Sailing
Split Region

From Rogač, the oldest coastal town on the island of Šolta, you will sail towards the westernmost part of the island to visit the town of Maslinica. The entrance into the bay is hidden behind six islets. The biggest islet, 70 m high Stipanska, is the furthest to the west. It is covered in thick macchia, which hides the remains of an early Christian 5th century basilica and the remains of a Benedictine monastery. In Maslinica, there are old traditional houses as well as new apartments for summer vacations. On the forested south coast, there is a Baroque castle, newly rebuilt and turned into a hotel.

Under the castle, there is a newly built Martinis Marchi Marina where you can leave your boat. In the close vicinity of Maslinica is a bay called Šešula. It provides a good shelter during a strong mistral (a dry cold northerly wind) or tramontana (a cold wind from the northeast or north). If the winds are unfavorable, you can berth in Šešula, but be careful and drop your anchor chain deep enough because the depth of the bay is considerable.

The next destination are the islands of the Šibenik archipelago. The first islands you will reach are Zlarin and Prvić. Visit both of those islands and, depending on the winds, berth in those bays which give you the best protection.

Zlarin’s harbor is an ideal shelter during jugo, but also during bura, which are local names for winds that blow from the south and the north, respectively. Should jugo start to blow, spend your night in Zlarin because Prvić does not provide much safety from that wind. Zlarin’s harbor is dominated by a 140 m long Austro-Hungarian stone quay, which used to serve for berthing of military ships. Along the town’s waterfront, you can see small boats of the locals.

There are also several small 18th century churches and a few cottages from the same period in the town. Bathing resorts and sylvan shores are situated on the southeast of the island. The beautiful Magarna Bay is protected from the winds that blow from the 3rd and 4th quadrant, so you can spend your night there as well. Here, the Adriatic sponge, which is highly appreciated on the market, is taken out of the sea in a traditional manner. If you are a coral lover, you have come to the right place. The Adriatic fiery red corals are fished by people from Zlarin and are sold in jewelery stores along the Adriatic coast.

The island of Prvić is a natural extension of Zlarin which is proven by many undersea shallows and reefs. Prvić was inhabited since the early Middle Ages, and it is suggested that the name Prvić originates from the word Prvica or Prvina, which was the name for an ancient god of spring. Prvić is covered in the Mediterranean macchia, vineyards and olive groves, and has quiet picturesque bays. It is an ideal spot for people who love peaceful islands.

There are two smaller towns on the island: Prvić Luka on the southeast and Šepurine on the southwest. If you want a trip around the island, all that you need is comfortable shoes. There are many trails on the island, and exploring it will feel like a small adventure. From cultural sights, you can see the Church and Monastery of The Lady of Mercy situated in Prvić Luka. Inside of the church is the tomb of Faust Vrančić, a prominent Croatian writer, linguist, inventor and bishop, who lived at the end of the 16th century. In the town of Šepurine, there is a church of St. Jelena with a richly decorated baroque altar. On the north side of the island, there is a baroque summer house with a large art collection owned by the Draganić-Vrančić family.

Sail on towards Skradin. Coming to Skradin by waterway, through the canyon of the river Krka, is a challenge and a unique experience that no sailor would miss out on. This Dalmatian town has a rich history: it is old enough to impress you with its antiquity and modern enough to provide you with everything you may need. Its gastronomic offer and the famous white wine Debit will please even the most demanding guests. In the close vicinity, there is a bathing area and a playground for children and people who wish to play sports. Those who like more private beaches can find their spot outside the town and should not be surprised when swans come for a visit.

Skradin is a starting point of all excursions of the area because of its vicinity to the Krka National Park. From here, tourist boats will take you to the entrance of the park and to one of the most beautiful waterfalls – Skradinski buk. You are bound to enjoy the green color of the water and vegetation, as well as the pleasant murmur of the waterfall and the still active mills. On the Visovac Lake, there is an island with a white Franciscan monastery. Monks who pray and work there are the keepers of old books and art collections.

