, and lavender fields further inland. It’s a bustling, cosmopolitan hub attracting sailors and celebrities alike.
Things to Do: Explore the historic Pjaca (main square) dominated by St. Stephen’s Cathedral, hike up to the Fortica Španjola for breathtaking panoramic views, browse the boutiques, enjoy cocktails at trendy waterfront bars, or take a water taxi to nearby beaches.
Mooring/Anchorage:
- Hvar Town Harbour (Main Quay): Extremely popular and often full by early afternoon in peak season. Reservations are highly recommended (and often mandatory) well in advance via online systems. Mooring is typically stern-to or bows-to. Expect significant costs.
- Buoy Fields: Some buoy fields exist outside the main harbour, but availability varies.
- Anchoring: Limited anchoring options directly near the town due to depth and traffic. Most sailors aiming for Hvar Town moor inside or proceed to the Pakleni Islands (Day 3).
Tip: Booking your berth in Hvar Town months in advance for July/August is not an exaggeration. If you prefer anchoring, plan to visit the town via water taxi from the Pakleni Islands. Need help securing a spot? Consider a skippered catamaran charter where your skipper can assist.
Day 3: Hvar Town to Pakleni Islands Exploration (Anchor)
- Approx. Distance: 1-5 NM (depending on chosen bay)
- Approx. Sailing Time: 0.5 – 1 hour
Route Highlights: A short hop today! Leave the bustle of Hvar Town behind and motor or sail the short distance across to the stunning Pakleni (or Paklinski) Islands archipelago just opposite Hvar. This chain of pine-clad islets offers numerous beautiful bays and crystal-clear waters.
Destination: Pakleni Islands Bays: Choose your paradise! Popular options include:
- Vinogradišće Bay (Palmižana): Features ACI Marina Palmižana (booking essential), several excellent restaurants (like Laganini or Meneghello), and beautiful turquoise water. Can be busy.
- Ždrilca & Mlini: Connected bays offering lovely swimming spots and a couple of casual restaurants. Good anchoring possibilities.
- Taršće: A quieter, more secluded bay further west, often good for anchoring.
[Other Recommended Pakleni Bays suitable for Catamarans - consult SkipperCity]
Things to Do: Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, relax! Explore the bays by dinghy, enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant (in Palmižana or Ždrilca), or simply unwind onboard your spacious catamaran deck.
Mooring/Anchorage:
- ACI Marina Palmižana: The only marina in the islands, book well ahead.
- Buoys: Many bays have concessioned mooring buoys (expect a fee).
- Anchoring: Numerous possibilities in various bays. Catamarans excel here, able to tuck into slightly shallower spots. Check seabed holding (mostly sand/weed) and ensure adequate swing room.
Tip: The Pakleni Islands are perfect for enjoying the “anchored life”. Make the most of your catamaran’s stability and deck space. Use the onboard BBQ if you have one!
Day 4: Pakleni Islands to Vis Town (Vis Island)
- Approx. Distance: 12-15 NM
- Approx. Sailing Time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
Route Highlights: A beautiful open water sail heading south-west towards the enigmatic island of Vis. Vis was closed to foreign visitors until 1989 due to its military importance, which helped preserve its authentic charm and unspoiled nature.
Destination: Vis Town: Located in a large, well-protected bay on the island’s north-eastern side, Vis Town is divided into two main parts: Luka (the harbour area) and Kut (the older, more picturesque part). It offers a fascinating blend of history (Greek, Roman, Venetian influences), delicious food, and a relaxed pace.
Things to Do: Explore the charming stone alleyways of Kut, visit the Roman thermal baths ruins, discover the archaeological museum, rent scooters or bikes to explore the island’s interior (vineyards, olive groves, military tunnels), enjoy dinner at one of the superb restaurants like Pojoda.
Mooring/Anchorage:
- Vis Town Quay: Offers water and electricity. Can get busy, especially the western quay (Luka). The Kut quay is often preferred but fills quickly. Med mooring is standard.
- Buoys: A field of mooring buoys is available in the bay.
- Anchoring: Possible within the large bay, clear of the ferry path and mooring fields. Good holding.
Tip: Consider renting scooters for a half-day to explore the island’s interior – it’s a fantastic way to see beyond the main town. A catamaran charter gives you a comfortable base to return to after exploring.
