Many islands in the Adriatic are popular sailing destinations. Every island is unique and tells a different story, both when considering its history and geography. Each offers a different type of holiday experience: a peaceful vacation, a holiday filled with sports activities, or time spent exploring history and culture. Among over 1000 islands here are some of the top sailing destinations in Croatia:
The island of Hvar boasts the most exciting night life and the largest amount of sunshine per year. Hvar town is a great place if you prefer yachting and clubbing. A more peaceful atmosphere of Stari Grad and Jelsa are ideal for exploring the historic sites.
The best way to discover the beauty of Hvar town is during a sailing vacation. You will encounter the view of hundreds of boats at anchor and the town square with the 17th century Arsenal and the Renaissance cathedral of St Stephen.
There are many places for anchoring along the island’s shores. Numerous pebbly bays are located on the Hvar’s southern coast. Popular beaches include Milna and Dubovica. Rent a boat and explore Pakleni Islands, located in the vicinity of Hvar town.
When approaching Korčula town on a sailboat the view of fortified walls is reminiscent of a smaller version of Dubrovnik. The town boasts 15th century Venetian architecture and is the birthplace, although there is no specific proof, of the famous explorer and traveler Marco Polo. Korčula is also well known for Moreška, the traditional sword dance recalling medieval battles.
Apart from Korčula town most of the island is rural in character and covered with forests and vineyards. Korčula is a great sailboat charter destination because its coast is indented with many hidden bays and beaches. These secluded coves include sandy beach Lumbarda, pebbly coves of the southern coast and the beaches on the island of Proizd, in the vicinity of Vela Luka.
Vis
The picturesque island of Vis is popular for its laid back atmosphere, excellent wines and numerous secluded bays. When visiting Vis don’t miss your chance to try excellent local seafood and wines, such as Vugava and Plavac.
The farthest island off the central Dalmatia coast owes its isolated atmosphere to its history as a former army base. Two main settlements are the fishing towns of Komiža and Vis. Some of the secluded bays you can visit on a sailboat are Stončica, pebbly beach Srebrena with sandy sea bottom or Stiniva with the dramatic landscape of cliffs and crystal clear sea. You can sail to the island of Biševo from Komiža bay and visit the famous Blue Cave.
Kornati
The maze of 140 islands, islets and reefs is an ideal sailing destination. The barren landscape of the north Dalmatia archipelago creates the desert-like atmosphere. Sparse soil and almost no vegetation are mixed with vast areas of rocks and cliffs. The only exception is the area covered with vineyards and olive groves in the northeastern part of the island of Kornat.
There are no permanent settlements and no fresh water. Popular stops on the sailing routes around the barren and uninhabited islands are the two marinas, located on the islands of Piškera and Žut.
Mljet
A large part of the south Dalmatia island of Mljet belongs to the national park. There the saltwater lakes are surrounded with dense forests and vineyards. Mljet is a great sailing destination if you want to get away from the tourist crowds and enjoy the serenity of untouched nature.
When arriving to Mljet on a boat, sail to Pomena or Polače on the western coast. If you want to explore the eastern coast, the best place for anchorage is at Okuklje. Mljet’s eastern coast boasts the only sandy beach on the island, Saplunara.
Pag
The island of Pag, located off the coast of northern Dalmatia, has recently become a popular spot for summer beach parties. The barren landscape resembles, in some parts, moonlike surfaces. Pag’s ruins and archeological sites are steeped in rich history, dating back to the Illyrian and Roman times.
Pag is also well known for its lace, lamb and cheese. The salty grass gives the sheep’s milk its distinctive flavor.
Some of the places you should visit on a sailboat charter vacation include Caska bay, Zrće, ACI marina Šimuni and the northernmost village of Lun.
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