Upon your return from Skradin, be sure to stop in Šibenik. This town was built below the old Croatian fortress St. Mihovil, which still dominates the town’s panorama. The St. Jacob’s Cathedral is yet another impressive building, and was considered a wonder when it was built, from both artistic and constructional point of view. Today, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

From Šibenik, you sail towards Tribunj. Although it has turned to tourism a long time ago, Tribunj is still a fishing place. Gourmands are well-aware of Tribunj’s fish restaurants. Boats which berth along the town’s waterfront create an atmosphere long-forgotten in most coastal areas. Tribunj is especially known for its wine and olive oil. In autumn, wine barrels decorate the waterfront, and the life of the locals moves to the vineyards and olive groves. The history of Tribunj is closely connected to the building of the church of St. Nicola in the 17th century. There is a beautiful belvedere there today under which is a calm pine forest and Zamalin beach.

A bit further, you can visit the natural beaches Sovlja and Bristak. The old part of the town lies on a low islet. There are about a hundred houses crammed together, and the streets between them are so narrow that you cannot even see them at first. During summer, you can enjoy the well-known Tribunj parties: the Fishermen’s Night, the annual donkey race and the angling cup at the end of August. You can berth in a nearby marina where you are protected from all the winds.

The wind takes you further on towards Primošten, an island whose inhabitants connected it to the mainland five centuries ago, so they could reach their fields in order to cultivate them. The town represents a true harmony of the past and present. The place is dominated by the St. George church from 1485.

There are also the churches of St. Rocco from 1680 and Our Lady of Mercy from 1553. Everywhere you turn, there is a certain Mediterranean charm which is hard to resist. Traditional food is spectacular here and it goes well with the well-known Babić red wine, which is made from an indigenous sort that grows in the famous Primošten stone vineyards, paintings of which can be found in the UN headquarters.

You will have a view of the vineyards if you berth in Marina Kremik, which is situated a bit more to the south of the town in the Peleš bay. You can berth in the town as well, but only when the weather is nice and if you arrive during early afternoon, so you can find a free place to berth. You can find a shelter during the night in Marina Kremik or even more to the south in Marina Frapa, next to Rogoznica. If you are looking for a good time, there are parties regularly organized during summer months on Primošten’s streets and squares. You can also dance in one of the biggest disco clubs in the Adriatic, “Aurora”, until the early morning hours.

After Primošten, there is another Adriatic pearl waiting for you – Trogir. The safest place to berth your boat is in the marina. After leaving your yacht, stroll down the stone streets of the oldest part of the town, which is completely preserved. Trogir was founded by Greek colonists from the island of Vis in the 3rd century BC. It is the best preserved Romanesque-Gothic town, not only in the Adriatic, but also in the whole of Central Europe. Trogir’s core from the Middle Ages is surrounded by city walls. It combines a well-preserved castle with a tower and many buildings and palaces from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. The most prominent building is Trogir’s Cathedral of St. Lawrence with a west portal door, which is a masterpiece of the sculptor Master Radovan and the most significant example of the Romanesque-Gothic art in Croatia.

On your last day, sail around Mali and Veliki Drvenik. The north side of Mali Drvenik is barren and inaccessible, but the south side is forested with macchia and pine wood. Although small (3.3 km2), this islet has five hamlets, so you are always able to see some houses from the sea. Veli Drvenik has several bays in which you can berth. We recommend you to berth in the Krknjaši Bay between the east coast of Veli Drvenik and the islet of Krknjaš. There, you can go for a swim, and then sail out towards Rogač, where you will spend the night.

Rogač is the oldest coastal town on the island of Šolta, a place that welcomes you with its arms open wide. Curious sailors and adventurers come here often in order to relax, enjoy the peace, quiet and the beautiful green scenery. The first place you will sail to from Rogač is Milna on the Brač island. Brač and Šolta were a unique landmass in the past, but today Brač is separated from the mainland by the Brač Channel and from Šolta by the Split Gate.

Milna is situated at the end of a wide bay on the west side of the island. It is a fishing and nautical town built in the 17th century in Brač ivory stone. Two well-protected marinas are settled next to it. You can find a safe harbor in ACI Marina Milna or Marina Vlaška, situated in the Vlaška Bay at the very entrance into the town. While you are waiting for a new day to come, you can stroll down the winding coastal promenade or climb the hill above the town from which you have a grand view of the bay, the town’s red roofs and the baroque church, which dominates the scenery. Restaurants and cafes are an unavoidable part of the offer. In Milna, you can enjoy a wide variety of excellent fish restaurants, grills, pizza places and cafes next to the beach.

