Highlights
- Swim at secluded beaches on islands in the Adriatic Sea
- Get unique views of Croatian towns and cities from sea
- Explore magical natural caves at the island of Bisevo
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Split! | Split |
| Day 2 | Sail from Split to Vis | Vis Island |
| Day 3 | Sail from Vis to Korcula, Stopping at the Blue & Green Caves | Korčula Town |
| Day 4 | Sail around Korčula Island | Korčula Town |
| Day 5 | Sail from Korčula to Hvar Island via Pakleni Islands | Hvar Town |
| Day 6 | Sail from Hvar to Split via Brač | Split |
| Day 7 | Depart Split |
Overview
A sailing tour can be the perfect way to explore the mesmerizing Dalmatian coast and the picturesque islands scattered across the Adriatic Sea. Southern Dalmatia is often referred to as a true nautical paradise, with ancient cities, secluded beaches, and hidden coves.
While in the past it was very common to charter the boat for a week or more, now it's possible to design shorter sailing trips. Boats come with a skipper, meaning you do not need to have any previous sailing experience and can enjoy your holidays knowing you are in good hands.
Standard sailing boats are usually from 35-45 feet long and can accommodate 2-8 guests. Premium sailing boats are usually larger and provide more comfort, but do not necessarily have more cabins. For guests who would like an even more luxurious experience, a cruise around the coastline on a gullet or a motor yacht can be organized instead.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Split!
From the airport, it's a short (45-minute) drive to the center of Split. Depending on your arrival time, check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to explore the historic port city on your own.
Founded 1,700 years ago by Roman emperor Diocletian, Split's Old Town consists of a number of impressive sites, including Peristyle, Cathedral of St. Dominus, and Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. Start in Peristyle Square, taking in the 3,500-year-old sphinxes Diocletian brought back from Egypt before exploring the 4th-century complex. From there, pass through the Iron Gate and into Pjaca Square for pretty views of white marble tiles, a Romanesque clock tower with the remains of a medieval sundial, and the 15th-century Town Hall.
In the evening, take a stroll along Split's seafront Riva to admire the waterfront views before finding the off-beat Konoba Dioklecijan restaurant, just to the left of the Bronze Gate for a bite to eat, its outdoor terrace built into the walls of Diocletian's Palace.
Day 2: Sail from Split to Vis
Starting from Split, enjoy the sea breeze as you sail towards the island of Vis, on a leisurely full day of sailing. Sailing out from Split gives you a unique sea view of the city. On arrival, there will be some time for swimming and snorkeling before docking in Vis Harbor for the night.
Day 3: Sail from Vis to Korcula, Stopping at the Blue & Green Caves
Leaving Vis in the morning, sail towards the small island of Bisevo to visit its magical “Blue Cave." If the weather is good, pay a visit to the so-called "Green Cave" as well. Later, proceed toward Korcula Island where you'll spend the night.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Sail around Korčula Island
Today, you'll sail around Korčula island, dropping anchor wherever you choose.
Korčula town is the main town on the island, famous for its medieval walls and narrow streets that are patterned like a fish skeleton. The streets are designed like fish bones, branching off from a central street—a design made to reduce the effects of wind and sun. Korčula lies on the east side of the island, populated even before the time of the ancient Greeks and is said to be the birthplace of the famous Italian explorer, Marco Polo.
Home to a gorgeous mix of beaches, vineyards, villages, and quiet, harbor-side restaurants and resorts, take some time to explore the island. Rent a bike or scooter and explore the island and discover its many secluded beaches. Or, to get a unique local experience, perhaps join a cycling wine tour of the Lumbarda wine region.
Day 5: Sail from Korčula to Hvar Island via Pakleni Islands
This morning, sail from Korcula towards Hvar Island. Sail through the Pakleni Islands archipelago, a collection of several smaller islands. Then, continue towards the island of Hvar, which is famed for its sunny days, crystal blue waters and idyllic beaches, enchanting stone streets and old Venetian palaces in the charming Old Town of Hvar.
Day 6: Sail from Hvar to Split via Brač
Sail from Hvar town back towards Split. On the way, stop for one last swim on Brac Island. Sailing to Split gives you unique views of the city from the sea. Arrive at the marina and end your sailing tour in the evening.
Day 7: Depart Split
If you have a free morning before departing, check out the Green Market (Pazar Market). A lively fruit and vegetable outdoor market just east of the Diocletian Palace, this is a great place to see how the locals shop and to pick up some fruit for your flight home. Farmers from the surrounding areas of Split come into town every day to sell their seasonal local produce from sunrise to 2 pm.
Depending on traffic, it usually takes 45 minutes to travel from Old Town to the airport. Best to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your international departure (and with some extra time to drop off your rental car, if you have one).
This trip made it onto Europe's top 30 itineraries, selected by kimkim.
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