<\/p>\n
With nearly 5800 kilometres of coastline, Croatia beckons boaters to spend time under the sun. The warm, crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea arm lures locals and visitors for a variety of on-water activities including jet skiing, kayaking, and fishing. Although you\u2019ll find plenty of reasons to visit Croatia\u2019s coastline, the Dalmatian Coast is the ultimate destination for sailing in Croatia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read next: <\/i><\/b>An Expert\u2019s Guide to Croatia\u2019s Dalmatian Coastline<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n The Dalmatian Coast is located on the eastern edge of the Adriatic Sea primarily running along the Croatian coastline. Both a historical area and a popular vacation spot, the Dalmatian Coast is one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Although Croatia covers nearly all of the Dalmatian Coast, there are technically two countries in this seaside region: Croatia and Montenegro. Opposite Croatia\u2019s southernmost border, Montenegro\u2019s port cities like Budva, Kotor, and Bar are relatively easy to access when sailing from southern Croatia. Public marinas and beaches welcome visitors to the edge of the Dalmatian Coast.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tour the Dalmatian Riviera and take an optional daytrip to Kotor, Montenegro, on our <\/span><\/i>Eastern Capitals & the Dalmatian Riviera<\/span><\/i><\/a> two-week voyage.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Yes, Dubrovnik is on the Dalmatian Coast. The fortified city and filming location for King\u2019s Landing in the TV series <\/span>Game of Thrones<\/span><\/i> is located in the far south of the country. It\u2019s one of the most popular cities to visit thanks to its preserved Old Town and instant access to the Elaphiti islands of Lopud, Kolocep, and Lokrum.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You needn\u2019t look beyond the water to find reasons to go to the Dalmatian Coast. The alluring Adriatic Sea is an arm of the Mediterranean, so there\u2019s no shortage of dazzling sunsets over sparkling waves. The view from the shoreline is dreamy, but there\u2019s simply nothing quite comparable to seeing the Dalmatian Coast from topside. From visiting unforgettable UNESCO World Heritage Sites to roaming lesser-visited national parks, here are eight reasons to set sail for the Dalmatian Coast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sail Croatia’s coastline and island hop on our nine-day <\/span><\/i>Dalmatian Elegance<\/span><\/i><\/a> tour.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Island hopping in Croatia is the number one reason to go to the Dalmatian Coast.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More than 1,200 Croatian islands fill the Adriatic Sea, though fewer than 100 are inhabited. Popular northern islands include Pag, Dugi Otok, and Krk while southern favorites tend to be Hvar, Bra\u010d, and Kor\u010dula. Ferries, water taxis, and private boat rentals make it convenient to visit multiple islands from major cities. For instance, you can stay in Split and instantly visit Vis, Hvar, and Bra\u010d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia is a short ferry ride away from Split and Trogir: Golden Horn Beach. Zlatni Rat beach is on Brac Island\u2019s south tip, only a fifteen minute walk from the town of Bol. This long pebble beach is famous for its \u201chorn\u201d that changes shape as the winds and sea currents shoreline. Water activities like fly fishing rods, inner tubes, and water skis are available for rent. Public showers and toilets are available, as are beachfront massages, laidback coffee shops, and buzzy restaurants.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Bi\u0161evo island is one of the westernmost Dalmatian islands and one of the most popular thanks to the dazzling Blue Cave. As sunlight streams into this ethereal-like grotto, it\u2019s reflected off of the limestone seabed, illuminating the cave with a dazzling blue glow. The Blue Cave itself is only open for visitors of official tours, though savvy boaters know that they can explore the natural beauty of other caves and beaches without a ticket.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Stretching 60km from Gradac to Brela, the Makarska Riviera is a sunsoaked strip of the Dalmatian Coast perfect for lazy sailing days. Cruise leisurely along the glittering coastline, taking in the sunrise over the Biokovo mountain range. You can spend an entire sailing vacation in Croatia along the riviera alone. Uncover history at the ancient Roman village of Tu\u010depi and fortress in Drvenik. Wander through the Makarska Shell Museum and astronomical observatory. Spend hours hiking through Biokovo National Park or take advantage of over 2600 hours of annual sunshine to work on your tan.<\/span><\/p>\n Dalmatia has no shortage of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are easily accessible on boat tours and private charters. Dubrovnik\u2019s old town and city walls draw the highest number of visitors. The Stari Grad Plan on Hvar island is a 4th century BCE Greek agricultural system with one of the best-preserved cadastral divisions in the Mediterranean while the city of \u0160ibenik is one of the few on the planet that have two UNESCO World Heritage Sites within city limits. From Zadar\u2019s famous Muaj walls to Trogir\u2019s island settlement and Split\u2019s Diocletian\u2019s Palace, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Croatia are reason enough to visit the Dalmatian Coast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Kornati National Park contains nearly 100 reefs, islets, and islands, making it a paradise for sailors. You will need a ticket to sail through this national park, but the additional step is well-worth the opportunity to visit a local favorite: the uninhabited Lavsa Island. The Konoba Larus seafood restaurant is a remote place to savor al fresco dining over a gorgeous sunset.<\/span><\/p>\n Mljet National Park is among the oldest marine protected areas in the Mediterranean. Two bays filled with saltwater offer opportunities for kayaking and swimming. Canoeing to the island\u2019s sea caves and beaches is also available. One of the highlights of the national park is the St. Mary Benedictine monastery overlooking the Great Lake. Pola\u010de, Pomena, Pelje\u0161ac, Dubrovnik, and Split all have ferries to Mljet island.