If you love nature, Brač has a lot of safe and peaceful bays on its west side in which you can spend the night. Bobovišće and Stipanska bays are both narrow, surrounded by pine trees and adorned with a few traditional houses. The beauty of Bobovišće was an endless source of inspiration to the famous Croatian writer and poet Vladimir Nazor. In the nearby village you can find his family house and a monument built in his honor.

If you don’t catch a favorable wind that can take you to Brač and if a strong bura (a northerly wind) starts to blow, you can look for a peaceful harbor on the south side of Šolta. The Jurja Bay, Tatinja Bay, Senjska Bay and Stračinska Bay make good shelters with the crystal clear sea surrounded by steep rocks.

With a break of a new day, you can start searching for new bays. Sailing along the coastline of Brač towards the south, be sure to stop in the Blaca Bay. In the vicinity of the bay is one of the most unique spots on the island – Blaca Monastery and Hermitage (Blaca desert), a settlement of hermit monks, who built those dwellings on a rock when running away from the Turks in the 15th century. To reach the monastery, you have to climb a steep path through the woods for about an hour. The monastery has a great historic and architectural value, so it is well-worth to stretch your legs and see the view as the one described in the famous novel “The Name of the Rose”. If you decide to visit the monastery, do not forget to berth your sailing yacht and do not leave it unattended.

After a short hiking trip, you sail towards the town of Bol, situated below the largest hill on the island, Vidova gora, which is also the highest island peak in the Adriatic. Bol is full of attractive beaches, the most popular of which is definitely Zlatni rat (the Golden Cape or Horn). It is shaped like a spike that extends almost half a kilometer into the sea. Bol is rich with historical sights. On the east side you can see a Dominican monastery which houses a museum with an archaeological collection of valuable objects and paintings. The town’s center is adorned with many Baroque summer houses and a Renaissance-Baroque palace with an art gallery.

At the end of the day, sail to the island of Hvar and visit the town of Stari Grad, Greek Faros, situated at the northwest part of the island. You can berth at the town’s waterfront and then stroll around the town. The first row of buildings of Stari Grad are filled with houses which were built by successful merchants, shipwrights and captains in the 18th and 19th centuries. Among the town’s Romantic and Renaissance buildings, Tvrdalj Petar Hektorović stands out. It is a fortified summer house with a characteristic fish pond surrounded by arcades and pleasure gardens. Next to the house is the Renaissance Church of St. Rocco (16th century), as well as the Baroque church of St. Stephen (17th/18th century) which has a separate bell tower made of stone blocks from Greece.

Many valuable things, dating from the Illyrians and the Greeks up to today, have been stored in the collection of the 15th century Dominican monastery. After the sightseeing, you can find a refreshment in one of the many restaurants and taverns. If a strong mistral (a dry cold northerly wind) or tramontana (a cold wind from the northeast or north) starts to blow, you can berth in the nearby Zavala Bay or in a slightly bigger bay called Tiha.

If you want to find a place to berth or moor in the town of Hvar, you have to leave early from Stari Grad. Hvar is one of the most visited destinations in the Adriatic, a top holiday destination with great evening parties. If you want to have fun, be sure to visit the cocktail bar “Carpe Diem” where the party starts early and lasts until the morning hours.

If you don’t find a place to berth in the town, which can happen often during summer months, you can berth in the nearby ACI Marina Palmižana, situated in an attractive bay on Klement, the biggest island in the Paklinski Islands archipelago, that lies just across the town. To reach Hvar, you can use your dinghy or a taxi boat. If you don’t want to spend the night in the marina, you can tie up your boat to a mooring buoy in the Vinogradišće Bay or anchor in one of the bays on the south side.

Very favorable climate, a spa dating back to 1868, rich culture and a great position have made Hvar one of the most elite and most visited destinations in the Adriatic. Hvar is one of the cultural centers of the Croatian Renaissance literature, and its long history is written in its architecture. Fortica (Španjola) fortress was built on a hill above the old part of the town in the middle of the 16th century. Hvar’s cathedral, together with the Bishop’s Palace, closes the east side of the biggest Dalmatian square, the so-called Pjaca. The theater in Hvar, established in 1612, is one of the first municipal theaters in Europe.

From Hvar, the island of heather, sunshine and crickets, lavender sage and wine, you sail towards the island of Vis. Sailing to Vis for the first time is considered a great accomplishment for most sailors. Although it is around 8 NM away from the neighboring islands (the Paklinski Islands), its steep and high shores, wild beauty and rich cultural and historical heritage make Vis a unique phenomenon among more than a thousand Adriatic islands.

