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Split archipelago by sailboat 

Guide to the most beautiful destinations, coasts and islands of the Split archipelago

Brač, Hvar and Vis are just some of the best destinations for a sailing yacht or catamaran vacation in Croatia

Easily accessible from major European countries, the islands of the Split archipelago offer the perfect mix of crystal clear water and breathtaking beaches, unspoiled landscapes, quaint villages rich in history, and optimal conditions for your first sailing or catamaran experience

Among the various islands that are part of the archipelago are some that are famous throughout the Mediterranean for their vibrancy such as Hvar, and others for their beauty and lush nature, ideal for a relaxing and inspiring seven-day sailing vacation.

 

The best time of year

The best time to sail in the Split archipelago is from April to October. The Mediterranean climate promises hot, dry summers with long sunny days. However, the main sailing season is from June to the end of August. You will find easy and pleasant sailing conditions. There is usually a light wind blowing during the summer that will accompany you during your sailing.

Travel Ideas

Travel Ideas

A destination that provides the right mix of relaxation, hiking and fun. Lovers of nature and sailing will be able to spend hours sailing between islands, diving into crystal-clear waters and indulging in trekking surrounded by wild landscapes. On the other hand, those looking for a fashionable, fun-filled vacation will find everything they need on the island of Hvar. There will be no shortage of towns with medieval features and seaside villages rich in history and authenticity

Sustainable tourism

Sustainable tourism

Among the islands of the archipelago, Mljet is home to a National Park with pure, unspoiled nature-a true oasis of peace. The islands are mainly green and covered with olive groves, vineyards and pine forests. The island of Vis has been nicknamed "paradise of the Mediterranean"; thanks to its isolation lasting several years, the nature and sea have remained unspoiled. 

Perfect for

Perfect for

The Split archipelago offers various travel experiences that can satisfy a little bit of everyone. An ideal destination for young people and groups of friends looking for parties and fun; in fact, flotillas are often organized in August. Lastovo, Šolta and Brač with their picturesque landscapes are quiet islands, great for families and those looking for a simple vacation.

First time on a boat

First time on a boat

The Split archipelago is one of the most popular destinations for a first-time sailing experience. If you are a novice, this area guarantees safe sailing, with several landings in case of bad weather. The Mistral that blows in summer is light and will allow you to sail smoothly between islands.  The islands are also not far apart, this allows those who want to, to try their hand at maneuvering in total safety.

Sailing and catamaran holidays in the Split archipelago

The best destinations to discover by boat in the Split archipelago

Island of Brač with Croatia's most famous beach: Zlatni Rat

Island of Brač with Croatia's most famous beach: Zlatni Rat

Brač is the largest island in Dalmatia. Throughout the year it is a destination for many visitors who want to photograph Zlatni Rat, also known as the "Golden Horn." The crystal-clear sea, ultra-white beach, and green pine forest make it look like a Maldives atoll when viewed from above! 

Brač is a less mundane island than Hvar, with an atmospheric landscape of Mediterranean macchia and pine forests, it is ideal for spending moments of relaxation. White is the main color of the island: in fact, in the locality of Pucischie there is a famous quarry from which white limestone is extracted. 

Numerous sports activities can be practiced on the island, especially windsurfing, as it is more windy than other islands in the area. Trekking enthusiasts should not miss the hike to Vidova gora mountain, the highest in the archipelago, from which one can admire the surrounding islands and the Italian coast on clear days. 

Pakleni Islands: the infernal islands

Pakleni Islands: the infernal islands

The Pakleni (or Spalmadori) islands are located off the coast of Hvar and Brač and are an unusual destination not to be missed during a boating vacation in the Split archipelago. Their name originates from pine resin (paklina) found in the area and used by sailors for boat maintenance. Over the years, however, the term paklina has been linked to pakao meaning "hell," and the archipelago has been given the name pakleni otoci, literally "islands of hell." Among the various islands, the main one is the island of St. Clement, with its nearly 30 kilometers of coastline hosts hidden bays washed by turquoise waters, where historical remains from the Greco-Roman era can be seen. Jerolim is a tiny island of less than 1 square kilometer, a perfect place to get away from the crowds. Finally, the island of Šćedro, uninhabited for years, stands out. Protected as a nature park and famous for its unspoiled nature, it is a true jewel of the Pakleni Islands, with its coves, caves and unusual limestone gorges. 

