Croatia sailing routes

7-Day Sailing Itineraries from Split:
two routes through the Dalmatian islands

Hvar, Vis, Brač, Šolta, hidden bays, historic harbours and some of the most beautiful sailing waters in Croatia.

Planning a sailing holiday from Split means starting from one of the best yacht charter bases in Croatia.

From this lively Dalmatian city, you can reach Brač, Hvar, Vis, Šolta and the Paklinski Islands within a comfortable one-week itinerary.

The result is a perfect mix of short passages, beautiful anchorages, historic towns, island restaurants and clear Adriatic water.

Croatia is one of Europe’s classic sailing destinations, with reliable summer conditions, sheltered island routes and more than a thousand islands along the Adriatic coast. The area around Split is especially popular because it offers both iconic stops and quieter alternatives within manageable sailing distances.

Below you’ll find two suggested 7-day sailing itineraries from Split: one for crews who want a more lively Dalmatian route with Hvar, Vis and Komiža, and one for travellers looking for a softer, more relaxed pace through Brač, Hvar and Šolta.

Before choosing your route, you can browse our Split boat rental options and find the right sailboat, catamaran or yacht for your crew.

Before you set sail

The nautical miles and sailing times in these itineraries are approximate. They can change depending on wind, weather, boat type, marina availability and the anchorage you choose. Always check the local forecast and keep your route flexible.

The famous Zlatni Rat on Brač Island

Itinerary 1: Southern Dalmatian Islands

This route is ideal if you want a varied week at sea, combining lively island towns, famous natural attractions and peaceful coves. It includes some of the most requested sailing stops in Dalmatia: Hvar, Vis, Komiža, Stari Grad and the Paklinski Islands.

Best for

sailors looking for a classic first sailing holiday in Croatia;
crews who want a mix of culture, beaches, nightlife and scenic sailing;
travellers interested in Hvar, Vis, Komiža, the Blue Cave area and Stari Grad.

Day 1: Split to Milna, Brač Island

Distance: approx. 20 NM · Sailing time: approx. 4 hours

Leave Split and sail towards Milna, a sheltered harbour on the western side of Brač. It is a scenic and practical first stop, with restaurants, moorings and nearby swimming spots such as Osibova Bay and Lučice Bay. If your schedule allows, you can also plan a detour towards the southern coast of Brač to see Zlatni Rat beach near Bol.

Day 2: Milna to Hvar Town, Hvar Island

Distance: approx. 15 NM · Sailing time: approx. 3 hours

Sail south towards Hvar, one of Croatia’s most famous islands. Hvar Town is known for its Venetian architecture, lively waterfront and hilltop fortress views. For a beautiful lunch stop, anchor around the Paklinski Islands, where turquoise bays and pine-covered shores make this one of the most memorable parts of the route.

Day 3: Hvar Town to Vis Town, Vis Island

Distance: approx. 13 NM · Sailing time: approx. 2.5 hours

Continue towards Vis, an island loved by sailors for its more remote feel and authentic atmosphere. Vis Town offers a charming waterfront, stone houses, local restaurants and historical sites. Depending on weather and timing, you can also sail towards Stiniva Bay, one of the island’s most spectacular coves.

Day 4: Vis Town to Komiža, Vis Island

Distance: approx. 6 NM · Sailing time: approx. 1–1.5 hours

Komiža is a traditional fishing village on the western side of Vis, with a slower rhythm and a beautiful setting at the foot of Mount Hum. It is also the usual starting point for visits to the Blue Cave on Biševo Island. Access to the cave depends on sea conditions, so it is worth keeping this part of the itinerary flexible.

Day 5: Komiža to Stari Grad, Hvar Island

Distance: approx. 20 NM · Sailing time: approx. 4 hours

Sail back towards Hvar and spend the night in Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Croatia. The nearby Stari Grad Plain is a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape, where ancient agricultural traditions linked to vines and olives have survived for centuries. This is a quieter alternative to Hvar Town and a wonderful stop for dinner ashore.

Day 6: Stari Grad to Split

Distance: approx. 25 NM · Sailing time: approx. 5 hours

Begin your return sail to Split, allowing enough time for fuel, check-out and any marina procedures. If conditions are favourable, you can pause near the Blue Lagoon by Drvenik Veli for a final swim. In the evening, enjoy Split’s old town and Diocletian’s Palace, part of the city’s UNESCO-listed historical complex.

Day 7: Split

Spend your final morning in Split before departure. Walk along the Riva promenade, visit the Green Market or enjoy one last coffee by the sea before heading home.

