Duration: 7 days
Schedule: Split – Šolta – Vis – Biševo – Vis – Lastovo – Mljet National Park – Elaphiti Islands – Mali Ston – Dubrovnik
Croatia is one of the best sailing destinations in the world for a number of reasons.
The ideally laid out islands, that are separated by no more than 10 nautical miles and about 1500 bays and ports, makes the Croatian Adriatic equally as ideal for sailing under full sail as it is for cruising on motor boats. 56 modern marinas with around 16,000 wet berths and 5,500 dry berths are available all year round. Sprinkled like pearl drops across the crystal clear blue of the sea, 66 islands, 652 islets, 389 rocks, and 78 reefs are more than a thousand reasons to fulfill anyone’s nautical dreams that comprise the Croatian Adriatic.
Almost ideally distributed, with distances between them not exceeding 10 nm, along with a coastline extending 5,835 km, from Istria to Dubrovnik, Croatia’s islands offer a real challenge to everyone.
With over 1500 coves, bays and ports on islands and the mainland where one can find a berth, drop anchor or stay overnight, the Croatian Adriatic is the very place for sailing under full sail, for a motorboat cruise, or for simply enjoying the sea by boat for recreational fishing.
Croatian marinas are situated in exceptionally well-protected locations, from larger towns to small coves on islands. In addition to service and regular maintenance, marinas offer other services, including restaurants and cellars where one can enjoy excellent drinks and local and international cuisine and where all other required services are provided. For those who prefer the charm of little ports in the very heart of the small coastal towns, they have at their disposal quaysides all along the Adriatic – from Cavtat, and Gruž in Dubrovnik, Vela Luka on Korčula, Hvar, and Vis, and all the way to Lošinj and Istria. Even in olden times, the Adriatic Sea was one of the most crucial sailing routes for ancient cultures.
With its attractive coastal area covering 138,595 km2, the extraordinary clarity of its waters with visibility to the fascinating depth of 50 meters, and an average water temperature of 16 to 21oC, the Croatian Adriatic is indeed an ideal place for your dream sailing adventure.
Explore Luxury Sailing tours and Croatian yachting vacation visiting places like Split, Zlatni Rat – Island of Brac, Hvar, Zadar, Šibenik, Brioni and Istria from seclusion and relaxation on the breathtaking Dalmatian Islands.
Croatia holds endless possibilities for your authentic experiences in Croatia from beautiful beaches, untouched anchorages, excellent marinas and restaurants, scuba diving to exploring the National Parks and culture rich lands of Korčula and Dubrovnik.
The city was originally built around the Diocletian palace (Roman fort) in Dalmatia, Croatia. Because of its ideal climate, with 2,800 hours of sunlight each year, local people have a few nicknames for Split: “The most beautiful city in the world” and “Mediterranean flower”. Wandering the historic centre of Split you can still clearly see the Roman walls, squares, and temples rich in history and culture.
Interesting Facts
Many famous Croatian sports people are born in Split, so locals often nicknamed their city as “The sportiest city in the world”. The most popular sport institution is the football club Hajduk. The whole city is painted with the club’s colors and logo. This is done by Torcida, the oldest supporters group in Europe, established in 1950.
Beside the bell tower of St. Duje, the symbols of the city are the Dalmatian dog and a donkey. Locals have a high place for the donkey because of its past indispensable place in field work and transport across Dalmatian mountains.
The island of Šolta is very close to the coast and to Split, but nevertheless gives the feel of a faraway island. Most of the settlements are located in the inland of the island on the north side, while the south side, with a high, steep rocky coast is quite unreachable. Sailing enthusiasts are attracted to the bays in Šolta, while cyclist to its cycling paths. The symbol of the island is the hooting-owl, whose figurines decorate many of the houses. Šolta is famous for top quality olive oil that is even mentioned in the Split statute from the 14th century.
The next stop we’re sailing to is Vis, a beautiful remote island surrounded by the central Dalmatian archipelago and its numerous small islands. During the day, this island is a quiet oasis of peace and you can explore its world-wide famous caves, as well as enjoy fine wine and mouthwatering local Croatian cuisine.
Interesting facts
As a free activity, you can attend a Military tour which takes you deep underground into the military complex tunnels that were built during WWII. These tunnels were a well-kept secret, until 1992, when it got opened for sight-seeing.
Yugoslavia’s most famous leader Tito was ordered to hide here by Churchill. Nowadays, there is a relaxed and beautiful island that is a great getaway from the larger cities that connect Vis with the mainland.
The island of Biševo is an island located in the centre of the Dalmatian archipelago, five kilometers southwest of the island of Vis. The coastal sea belt is a rich fishing area. A Benedictine monastery was founded on Biševo in 1050 by Ivan Grlić from Split, but it was deserted two centuries later because of the danger of pirates. The church of Saint Sylvester is preserved near the ruins of the monastery.
