Our sailing area
The Split archipelago is an area of outstanding natural beauty with hundreds of islands.
The most well-known ones like Brac, Solta, Hvar or Vis are only one or two navigational hours apart, ideal to explore without stress.
Our long year experience proofed that the daily routine should be a good mixture of sailing, swimming, relaxing in the sun and exploring beautiful nature and historical towns or villages on the islands.
Of course we are open to sail north or south of the Split archipelago as well but in this case we recommend to consider a longer stay on board. To reach more remote islands like Mljet, Korcula or Lastovo the passage is longer and sailing would take a good part of your day. Most times it is wiser to focus on a sailing area, which is not too big so that you can have a stress-free holiday. Sometimes less is more.
Now let us introduce a few hot spots of the Split archipelago to you:
Brač
Dalmatia’s biggest island Brač, being closest to Split, is full of diversity. On the northern side there are beautiful fisherman villages with houses made of famous Brač stone. Since centuries high quality stone is quarried from several mines on the island. The Diocletian Palace in Split, White House in Washington, Parliament houses in Budapest and Vienna were built from this unique white stone.
On the west side there are very popular natural harbours such as Bobovišća and Milna. Heading southeast after passing the bay of Lucice, you come upon a new vista of the island; there is nothing better than sailing downwind close to the shore, watching the beautiful beaches, old vineyards and olive orchards drift by. Wherever you stop the crystal clear turquoise coloured sea is waiting for you to jump in. Approximately in the middle of the south coast is Bol, once a small fisherman village, but nowadays a large tourist centre and windsurfing/kite-surfing mecca. Of course, there is a good reason for this – one of Croatia’s most famous beaches, the Golden Horn, is located near Bol, pointing towards the island of Hvar.
Brač is the tallest Croatian island. Vidova Gora is the highest point. From there you can enjoy the breath-taking view of the central Dalmatian islands. After such a climb there is nothing better than enjoying famous Brač “lamb on the skewer” and a glass of local red wine called Plavac Mali.
For more information visit https://www.dalmatia.hr/destinations/island-of-brac
Šolta
Albeit close to Split, Šolta somehow remains undiscovered. Nothing is big or spectacular there but, in this case, less is definitely more. Many small secluded coves are inviting you to drop the anchor and enjoy in the privacy. For those who want to be closer to civilisation there is a village called Maslinica where Castle Martinis Marchi has been transformed into a luxury hotel and marina some years ago.
When visiting this island, you must attend one of the famous olive oil or honey tastings.
For more information visit https://visitsolta.com/
Drvenik Veli
Located close to Trogir this island is definitely one where time is not rushing by. Simple and untouched with almost no inhabitancy outside of village Veli Drvenik has a certain charm. There are coves with crystal clear water everywhere but the most famous one is Blue Lagoon, the symbol of the island. The name comes from the turquoise colour of the sea bed.
Hvar
The sunniest Mediterranean island has not just sun but also breath taking nature. It offers something for everyone. The eastern part is more private and undeveloped than the western part of the island where the well-known towns like Jelsa, Stari Grad and Hvar are located.
The town of Hvar is known as the Croatian Monte Carlo where you can regularly see Hollywood stars, Formula 1 drivers and many other VIPs. It is a place to see and to be seen, lively with rich nightlife. During the day it shows pure beauty of Venetian style palaces, old monasteries, churches and small stone covered streets with great restaurants and cafes. A must see is Arsenal, one of first European city theatres built in 1612. Walk from the central square up a path to the impressive fortress of “Španjola” from where you have an amazing panorama of Pakleni (Hell) Islands.
Another must see on the island of Hvar is Stari Grad. “Old Town” was officially founded in 384 BC and is one of the oldest towns in Europe. At the end of a big, deep bay with fertile fields in the background, it was a perfect settlement place for the first inhabitants, the ancient Greeks. Today it is a very popular harbour for yacht men who prefer to be away from the party life. Stari Grad is rich with historical architecture, numerous churches and beautiful squares. For many the nicest place on this island.
Around 8 km east from Stari Grad you will find Vrboska at the end of a deep fjord, also known as “Small Venice” due to this canal and numerous bridges. It’s unique church/fortress St. Mary, built in 16th century, looks like a warship and dominates the view.
Continue your journey and you will soon reach the town of Jelsa, with its small but very picturesque old centre worth a visit, too.
You want to know more about Hvar? See https://visithvar.hr
Vis
For decades this island was closed off to foreign tourists, being used as natural fortress of former Jugoslav army.
Since 1991 it is open for public and nowadays it is a must destination. Beautiful fisherman village Komisa still has its original soul from the past. The bigger Vis offers a safe harbour, amazing architecture and even the remains of a roman spa.
The southern coast of Vis is nature’s work of art – rock formations, caves and bays (especially Stiniva, voted as one of the 10 nicest bays in the world) are amazing.
On the mainland of the island there are caves where Jugoslav president Tito and partisan leadership were governing resistance against Nazi in the 2nd World War. At 1944 allies' forces built an airport on the island which is still visible but now used for vineyards. Wine tasting and enjoying in local dish called Peka is something not to miss.
Find more information on https://www.dalmatia.hr/destinations/island-of-vis
Biševo
This small Island is located opposite of Komiža. It is well known for its extremely popular Blue Cave. The play of light, which is coming from an underwater passage into the cave, is spectacular. On the southern side of Biševo there is another cave called Monk Seal Cave. This one is more than 130m long and has a small beach at the very end, lying in complete darkness. Once that was the home of Monk Seals. This cave is less popular but for many more impressive.
More information you can find on https://www.tz-komiza.hr/home-eng
Split
We definitely would suggest to reserve some time before or after your sailing holiday for this unique city.
Split citizens have the proud saying that Emperor Diocletian, who was governing the huge Roman Empire, must have had a good reason why he built his retirement palace exactly here – and we totally agree with it. The historical centre of this more than 1700-year-old city is special. UNESCO heritage Diocletian palace is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. Inside the palace walls, on Peristil square, you will find Europe’s oldest Christian cathedral, which was Diocletian’s Mausoleum. It’s tower “Sveti Duje” is Split’s landmark and was built in 13th century.
Walking through Split’s tiny, narrow streets towards the sea you will reach another famous spot “Riva”. Split citizens meet on this well-known promenade for their daily coffee and enjoying the sun. A place to see and be seen. From the west end of the promenade, you can “climb” up the stairs to Marjan Hill (park), Splits green lungs. This peninsula is surrounded by beaches and has numerous walking and bicycling trails. It is rarely possible to experience such a synergy between nature and urbanism - on one side busy and bustling town and untouched nature on the other.
It is hard to give you a proper overview of this city, which is full of history, nature, street life with restaurants, bars and cafes in just a few sentences. You have to explore it yourself.
Here you’ll get a little help to plan your stay https://visitsplit.com/
Every year many foreign tourists get infected by the “Split virus” - a virus you can hardly heal. That’s why many decide to move here. So be aware and don’t blame us if you catch it! :-)