Sailing route in Croatia
Croatia is known as one of Europe's most popular sailing holiday destinations. With 1187 islands and a total of 5385 km of coastline, there is still plenty to explore and the possible sailing routes are endless. Croatia's climate lends itself perfectly to sailing. There are the world of sailing routes in Croatia for beginners as well as more experienced sailors who want to enjoy a sunny sailing holiday in Croatia.
Weather in Croatia
With an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius from June to September. With mostly NW winds (mistral) averaging 2-4 Bft, comfortable sailing is guaranteed. Caution! Occasionally, the infamous Bora and Jugo can be around the corner. The bora blows from the northeast and is relentless. The jugo blows from the south and is a bit more constant, however, because of these two winds, it is very important to always be aware of the weather forecasts in Croatia. Need information on weather forecasts in Croatia?
Marina Kastela, Trogir or Split
This sailing itinerary in Croatia is best started by sailing from Split. From here you will visit the ports of Marina Kastela or Trogir and this route has a total length of 115 n.m. This route is started from Marina Kastela due to its central location. All these ports are best reached when flying into Split. During high season, it is convenient to use Uber for transfers from the airport to the port. No boat booked yet for this summer? Tubber's offer for sailing in Croatia is virtually endless to enjoy this sailing itinerary in Croatia.
Day 1: Marina Kastela- Bobovišća
Day one has arrived and it's time to prepare for departure from Kaštel Gomilica's Marina Kastela harbour. Less than 200 metres from this port you can find a supermarket (Konzum), ideal for buying all the provisions. Prepare the shopping well and bring enough water! Also check out some tips for cooking on board.
When all preparations have been made, it's time to depart south to Bobovišća, which is 13 n.m. sailing. One needs to sail around the headland of Park Šuma Marjan before continuing south. Bobovišća is known for its beautiful bay that draws almost a kilometre inland from the island of Brač and splits in two at one point. There are anchorages available and the restaurants are fine. Bobovišća is very picturesque and quiet.
Day 2: Bobovišća - Bol
On day two, Bol is on the schedule. One should descend further south and sail between the islands of Šolta and Brač. Pay close attention to other boat traffic, it can be busy here. Then turn to port to sail along the southern coast of Brač to Bol.
Bol is known for its Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) an iconic and beautiful pebble beach, pictured below. Bol is the oldest town on the island and has a lovely Mediterranean feel. The old centre with its cosy little streets lends itself perfectly to a nice stroll. In Bol there is a lot of cultural heritage to discover from Roman times and the Dominican monastery is unique. Cafes, discos and restaurants are also plentiful and activities such as surfing and mountain biking are very popular. A real ‘must go’!
Day 3: Bol - Stari Grad
Stari Grad, which literally means Old Town , is located at the end of a long beautiful bay in the north of the island of Hvar. It is a not too long route for one day, direct sailing is 11 n.m. from Bol, so there is plenty of time to make a few extra races.
Stari Grad lives up to its name as it is one of the oldest towns in Europe. Again, the picturesque streets are lovely to stroll through, the old centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site(!), and the landscape around Stari Grad is fantastically beautiful. This beautiful place is known for its culinary bliss.
Restaurant Nauta
We recommend the cosy restaurant Nauta, which cooks in a famous Croatian way, the Dalmatian Peka. This is a metal bell under which a dish is placed, often with lamb and potatoes, which is then covered with hot coals. Fancy something different? You can jump out of a perfectly functioning plane over Stari Grad!
Day 4: Stari Grad - Hvar
Next stop, the town of Hvar. This lively village is located in the south-west of the island of the same name. It is known for its many activities, sights and especially its nightlife. There is partying going on here. If you sail along the south side of the nearby island of Paklinski Otoci, a distance of 17 n.m. has to be covered from Stari Grad.
If you go along the north side, it is 14 n.m. It is often very difficult to moor or anchor in Hvar itself due to the crowds, so it is convenient to park your boat in one of the bays of Paklinski Otoci. From here, water taxis go to Hvar.
Day 5: Hvar - Vis
Day five of this sailing itinerary in Croatia takes you to the island of Vis, this is 14 n.m. sailing from Hvar/Paklinski Otoci, this is usually quite fast due to open water during the crossing. You can choose to sail to the island's main town, but very beautiful are the cliffs and caves on the south side.
Beautifully hidden beaches
Ravnik and Stiniva in particular are simply beautiful. Stiniva is very iconic and has a beautiful hidden beach, perfect for spending the whole day. Fancy a tasty bite to eat? Konoba Senko Karuza is a restaurant located in the bay to the right of Stiniva and is known for ‘slow dining’. Dining here for hours is quite common and that while enjoying homemade wine and food prepared with local ingredients. Furthermore, you can find plenty of nice restaurants in the town of the same name and from there you can also take a very nice (military) tour of the island. After all, fish has a long nautical military history, which is very interesting. Want to dream away in the most idyllic and beautiful Mediterranean bar in Vis? Head to Lola Konoba!
Day 6: Vis - Marina Kastela
Day six has arrived and it's time to set course for Marina Kastela again. Directly from the south side of Vis island, the distance is 35 n.m., so leave on time! On average, this will take about six hours. This route passes between the islands of Šolta and Brač. It is also possible to sail along the eastern side of the island of Šolta. This makes the distance a good 42 n.m., which is perhaps more for the experienced sailor. Again, check the weather forecast carefully! Sunglasses on and the wind in your hair, a nice long day of sailing!