On the other side of the island is Komiža town. On your way there, stop on the islet of Budikovac for a swim break, but be careful when sailing into the lagoon and watch out for the shallows. Next to the islet is the Rukavac Bay, the safest harbor on the south part of the island in which you can berth during the night should the weather get worse.

Next to Budikovac, there is also the Ravnik islet famous for its Green Cave (Zelena spilja). Visitors to the Green Cave are charged an entrance fee and they will be taken into the cave by official boats. Visit the cave in the afternoon hours and you will be enchanted by the game of light, which creates green shades on the rocky walls and the water.

The most attractive bay on the entire Vis is the Stiniva Bay, surrounded by inaccessible stone cliffs up to 100 m high. By boat, you can sail only up to the gorge. The bay is uninhabited and is a protected nature reserve. The sea bed is exceptionally attractive for divers. After a day full of excitement, you can sail into the harbor of Komiža, but only if the weather is favorable and the winds are still.

Komiža is one of the most picturesque and beautiful places in the Adriatic. Strolling through Komiža is a unique experience. This tiny fishing town has kalas with narrow stone houses that go up to five stories high. On the hill above the town you can see the remains of St. Nicola’s 12th century Benedictine monastery. In the town, there is a 16th century church of “Gospa Gusarica” (“Our Lady of the Pirates”), and on the very town quay you can see a Venetian castle with the largest fishing museum in the world.

Komiža is famous for its delicious food. Among many specialties we can single out komiška pogača (a pastry-topped flan of salted sardines, onion and tomatoes), and lobster, which is the choice of many guests. In front of the Komiža Bay, there are a few islands belonging to the Vis archipelago: Biševo, with its famous Modra špilja (the Blue Cave), Svetac (a former habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal), volcanic islands of Jabuka and Brusnik and a lot of islets.

Sail to Biševo and visit the magnificent Blue Cave. Visitors to the Blue Cave are charged an entrance fee and they will be taken into the cave by official boats from Biševo, which are the only boats allowed to enter. On sunny days, the rays of sun entering the cave create blue magic and objects submerged under the water take up a silverish glow.

When you leave Biševo, steer your yacht to Vis where you will spend the night. From afar you will be able to see two town fortresses on the hills: Velintun is on the east side and Fortica is on the west. Stroll down the narrow streets of Vis (called kale), visit Renaissance palaces and churches and take a peek into the past – the antique Issa has left traces of its existence everywhere.

On the 6th day, return to the island of Šolta and sail into Maslinica. The entrance into the harbor is hidden behind six islets. The biggest islet is also the most remote one. The furthest to the west, 70 m high Stipanska is covered with thick macchia which conceals the remains of an Early Christian 5th century basilica and Benedictine abbey. Maslinica is full of traditional buildings as well as new summer houses. On the wooded, south beach, there is a Baroque castle, newly restored and turned into a hotel. Beneath the castle, there is a newly built Martinis Marchi Marina.

Next to Maslinica is the Šešula Bay, which provides a good shelter from the mistral (a dry cold northerly wind) and tramontana (a cold wind from the northeast or north). If the winds are unfavorable you can berth in Šešula, but be careful and drop your anchor chain deep enough because the depth of the bay is considerable (40 m).

On your last day, sail around Mali and Veli Drvenik. The north side of Mali Drvenik is barren and inaccessible, but the south side is forested with macchia and pine woods. Although small (3.3 km2), this islet has five hamlets, so you are always able to see some houses from the sea. Veli Drvenik has several bays in which you can berth.

We recommend you to berth in the Krknjaši Bay between the east coast of Veli Drvenik and the islet of Krknjaš. There, you can go for a swim, and then sail out towards Rogač, where you will spend the night.

From Rogač, the oldest coastal town on the island of Šolta, you will sail towards the westernmost part of the island, the Šešula Bay. The bay is surrounded by green vegetation and provides a good shelter during a strong mistral (a dry cold northerly wind) or tramontana (a cold wind from the northeast or north). Be careful and drop your anchor chain deep enough because the depth of the bay is considerable. You can get some refreshments and enjoy delicious meals in the restaurant “Šišmiš” which has a nice terrace overlooking the sea. “Šišmiš” offers Mediterranean, European and Croatian cuisine as well as fresh seafood and top-quality wines. In the close vicinity of the bay is the village of Maslinica. You can even walk there.