Dubrovnik, the timeless city

Dubrovnik, the timeless city

In southern Dalmatia, the Dubrovnik area is one of the most fascinating and popular destinations for sailors sailing in Croatia. Also known as "the Pearl of the Adriatic", this city with its historical beauty attracts many travelers. Our tip: Discover the center of Dubrovnik from above as well. Walk along the ancient city walls and enjoy the unique view of the white houses with orange roofs that stand out against the deep blue sea. You can feel like Daenerys as she conquers King's Landing; in fact, some scenes from the famous series the Iron Throne were filmed here. 

You can then sail among the dozens of surrounding islands, bays and seaside villages that within a few miles of each other offer timeless atmospheres and unspoiled nature far from mass tourism. These include the uninhabited island of Lokrum and Lopud: the island of silence. 

Hvar: the island of lavender and nightlife

Hvar: the island of lavender and nightlife

The island of Hvar is one of the best known and most popular destinations in all of Croatia. Its hinterland is dotted with lavender fields. In July, at flowering time, an unmistakable scent of lavender and rosemary lingers in the air. What sets the island apart above all is its nightlife. If you want to spend a vacation full of fun and nightlife, perhaps in a flotilla, you cannot fail to include this stop on your itinerary. Hvar's old town is characterized by white stone alleys dotted with typical restaurants, small stores and workshops. But all you have to do is turn the corner and head toward the port to realize that it is in this part of town that the nightlife is concentrated in the warmer months, from June to September. You will find several clubs and cocktail bars, such as Veneranda that will keep you dancing until morning. 

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a quieter evening and want to indulge in a typical broded or gregada dinner, you can head towards Jelsa.

A perfect mix of relaxation, hiking and fun

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5 reasons to choose the Split archipelago for your next sailing vacation

  • Discover the island of Šolta

    Covered in forests, olive and fig trees, Šolta is a wild island perfect for those seeking relaxation and tranquility. Maslinica and Stomorska are small villages positioned on beautiful bays, perfect landing spots during your sailing vacation. 

  • Getting lost in the pristine paradise of Lastovo

    Still untouched by tourism, Lastovo is an islet that has retained its original charm. It is a perfect destination for lovers of architecture and nature. The island is also considered one of the best places in Europe to admire the starry sky...doing so from a sailboat is priceless!

  • Walking the medieval streets of Trogir

    Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is a museum city, capable of collecting an enormous amount of masterpieces in a very limited space. Rich and flourishing in the Middle Ages, the ancient city has always been the cradle of Dalmatian arts and culture. If the more famous Split and Dubrovnik are world-renowned for their splendor, Trogir is certainly not to be outdone!

  • Landing on the island of Mljet with its National Park

    That the island is an oasis of peace has been known since antiquity: here Homer made Ulysses stop for seven years before resuming his voyage. The western part of the island has been declared a National Park, which has allowed the entire island to maintain a pure and unspoiled atmosphere. 

  • Diving into the Blue Cave of Biševo, accessible only by boat

    The cave is located in the small bay of Balun, on the east side of the island. It was opened to the public in 1884, when an entrance was made to allow access to small boats. The second opening is below sea level, from here sunlight penetrates the cave giving it its characteristic silvery blue color.

Practical Info

Geography

The Split archipelago stretches from central to southern Dalmatia. It consists of some 20 islands, some larger ones such as HvarBračKorcula, and Mljet and some smaller ones. Green islands surrounded by a calm, crystal clear sea.

Getting there

The main ports of embarkation are Split and nearby Trogir, only in some cases Dubrovnik. They are easily reached by plane, with low-cost flights from major European cities.

Getting around

The best way to get around the islands of the archipelago is by boat or catamaran. There are no ferries connecting one island to another, but connections depart only from the mainland. 

Climate

The sailing season in Croatia and the Split archipelago is from April to October. In July and August the water is definitely warmer, but these are also the busiest months. The climate is Mediterranean and can be described as mild and sunny. This guarantees dry summers with many hours of sunshine, and mild winter months that can be rich in precipitation.

Winds

The wind that blows in the summer in this region is the Mistral, a very pleasant wind that usually starts blowing around noon and dies down towards evening. Much appreciated by tourists and sailors, it mitigates the summer mugginess and provides nice, stable weather for most of the period. Winds are often weak in the summer, ensuring calm and safe sailing. 

Ports and marinas

In addition to Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik, the main ports are on the islands of BračVisKorčulaHvar and Mljet, which offer good anchorages with services. 

Costs

A boat vacation in the Split archipelago is almost for every budget: starting from 550 euros per person for a week up to 900 euros. Prices vary depending on the periodstyle of experience and type of boat you choose.

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