Flotilla Sailing Hvar | Croatia

Marina Agana is a typical Croatian fishing village, made up of traditional white stone houses surrounding a sparkling Agana marina. Marina Agana is only a 20-minute drive from Split Airport. While waiting for boarding after check-in, guests can have lunch at one of the restaurants, stock up on supplies or simply head to the beach with a coffee or cocktail.

Today (about 3 hours, 14 nautical miles) you sail to Stomorska, a picturesque fishing village with a rich nautical history on the island of Šolta. The water in the bay is beautifully clear and there are several beaches for swimming and relaxing. Walk up the hill on the southern side of the bay for lovely views over the village and across to the mainland. There are good restaurants serving fresh fish and local Dalmatian dishes, plus a beach bar for a refreshing cocktail.

Leave Stomorska and sail (about 4.5 hours, 22 nautical miles) southeast towards the island of Hvar. Cruise along Hvar's beautiful coastline, dotted with rolling hills and lush forests, until you reach Jelsa, nestled among mountains and tucked into a lovely bay. Fall in love with Jelsa's old world charm and explore the picturesque waterfront. Jelsa is known for its food, so find a konoba (restaurant) and sample the delicious fresh seafood and local Hvar wines.

Let the wind fill your sails as you leave Hvar behind and head (about 4 hours, 20 nautical miles) into the Adriatic towards Brač and the charming town of Milna. Milna's network of ancient streets hides a number of excellent shops and restaurants, sure to keep your attention until it's time to move on. Swimming in the bay near the quiet Marina Vlaška is a refreshing way to spend a hot Croatian afternoon.

By now you'll have brushed up on your sailing skills and feel confident enough to head out into the Adriatic on your own or in small groups. The free sailing day is your chance to explore and see any sights you were longing to visit that aren't on the flotilla itinerary. Set sail from Milna and head to well-known Hvar town, overnighting in a busy marina, or pick up a buoy in the southern Vinogradišće bay, soaking in the numerous beach clubs. You and your crew can also choose to head to Stari Grad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, instead. If you want to sail further afield, the island of Vis is a great place to stay overnight and a chance to rack up a few blue water miles along the way.

A sheltered bay on the western side of Šolta island, and a perfect overnight stop for any charter sailing vessel. The flotilla regroups here, using free mooring buoys from a restaurant where you'll enjoy delicious food. Hidden among the steep cliffs of southern Šolta, the entrance to Tatinja bay is marked by a lone rock in the middle of the bay - a well-hidden restaurant here serves only self-grown and self-caught food from an open fire, in a relaxed, family atmosphere.

Sail (about 1.5 hours, 11 nautical miles) once more into the Adriatic, leaving the island of Šolta behind as you return to Marina Agana. Remember all the fun moments at the prize-giving party at the base in the evening. On your last day, take the time to explore Split further, chilling out on the popular promenade or searching the local markets for a few Croatian keepsakes. Make the most of your final day and soak up as much of the atmosphere as you can before heading home.