From the Šešula Bay you sail towards the island of Kaprije. Naturally sheltered from all winds, the Kaprije harbor on the northwest part of the island provides a safe place for berthing to many yachts. It is an ideal spot for sailors who wish to relax and try out some homemade specialties. Thanks to good connections with the town of Šibenik, Kaprije attracts more and more tourists with its beauty, the sea rich with fish and small private bays. To the left is the Kakan islet, which protects Kaprije from the waves that come from the south. This islet is attractive to sailors who like peace, quiet and untouched nature.

On your third day, you will enter the Kornati National Park. Sailing through Kornati, the densest collection of islands in the Mediterranean, presents a great adventure to every sailor. The cliffs of Kornati, the so-called crowns, and their underwater extensions, which go all the way to 1000 m deep into the sea, will leave you breathless. Today, these islands are mostly uninhabited and traditional houses are turned into taverns and restaurants. The beauty of the Kornati islands was even recognized by the Romans, with archeological findings such as buildings and a vivarium bearing witness of that time.

Mala and Vela Proversa straits are situated between Kornati, Katina and Dugi otok. The island of Mana, with its steep shore and cliffs, Roman remains, beaches and untouched sea is every visitor’s paradise. Diving is particularly popular at this part of the Adriatic. The island of Sestrica Vela is interesting because of its lighthouse from the Austro-Hungarian times, and the bays of Vrulje and Lavsa are already legendary among sailors due to excellent food.

Mornings on the Kornati islands are, if possible, even more beautiful than sunsets. To wake up in Piškera, a marina on the island of Panitula, is a truly unforgettable experience. At any time of the year, the friendly personnel will take care of all your needs. There is a restaurant, and you can refill your water and connect to the electrical power aggregate.

In the close vicinity of the Kornati National Park, there is the Nature Park Telašćica. There are three phenomena that characterize this park. The first one is the unique Telašćica Bay which is the safest and largest natural harbor in the Adriatic Sea with 25 coves, 5 islets, and 69 km of an indented coast. The second phenomenon are the steep rocks of the island of Dugi otok which rise up to 200 meters above the sea level and descend into the depth of 90 meters. The third phenomenon is the salty lake Mir, with its therapeutic properties and a mixture of sea and fresh water, which is about 6 °C warmer than the sea water. You can also reach Sali, a small fishing town with rich history, by simply walking to it. Your night in Telašćica will be filled with the scent of pines, the murmuring of the sea and the song of crickets.

From Telašćica, you sail towards the Opat Bay on the Kornat island along its east coast if the southern wind jugo starts to blow, or along the west coast in case of the northerly wind bura. On the northeast part of the bay, you can find a restaurant and a place to moor your boat. At the bottom of the bay, there is sand and sludge, so the anchor will hold well. As the Opat Bay is open to the south wind, you can seek shelter in the nearby Koromašna Bay. The southernmost part of Kornat turns purple from sage, which grows on the barren parts of the island in springtime.

The wind takes you further on towards Primošten, an island whose inhabitants connected it to the mainland five centuries ago, so they could reach their fields in order to cultivate them. The town represents a true harmony of the past and present. The place is dominated by the St. George church from 1485. There are also the churches of St. Rocco from 1680 and Our Lady of Mercy from 1553.

Everywhere you turn, there is a certain Mediterranean charm which is hard to resist. Traditional food is spectacular here and it goes well with the well-known Babić red wine, which is made from an indigenous sort that grows in famous Primošten stone vineyards, paintings of which can be found in the UN headquarters.

You will have a view of the vineyards if you berth in Marina Kremik, which is situated a bit more to the south of the town in the Peleš Bay. You can berth in the town as well, but only when the weather is nice and if you arrive during early afternoon, so you can find a free place to berth.

You can find a shelter during the night in Marina Kremik or even more to the south in Marina Frapa, next to Rogoznica. If you are looking for a good time, there are parties regularly organized during summer months in Primošten’s streets and squares. You can also dance in one of the biggest disco clubs in the Adriatic, “Aurora”, until the early morning hours.