Most of the coastline is represented by high cliffs and high overhanging walls, while some of the most beautiful beaches are located in several bays. Stony shore of the island hides many bays and coves, as well as a large number of caves (26 according to some authors).
Of the numerous coastal caves, the most famous are Blue Cave or Biševska cave and Medvedina. Cave Medvidina is located on the southern coast of the island, below the highest peak of the island, the Straženice. Medvidina is 160 meter deep long cave that narrows down to the end, where small pebble beach is located. The cave used to be inhabited by the Mediterranean monk seal, and it was named after it. The entrance to the cave is 14 meters wide and 20 meters high. The blue cave of Biševo (Blue grotto) is located on the eastern coast of the island Bisevo in the bay Balun. It consists of two halls, with a total length of 36 m. It was followed by waves and it is partly submerged. Through a natural opening below the sea level sunlight at mid-day penetrates to the white rocks on the bottom, where they are reflected to illuminate the walls of the cave in blue and objects under the water in silvery color.
The cave has always been known to local population, but it was popularised by the Austrian diplomat and naturalist Eugene Ransonnet-Villez since 1884. The Bisevo cave is protected since 1951. as a geomorphological monument of nature. The proof that the sea around Biševo still hides many secrets is a recent discovery of another wreckage of the aircraft from Second World War, most likely heavy bomber B24 Liberator, at a depth of 85-90 meters and on the western side of the island. There are several nice beaches on the island of Biševo, most popular being sand beaches in Porat and Salbunora and pebble beach in Mezuporat.
Lastovo, an island in the southern Dalmatian archipelago, 13 km south of the island of Korcula, separated from it by the Lastovo channel. It stretches in the direction east-west. Between numerous hills on the island (the highest peak is Hum, 417 m) are karst valleys and fields. On the southern coast is a large and deep bay, which provides safe shelter during the bora and westerly winds. On the eastern side of the bay is the place called Skrivena Luka (Hidden Harbour), with a low, sand coast. The western coast of Lastovo and the eastern coast of the islet of Prezba enclose a number of picturesque coves, well protected from the bora: Velo Jezero in the south and Malo Jezero in the north.
West of the island of Lastovo is an unpopulated islet of Kopiste, largely covered with forests. The north-western coast, with a large bay which branches into several coves, is a pier for small fishing ships. Sheltered coves have nice sandy beaches. In front of the north-eastern coast of the island of Lastovo is a group of unpopulated islets and reefs – Donji Skoljic. Major islets are Cesvinica, Krucica (with the highest peak of the entire group, 83 m), Saplun and Stomorina. Saplun has beautiful sandy beaches. East of Donji Skolji is another group of unpopulated islets and reefs – Vrhovnjaci, comprising the islets Sestrice (Little Sisters), Vlasnik and Glavat (lighthouse).
West of Lastovo is the islet of Mrcara (area about 2 sq km). The Mali Brod (Small Boat) strait divides it from the neighboring island of Prezba. The sea around Mrcara abounds with spiny lobsters.
Mljet is one of the most seductive of all the Adriatic islands. Much of the island is covered by forests and the rest is dotted with fields, vineyards and small villages. The north-western half contains Mljet National Park, where the lush vegetation, pine forests and spectacular saltwater lakes are exceptionally scenic. It’s an unspoiled oasis of tranquillity that, according to legend, captivated Odysseus for seven years. We’re sure he didn’t regret a moment.
Mljet National Park makes up most of the island, and there are several villages, two saltwater lakes – Veliko and Malo jezero, and a Benedictine monastery on the island of Sv. Marija (St. Mary). In Polače there are some of the best natural anchorages in the Adriatic.
Preserved from the Illyrian period, there are many fortifications and tombs, and the best preserved are those on the hill of Veliki Gradac, Veliko jezero and the fortress at Vodice, above the water source at Vodice at Babino Polje. The Roman Palace, which is the largest after Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the Arena in Pula, is a part of the valuable heritage of the island of Mljet.
Enjoy the beautiful the Elaphite archipelago of the south coast of Croatia called the Elaphite Islands. This archipelago is situated to the northwest of Dubrovnik and consists of 13 islands of which are only 3 inhabited. Lopud, Kolocep, and Sipan are very popular.
The Elaphite archipelago is composed of eight islands and five islets, named: Daksa, Koločep (Kalamota), St. Andrija, Lopud, Ruda, Šipan, Mišnjak, Jakljan, Kosmeč, Goleč, Crkvine, Tajan, and Olipa. There are also many reefs and rocks around. Visit the Elaphite Islands and enjoy their beauty which gives a special glare to this part of the seashore, especially at summer sunset, when they look the most wonderful.
Only Šipan, Lopud and Koločep (Kalamota) islands in the Elaphite archipelago are settled. The rest of the islands are just oasis of peace barely visited by some lone guest in search of serene seclusion.
Lopud is a very well indented, exposed to northwest winds island located between Kalamota and Šipan. This is the most popular island in the Elaphite archipelago, primarily due to the marvelous Šunj beach. The whole creek of Lopud is shallow, which allows to berth up to 3m deep.