Hvar and the Paklinski Islands in the background

Itinerary 2: Central Dalmatian Islands

This second 7-day itinerary from Split is designed for travellers who prefer a quieter sailing holiday, with shorter passages, traditional harbours and plenty of time for swimming, local food and relaxed island evenings. It is a great choice for families, couples and crews who want a softer pace.

Best for

families or crews looking for a more relaxed island-hopping route;
travellers who prefer swimming, local restaurants and quiet harbours;
a softer introduction to sailing around Brač, Hvar and Šolta.

Before planning your route, you can explore our available sailboats departing from Split and choose the right boat size and comfort level for your trip.

Day 1: Split to Supetar, Brač Island

Distance: approx. 10 NM · Sailing time: approx. 2 hours

Start with an easy crossing to Supetar, the main town on Brač’s northern coast. This is a good first stop if you want a gentle beginning to the week, with a pleasant harbour, seaside restaurants and nearby beaches for an afternoon swim.

Day 2: Supetar to Bol, Brač Island

Distance: approx. 15 NM · Sailing time: approx. 3 hours

Sail around Brač towards Bol, one of the island’s best-known coastal towns. The highlight is Zlatni Rat, a distinctive pebble beach whose shape changes with wind and currents. Bol is also a pleasant place for an evening walk, with local konobas, small beaches and views across the Hvar Channel.

Day 3: Bol to Jelsa, Hvar Island

Distance: approx. 13 NM · Sailing time: approx. 2.5 hours

Cross to Jelsa, a relaxed town on the northern coast of Hvar. Compared with Hvar Town, Jelsa feels quieter and more local, with a pretty waterfront and easy access to nearby coves such as Mina and Grebišće. The surrounding area is also known for vineyards, making it a good stop for wine lovers.

Day 4: Jelsa to Vrboska, Hvar Island

Distance: approx. 5 NM · Sailing time: approx. 1 hour

Enjoy a short sail to Vrboska, often called “Little Venice” because of its narrow channel and small stone bridges. This peaceful harbour is ideal for a slower day, with time to explore the village, swim nearby or enjoy a long lunch by the water.

Day 5: Vrboska to Maslinica, Šolta Island

Distance: approx. 15 NM · Sailing time: approx. 3 hours

Sail towards Maslinica, a beautiful harbour on the western side of Šolta. The village is known for its relaxed atmosphere, stone houses and small islets just offshore. It is a lovely place to spend your final island night before returning to Split.

Day 6: Maslinica to Split

Distance: approx. 15 NM · Sailing time: approx. 3 hours

Return to Split with the option to stop near the Blue Lagoon for a final swim, depending on weather and check-in requirements. Once back in Split, celebrate the end of the trip with dinner in the old town or a walk along the Riva.

Day 7: Split

Use your final morning for souvenirs, a relaxed breakfast or a last stroll through the old town before heading home.

Aerial view of the Paklinski Islands

When is the best time to sail from Split?

The main sailing season in Croatia usually runs from late spring to early autumn. July and August bring warm weather, lively harbours and the full summer atmosphere, while May, June, September and early October are often appreciated for milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

For a 7-day sailing itinerary from Split, summer conditions are generally suitable for island-hopping, but local winds can still influence your route. The Bora and Jugo winds can affect comfort, mooring choices and passage planning, so flexibility is always part of good sailing.

A useful planning tip

Do not plan every stop too tightly. In Croatia, the best sailing days often happen when you leave space for a quieter bay, a longer swim stop or a change of route based on the forecast.

Choosing the right boat for your Split sailing itinerary

Your route can be adapted depending on your crew, sailing experience and preferred level of comfort. A monohull sailboat is a great choice for those who enjoy classic sailing, while a catamaran offers more space, stability and comfort at anchor.

If you want a more relaxed holiday, you can also choose a skippered yacht and enjoy the Dalmatian islands with the support of a local professional. This is especially useful if you want to focus on swimming, restaurants and time with your crew rather than navigation and mooring decisions.

For help choosing the right vessel, explore our full range of sailboats available for rent from Split and start planning your Croatian sailing holiday.

In summary

A week from Split is enough to fall in love with Dalmatia.

Whether you choose a lively route through Hvar and Vis or a gentler itinerary around Brač, Hvar and Šolta, sailing from Split gives you the freedom to experience Croatia from its best perspective: the sea.

Plan your stops, follow the forecast and leave space for the unexpected. In Dalmatia, that is often where the best memories begin.

Find your boat in Split