Day 5: Vis Town to Komiža (Vis Island) via Green Cave & Stiniva Cove
- Approx. Distance: ~15-20 NM (including stops)
- Approx. Sailing Time: 3-5 hours (plus time for stops)
Route Highlights: Today involves sailing along the southern coast of Vis, visiting some spectacular natural wonders.
- Green Cave (Ravnik Islet): Stop near the small island of Ravnik. You can swim into the Green Cave (check if entrance fees apply) and marvel at the emerald light filtering through an opening in the roof.
- Stiniva Cove: Arguably one of Croatia’s most famous beaches. A stunning cove encircled by high cliffs with a narrow sea entrance. Note: Anchoring inside is usually prohibited/impossible for yachts. The best approach is to anchor your catamaran outside the entrance (weather permitting) and swim or take the dinghy through the narrow gap to the pebble beach inside. Its beauty is worth the effort!
Destination: Komiža: A charming traditional fishing town nestled in a deep bay on the western side of Vis. It has a more laid-back feel than Vis Town, with a lovely waterfront, fishing museum, and stunning sunsets.
Things to Do: Wander through the narrow streets, visit the Fisherman’s Museum in the Venetian tower, enjoy fresh fish at a local konoba (Jastožera or Bako are famous for lobster), watch the fishing boats, and enjoy the spectacular sunset views towards Biševo island (home of the Blue Cave).
Mooring/Anchorage:
- Komiža Town Quay: Offers berths with water and electricity. Can be busy and sometimes subject to swell with certain winds.
- Buoys: A large field of mooring buoys stretches across the bay (expect fees).
- Anchoring: Possible further out in the bay, but can be deep. Buoys are generally preferred here.
Tip: Plan a visit to the Blue Cave on Biševo island either early this morning before leaving Vis Town, or early the next morning from Komiža (organized tours or potentially your own dinghy if conditions are perfect and regulations allow – check locally). The experience is highly dependent on weather and queues.
Day 6: Komiža (Vis) to Maslinica (Šolta Island)
- Approx. Distance: 20-25 NM
- Approx. Sailing Time: 4-5 hours
Route Highlights: A longer sailing leg heading north from Vis towards the island of Šolta. This is often a great downwind sail if the typical summer Maestral wind is blowing. Enjoy the open sea and the changing perspectives of the islands.
Destination: Maslinica: A delightful, small village situated in a picturesque bay on the western tip of Šolta island. It’s known for its beautiful Martinis Marchi heritage hotel (a renovated castle) and a cluster of small islands dotting the bay entrance, creating a serene setting.
Things to Do: Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, swim in the clear waters, walk around the charming harbour, admire the castle hotel, and have dinner at one of the excellent restaurants overlooking the bay (e.g., Šišmiš Bar or Restaurant Martinis Marchi).
Mooring/Anchorage:
- Martinis Marchi Marina: A small, well-protected, high-quality marina within the hotel complex. Booking is essential.
- Buoys: Some mooring buoys are available in the bay.
- Anchoring: Possible in the bay outside the marina/buoy area, good holding. The islets provide some protection.
Tip: Maslinica offers one of the most beautiful sunset spots in the region, often enjoyed from the cockpit of your anchored catamaran.
Day 7: Maslinica (Šolta) back to Split/Trogir
- Approx. Distance: 12-15 NM
- Approx. Sailing Time: 2-3 hours
Route Highlights: Enjoy a final leisurely sail back towards your charter base. Depending on your timing and preferences, you could stop for a last swim in a bay on Šolta or Čiovo island before heading into the marina.
Destination: Split or Trogir Charter Base: Navigate back towards Split or Trogir. Remember to refuel your catamaran before returning it to the charter base, following their specific instructions for check-out time and procedures.
Things to Do: After check-out, you might have time to explore more of Split’s Diocletian’s Palace or Trogir’s UNESCO-listed old town before heading home, filled with incredible memories of your Croatian catamaran adventure.
Flexibility & Customization
This itinerary is just a suggestion! The beauty of a catamaran charter in Croatia is the freedom to adapt. You might spend longer in a favourite bay, discover a hidden gem recommended by your skipper (if on a skippered charter), or adjust based on weather. SkipperCity’s team can help you personalize your route further based on your interests.
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