It is a bit embarrassing to admit that Croatia had never made an appearance on my bucket list until a few months ago. When somebody did mention Croatia, two images would enter my mind.
That one: Croatia is damn good at football, almost winning the world cup back in 2018.
And two: that a big part of Game of Thrones filming locations were in Croatia.
The reality is, Croatia's Dalmatian coast is a scattering of islands each with their own distinct style, transporting you to a different destination entirely all within the same borders under the same flag. Some islands, like Hvar, recognize its well earned popularity with its sun-bleached charm. Others, like Lastovo, a barely inhabited diamond in the rough with almost no big hotels, no crowds, just pine forest running straight into the sea.
The only way to see all of it in a week should not be wasted hurling an overpacked suitcase through airports, but rather... by boat. Not a cruise ship no no. A private catamaran.
Here's how a week sailing from Split unfolds island by island following one of our custom itineraries, sailing the Dalmatian Islands.
Best Croatia Sailing Route from Split
Split is where the week starts and ends.
A private transfer is waiting to walk you straight from arrivals to the marina, no admin required. Board your catamaran, drop your bags in your cabin, and that's the last logistical thing you'll think about for a week. And on the way back out, an old town awaits you that's worth lingering in before your flight.
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and the main transport hub for Dalmatia. It is a lively Mediterranean city built around the ancient Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, where Roman columns, medieval houses, cafés, shops, apartments, and restaurants all exist together.
It is not just a beach destination or a museum city: Split feels like a real working city with a busy ferry port, markets, nightlife, local neighborhoods, and a strong Dalmatian character.
Split, Croatia.
Must Do
Aside from the obvious that the Diolectian palace is the essential sight, Split has a strong food scene, from casual bakeries and konobas to modern restaurants. The Riva is Split’s waterfront promenade. It is lined with palm trees, cafés, restaurants, and benches, with views across the harbor.
If you've got a spare hour before boarding or after disembarking, paddle out toward Šolta. An island close enough to Split to fit into either end of the trip, and quiet enough to feel like the last calm moment before the week's pace picks up.
The Diolectian Palace in Split, Croatia.
The Fortress Island, Vis
Vis is one of the further islands out there, a closed military base that was affectively inaccessible to foreigners until it opened to the public in 1989. This shows in the best way possible. No big resorts yet. Not that frequent of crowds. Just an island that got to stay itself. But also Military tunnels, bunkers, submarine shelters, and other installations remain part of its unusual heritage.
It is known for dramatic coves with cliffs, caves, hidden bays, excellent seafood and wine, the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo, and a fascinating military past.
Must Do
Stiniva Bay. A cove so narrow enclosed by high limestone cliffs, it looks almost unreal at the moment. It is one of the most famous beaches in Croatia. Mamma Mia! fans would recognize it immediately.
The beach can be reached by boat or by a steep walking trail. It is exceptionally scenic as everyone will want to swim in waters this clear for as long as possible.
Stiniva Bay, Vis.
Climb up to Fort George for the evening. A restored British 19th-century fortress turned restaurant (and wedding venue occasionally). Head up to the roof with the kind of view that slows you down. Maybe stay for a session of group yoga overlooking the coast at sunset. Sundowners first, dinner after, and the whole Adriatic laid out below.
Fort George, Vis.
The Hidden Gem, Lastovo
One of the least visited archipelagos in the country and a full nature park established back in 2006. Lastovo is one of Croatia's most remote and least developed inhabited islands, which means the water stays this improbable shade of turquoise because almost nothing is allowed to touch it.
Lastovo is green, hilly, and rugged. Unlike flatter, more heavily developed island resorts, it has forests, vineyards, olive groves, dry-stone walls, hidden bays, and a deeply indented coastline.
Fun Fact! Lastovo loves the number 46: the archipelago has 46 islands, islets, and reefs, and the island is traditionally said to have 46 churches, although the exact way these are counted is debatable.
It is best for people who want nature, silence, traditional villages, clear water, hiking, boating, and exceptionally dark night skies rather than beach clubs or busy nightlife.
Lastovo, Croatia.
Must Do
Anchoring for the night somewhere completely remote. Pine forest on one side, and open sea on the other with no lights but your own boat. Lastovo has exceptionally low light pollution and is regarded as having one of Europe’s darkest night skies. Its isolation is exactly what makes its night sky one of the clearest in the Mediterranean making it the best stargazing spot in the area. The Milky Way is often visible with unusual clarity, especially away from the villages and during moonless periods.
