Plan Your Perfect Sailing Route: Central Dalmatia
22. December, 2020
Blog
You have booked your charter yacht to sail in Croatia; now, the exciting part begins – planning your sailing route. With hundreds of islands, ancient towns, nature parks and coastal villages to visit, your options are almost limitless. So, we thought we would help by giving you some examples of sailing routes. Here is our Central Dalmatian sailing itinerary, which begins from our base in Kaštela, Split.
Day 1: Kaštela, Split – Maslinica, island Šolta, (approx. 13 NM)
Once you’ve checked in, it’s time to release the shorelines and begin your Croatia sailing adventure. We set sail for Maslinica on the island Šolta, a perfect place to spend your first evening aboard. Maslinica is a quaint coastal town with a few restaurants, local shops and a marina. Get a berth, take a buoy in surrounding bays or find a safe anchorage.
Day 2: Maslinica – Komiža, island Vis, (approx. 25 NM)
Day 2, we recommend you set sail earlier as it's approximately 25 NM (nautical miles) to our next destination – Komiža on the of island Vis. Komiža is exposed to the open sea and Southerly winds but if the weather is clear, it is worth visiting this charming town.
If you arrive before noon, it is possible to find a berth in the town port, if not, there are several buoys in the bay.
Komiža has a long history and tradition as a town of fishermen. Today, there are several excellent restaurants, some with more than 100 years of history, serving fresh seafood and lobster – another speciality in Komiža. Walk to the St. Nicholas Monastery above the hill (20 min) to enjoy an incredible view over Komiža.
Day 3: Komiža – Biševo – Vis town (approx. 20 NM)
Day 3, visit the famous Blue Caves of Biševo. Light entering the cave makes the water a brilliant iridescent blue and bathes the entire cave in this glow – a true wonder of nature. Sail across to Biševo, take a buoy in Mezoporat bay, and buy a ticket to the caves on the pier; from here you wait to enter the caves on official boats – individual access is not permitted. Be aware that during peak season you may need to wait an hour or more. We suggest arriving here early.
Next, we sail to Vis town via the stunning and dramatic south coast. Anchor in any number of bays along the way to swim. Sail into Vis town where you will find berths along the main waterfront of Vis and Kut, or take a buoy in the bay. Vis has an extraordinary history, from Greeks and Romans to its military occupation during WWII. Vis has an authentic local charm; walk around the bay and wander the alleyways to feel this spirit. Head up to Fort George in the evening for a cocktail and watch the sunset over the Adriatic.
Day 4: Vis – Palmižana, Hvar, (approx. 10 NM)
A short sail today, so spend the morning in Vis – rent bikes or scooters to explore the island or simply enjoy a walk before setting sail for Palmižana. Palmižana is part of the Pakleni islands which lie in front of Hvar town. Take a buoy in the famous Vinogradišće bay, swim in the turquoise waters or enjoy lunch at one of the famous seafood restaurants here. You also have the option to take a berth in ACI Marina Palmižana or take a buoy or berth directly in front of Hvar town. Explore this Renaissance beauty and enjoy the lively atmosphere in the evening.
Day 5: Hvar – Stari Grad, Hvar (approx. 15 NM)
Today we sail around the western point of island Hvar to Stari Grad (which translates to “old town”). Stari Grad is one of the oldest towns in Europe, Greeks first settled Stari Grad some 2,400 years ago. Take a berth in the Stari Grad port or anchor in one of the protected bays. Stari Grad is a vibrant town, with numerous restaurants, cafes, shops and delicatessens. Wander the cobblestone alleyways in the afternoon, and enjoy a traditional dinner with local wine in the evening.
Day 6: Stari Grad – Bol – Lučice, island Brač (approx. 20 NM)
Set sail early to make the most of the day, today we head for Bol on the south side of island Brač. Bol is most known for the famous Zlatni Rat beach – the poster child of beaches in Croatia and a popular spot for water-sports. Anchor or find a berth along Bol’s promenade to explore before you sail to Lučice bay to anchor for the evening.
Day 7: Lučice – Milna – Kaštela (approx. 19 NM)
The town of Milna is a small fisherman’s village set in a protected bay on the west coast of island Brač. Crystal-clear waters, pine forests and stone buildings make this a gorgeous and peaceful destination for your last night aboard. Brač has excellent local wines and olive oil, be sure to sample both while you are here. Then, the final sail as you return to Marina Kaštela for the evening.
There is so much more we could say about this itinerary and all of these destinations but this is just to get you started. Be sure to follow our dedicated blog for more inspiration. See you on the Adriatic!
