Sailing in Croatia
Croatia is known as one of the most popular holiday destinations for sailing holidays in Europe. With 5385 km of coastline and 1187 islands, there are plenty of places to explore and the possibilities for a sailing itinerary are endless. Moreover, Croatia s climate is perfect for sailing. With an average temperature of 26°C from June to September and a prevailing northwest wind (Mistral) of 2-4 Beaufort during the day, pleasant sailing is guaranteed.
Caution is advised, however! Occasionally, the infamous bora and jugo winds can occur. The bora comes from the northeast and can be very strong. The jugo comes from the south and is more resistant, but these two winds make it important to always be aware of the weather conditions in Croatia. At the end of this article you will find the necessary information on weather forecasts in Croatia.
This sailing route can also be started from all marinas in Split, Marina Ka stela or Trogir and has a total length of 115 nautical miles. All these ports are best reached by flying to Split. For this sailing route, Marina Kastela marina is the starting port because of its central location. During high season, it is recommended to use the services of Uber for transfer from the airport to the marina. No yacht booked yet for this summer? Tubber's offer in Croatia is almost endless. Choose your perfect yacht here.
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Day 1: Marina Kastela –Bobovišća
The first day of your sailing trip has arrived and it is time to prepare for departure from the port Kaštel Gomilica, in Marina Kastela. 200 metres from this port you will find a supermarket (Konzum), ideal for stocking up on all the essentials. Prepare your shopping well and bring plenty of water!
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When all preparations have been made, it's time to sail towards Bobovišća. The distance is about 13 nautical miles and it is recommended to sail around the peninsula of the Šuma Marjan Park and then sail further south. Bobovišća is also known for its beautiful bay, which is almost a kilometre long and splits into twoën at the coast. There are plenty of moorings here and you can eat at one of the many delicious restaurants in the picturesque and quiet Bobovišća.
If you sail to Bobovišća in the low season, you should note that there is no supermarket, only a small one about a kilometre away.
Day 2: Bobovišća – Bol
On the second day, the sailing route takes us to Bol, a town in the middle of the southern coast of the island of Brač. It is about 16 nautical miles from Bobovišća, continuing south on the way and passing between the islands of Šolta and Brač. Watch out for other boat traffic; it can get crowded here. You then sail along the southern coast of Brač to Bol.
Bol is the oldest town on the island and is known for Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), a beautiful pebble beach. The old town with its cosy alleys has a Mediterranean atmosphere and is perfect for a pleasant stroll. Bol is rich in cultural heritage from Roman times, such as the unique Dominican monastery. You will also find numerous cafés, disco's and restaurants in Bol. Activities such as surfing and mountain biking are very popular in the city. A visit is a real must!
Day 3: Bol - Starigrad
Starigrad, literally translated ‘old town’, is probably one of the most beautiful towns on this sailing itinerary. It lies at the end of a long, beautiful bay in the north of the island of Hvar. The route from Bol to Starigrad is short, about 11 nautical miles, and therefore perfect for a day. This also gives you enough time to do some sailing around.
Starigrad lives up to its name, being one of the oldest towns in Europe. Again, the picturesque alleys invite you to stroll around, the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the landscape around Starigrad is impressive. This charming town is also known for its cuisine, and we can highly recommend the cosy restaurant Nauta: There they cook in a famous Croatian style, namely with the Dalmatian peka. This is a kind of metal ball that is covered with hot coals. A dish is then placed underneath, often with lamb and potatoes. Fancy something different? You can also do adventurous activities in Starigrad, such as skydiving.
Day 4: Starigrad - Hvar
The next stop on our sailing itinerary is Hvar. This lively village is located in the south-west of the island of the same name. It is known for its many activities, attractions and especially its nightlife. So if you are looking for parties, this is the place to be. If you sail along the south side of the nearby island of Paklinski Otoci, the distance is about 17 nautical miles from Starigrad. If you sail along the northern side of Paklinski Otoci, the distance is about 14 nautical miles. Difficulties with anchoring It is often difficult to dock or anchor in Hvar itself because it is often very crowded. It is therefore easier to anchor in one of the bays of Paklinski Otoci. From there, water taxis run to the village. A fun fact about Hvar: Blue Ivy (Beyoncé's daughter) is an honorary citizen of this beautiful village! Then it really must be an incredible holiday destination, right? Find out for yourself!
Day 5: Hvar - Vis
This will take you to the island of Vis, about 14 nautical miles from Hvar/Paklinski Otoci. The open water encourages a quick crossing. You can sail directly to the island's main town, but the cliffs and caves on the southern side offer breathtaking views. Ravnik and Stiniva are particularly breathtaking. Behind the cliffs of Stiniva is a hidden beach perfect for spending the whole day there.
Fancy a delicious dinner?
Fancy a delicious dinner? Konoba Senko Karuza is a restaurant in a bay to the east of Stiniva bay. The restaurant is known for its show dinners, where it is quite common to eat for hours. Here you can enjoy fine wines and homemade dishes made from local produce.
The last day of this sailing itinerary
Vis - Marina Kastela
The sixth day of this Dalmatia sailing holiday has arrived and it is time to set off for the starting point of this sailing itinerary at Marina Kastela. The direct distance from the south side of the island of Vis is 35 nautical miles, so you need to leave on time! On average, this route takes about six hours and takes you past the islands of Šolta and Brač. It is also possible to sail along the eastern side of the island of Šolta. In that case, the distance is about 42 nautical miles, more of an option for experienced sailors. Stay tuned to the weather forecast! Then just put on your sunglasses and let the wind blow through your hair. A nice and long sailing day awaits you!
VHF and weather forecasts
There is a 24-hour weather forecast in Croatian and English, to be received via VHF.
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Split Radio VHF: 07, 21, 23, 81. transmission time: 05.45; 12.45; 19.45
Weather forecasts via internet
Click here for practical water sports information with 7-day weather forecast
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More sailing routes in Croatia
Need even more inspiration for your next sailing trip in Croatia? Then have a look at the following itineraries:
- Unforgettable sailing route from Dubrovnik
- Fantastic sailing route from Pula
- Fantastic sailing route from Šibenik
- Dream sailing route from Zadar
- Inspiring sailing itinerary from Split
- Ultimate party sailing route
Sailing in Croatia
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