Sail Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

 

Weigh anchor, hoist the mainsail, and with the islands of Dalmatia before you, sail between the historic and natural jewels of Croatia's Adriatic coastline. When a little landlubbing appeals, come ashore to forested coves, fishing villages and ancient fortified towns.

Distance: 360 KM

Location: Dalmatia, Croatia

Ideal Time Commitment: Two to Three Weeks

Best Time of Year: May to Mid-July, Mid-August to September

• Arriving in a deserted cove, dropping anchor into the azure depths, and plunging in.
• Wandering in awe through ancient World Heritage- listed towns and peaceful, historic fishing villages.
• Smelling the scent of sun-warmed pine wafting over your boat as you pass forested islands.
• Catching fish as you sail and barbequing them over the coals on a remote beach.
• Feeling the salt spray fresh on your face as the maestral breeze fills your sails and you cruise to the next gorgeous anchorage.
• Savouring fabulous seafood alfresco at the tiniest harbourside restaurant, and sipping Croatian wine as you laugh with the locals.

 The Dalmation coast of Croatia is 360 km long, stretching from the town of Zadar in the north to the Bay of Kotor on the border with Mentenegro to the south. It takes in the dramatic and historic cities of Split and Dubrovnic, over a thousand islands, countless beaches, jewel-like coves and quiet bays.
Island hopping off Dalmatia is as much about the stopping as the time at sea. Cruise your yacht among the 147 (mostly uninhabited) Kornati Islands, where impossibly clear waters fringe sculpted cliffs and caves. Or try Mljet Island, which supports the eponymous densely pine-forested national park. Then check out the magnificent Diolcletian's Palace in Split, started in AD 295, and the Unesco World Heritage city of Dubrovnik, founded in the 7th Century.
The heartbreakingly gorgeous island of Hvar, with its olive groves, lemon trees and perfect medieval villages, has been well and truly "discovered", so if you want to see perhaps the most beautiful island in Dalmatia, you'll have to put up with the crowds. There are countless other nameless stretches of sand and secret coves that only a sailor can get to.