Coastlines don’t come much more idyllic than Croatia’s 2000km of ruggedly beautiful Adriatic shore. Along this magnificent stretch are ancient Roman remains standing guard over sheltered harbours; olive groves rising above the winding backstreets of tumble-down villages; and sleek resorts backing palm-fringed bays.
In the turquoise waters offshore are scattered more than 1000 islands and islets, home to everything from remote pebble beaches to hedonistic party towns. It is these stunning archipelagos – coupled with the country’s balmy summer climate – that make Croatia one of the most popular sailing destinations in Europe. Here’s our guide to sailing in Croatia to help you plan your first trip.
Where should I go – and how long for?
The southern Dalmatian islands are by far Croatia’s most popular sailing destination, and the ideal choice for your first visit. Most itineraries comprise round-trips from Split or Dubrovnik, or one-way voyages connecting the two. You’ll need around week, although the majority of companies allow eight days or so for the Split–Dubrovnik route (or vice versa).
Popular stops include chic bars and restaurants of Hvar Town, historic Stari Grad and its UNESCO-listed plain (also on the island of Hvar), and small towns such as Milna on Brač, known for its laidback charm.
You can still find plenty of seclusion, too. The village of Stomorska on sleepy Šolta has moorings for just fifteen visiting boats, while a night in Palmižana harbour allows you to explore car-free Sveti Klement, one of the forested Pakleni Islands.
The farthest flung island from shore is unspoiled Vis, cut off from tourists due to military activity until the early 1990s, and home to the magnificent Blue Cave. Closer to the coast further south are Korčula’s sandy bays and verdant Mljet, with its beautiful National Park.
Want to get further off the beaten track? There are hundreds more islands to explore; check out our top 10 for inspiration.
When should I go?
High summer in Croatia might be busy, but the weather is simply glorious. Expect gentle averages of 26–27°C in July and August – and, even better, sea temperatures of around the same. Snorkelling, paddle-boarding and swimming, or just simply splashing around in the shallows, are chief among the joys of exploring the Adriatic.
The sailing season runs from May to the end of September, and you should heed these dates. End or start of season deals might sound appealing, but with temperatures averaging around 15°C in October and many business shutting up shop for the year, you may not get the trip you envisaged.
How do I find a yacht?
The easiest way to tackle sailing in Croatia is to book a skippered yacht. You might learn a few sailing skills along the way, but generally you’ll be free to sit back and drink in the views (or the local wines).
Your skipper will be an invaluable part of your trip, able to recommend and adjust routes depending on the weather, and guide you to the best swimming spots, attractions and restaurants. You might also want to consider booking a host or hostess, who will take care of the cooking and cleaning.
Experienced sailors can opt for a “bareboat” charter. Requirements may vary between operators, but you will need full certification, such as the ICC (International Certificate of Competence).
We’ve selected some excellent sailing holiday and charter companies from The Rough Guide to Croatia to get you started. If you’re travelling solo, adventure specialists such as Gadventures and Contiki offer single and shared berths on group trips; you can browse these through our partner, TourRadar.
What should I expect on board?
Not all yachts are made the same, varying wildly from cosy, close-quarter set-ups to floating paradigms of unbridled luxury. Most companies offer several levels of comfort; explore the different boats available through your chosen operator and be realistic about your expectations for space and facilities.
At the lower end are smaller, older boats with cramped cabins and shared bathrooms. Modern, high-end catamarans tend to offer a very different experience, often kitted out with plush furnishings, en-suites and extensive deck space.
Bear in mind that if you’re a solo traveller, booking on a group trip with budget and youth operators may mean sharing a cabin, or even a “double” bed.
Is joining Yacht Week a good idea?
You might have heard about Yacht Week – or seen their slew of glamorous promo reels – but be wary of the hype. This mega flotilla trip for moneyed twenty-somethings may be the party of a lifetime, but it’s far from sustainable and certainly not representative of Croatian culture.
Local sailors harbour concerns about safety due to skippers unfamiliar with local waters, while some towns are reportedly fighting back against “Sodom and Gomorrah at sea” by refusing to provide moorings to the boozy crowds.
Explore more of Croatia with The Rough Guide to Croatia. Header image via Pixabay/CC0.