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The television series <\/span>Game of Thrones<\/span><\/i> gave some travelers their first glimpse of Croatia. Dubrovnik\u2019s Old Town, Min\u010deta Tower, Pile Gate, and city walls were all featured in the show. Trsteno Arboretum, Fort Lovrijenac, and Lokrum Island were also used in the series, making the medieval city on the Dalmatian Coast synonymous with the fictional \u201cKing\u2019s Landing\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s your first time sailing in Croatia alone or if you\u2019re embarking on another nautical tour of the Dalmatian Coast, use this info to help you plan your adventure on the Adriatic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Croatia is gorgeous in the summer season which is by far the most popular time to sail. June, July, and August see temperatures in the 30\u2103s while the sea\u2019s temperature ranges from 22\u2103 to 25\u2103. September is still warm, though the drop in degrees coincides with a drop in tourism, making it an ideal time to sail with fewer boats filling the marina.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read next: <\/i><\/b>Where to Enjoy the Warmest Ocean Temperatures in Europe this September<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n The best sailing routes in Croatia tend to combine mainland coastal cities and the Dalmatian islands. For the most convenient routes, leverage ferry availability to reach more popular islands. Split has ferry services to Vis, Brac, Hvar, and Korcula. Zadar has ferries to Pula and Susak while Dubrovnik has water transport to Korcula, Sipan, and Mljet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From private yacht charters and group tours to large cruises and captaining your own vessel, travelers have multiple options when it comes to sailing in Croatia. The best way to sail the Dalmatian Coast aligns with your personal travel preferences. If you desire a five-star say, chartering a private yacht is a suitable choice. If you\u2019re interested in the destination, not so much the journey, island hopping via day trips presents a perfect option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sailing vacations are a convenient way to not only sail through Croatia, but to see it on a comprehensive visit. These excursions, often available as mutli-day guided tours such as Croatia Yacht Week, curate an itinerary featuring stops at coastal cities and Croatian islands known for their natural beauty, rich history, and charming towns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read next: <\/i><\/b>Travel Director Danielle on leading our first women-only tour in Croatia<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Guided group tours are enjoyable, though some families or weekend travelers may prefer the solitude of a captained yacht charter. Hiring a private yacht for an intimate sailing experience along the Dalmatian Coast is an excellent way to enjoy quality time on the water. Many of these yachts for hire include crew service as well, allowing you to eat, drink, and play as you sail from port to port.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The flexibility and freedom of a private charter with the thrill of charting your own course: bareboat charters allow you to be the captain of your own Croatian coastal voyage. To operate a vessel in Croatia, you will need a valid skipper\u2019s license and a VHF radio license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to plan a strict sailing vacation to see the Dalmatian islands. Most towns and cities along the Croatian coast have marinas where tour companies offer half-day or full-day boat tours. For example, you can spend two days in Dubrovnik touring the Old Town then spend a third day on a boat tour to Blue Cave or the Elafiti islands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Guided tours of Croatia often venture away from the coast; thankfully, there are opportunities for inland sailing in Croatia. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a serene central Croatia gem. The park\u2019s sixteen lakes are accessible via boat tours, a popular way to see the forest reserve from the water. Row boats are also available for rent, offering independent rowing on Kozjak Lake.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Krka National Park, located near \u0160ibenik, is another scenic spot where you can explore the park by boat. Like Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park is known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and waterways. You can rent a boat to sail from Skradin to Skradinski buk\u2019s waterfall or take a boat tour to sites like the Tro\u0161enj and Ne\u010dven medieval fortresses, Visovac Island, Torak Lake spring, and the Torak Lake spring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sailing in Croatia is an excellent way to see the country, no matter if it\u2019s your first visit or if you\u2019ve already explored the mainland. Here are a few Croatia sailing tips to keep in mind when planning your aquatic adventure:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read next: <\/i><\/b>Cruising the Croatian Coastline in Perfect Style<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Sailing in Croatia without a port in mind? You\u2019d do well to set sail for these ten Croatian cities on the Dalmatian Coast where UNESCO World Heritage Sites, shimmering beaches, and charming seaside villages await.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Where better to visit on a sailing holiday in Croatia than Kor\u010dula, an island that some historians believe Marco Polo\u2019s ancestry originates from. It\u2019s got some of the best beaches in the country, yet somehow, it\u2019s not a well-trodden site on Croatia\u2019s main tourism trail. That allows you to lower the sails and take it slow, spending as much time as you desire exploring old town\u2019s cobblestone streets, sipping on wines at vineyards, and venturing out to the nearby islands of Vrink, Stupe, and Badija.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fall in love with captivating Kor\u010dula on our <\/span><\/i>Country Roads of Croatia<\/span><\/i><\/a> tour.