Here is a selection of some of the most popular islands along the Croatian coast line
They are some of the most talked about coastal towns along the Dalmatian coast and we highly recommend any of these locations for the perfect sailing getaway.
1. Brac Island - Bol
Brac is an island where traditional life is still preserved in its villages. It is famous for its precious white stone which was used in building Diocletian's Palace in Split, its olive oil and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world at Bol called “Zlatni Rat”.
The two main centers are Supetar and Bol which collectively offer many tourist attractions. If you are in search of something more traditional we recommend you visit Pucica which is one of the most beautiful villages and locations to drop anchor and relax surrounded by a magnificent landscape of cliffs, crystal clear waters and pine forests.
2. Šolta Island - Šešula Bay
Šešula bay in Solta is known for its scenic atmosphere and is the ideal place to spend the night in a peaceful setting whilst exploring Croatia.
From here, enjoy a stroll to the nearby historic town of Maslinica with its idyllic beaches, colourful sunsets, and locally made items like wine, honey, and schnapps. You can delve into local wine by contacting Kaštelanac winery for pickup, discovering the history of the island’s famous Zinfandel and traditional vineyards. Or just relax on board with a view of the peaceful bay, swimming in the calm, turquoise waters.
Be sure to visit either of the two restaurants here, Šišmiš and Šešula, which offer mooring buoys free of charge to guests who dine with them. During high season, it’s highly recommended to make reservations in advance.
3. Hvar - The party island
If you are looking for something fun, lively and a bit extravagant, you must visit Hvar town on the island of Hvar. Hvar town has a very high volume of visitors and luxury yacht owners which has given Hvar the well deserved reputation for glamour, VIP parties, restaurants and endless sunny days.
Besides a widely known party scene here you will find several restaurants and high-end bars. There is also an extensive history and cultural heritage for history lovers, amazing beaches and some more remote places to explore on your own. The Mediterranean climate guarantees plenty of sunny days, beautiful nature, VIP events and many recreational facilities.
4. Vis Island - Vis Town
Vis was closed off to the public for 40 years while used as a military base, resulting in little development with lots of unspoiled terrain. Day sailing and arriving in Vis in the late afternoon is a fantastic way of exploring Croatia.
Home to spectacular nature and interesting history, with military tours departing from both Komiza and Vis Town. It’s also renowned for its wine production, with winemaking traditions that date back to ancient times and local vineyards for sampling the results.
Arrive at Vis town early in the high season for a space in the large quay or use the mooring buoys for a fee. With time to explore, rent a scooter or bicycle, traveling the winding roads, or head to Lipanović, one of the most popular wineries, just 10 minutes away on foot. It’s definitely worth making a stop when sailing on one of our skippered charters.
5. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik dates all the way back to the 7th-century when it was known as Ragusa. Today, visitors of all types come to enjoy its fabulous ambiance, particularly in the historic Old Town, surrounded by medieval stone walls.
It was Lord Byron who called it the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” a name that’s stuck ever since. In recent years, many travellers have come to tour “Game of Thrones” filming sites and walk atop those defensive walls for stunning views of the turquoise sea and the historic town centre. With so many different things to see and do, we could write several destination guides about Dubrovnik alone.
There is no free anchoring or mooring buoys, and the small harbour is off-limits, but there are two marinas with all the essential amenities within easy reach, including ACI Marina Dubrovnik and Marina Frapa, the closest. One of the most popular sailing routes is Dubrovnik to Split.
6. Korčula Island - Korčula Town
A stunning stop on your sailing charter is Korcula. This is a beautiful small island with forests, sandy beaches, olive groves and vineyards.
Walled Korcula Town looks like it came straight from a storybook, complete with gates, towers, and ramparts. Often referred to as a “mini-Dubrovnik” it’s said to the birthplace of the famous international explorer Marco Polo, and visitors can even peek inside his birth house, which now serves as a museum. You’ll notice plenty of Venetian influences throughout, like St. Mark Cathedral with its pair of winged lions.
If you’re visiting in the summer, which offers excellent weather conditions, and want a space at the ACI marina nearby in yacht week, be sure to make reservations. Other options include the town quay on the opposite side of town or anchoring in Luke Bay for a fee. Getting around Croatia is very accessible – by Croatia yacht charters on sea or by walking around towns inland.
