The dream of sailing with crystal clear waters and more than a thousand islands in Croatia comes true. Sailing in Croatia with the charm of half a century ago is perfect for exploring the country’s beauty from the sea in the spirit of the French Riviera. On a sailing vacation in Croatia, you will find a peaceful paradise in the high season when the weather conditions are exceptional. To make your trip more manageable, we have prepared a quick guide to sailing in Croatia and the best insider tips in Croatia.
The best places for sailing in Croatia
Croatia has more than 1000 islands and stunning beaches. It is no surprise that more and more tourists visit Croatia yearly to charter a yacht and enjoy their travel experience. But there are so many ways to discover the country: Split, the second largest city in the country, is an excellent starting point for yacht trips.
If you’re looking for an authentic sailing experience, there’s no better place to charter a yacht than in Split. With its centuries-old traditions and stunning natural beauty, Croatia is the perfect setting for a sailing trip. And with so many yacht charters in Croatia to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a luxury yacht or a more budget-friendly option, you’ll be able to find it.
Some of the most famous and beautiful islands are Brac, Hvar and Korcula. They are only a short day trip away from Split. So, if you want to experience a boat adventure while exploring these islands, definitely consider renting a boat. Croatia has a lot to offer for a sailing vacation:
Vis
As a result of the closure of Vis to the public as a military base for 40 years, the island is enormously overgrown, of remarkably untouched nature, and you can hardly find any houses/buildings. A day trip or afternoon tour is the best way to explore Vis. It also has a fascinating history.
Šešula-Bay
Šešula Bay in Solta is famous for its beautiful climate. From here, you can stroll to the nearby historical town of Maslinica or just relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity on the boat. The bay is gorgeous, and you can swim in calm turquoise waters.
Korčula City
The town is often called mini-Dubrovnik and is considered the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo, but it also attracts attention for its medieval charm. Korcula is situated on a beautiful island with sandy beaches, olive groves and vineyards. A forest also surrounds the town, which could have come from a fairy tale. Korcula is the perfect stopover for your sailing tour of Croatia.
Stari Grad
The oldest settlement on the island of Hvar is the enchanting settlement of Stari Grad. The town is full of historic houses, stores and museums, but there are also cycling and hiking trails leading to UNESCO World Heritage sites. Many who arrive by boat buy bottles of wine in a small romantic wine cellar and enjoy a good meal in a local restaurant. The town’s quay is easy to dock, as it is the second largest in Croatia.
More tips for a successful sailing vacation in Croatia
Most travellers already know the type of boat (cabin size) they are looking for. Consider the needs of your crew and the type of mainsail you want your boat to have. If you avoid ports most of the time, you will need air conditioning or generators. Yacht charter in Croatia depends on several factors. A motor-driven boat is usually more expensive than a sailboat or catamaran. The larger the vessel and the more crew, the higher the cost. New yachts are also more costly than older or classic yachts.
Our classic vintage boats are fully serviced and inspected every year. They are included in the economy series and are an excellent option for a lower budget. Catamarans are also a more expensive option due to their convenience. What you should also consider are sailing conditions. Factors like the best season for sailing and maritime infrastructure are covered in the article with many other recommendations for a sailing trip in Croatia.
The three best insider tips for your sailing trip through Croatia
Lavsa
The island of Lavsa is a remote island and one of Croatia’s hidden gems in the Kornati National Park, also known as the Croatian Crown. Tickets are required to enjoy the protected parks and marine life. You should purchase them several days in advance to avoid the inconvenience (especially if you buy online or through a travel agency for more than one day).
Rogoznica
The small town of Rogoznica is another essential tip for Croatia. It has a long history as a fishing village in a protected deep sea bay. Rogoznica is located on a small island connected by a bridge to the mainland of Croatia. The promenade is lined with dozens of restaurants and cafes that reveal a beautiful view of the bay, especially at sunset.
St. Clement
St. Clement is an island also known as Veli Otok (the big island). It is the largest of the Pakaleni group of islands. These are known for their quiet, sunny beaches and tranquil atmosphere on all islands. St. Clement houses a chapel built in the 15th century and is rich in history. However, there are also waterfront restaurants located in the harbour. For your sailing vacation in St. Clement, you would have to consider that there are no berths there. For this, you have to go to the surrounding islands, where there is a lot of space so that loneliness is pre-programmed.
Croatia sailing vacation FAQs
How much do the moorings and buoys cost?
Usually, every Croatian port offers mooring, electricity and water from 4€/ per meter boat length. However, the most popular places in Croatia charge more, as they are frequented more often. The price for buoys is usually half or up to three-quarters of this price.
How do I choose the right boat?
The most critical factors are seaworthiness, speed, fuel consumption and charter price. Of course, you have to decide which type of boat you prefer for your sailing vacation in Croatia. The choice is usually between sail and motor boats.
How long does a sailing trip from Split to Dubrovnik take?
A sailing trip through Croatia usually lasts about seven days, with many stops on the islands mentioned above. You will pass picturesque landscapes from Split to Dubrovnik, which will complete your sailing vacation.
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