Sailing Croatia: An Unforgettable Itinerary Along The Dalmatian Coast

There are few vacation spots more lovely than the Mediterranean coast. The azure waters and temperate climate are sure to make your heart sing. Of all the tourist locations on the Mediterranean, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast is one of the very best. 

Located near the country’s southern border, the Dalmatian Coast is made up of 79 islands, each with distinct features and irresistible tourist attractions. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the blue Mediterranean by racing around on a speed boat, or indulging in the views from one of the luxury catamaran boats that can frequently be found in the region, you’re sure to find an island that’s just right for you. 

With the sheer number of attractions you can visit on the Dalmatian Coast, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we’ll outline some of the very best spots to visit, so you can build the perfect itinerary for your Croatia holiday.

Split

If you’re visiting the Dalmatian Coast, you’re probably going for some rest and relaxation. There are few better cities to kick back and relax while still immersing yourself in local culture than Split. 

Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and is one of the country’s main transportation hubs. You can explore Split on foot to see the city’s historical structures, or by sea from the prow of a boat. 

When visiting Split, make some time to visit Diocletian’s Palace, the former home of a Roman emperor, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace is also home to the world’s oldest Catholic cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Domnius (known to the locals as Sveti Duje), a place that offers fantastic views of Split from its tower.

If you’d like to learn about the region’s history while enjoying stunning scenery, make  Split part of your Dalmatian Coast itinerary. 

Solta Island

After visiting Split, your next stop should absolutely be Solta Island, which is the perfect place for beginner sailors to find their sea legs. The waters on the east side of the island are some of the calmest in the region, which makes for a relaxing vacation. To the west of Solta Island, the waters are a little rougher, which is great if you’re looking for a more adventurous trip. 

Wherever you choose to sail, Solta is a gem of an island. Thanks to its homey hotels, relaxing resorts and friendly locals, Solta Island is one of the very best places in Europe for a chill vacation. 

Vis Island

Further west into the Adriatic lies the island of Vis, the next stop on our unforgettable Dalmatian Coast itinerary. Since this island was closed to the public for 40 years whilst it was used as a military base, Vis Island features plenty of unspoiled terrain that’s sure to please nature lovers. 

Vis Island features stunning, blue waters that you can explore from the deck of a yacht or catamaran. Its stunning natural beauty, laid-back culture and Mediterranean-style buildings make Vis Island one of the top summer hotspots in Europe. 

Vis Island is also known for its vineyards, which use traditional methods dating back centuries. Whether you’re a wine lover looking to taste some rare vintage or simply want to sail around a beautiful island, Vis Island is for you. 

Korcula Town

Korcula Town is located on an island in the east of the Dalmatian Coast and is the prototypical Mediterranean city. This little town features sandy beaches, olive groves, verdant forests and traditional vineyards. You’d be forgiven for thinking that Korcula Town was ripped straight from the pages of a fairytale. 

A fact not many know is that Korcula is the purported birthplace of Marco Polo, the famous Venetian explorer. There’s a museum dedicated to Marco Polo on the island, which is sure to be a treat for history lovers everywhere. 

Peljesac Peninsula

For the next stop on our itinerary, we sail back to the Croatian mainland. Peljesac Peninsula is one of the most beautiful spots anywhere in the country and is also a hotspot for mouth-watering local cuisine. 

Ston, a settlement in this area, is a must for your itinerary for two main reasons: history and oysters. The settlement is flanked by the world’s second-longest defensive stone wall. The stone quarry that was originally used to mine stone for the wall is still in use today. Ston is also home to the Mali Ston oysters, which have a strong argument for being the best oysters in the world. 

If you’re on a sailing trip in Croatia, make sure to stop by the Peljesac Peninsula to learn about the region’s fascinating history and taste its renowned oysters. 

Dubrovnik

If you’re visiting the Dalmatian Coast, it would be a grave error not to visit Dubrovnik. If you’re a fan of Romantic-era poetry, you’ll know Dubrovnik as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ Lord Byron refers to. 

Dubrovnik was also one of the two main shooting locations for the Game of Thrones series. If you’d like to visit a city with a mediaeval vibe that harkens back to Westeros, there’s no better place to visit. 

Dubrovnik is one of Europe’s most popular summer hotspots, so make sure to plan a few stylish outfits before visiting. 

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The brilliant part about sailing the Dalmatian Coast is that there are countless ways to craft your itinerary. In this article, we’ve listed some of our favourite spots to see on a sailing trip in the region. 

If you’re looking for the perfect summer vacation, start planning your trip to the Dalmatian Coast today, using our unforgettable guide as your base of inspiration.