A trip ashore to Lastovo's only restaurant is a must. A family-run taverna that serves the catch of the day with no menus and only the freshiest ingredients.
Explore Skrivena Luka is one of the island’s most attractive sheltered bays. It has a protected anchorage, restaurants, pine-covered slopes, and access to the Struga Lighthouse, perched above the southern coast.
Check out our blog on hidden yoga spots as we give you absolute exclusive access to practicing yoga on this beautiful lighthouse overlooking the landscape.
Struga Lastovo Lighthouse, Croatia.
The Fortified Island of Korčula
Korčula is a beautiful fortified island town that claims, against all records of history, to be the birthplace of the legendary Marco Polo. Inhabited since prehistoric times witnessing Greek, Roman, and Venetian history, Korčula is a dream with its marble streets and breezy winds, herringbone laneways laid out in a fishbone pattern specifically to cut the wind, Venetian walls that have been standing since long before anyone here was born.
This island is sometimes associated with the ancient Greek name Korkyra Melaina, or “Black Corfu,” which reflects back to its dense dark forests. Korčula is greener and more rural than many Dalmatian islands. You'll see pine forests, olive groves, vineyards, dry-stone walls, small villages, and rocky bays.
Korčula Old Town, Croatia.
Must Do
Getting lost in the old town is the main attraction. Enter through the historic sea gate and wander through the stone lanes.
Look out for sights like
- The town's central church: St. Mark's Cathedral.
- The cathedral bell tower.
- The Abbey Treasury.
- The Korčula Town Museum
Or simply observe the medieval towers and goth-renaissance architecture sprawled all over the town.
Wine tasting is a must. Try their most popular white wines: Pošip, a full-bodied white wine with citrus, stone-fruit, and herbal notes, and Grk, a distinctive dry white wine. Or try Plavac Mali, a powerful red wine grown on terraces that have fed Dalmatian tables for centuries.
The Oldest Boating Destination, Hvar
The island every other island on this trip has heard of and has feelings about. Sun-drenched, glamorous, fully aware of its popular reputation. A reputation that existed since the first men as Hvar has been populated ever since Neolithic times.
Known as the sunniest spot in Croatia with over 2,700 hours of sunshine per year with its marble-paved squares, pebbly beaches, yacht harbors.
Always in Hvar lings the scent of lavender fields, as you look over the southern slopes to the deep blue coves.
Hvar Harbour, Croatia.
Must Do
Hvar's harbor comes alive after dark. Lounge bars, open-air terraces over the marina, and an energy that cannot be replicated anywhere else. And if you prefer a more local feel, explore Stari Grad, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape, a quieter older harbor town with a lovely waterfront, churches, and small stone shelters preserve a farming system dating back to Greek antiquity.
Wine and olive tasting is a must to do in Hvar. This sun-drenched city and its classic Mediterranean climate makes it the best spot for lush grapes and olives; also figs, honey, and the famous lavender.
Croatia's Most Famous Beach in Bol, Brač
Bol is a small picturesque seaside town that is home to the beach that's on every Croatia postcard for a reason. But aside from that beautiful beach, Bol is a combination of stone Mediterranean architecture with Terracotta roofs, clear waters stretching for miles and miles, vineyards upon the mountain scenery, and a relaxed yet holiday atmosphere.
Town of Bol, Brač.
Must Do
Zlatni Rat, or better known as The Golden Horn, is a 500-meter long white horn-shaped spit of pebble beach that actually shifts shape with the current and wind. Its tip moves left or right depending on the weather and waves.
Located just 2 kilometers from the Bol's center, this is Croatia's most famous spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving (all water activities, none excluded) or simply doing nothing. It's a completely free access public beach, that is open year-round.
Swim, dry off, dip, repeat, then wander into Bol's old town for the quieter, stone streets, olive grove version of the same charm for a relaxed local vibe.
Zlatni Rat in Bol, Brač
If this is the trip that you've been meaning to take, then it'll resonate with you. View the Dalmatian Island sailing trip for the full itinerary, dates, boats, and everything else you'll want to know.
Want to experience more of Croatia's nautical charm in a new light? Check out our upcoming Fitness Retreat in Croatia with Shaun T & JJ Dancer this September.