Koločep is the smallest of the Elaphite islands. It is the closest one to Dubrovnik and is like a dream at your fingertips.
The island of Šipan is one of the islands of the Elaphite archipelago. Sipan is also the largest island of the archipelago covering area of 16.5 km2. There are two villages on Sipan – Sudurad and Sipanska Luka. Sudurad is located on the eastern side of the island, while Sipanska Luka is on the west. As Sipan is an island that is in the near vicinity of Dubrovnik (17 km away), this island is well connected with Dubrovnik and is very popular as a tourist a destination especially in the summer as there are regular boat connections to Sipan from Dubrovnik. The journey takes about one hour. Sipanska Luka (Port of Sipan) is the main port at Sipan and is a very popular destination for sailors being a well-protected harbor. There are numerous architectural monuments from the Middle Ages: the remains of Church of St. Peter on Velji Point from 11th century, Church of Sveti Ivan with its frescos from 11th and 15th century in Silova Sela, and the pre-Romantic Church of Sveti Mihovil from the 11th century, a Romantic-Gothic house, a Gothic tower, and the Renaissance Church of the Holy Spirit from 1569, all built as part of the Benedictine monastery in Pakljena.
Back in the 15th century, Sipan was a popular place for Dubrovnik’s upper classes to have their holiday homes built there. One of them, the Sorkocevic’s family summer house stands out in particular. Also, in the 15th century, a Gothic Rector’s Palace was constructed above Sipanska Luka, bearing bifora on the facade. At Sipanska Luka, there is also Gothic Church of Sveti Stipan with a painting of Pantaleon. Besides this, the remains of Roman villas have been discovered in Sipanska Luka too, just to prove this place was populated long time ago.
A thriving independent merchant republic for 700 years, and rival to Venice, Dubrovnik today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Adriatic. Set on a rugged limestone peninsula, the city enchants with postcard images of medieval walls, a skyline of red roofs and church steeples, marble-paved squares, steep cobbled streets, palaces, churches, fountains and museums.
The vibrancy of this Unesco world heritage site – light stone walls towering over the crystal sea reflected in the sky – is at its height in summer with a host of cultural, art and music events.
Enjoy a leisurely day on the way to the marina and sail by the magnificent fortress walls of Dubrovnik. Chill out and enjoy the final lunch on board with your new friends. After docking relaxes at the pool in the Marina. Catch a taxi or a 20 minutes bus ride to the old town and walk the medieval city walls. Explore Dubrovnik’s nightlife including clubs, bars, and restaurants. Friday night accommodation is on your yacht in Dubrovnik ACI Marina.
Check-in Trogir/Split
Sailing to Šolta
Swimming and sunbathing on quiet beaches
Sunset & Night sailing to Komiža
Overnight Komiža
Historical and culture sightseeing
Food and wine
Sailing to Biševo
Swimming and sunbathing on quiet beaches
Exploring the islands and their nature
Sunset & Night sailing to Vis
Overnight Vis
Historical and culture sightseeing
Food and wine
Sailing to Lastovo
Swimming and sunbathing on quiet beaches
Exploring the islands and their nature
Historical and culture sightseeing
Food and wine
Overnight anchor in hidden coves
Sailing to Natural park Lastovnjaci islands
Swimming and sunbathing on quiet beaches
Milky whey sightseeing
Overnight anchor in hidden coves
Sailing to Mljet National Park
Swimming and sunbathing on quiet beaches
Exploring the islands and their nature
Food and wine
Overnight Mljet National Park
Sailing to the Elaphiti Islands
Swimming and sunbathing on quiet beaches
Sailing to Mali Ston
Food and wine
Overnight anchor in hidden coves
Sailing to Dubrovnik
Swimming and sunbathing on quiet beaches
Overnight Dubrovnik
Historical and culture sightseeing
Food and wine
Partying
Check out
We guarantee you will have a week of your life you’ll never forget!
Of all the sailing routes in the Adriatic, if you only have a week at your disposal for exploring Croatia, our proposal is to One way sailing from Split to/from Dubrovnik for the best Croatia Experience.
Here’s a list, click on the tours to explore!
All-inclusive Nautical services:
Yacht rental
Professional skipper
Food expenses for skipper
Deposit Insurance
Final cleaning
Sojourn tax
Domestic/International flights
Insurance: All types
Entry visa
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Moorings
Fuel
Lunch and dinner expenses
Transport before check-in and after check-out
Arrival airport transfer from/to airport
Accommodation
Private guided city tour / Professional English – speaking tour guides
Private guided Yacht Cruise
Any others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section
Price: at the request
NOTE: Book minimum one month earlier before visiting. The program can be organized in other terms as well if your group is larger than 4 persons.
Additional info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Restrictions – This activity can be canceled in the unlikely event of bad weather and rough seas.
Please visit our Yacht charter antropoti website and feel free to contact us for best charter deals.