It’s not a secret that Croatia is a popular holiday destination thanks to places like Dubrovnik and Split, but did you know that there are hidden spots only sailors know about? So, if you’re tired of the crowds or you’re up for an adventure, then sailing the Adriatic Sea and Croatia’s secret routes is your best option. It’s home to crystal-clear waters, beaches that are almost pristine, and villages that look like they come out of a postcard. You’ll be able to get a real taste of the local culture, its cuisine, and check some of the most stunning sunsets around. Get ready, book your flights, pack your hat, sunscreen, and get ready to sail!
The Kornati Islands
The Kornati National Park is an archipelago of more than 100 islands and islets, most of them uninhabited but uniquely stunning. It’s also perfect for sailing between rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and secret bays, as well as a paradise for people who love snorkeling and tranquility. The Kornati islands are located in the heart of the Adriatic Sea, really close to Dalmatia, and thanks to that, you can easily rent a boat in Croatia and start your sailing journey here. Otherwise, the most common way to visit them is to take a boat from Zadar, Sali, or Biograd. There are tour packages and organized excursions that offer stops on islands like Kornat or Dugi Otok.
Vis
Vis is located about 45 km off the coast of Split, which makes it perfect for sailing too. It’s a true gem with vineyards, rocky beaches, and crystal-clear waters, but it’s a lot more than that; the island has an interesting history, too. It was closed to tourism until 1989, why? Vis was home to a military base and the headquarters of the Yugoslav Partisan movement during WWII, but way before that, the island’s coast was a naval battle site. Thankfully, today, although it is open to tourism, it remains peaceful and authentic, without large resorts or crowds. Its beaches are pristine and well preserved, and the biodiversity is incredible. You can easily sail there from Split in just 2-3 hours, there are ferries departing from the main port several times a day.
Lastovo
Lastovo is part of the Dalmatian Islands archipelago and it’s surrounded by unspoiled nature and stunning beaches. Unlike other islands like Hvar that have become more touristy, Lastovo has remained authentic and is the place to go for those who are looking for tranquility. Light pollution in the island is almost nonexistent, allowing you to see the constellations clearly, which is one of the main reasons why Lastovo gained the “Island of Stars” nickname, and making it a must-visit for romantics and astronomers, but despite having almost no pollution, the island do have towns and villages. The houses around Lastovo preserve the stone and red roofs that are typical of the region; they look like something out of a medieval tale!
The Elafiti Archipelago
Just a 30-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik can take you to this archipelago, making these islands ideal for a quick getaway. Despite being that close to Dubrovnik, it’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle, since it remains out of the mass tourism eye. Here you will find pristine beaches, a lot of unspoiled nature with trails to hike, and villages that look like they have been stopped in time. The archipelago is situated in the northwest and it consists of several islands and islets, but you can stick to the three main ones: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. If you’re not sailing by yourself, you can easily visit the three islands by booking a boat trip or organized tours, also, there are ferries departing from the port of Gruž all day.
Mljet
Mljet is known for its national park, which includes two salt lakes and a monastery on a small island. It’s a diversity gem that’s located in the southern part of Croatia, also near Dubrovnik. It’s part of the Dalmatian archipelago and is one of the largest islands in the region. Getting there is part of the adventure, you can sail there by renting a boat in Croatia or taking a ferry from Dubrovnik or Prapratno, it only takes 2 hours to get there. Once there, make sure you visit the two salt lakes Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake), then you need to check out the 12th-century Benedictine monastery that’s situated on a small island called St. Mary’s Island.
As you can see, Croatia is a lot more than just Dubrovnik and Split. With a charter boat, you can explore secret islands, turquoise waters, and authentic cultures. From the Kornati and Vis to Lastovo and Elafiti, as well as the Mljet islands and more, these are just the beginning. Ready for your next nautical adventure?
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