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Zadar marks the northern edge of the Dalmatian Coast which is why it\u2019s a common port to set sail from. Not unlike other popular Croatian cities, time spent in Zadar means exploring the old town and lounging on the beach. Between hiking in Krka National Park and watching the sunset to the soundtrack of the unique \u201cSea Organ\u201d, Zadar is an ideal space to spend your last days on land before sailing the Dalmatian Coast.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll find full marinas in Split, the largest Dalmatia city. Home to one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Croatia, Diocletian\u2019s Palace, Split is also a popular port of call for sailors. Hvar, Brac, and Pakleni Islands, as well as Bisevo\u2019s Blue Cave, are all accessible by boat from Split. However, don\u2019t be deterred from floating into other mainland cities. In between island hopping, \u0160ibenik deserves a stop. The gateway to the Kornati Islands feels more \u201cauthentic\u201d than Split and Dubrovnik, retaining more of a local atmosphere despite having a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Saint James Cathedral) and quintessential Dalmatian old town.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dubrovnik is a nonnegotiable destination for most visitors. Whether you\u2019re sailing in Croatia or exploring the interior by car, Dubrovnik\u2019s inspiring Old Town is the highlight of many itineraries. The Pearl of the Adriatic \u2014 which received a starring role as a filming location for <\/span>Game of Thrones<\/span><\/i> \u2014 has dozens of viewpoints for gazing at the water. From the ancient walls to the top Srd Hill, you\u2019ll keep the sea in sight virtually everywhere you go. When planning a sailing trip along the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is a smart place to start or end: an international airport, strong tourism sector, and instant access to the Elaphiti Islands makes it a convenient base for all travelers.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re starting your voyage from Split, Trogir is the ideal first stop. Founded by the Greeks over 2,300 years ago, this town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you\u2019ll find stunning architecture like the Renaissance Cipiko Palace. For those arriving on land, charter boats are available near the Kamerlengo fortress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n See Trogir\u2019s cathedral and Renaissance Cipiko Palace on our multi-week <\/span><\/i>The Eastern Discovery<\/span><\/i><\/a> tour.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n On the Pelje\u0161ac peninsula, Kuna Pelje\u0161ka is a place to idle for a few hours with a glass of wine in hand. Settle in to a restaurant or find your way to a farm for a tour and delicious local lunch. Should your crew desire a chance to exercise their sea legs, a walk to the 18th century Francscan monastery and 17th century Church of Our Lady of Loreta are popular stops.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ston and Mali Ston are separate towns on the Pelje\u0161ac peninsula. Less than 2km from each other, they\u2019re linked by fortified Walls of Ston built in the 1300s. Mali Ston is the smaller of the two, encouraging boaters to drop anchor and dive into its popular oysters. In Ston, the saltworks are the main draw; walking along the salt pans gives a glimpse into the salt harvesting methods used since the Middle Ages.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The island of Hvar is a summer season destination for every person sailing the Dalmatian Coast. The ancient Greeks, the Venetians, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire all laid claim to the island, taking advantage of its excellent seafaring position. Visitors still flock to Hvar, spending time in the old town, hiking to Fortica Fortress, and taking the ferry to the Pakleni Islands.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read next: <\/i><\/b>15 Best Things to do in Croatia, the Essential Sights and Activities<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\nWhere is the Dalmatian Coast?<\/span><\/h2>\n
How many countries are on the Dalmatian Coast?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Is Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian Coast?<\/span><\/h3>\n
8 Reasons to Sail the Dalmatian Coast\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Exploring the Dalmatian Islands<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Marvel at Golden Horn Beach<\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Venture into the Blue Cave<\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Relax along the Makarska Riviera<\/span><\/h3>\n
5. See UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Visit the \u201ccrown of the Croatian islands\u201d in Kornati National Park\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
7. Wade into the lakes of Mljet National Park\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
8. Visiting <\/span>Game of Thrones<\/span><\/i> filming locations<\/span><\/h3>\n
A Guide to Sailing in Croatia<\/span><\/h2>\n
Which month is best to sail Croatia?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Where are the best places to sail in Croatia?<\/span><\/h3>\n
What is the best way to sail the Dalmatian Coast?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Sailing vacations<\/span><\/h4>\n
Captained yacht charters<\/span><\/h4>\n
Bareboat charters<\/span><\/h4>\n
Half-day or full-day trips by boat<\/span><\/h4>\n
Inland sailing in Croatia<\/span><\/h4>\n
Croatia sailing tips<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
10 Cities for Sightseeing & Sailing on Croatia\u2019s Dalmatian Coast<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Kor\u010dula\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Zadar<\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Split and \u0160ibenik<\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Dubrovnik\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
5. Trogir<\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Kuna Pelje\u0161ka\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
7. Ston & Mali Ston<\/span><\/h3>\n
8. Hvar\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
9. Orebi\u0107<\/span><\/h3>\n