On your last day, sail around Mali and Veli Drvenik. The north side of Mali Drvenik is barren and inaccessible, but the south side is forested with macchia and pine wood. Although small (3.3 km2), this islet has five hamlets, so you are always able to see some houses from the sea. Veli Drvenik has several bays in which you can berth. We recommend you to berth in the Krknjaši Bay between the east coast of Veli Drvenik and the islet of Krknjaš. There, you can go for a swim, and then sail out towards Rogač where you will spend the night.

From Rogač, the oldest coastal town on the island of Šolta, we will sail towards the neighboring island of Brač. Brač and Šolta were a unique landmass in the past, but today Brač is separated from the mainland by the Brač Channel and from Šolta by the Split Gate.

On the west coast of Brač, which is not barren like the north coast, but forested with thick pine wood, choose the Stipanska Bay to spend your night in. It is sheltered from all winds. You can berth in the middle of the bay, which has a depth of 9 meters. There is no need to come closer to the west side of the coast because of the cliffs and shallows.

South of Milna, all the way up to the Blaca Bay, are many beautiful and safe shelters. One of them is the Osibova Bay, with a sandy bottom and rocky beaches. Next to it is the Lučice Bay, which branches into five parts. You can find an excellent shelter in each of them, depending on the wind. In the part which is the furthest to the west, there are about 20 buoys for mooring.

If you do not catch a favorable wind that can take you to Brač and if a strong bura (a northerly wind) starts to blow, you can look for a peaceful harbor on the south side of Šolta. The bays of Jurja, Tatinja, Senjska and Stračinska make good shelters with the crystal clear sea surrounded by steep rocks.

With a break of a new day, you can start searching for new bays. Sailing along the coastline of Brač towards the south, be sure to stop in the Blaca Bay. In the vicinity of the bay is one of the most unique spots on the island – Blaca Monastery and Hermitage (Blaca desert), a settlement of hermit monks, who built those dwellings on a rock when running away from the Turks in the 15th century. To reach the monastery, you have to climb a steep path through the woods for about an hour. The monastery has a great historic and architectural value, so it is well-worth to stretch your legs and see the view as the one described in the famous novel “The Name of the Rose”. If you decide to visit the monastery, do not forget to berth your sailing yacht and do not leave it unattended.

After a short hiking trip, you sail towards the town of Bol, situated below the largest hill on the island, Vidova gora, which is also the highest island peak in the Adriatic. Bol is full of attractive beaches, the most popular of which is definitely Zlatni rat (the Golden Cape or Horn) in Bol. It is shaped like a spike that extends almost half a kilometer into the sea. Bol is rich with historical sights. On the east side you can see a Dominican monastery which holds a museum with an archaeological collection of valuable objects and paintings. The town’s center is adorned with many Baroque summer houses and a Renaissance-Baroque palace with an art gallery.

Towards the end of the day sail to the island of Hvar. You can find a safe harbor in the Žukova Bay. When you sail to the west part of this bay, surrounded by high cliffs, you will get a feeling that you have actually sailed into a lake. In the southwest part of the bay, which is forested all the way up to the rocky shore, there is a wonderful beach next to which is a beautiful old house made of stone. A nearby bigger bay, Tiha, also provides an excellent shelter. It consists of seven smaller bays, all of which are about 10 meters deep and are quite close to the coast.

Not far from the Tiha Bay, there is an antique town of Faros, today known as Stari Grad. Close-built houses and squares witness of its antiquity. Among the town’s Romantic and Renaissance buildings, Tvrdalj Petar Hektorović stands out. It is a fortified summer house with a characteristic fish pond surrounded by arcades and pleasure gardens. If you get hungry, you can visit one of the many restaurants and taverns.

If you want to find a place to berth or moor in the town of Hvar, you have to leave early from Stari Grad. Hvar is one of the most visited destinations in the Adriatic, a top holiday destination with great evening parties. If you want to have fun, be sure to visit the cocktail bar “Carpe Diem” where the party starts early, but lasts until the early morning hours. The town also has a lot of cultural sights. Be sure to visit Fortica (Španjola), a fortress built in the middle of the 16th century on a hill above the old part of the town. There is also Hvar’s cathedral, Hvar’s theater (one of the oldest in Europe), a Franciscan 15th century monastery with a museum inside.

If you don’t find a place to berth in the town, which can happen often during summer months, you can berth in the nearby ACI Marina Palmižana, situated in an attractive bay on Klement, the biggest island in the Paklinski Islands archipelago, that lies just across the town. To reach Hvar, you can use your dinghy or a taxi boat. If you don’t want to spend the night in the marina, you can tie up your boat to a mooring buoy in the Vinogradišće Bay or anchor in one of the bays on the south side.