7. Pakleni Islands - St Clement Island
St. Clement Island, also known as Veli Otok (Big Island), is the largest of the renowned Pakleni archipelago that lies just off the coast of Hvar. A remote string of island jewels, the tranquil Paklenis are known for their stunning beaches and peaceful setting. You’ll find a wonderful little harbour at St. Clement with waterfront restaurants and a marina, as well as a famous chapel dating back to the 15th-century. It’s easy to reach Hvar Town from here as well, to take advantage of the lively nightlife and world-class restaurants or explore the historic sites and medieval architecture. While there are no moorings at St. Clement, you’ll find multiple anchorages in the Pakleni Islands’ beautifully secluded coves and bays.
8. Kornati National Park - Lavsa island
The Kornati Islands are a must-visit if you want to escape mass tourism, enjoying the simple things in life in the privacy of your own yacht. This archipelago is composed of numerous islands, islets and reefs and it is by far the largest in Adriatic.
Lavsa Island is an uninhabited island in Kornati National Park known as the “crown of Croatian islands.” You’ll need a ticket (best purchased a day or more in advance online or via tour agencies) for all charter types to enter and enjoy the protected park and its underwater life.
It includes the use of its mooring buoys as well as entrance to the adjacent Nature Park Telaščica just north. The island itself is tiny but it offers a perfect hidden cove to stop overnight along with an excellent restaurant with a menu of delectable fish dishes. If you have a diving license, contact one of the local diving centres to discover the protected area’s truly magical underwater world as part of your sailing trips. You won’t want to miss it.
9. Northern Dalmatia - Skradin
Skradin is known for its Venetian architecture and charming cobbled streets. It’s a popular gateway to Krka National Park, located at the park’s river entrance making it easy to visit the Mediterranean’s highest waterfall, Skradinski Buk, and enjoy a swim in the serene pool at the bottom.
As you make your way up the river, stop at one of the local mussel farms to pick up this delicious delicacy. Skradin’s location makes it a popular place, which means you’ll need to book ahead to stay at MCI Marina when arriving during the high season. There are also some mooring buoys on the other side of the riverbed and anchoring is also allowed on the north side of the river before reaching the marina.
10. Northern Dalmatia – Rogoznica
Set within a deep, sheltered by, the small resort town of Rogoznica has a long history as a fishing village, a place where local fishermen often sell their catch so you can pick up some of the freshest. It sits on a small island linked by a bridge to the mainland and has a waterfront with restaurants, bars and shops offering picturesque views over the bay, particularly at sunset.
Enjoy an adventure by walking inland to Dragon’s Eye Lake, a saltwater lake surrounded by soaring cliffs popular for cliff jumping. The town hosts the highly acclaimed Marina Frapa with mooring buoys on both sides of the bridge, while the town quay is on the island and free anchoring is possible further inland for those getting around Croatia by boat.
11. Vis Island - Komiza Town
Komiža town is another ideal option on unspoiled Vis Island. It has a spectacular backdrop of Hum hill and is surrounded by multiple, often deserted beaches. There are a number of outstanding restaurants, including one serving famous lobster, having exported them since the 16th-century to other places around Europe. You can easily explore more of the island by taking a tour or renting a scooter, and this is also the best starting point for trips to the famous Blue Cave. Diving enthusiasts can spot with planes and sunken ships below the water’s surface. The town quay is small and busy, but there are mooring buoys if you can arrive before 4 p.m. and get by without water and electricity
Marinas in Croatia
Croatia has 50 marinas on the coast with over thirteen thousand moorings in the sea and many thousand more on the mainland. These are available all year however, only a select number of marinas are charter bases. You can start and end your Croatian sailing adventure in Pula, Rovinj, Losinj, Zadar, Sukosan, Biograd, Sibenik, Primosten, Trogir, Kastela, Split, or Dubrovnik. All of these Marinas have good road and airport access.
- Istria region: ACI Rovinj – ACI Umag – ACI Pula – ACI Pomer
- Kvarner region: ACI Opatija – ACI Cres – ACI Supetarska Draga – ACI Rab – ACI Šimuni
- Northern Dalmatia: ACI Žut – ACI Piškera – ACI Jezera – ACI Vodice – ACI Skradin
- Central Dalmatia: ACI Trogir – ACI Split – ACI Milna Brač island – ACI Vrboska Hvar island – ACI Palmižana
- Southern Dalmatia: ACI Korčula – ACI Slano – ACI Dubrovnik