From Hvar, the island of heather, sunshine and crickets, lavender, sage and wine, you sail towards the island of Vis. Sailing to Vis for the first time is considered a great accomplishment for most sailors. Although it is around 8 NM away from the neighboring islands (the Paklinski Islands), its steep and high shores, wild beauty and rich cultural and historical heritage make Vis a unique phenomenon among more than a thousand Adriatic islands.

The first stop on the island is the town of Komiža. The streets of the town are known as kalas, and on each side they have narrow stone houses that go up to five stories high. On the hill above the town you can see the remains of the St. Nicola’s 12th century Benedictine monastery. In the town, there is a 16th century church of Gospa Gusarica (“Our Lady of the Pirates”), and on the very town quay you can see a Venetian castle with the largest fishing museum in the world.

Komiža is famous for its delicious food. Among many specialties we can single out komiška pogača (a pastry-topped flan of salted sardines, onion and tomatoes), and lobster, which is the choice of many guests. If the forecast announces a strong wind from the south or southwest during the night, sail out from the Komiža harbor and look for the safety of the Rukavac Bay or the town of Vis.

In front of the Komiža Bay, there are a few islands belonging to the Vis archipelago: Biševo, with its famous Modra špilja (the Blue Cave), Svetac (a former habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal), volcanic islands Jabuka and Brusnik and a lot of islets. Sail to Biševo and visit the magnificent Blue Cave. Visitors to the Blue Cave are charged an entrance fee and they will be taken into the cave by official boats from Biševo, which are the only boats allowed to enter. On sunny days, the rays of sun entering the cave create blue magic and objects submerged under the water take up a silverish glow.

The most attractive bay on the entire Vis is the Stiniva Bay, surrounded by inaccessible stone cliffs up to 100 m high. By boat, you can sail only up to the gorge. The bay is uninhabited and is a protected nature reserve. The sea bed is exceptionally attractive for divers.

Another cave in the Vis maritime zone that will amaze you with its game of light and shadows is the Green Cave (Zelena špilja) on the Ravnik islet. The neighboring island of Budikovac will astonish you with the beauty of its lagoon you can even take a swim in, but be sure to watch out for the shallows while sailing into the lagoon. The Rukavac Bay is the safest bay on the south part of the island. You can berth there during the night if the weather turns for the worse.

In the evening, sail into the town of Vis. From afar you will be able to see two town fortresses on the hills: Velintun on the east side and Fortica on the west. Stroll down the narrow streets of Vis, visit the Renaissance palaces and churches and take a peek into the past – the antique Issa has left traces of its existence everywhere.

On the 6th day, return to the island of Šolta. Sail into the Šešula Bay in front of which there are six smaller islands. The bay is surrounded by green vegetation and provides a good shelter during a strong mistral (a dry cold northerly wind) and tramontana (a cold wind from the northeast or north). The sea is deep here (40 m), so you should be careful and drop your anchor chain deep enough.

On your last day, sail around Mali and Veli Drvenik. The north side of Mali Drvenik is barren and inaccessible, but the south side is forested with macchia and pine wood. Although small (3.3 km2), this islet has five hamlets, so you are always able to see some houses from the sea. Veli Drvenik has several bays in which you can berth. We recommend you to berth in the Krknjaši Bay between the east coast of Veli Drvenik and the islet of Krknjaš. There, you can go for a swim, and then sail out towards Rogač, where you will spend the night.

From Rogač, the oldest coastal town on the island of Šolta, you will sail towards the westernmost part of the island to visit the town of Maslinica. The entrance into the bay is hidden behind six islets. The biggest islet, 70 m high Stipanska, is the furthest to the west. It is covered in thick macchia which hides the remains of an early Christian 5th century basilica and the remains of a Benedictine monastery.

In Maslinica, there are old traditional houses as well as new apartments for summer vacations. On the forested south coast, there is a Baroque castle, newly rebuilt and turned into a hotel. Under the castle, there is a newly built Martinis Marchi Marina which has 50 berths and can accommodate mega yachts.

In the close vicinity of Maslinica is a bay called Šešula. It provides a good shelter during a strong mistral (a dry cold northerly wind) or tramontana (a cold wind from the northeast or north). If the winds are unfavorable, you can berth in Šešula, but be careful and drop your anchor chain deep enough because the depth of the bay is considerable.

From Maslinica you sail towards the eastern coasts of the island of Vis. While approaching the town of Vis, you will be able to see two town fortresses on the hills: Velintun on the east side and Fortica on the west. Vis was not open to visitors because a military base was located there from the WWII to the beginning of the nineties, but it has since become a very interesting destination, especially for sailors. Stroll down the narrow streets of Vis (called kale), visit the Renaissance palaces and churches and take a peek into the past – the antique Issa has left traces of its existence everywhere.

On the third day we start sailing towards the island of Lastovo, surrounded by 46 uninhabited islets and clean sea rich in fish and lobsters. The vacation in Lastovo is a wonderful combination of peace and tranquility, crystal-clear sea and virgin nature, with traditional Mediterranean landscapes far from the industrial civilization. Because of their abundant natural wealth, Lastovo and the surrounding islands have recently become a nature park. The Zaklopatica lagoon is one of the prettiest and most picturesque landscapes on the island. It is renowned for gastronomic pleasures and nautical safety. It lies on the north side of the island, 2,5 kilometers from the main settlement, Lastovo, built on a steep slope facing the sun.

The island and the town of Korčula are the next destinations after Lastovo. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of this town after you have secured a berth, as the winds can blow unpleasantly here. Berths are available in ACI Marina Korčula or in the little bay of Luka Banja, a mile west of the town.

Just like Dubrovnik, the old town of Korčula is fortified. This small town is rich with cultural and historic attractions. One of the town’s unique traditions is the knight game of Moreška, a battle between the Black and the White King for the attention of the Lady. Ever since the 15th century, it has been a custom to perform this dance on July 29th, on the Saint Todor’s Day, but nowadays the performances are frequently given all around the tourist season. According to a legend, this town is said to be the hometown of the renowned navigator Marco Polo.

If the sand beaches are your favorite, chose a berth in the Lumbarda’s bay on the eastern side of the island. The water is shallow near the coast so you cannot come very close. This lagoon is surrounded with fields and vineyards. The village of Lumbarda has a small marina with a couple of berths.

The following destination is Mljet. According to an ancient tale, this is the place where Ulysses got stranded and fell in love with the nymph Calypso. This breathtaking island will impress all its visitors. The largest bay on the island is Polače safeguarded from direct impacts of the winds. The remains of a Roman palace from the 2nd century, the largest of its kind in the Adriatic, can be found in this natural port. Polače can serve as an entrance point to a national park that covers the whole west peak of the island.

You can spend the whole day discovering the Mljet National Park or swimming in Veliko and Malo jezero. The silverish water of Malo jezero, surrounded by pine trees reflecting on its surface, will lure you to dive into it. A narrow canal connects the two lakes and during the tide the sea literally streams through the canal. While here, you can also reach the 12th century monastery of Saint Mary by boat from the national park. Many writers and poets from Dubrovnik have frequented this natural heaven in a pursuit for inspiration.

The road will take you further to the Elaphiti Islands. Take a break on the largest one, Šipan, and berth in the well-protected Šipan’s port, 12 nautical miles away from Dubrovnik. The island is covered with dense Mediterranean vegetation, palm trees and exotic flora planted by the navigators from Šipan. If you are interested in visiting sacral objects, there are many small churches and chapels worth exploring. The island is covered by historic fishermen houses and villas of the nobility from Dubrovnik. See Knežev dvor (Rector’s Palace) located very close to Luka and enjoy the view towards the inner part of the island, with fertile fields, olive orchards and vineyards. The Renaissance buildings and the local church of Saint Stephen from the 13th century are also worth visiting.

Today we sail into ACI Marina Dubrovnik. The marina is 6 km away from the city center of Dubrovnik which can be reached by a regular bus line or a taxi. This fortified town, an independent republic until Napoleon, was built in the 7th century, but blossomed in the 15th and 16th centuries, mostly thanks to trade, successful diplomacy and a powerful fleet. There are 17 churches in the Dubrovnik’s city core, Stradun, which is also home to one of the oldest European synagogue. Its landmarks, Orlando’s Column and Onofrio’s Fountain contribute to the city’s recognizable appearance, making it one of the most unique cities, not only in the Mediterranean, but in the world. During the big festival in summer, the streets and squares of Dubrovnik are filled with music, dancing and singing.